The Turtle Hospital – Florida Keys

If you find an injured Sea Turtle in the Floriday Keys, call The Turtle Hospital 24-hour Stranding Hotline at 305-481-7669. If you find an injured sea turtle elsewhere in Florida, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 888-404-3922. If you are on your own boat out on the ocean, radio the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida rescues, rehabilitates, and releases sick and injured Sea Turtles in the Florida Keys. Since its founding in 1986, the hospital has treated over 2,000 of these endangered creatures.

It is a must see when visiting the Florida Keys! The 90-minute tour includes an educational lecture and a tour of the Sea Turtle patients.

Sea Turtle Species

The Turtle Hospital has provided medical care to 5 of the 7 Sea Turtle Species – Green, Hawksbill, Kemp’s Ridley, Leatherback, and Loggerhead. The other 2 species (Olive Ridley and Flatback) are not found in Florida.

Leatherback Sea Turtles are rare in Florida. Once while I was visiting, there was a juvenile Leatherback!

To learn more about these amazing creatures, check out the Mama Kim’s Sea Turtle blog!

The Turtle Hospital Mission

The Mission of The Turtle Hospital is to rehab injured Sea Turtles and release them back to their natural habitat.

They also work to educate the public by visiting local schools and attending outreach programs. And they collaboration with state universities to conduct research aiding sea turtles.

In addition, they work on environmental legislation to make beaches and water safe for Sea Turtles.

Turtle Hospital Tours

To view the Sea Turtles at The Turtle Hospital, you need to sign up for a guided tour. (Since it is a working hospital, guests are not allowed to walk around unattended). The 70- 90 minute tours start every half hour from 9:00am-4:00pm.

First there a fascinating Sea Turtle presentation. It is so interesting even kids stay engaged. Then there is a behind-the-scenes look at both the hospital facilities and the Sea Turtle rehabilitation area. Guests then have the option to feed the permanent Sea Turtle residents.

Tours book up quick, so advance reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made online or by calling 305-743-2552.

Sea Turtle Education Center

The Turtle Hospital Education Center (which is located in the lobby) is free. It is open daily from 9:00am-6:00pm. The exhibits are absolutely fascinating. (See below pictures).

Located in the same building as the Gift Shop, it takes about an hour to see everything. If you are driving through the Florida Keys, I recommend that you pull over at the Turtle Hospital even if you do not have a reservation.

Permanent Sea Turtle Residents

Sea Turtles that are deemed “non-releasable” by Florida Fish & Wildlife become permanent residents. Too injured to return to the wild, these lifers will spend the rest of their lives at the Turtle Hospital. Or they will be adopted by qualifying zoos and aquariums around the globe.

The Turtle Hospital is housed in a former motel, Coincidentally, the motel had a 100,000 gallon tidal saltwater pool that hotel guests swam in. The pool is the current residence of 13 of the hospital’s permanent residents. Visitors on the guided tour get to watch the lifers swimming in their green water pool.

Want to learn more about sea turtles? Check out my Top 20 Amazing Sea Turtle Facts blog!

Current Patients

The Turtle Hospital is constantly receiving sick and injured Sea Turtles. They usually have around 45 current patients; 20-30 who are receiving active medical care.

In the summer months the hospital receives a large number of hatchling turtles which were either disoriented by artificial lighting or trapped in their nests. These hatchlings are nursed back to health and released as quickly as possible.

The hospital has 23 individual tanks, ranging in size from 150 – 800 gallons. Visitors get to view the patients in their pools. Look for the juvenile Leatherback in the below pictures.

The Turtle Hospital Ambulance

The Turtle Hospital receives patients in various ways. Many turtles are found by boaters, divers, or commercial fishermen who contact the Coast Guard or Marine Patrol to transport the turtle to the hospital. Some turtles are driven to the hospital from other parts of the state, and some even fly.

When The Turtle Hospital 24-hour Stranding Hotline receives a call regarding a sick or injured Sea Turtle in the Florida Keys, they dispatch a rescue team in the specially equipped Turtle Hospital Ambulance.

Medical Treatment at The Turtle Hospital

The main things Sea Turtles are treated for at Turtle Hospital are boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and ingestion of marine debris. New patients are examined by veterinarians and marine biologists.

The Turtle Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, The dedicated staff perform surgeries, administer medications, and provide specialized treatments such as wound care and physical therapy. 

The hospital also utilizes advanced diagnostic techniques, including radiographs and blood tests. The operating room is used to remove tumors, perform blood transfusions, etc.

Sea Turtle Tumors

The #1 ailment The Turtle Hospital treats are tumors caused by the Fibropapilloma (or FP) virus. Sadly, the cauliflower like tumors form on the infected turtle’s skin, including the eyes and mouth.

Scientists think FP is caused by water pollution. It mostly affects Green Sea Turtles in warm water, including Florida Bay and the Upper Keys. Treatment includes surgery and shaving the tumors off.

The Turtle Hospital – in collaboration with the University of Florida and the University of Georgia College of Vet Medicine – collects FP data and funds FP research.

Release Day!

The best part of any hospital visit is Release Day. Since its founding in 1986, The Turtle Hospital has successfully released over 1,500 Sea Turtles back into the ocean. They are released as close as possible to where they were found.

Juveniles, sub-adults, and adults are transported to a local beach to be released on the sand. Hatchlings and post-hatchlings are taken 20-30 miles offshore into the Florida Bay to be placed in a safe weed line.

The public Sea Turtle releases – which are advertised on social media – draw large crowds and media. Check out these heartwarming Sea Turtle release stories!

Support The Turtle Hospital

Donations are vital to the success of The Turtle Hospital. Even a small donation can make a significant impact on the rehabilitation and release of injured Sea Turtles.

Become a Member of the Turtle Hospital and inspire others to get involved and support the cause. With a membership, you get unlimited tour passes and a 10% discount at the gift store.

Adopt a Sea Turtle

There are 5 permanent Sea Turtle residents that can be “adopted” – April, Bender, Hanson Buoy, and Montel. (Sadly, Bubble Butt is no longer with us).

The $35 annual adoption fee goes toward food and medicine. You will receive a photo magnet and biography of your turtle, a certificate of adoption, and updates on your turtle throughout the year.

Practice Responsible Behavior:

Want to help Sea Turtles and other marine life? Practice responsible behavior, including:

1) Reduce your use of single-use plastics, such as straws and plastic bags. Because they often end up in the ocean and harm marine life.

2) Be a responsible boater. Avoid crossing seagrass beds and be aware of your speed. 

3) Dispose of fishing line properly. Do not discard fishing line in the water. Pick up fishing line if you see it.

4) Help stop unregulated coastal development and non-sustainable agricultural practices by encouraging legislators to pass and enforce appropriate laws and regulations.

The Turtle Hospital Gift Shop

The Turtle Hospital has an amazing store! It is located in the lobby next to the Education Center. They sell all things Sea Turtle, including apparel, books, jewelry, plush items, totes,

If you are driving by the Turtle Hospital and don’t have time to take a tour, I recommend going inside for the free Education Center and Store. Check out the online store!

Where to Stay Near the Turtle Hospital

If you’re planning to visit the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, you’ll want to stay somewhere nearby so you can enjoy the stunning coastal views and explore more of the surrounding Bay Area. Here are three highly rated options for every budget:

Budget Accommodation – Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway

This cozy, waterfront hideaway offers boat rentals, an outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi access. Located just a short drive from Turtle Hospital, guests rave about the friendly staff, private beach space, and on-site rentals like kayaks and paddleboards. Guests can also go fishing, snorkeling.

Mid-Range Accommodation – Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort

Set just steps from the Turtle Hospital, this Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort blends modern comfort with resort-style perks. Guests love its pools, marina views, and relaxing tropical atmosphere. It’s a smart middle-ground if you want a thoughtful mix of amenities and proximity to wildlife highlights.

Luxury Accommodation – Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa

For a true indulgence, Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa delivers elegance right on Marathon’s shores, with five pools, a full-service spa, and modern oceanfront rooms. It’s just a short drive from both the turtle sanctuary and the drama of the Overseas Highway.

Follow The Turtle Hospital On Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theturtlehospital# 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/turtlehospital/  

X: https://x.com/TurtleHospital

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TurtleHospital 

$ Donate: https://seaturtlehospitalstore.com/collections/donations

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