Nautical Excursion & Ocean Conservation in the Florida Keys

As you arrive in Marathon Key, take some time to get to know your guide and enjoy the tropical surroundings of palm trees, wandering iguanas and the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Marathon is your home base for the week as you travel around the coves and coastlines of the Florida Keys.

Today, you’ll travel to Summerland Key, about a 40-minute drive, to visit Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration. This facility provides marine research and education throughout the Florida Keys. They’re conveniently located within minutes of mangroves, reefs and other marine habitats. Research includes work on coral reef restoration, ocean acidification, coral reef disease and fresh and saltwater aquaculture.

This evening, take a sunset sailing cruise and enjoy the stunning Gulf Coast sunsets.

Today you’ll get out the snorkel gear and head out to the reefs. Your boat leaves out of Key Largo, about an hour’s drive from Marathon. You’ll spend time peering into the underwater world of rays, turtles, parrotfish and colorful coral. 

This morning, you’ll participate in a beach cleanup. Afterward, you’ll visit the Turtle Hospital. This rescue, rehab and release facility cares for sick and injured sea turtles with a common goal of returning them back to their homes in the wild. You’ll get to see some of the current patients and permanent residents (ones that were deemed unable to survive in the wild) as well as hear success stories of ones released.

The Dolphin Research Center has a series of lagoons where you can see dolphins and sea lions. Learn about their habits and behaviors. There are also exotic birds that love to show off.

This morning, you’ll head about an hour’s drive south to Key West. You’ll spend the day learning about the history of shipwrecks, pirates and lost treasure at the Key West Shipwreck Museum, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and the Fort East Martello Museum. You’ll also pay a visit to the Key West Aquarium. After all of that, you’ll be ready for a refreshing drink somewhere along the famous Duval Street.

Today’s adventure takes you to the History of Diving Museum, which explores the quest to discover what’s under the waves. Afterward, you’ll head out on a charter cruise to swim, snorkel and discover the many tiny islands that make up the Keys.

On your last morning in Marathon, have a leisurely breakfast while enjoying the tropical views.