Discover the Magic of the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida

Welcome to Gulfview Getaways, your ultimate gateway to the stunning beauty of Marathon, Florida! Today, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on a local attraction that captures the essence of conservation and compassion: the Marathon Turtle Hospital. Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, the Turtle Hospital is a unique and fascinating attraction that is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of sea turtles. As a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, this place offers an unforgettable experience that is both educational and entertaining.

One of the Rehabilitation Turtles getting a good scrubbing

Fun Facts About the Turtle Hospital 

Corrie

• The Turtle Hospital was founded in 1987 by Richard and Nancy Bartlett, who rescued their first sea turtle patient, a cold-stunned loggerhead turtle, from the beach.
• The hospital treats over 300 turtles every year, with patients coming from all over the world.
• The hospital has a success rate of over 90% for releasing rehabilitated turtles back into the wild.
• The hospital is home to a diverse range of sea turtle species, including loggerheads, green turtles, and Kemp’s ridley turtles.

What to Expect When You Visit

When you visit the Turtle Hospital, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. Take a guided tour of the hospital’s facilities, where you’ll see turtles receiving medical treatment, eating their favorite foods (like fish and squid!), and even swimming in the hospital’s large pool.

One of the highlights of your visit will be the opportunity to participate in a feeding demonstration. You can watch the knowledgeable staff feed the turtles their lunch, and learn about their unique eating habits. You might even get to help feed some of the resident turtles!

Sam

Best Times to Visit

The Turtle Hospital is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with guided tours running every 30 minutes. During the summer months we recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Be sure to plan your visit around one of their daily feeding demonstrations, which take place at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Tips and Tricks

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing some walking during your visit.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Be prepared for some up-close-and-personal encounters with our resident turtles!
• Don’t forget your camera to capture those Instagram-worthy moments.
• Consider making a donation to support the hospital’s conservation efforts and help us continue our mission to care for these amazing creatures.

Getting There

The Turtle Hospital is conveniently located 4 miles away from our private vacation rental homes, Tarpon Cove & The Azul Sea Estate. Simply head north on US-1 and take Exit 62. If you’re arriving by boat, they have a dock available for visitors.

Address: 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050-2232

Phone: +1 305 743 2552

Coastie

Conclusion

A visit to the Turtle Hospital is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling inspired by these incredible creatures. From learning about their unique biology and habitat to getting up close and personal with our resident turtles, there’s something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind attraction. So come on down to Marathon, Florida, and discover the magic of the Turtle Hospital for yourself!