Turtle Hospital and Lower Florida Keys Day Trip From Key West

Exploring the wonders of the Lower Florida Keys is an unforgettable adventure. Set out on a small-group day trip from Key West and uncover the secrets of the renowned Turtle Hospital. Along the way, marvel at the picturesque Overseas Highway, savor a delightful lunch, and discover the National Key Deer Refuge. With a knowledgeable local guide by your side, this captivating excursion promises an experience that will leave you inspired and eager to unveil more of the Keys’ hidden gems.

Key Points

1. This small-group tour from Key West takes visitors to the lower Florida Keys, including a visit to the Turtle Hospital for a 90-minute walking tour.

2. The tour includes a scenic drive along the Overseas Highway, with over 20 bridges, and a stop at the National Key Deer Refuge to spot the endangered species.

3. Lunch is provided at Bahia Honda State Park, with vegetarian options available, and the tour includes all entrance fees and transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.

4. The tour is stroller accessible and allows service animals, but it is not wheelchair accessible, and gluten-free lunch options are not offered.

5. Visitors can book the tour with a reserve now and pay later option, and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the experience without penalties.

Tour Overview

This small-group tour from Key West takes visitors to the lower Florida Keys and the renowned Marathon Turtle Hospital.

With a maximum of 15 participants, the experience is intimate. The tour includes lunch at Bahia Honda State Park, all entrance fees, and transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.

The scenic drive along the Overseas Highway crosses over 20 bridges, including the historic Seven Mile Bridge.

At the Turtle Hospital, guests will take a 90-minute walking tour, observing recovering turtles and learning about the rehabilitation efforts.

The tour also visits the National Key Deer Refuge and the historic Bat Tower.

Itinerary Highlights

The scenic drive on the Overseas Highway takes visitors over 20 bridges, including the historic Seven Mile Bridge. The 90-minute walking tour at the Turtle Hospital allows guests to observe recovering turtles and learn about the facility’s rehabilitation efforts. Lunch options at Bahia Honda State Park include sandwiches, burgers, and pizza, with provided bottled water and snacks. The tour also includes a visit to the National Key Deer Refuge to spot the endangered Key Deer and other wildlife, as well as a stop at the Bat Tower, built in 1929 for mosquito control.

Itinerary Highlights	Duration	Description
Scenic Drive	1 hour	Overseas Highway, 20+ bridges, Seven Mile Bridge
Turtle Hospital	1.5 hours	90-minute walking tour, observe rehabilitation
Lunch at Bahia Honda	1 hour	Sandwiches, burgers, pizza, bottled water, snacks
National Key Deer Refuge	30 minutes	Spot endangered Key Deer and other wildlife
Bat Tower	15 minutes	Historic mosquito control structure from 1929

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, live commentary from a local guide, and transportation in a 10-passenger air-conditioned van.

All fees and taxes are covered, and bottled water, lunch, and snacks are provided.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Vegetarian lunch options are available, though gluten-free isn’t provided.

Guests should wear walking shoes as there are short walks on uneven surfaces.

The tour is subject to weather conditions, and alternative options are provided if canceled.

Additional Information

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible.

Service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available. Vegetarian lunch options are provided, but gluten-free meals are not.

The tour involves short walks on uneven surfaces, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Guests should be prepared for potential weather disruptions, as the tour may be canceled or alternative options provided in inclement conditions.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Confirmation is received at the time of booking. Customers have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience starts without incurring any penalties. For those who need to change their plans, a reserve now and pay later option is available.

Feature	Description
ADA Vehicle	48-hour advance notice is required for an ADA compliant vehicle request.
Accessibility	The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessibility is provided. Service animals are allowed.
Lunch Options	A vegetarian option is available, but gluten-free is not offered. Bottled water and snacks are included.

Discover the Wonders of the Turtle Hospital

Although the Turtle Hospital may seem like a small operation, it offers a remarkable window into the dedicated efforts to rehabilitate and protect these remarkable marine creatures.

During the 90-minute walking tour, visitors observe recovering turtles in various stages of treatment and learn about the hospital’s critical conservation work.

From hatchlings to adults, each turtle has a unique story – some were struck by boats, others entangled in fishing gear.

The hospital’s expert staff provide specialized care, working tirelessly to nurse the turtles back to health before releasing them back into the wild.

Explore the Lower Florida Keys

What captivates visitors as they cross the Overseas Highway is the stunning scenery that unfolds before them.

They’ll cross over 20 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, marveling at the turquoise waters and lush mangroves.

The highlight is a stop at the National Key Deer Refuge, where they can spot the endangered Key Deer and other unique wildlife.

At the Bat Tower, built in 1929 for mosquito control, guests learn about the area’s history.

Throughout the day, the local guide shares fascinating insights, ensuring an enriching exploration of the Lower Florida Keys’ natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Enjoy the Scenic Overseas Highway Drive

As guests embark on their Lower Florida Keys adventure, the scenic Overseas Highway takes center stage.

Crossing over 20 bridges, including the historic Seven Mile Bridge, the drive offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

Winding through a string of picturesque islands, the highway showcases the region’s natural beauty. Guests marvel at the engineering feat of this iconic road, which connects the Florida Keys.

Throughout the journey, the guide provides insightful commentary, enhancing the experience.

This scenic drive sets the tone for the day’s exploration of the Lower Florida Keys and its remarkable wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lunch on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own lunch on the tour. The tour includes a provided lunch at Bahia Honda State Park, along with bottled water and snacks. Bringing outside food is not permitted.

Is There an Opportunity to Swim at Bahia Honda State Park?

Yes, there’s an opportunity to swim at Bahia Honda State Park during the tour. Participants can take a refreshing dip in the park’s clear waters or relax on the beach after enjoying their provided lunch.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location During the Tour?

The tour spends 90 minutes at the Turtle Hospital, with lunch provided at Bahia Honda State Park. The remainder of the time is spent driving between locations and briefly visiting the National Key Deer Refuge and Bat Tower.

Do We Have a Chance to Take Photos at the Bat Tower?

Yes, the tour includes a stop at the Bat Tower, providing an opportunity for visitors to take photos of this historic structure. The guide will allow time for participants to explore and capture photos during the visit.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors on This Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer discounts for children or seniors. The price is the same for all participants, regardless of age. However, infant seats are available for those needing them.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating Turtle Hospital, explore the stunning Lower Florida Keys, and savor the scenic Overseas Highway drive on this unforgettable day trip from Key West. Enjoy a guided tour, lunch at Bahia Honda State Park, and insights into the region’s natural wonders, all in a small-group setting for an immersive and unforgettable experience.