Looking for a top-tier, free adventure the whole family will love? Head to the Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach (577 Estuary Shr Ln). This hidden gem combines wildlife rescue with an unforgettable up-close experience — and it won’t cost you a dime.
Open daily from November through April, this 19,000-square-foot facility lets visitors get eye-level with rescued sea turtles. You’ll explore four massive rehab pools, peek into a deep-dive foraging pool, and witness marine care in action at a cutting-edge veterinary hospital. It’s an incredible way to introduce kids to ocean conservation while enjoying one of the area’s most unique and educational outings. Note that it’s last day of operation this season is April 15.
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55 sea turtles undergoing rehab right now at the center
Currently, 55 sea turtles are undergoing rehabilitation at the center. Each pool features underwater windows so guests can watch turtles swim, rest, and recover in real-time. The facility is designed to treat turtles at every stage of healing, from critical care to pre-release readiness.
One of the biggest draws? The veterinary suite. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls surround this state-of-the-art space, giving guests a front-row view of live medical procedures and animal care efforts.
The center also features a one-of-a-kind deep-dive foraging pool, where sea turtles learn to dive and feed — critical skills for survival after release. This immersive, behind-the-scenes peek into marine wildlife recovery is something you won’t find anywhere else in Florida.
Hours of operation:
- Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Friday–Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
All sea turtle rehabilitation work conducted by The Florida Aquarium is done with the approval of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles and authorized under conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-25-179.
