Marathon Turtle Hospital

Located in the heart of Marathon, Florida, the Turtle Hospital is a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered sea turtles. Since its establishment in 1986, this renowned nonprofit organization has been at the forefront of marine conservation, providing medical care to injured turtles while raising public awareness about the challenges facing these gentle sea creatures. The hospital offers visitors an educational and inspiring experience, allowing them to witness conservation efforts firsthand and learn about the vital role sea turtles play in the marine ecosystem.

Things to Do at the Turtle Hospital

Take a Guided Tour
Visitors can join an engaging and informative guided tour of the hospital’s facilities:
- Learn about the different species of sea turtles found in Florida, including green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles.
- See the state-of-the-art medical facilities, including surgical rooms and recovery tanks where turtles receive treatment.
- Discover the most common injuries and illnesses affecting sea turtles, such as boat strikes, fishing line entanglement, and fibropapillomatosis (a virus causing tumors).
Meet the Resident Sea Turtles
The Turtle Hospital provides care for permanent residents who cannot return to the wild:
- Meet turtles who have overcome significant challenges, including amputations and chronic conditions.
- Hear the unique stories of each turtle and the efforts that go into ensuring their quality of life.
- View turtles up close in large saltwater tanks, where they thrive under expert care.
Witness a Rehabilitation Program
Learn how the hospital rehabilitates injured sea turtles with innovative techniques:
- Understand how they use specialized diets, antibiotics, and surgeries to restore the health of these animals.
- Watch as turtles undergo physical therapy and other treatments aimed at preparing them for a return to the ocean.
Participate in a Turtle Release Event
When conditions are favorable, visitors may have the rare opportunity to witness a turtle release:
- Celebrate the successful rehabilitation of a turtle as it is returned to its natural habitat.
- These events are open to the public and often take place at nearby beaches, creating a memorable experience.
Explore Educational Exhibits
The facility features educational exhibits about sea turtle conservation:
- Learn about the life cycle of sea turtles, from hatchlings to adults.
- Understand the environmental challenges they face, such as habitat loss, ocean pollution, and climate change.

Additional Activities

Support Conservation Efforts
Visitors can support the hospital’s mission by:
- Purchasing souvenirs from the gift shop, with proceeds benefiting the turtles.
- Adopting a sea turtle through the hospital’s adoption program, which helps fund ongoing care and treatment.
Volunteer Opportunities
The hospital offers opportunities for individuals passionate about marine conservation to get involved through volunteer programs.

Amenities & Facilities

Visitor Center: Features exhibits, a gift shop, and information about ongoing conservation efforts.
Saltwater Tanks: Houses turtles in recovery, providing a safe environment for observation and rehabilitation.
Medical Facilities: Includes a surgery room and equipment used to treat and rehabilitate turtles.
Restrooms and Parking: Clean facilities and free parking are available for visitors.

Accessibility

The Turtle Hospital ensures an inclusive experience for visitors of all abilities:

Flat Pathways: Most areas, including viewing tanks and exhibits, are wheelchair-accessible.
Guided Tours: Staff members provide personalized assistance for visitors with special needs.
Parking: ADA-compliant parking spaces are available near the entrance.

Tips for Visiting the Turtle Hospital

Book in Advance: Tours are popular and often sell out, so make reservations ahead of time.
Plan for an Hour or More: Guided tours typically last around 90 minutes.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and sunscreen for outdoor portions of the tour.
Support the Cause: Consider making a donation or purchasing items from the gift shop to contribute to conservation efforts.

Vicinity of Turtle Hospital

Nearby Attractions

Sombrero Beach: A beautiful nearby beach ideal for relaxing, swimming, and picnicking.
Seven Mile Bridge: Drive across this iconic bridge for spectacular views of the Keys.
Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Center: Explore hiking trails and learn about local history and ecosystems.
Dolphin Research Center: Visit this nearby facility to learn about marine mammals and interact with dolphins.

Why Visit the Turtle Hospital?

The Marathon Turtle Hospital offers an inspiring and educational experience that highlights the importance of marine conservation. Through its dedicated efforts to rehabilitate injured sea turtles and protect their natural habitats, the hospital provides visitors with a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures and the challenges they face. Whether you’re witnessing a turtle release, meeting resident turtles, or learning about conservation efforts, the Turtle Hospital is a must-visit destination for families, animal lovers, and anyone passionate about protecting Florida’s marine life.

For more information visit: https://www.turtlehospital.org