The Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center

Negative experience: It was closed up for the season

Fantastic experience: Great place for the kids to view sea turtles up close and learn about their care and conservation efforts.

Fantastic experience: This place is incredible up close and personal all while saving these turtles!!

Fantastic experience: Had so much fun looking at all the turtles and it’s free so you really cannot beat that. Make sure that you do park in the overflow parking lot for the manatee center because they don’t have their own parking lot. They have a tram that takes you to the turtle center from the overflow parking lot at the manatee center.

Fantastic experience: Love this place! The Florida Aquarium does a great job with everything they do.

Fantastic experience: We got to see rehabilitation of sea turtles up close. We learned so much. The Staff were knowledgeable and helpful. Great place for families to visit.

Fantastic experience: Had no idea this was here! So neat to go see

Fantastic experience: This is a must visit on a lazy day if you’re in the area. If was free and easily accessible. It was educational/cool to be able to see the turtles and rehab area. The staff was excellent and readily available to provide educational information. I do wish they had more engagement for children even if it required an up charge.

Fantastic experience: Another great free place to visit in area. The staff was so pleasant and informative. Amazing work the location is doing. The kids has a kick being able to track the 2 rehabilitated turtles. Would come back when in area.

Fantastic experience: Staff were all very friendly and so happy to educate you on what they were doing there. My 10 and 13 year old loved it and so did I. We learned a lot about turtles and how the cold weather can harm them. This is a turtle hospital, and the goal is to get them healthy enough to be released back into their natural habitat.

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff and facilities. We loved to see the great preservation and rehabilitation efforts in full force.

Fantastic experience: This place is outstanding! It's ideal for families with children of all ages and provides a rich learning experience about Florida and its fascinating wildlife. The fact that it's free makes it an unbeatable value! Mske sure you pay a visit if you are ever in Tampa!

Fantastic experience: Clean, friendly and worth a visit. We did see one manatee and a dolphin. There's also a turtle rescue on-site.

Fantastic experience: Had a great time here. the staff were so helpful and informative.

Positive experience: You have to wait on a shuttle. The wait can be long due to crowd size and lack of shuttles. You can walk from the designated parking area, but it is about .6 miles. The sea turtle hospital itself is an external walk around and visual experience with a few turtles visible. There is a host to answer questions. There are other buildings for reptiles that kids may enjoy, but they are ,25 miles from the turtle hospital.

Fantastic experience: Staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly and answered everyone's questions. They explained everything they're doing at the center from treating the turtles, why each turtle was there and how they're helping save and produce coral reefs from propagating to help save it. Every single staff member you went by was willing to engage in conversation. Make sure you go downstairs the blue building and say hi to Bob, James, and Frankie the turtles!

Positive experience: We parked in the overflow lot. Parking at the aquarium is just for employees. My kids enjoyed the golf cart ride over. Not many turtles in rehab, but we enjoyed seeing them in doctor office. Youth center had some more kid activities. U spend max 2 hrs here if u really drag everything out. If u bring strollers, they have to fold up on the golf cart. Weekday first thing wasn't busy at all.

Fantastic experience: What they do for sea turtles is an amazing thing. It truly is a hidden educational gem. The experience is totally worth the short wait for a complimentary shuttle from the overflow parking lot of the Manatee Viewing Center. Not many people know about the care that is given here to rehabilitate sea turtles from all over the country. There were a little over 30 cold stunned sea turtles on the day that we visited in February. Some were even shipped from as far as Massachusetts. There were a couple of Loggerhead and Kemp's Ridley, but mostly Green sea turtles. All of which are endangered. You'll see the injured sea turtles in various stages of rehabilitation. Some were in warming pools while others were in what they call deep-dive foraging tanks. They have to show that they can forage for food before being released back to their home. It was quite the experience to see them being treated from a viewing window outside of the veterinary hospital part of the facility. They looked to be very well cared for at all times. It's an amazing thing! They have partnerships with TECO and various companies, just like the Manatee Viewing Center. It's also a free activity. However, please consider making a donation. I read that it can cost up to $15,000 to rehab a single turtle. I believe that also includes the monitoring of released turtles through a satellite tag tracking system. There's so much to say, but each visit is a unique experience. You never know what you may encounter. Don't miss it.

Positive experience: Super crowded and not a manatee in sight. Maybe they should post sightings which could help deter crowds. Definitely a nice free place to visit and there are golf cart shuttles to take you to all the sites. Don't expect to see a lot of rescues at the turtle rehab center as it depends if they have any or not. Great center regardless and got to see two that were currently being rehabilitated. Which was worth the visit!

Fantastic experience: Super cute conservation area. Quick golf cart ride away from overflow lot of manatee viewing center. Definitely worth the little shuttle over. But just know it’s pretty small! But I love seeing the sea turtles being rehabilitated

Positive experience: It was nice they drive us down. But not much to see for all of that. You were lucky to see a turtle or two or maybe 3. One being human handled which wasn't much to look at and felt bad for the turtles.

Fantastic experience: Ron drove us over from the manatee viewing overflow parking lot, he was super informative and friendly. We saw ~10 sea turtles, mostly recovering from a cold snap. The volunteers were so friendly and informative. We even got to see a vet team run some check ups on the newly arrived turtles! There were also some great birds outside (saw an osprey fishing). I was happy to donate (with their easy credit card donation device - which was not even pointed out by the volunteers but I hope people are using!!). I hope to return some time.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful place for people of all ages. Definitely worth it. You have to pay to park.

Fantastic experience: Neat experience and to see the good they're doing.

Fantastic experience: Met "Buckley", a beautiful rescued Sea Turtle. Really appreciate the work they do to help these wild animals.

Fantastic experience: Free shuttle ride from Manatees Viewing Center overflow parking lot to this turtle hospital. This place is free, too. We came here late so didn't see much. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable.

Fantastic experience: Really cool with extremely knowledgeable staff!

Fantastic experience: Really cool little gem that's part of the bigger TECO Manatee Viewing Center! The staff friendly & very knowledgeable!

Fantastic experience: What a nice hidden gem. Seen the manatee for years but the turtle edition is pretty cool. Great place to take the kiddos and it's free!

Fantastic experience: It’s small but it’s so great to see the work in rehabilitating the sea turtles! The workers were also so informative and answered all questions.

Fantastic experience: Great time seeing all the turtles today. Love the work these volunteers do for our communities.

Fantastic experience: Super cool! We got to see turtles and learn about them! My 10 month old really enjoyed it. We had to stop at the gift shop and get him a turtle! ❤️ The 3 turtles are Bob,Frankie and I forgot the other one

Fantastic experience: Staff super knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. Park in Mannatee overflow and take golf cart ride.

Fantastic experience: The exhibits were very cool to see. I can't wait to go back & see the penguins they're putting outside. My sons loved the amphibians. It was cool to be able to touch as many animals as they had.

Negative experience: Drove here on a Sat, it was closed, no signs, no way to call to inquire. The phone number is tied to the aquarium downtown and no answer. It was a bummer for my son. It's not worth the drive unless you have certainty you can enter, but not sure how you would get that bc no one answers the phone. Also called the delivery number on the sign. Nothin'.

Fantastic experience: We loved our visit, but definitely crowded on the weekend! Still, there was so much to see. Definitely took longer than expected but we really did enjoy it.

Negative experience: We drove all the way up there from North Port only to find there is no public admission. Or at least we couldn’t find a public entrance.

Fantastic experience: We go back several times during the season. Always something to learn and always something new to see. Great experience to learn more about healthy environmental practices.

Positive experience: A pleasant surprise after visiting the SYCC next door. It’s nice to be able to see the things that they are working on. They also have a visible Water Quality Lab and Vet Lab. When I was there at 4:30 pm on a Saturday they had a Staff member who was happy to answer any questions I had. If is free by they accept credit card donations.

Positive experience: This is a great family experience.

Fantastic experience: I want to start this off talking about other reviewers.. If you "really liked it" then leave a 5 star, not a 4.. OK rant over.... Very neat facility that helps rurtles recover from injuries, large tanks with excellent views. Depending on when you arrive you may see the vets checking them over. The staff are very knowledgeable and will take the time to chat with you about the individual turtles and what occurred to bring them in.. They also have an information/education center. This is another free admission experience.. If I was helpful, follow me on Facebook/youtube mysteriesafterdark

Fantastic experience: We love visiting this place and seeing different turtles from different areas that have been rescued. The staff is always very knowledgeable and can tell you a lot of different things about turtles.

Fantastic experience: I love seeing the turtles they are helping and learning about them. The staff are so friendly.

Positive experience: It was nice to see the turtles and the care takers were nice and very informative. We had a nice time.

Fantastic experience: Awesome what they are doing! The operation is still pretty small but it's a massive step towards a really great program. It's pretty far off from the manatee viewing center campus but sometimes they run a shuttle back and forth which makes it much easier to go see especially if you're with folks who can't hike multiple miles a day.

Fantastic experience: Grandkids had fun. My granddaughter asked a lot of questions. The lady was very informative and great with the kids

Fantastic experience: Free. Great to experience. Park at Manatee viewing center and then take a shuttle to the turtle rehab center. All free

Fantastic experience: Very friendly staff! Loved the turtles and manatees. The trolley driver was great, very nice and funny.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful experience to learn and see what is being done to help these animals when they need it. Very educational and a fun place to visit. Very nice and knowledgeable staff.

Fantastic experience: Need to make sure you take time to go out to this as it's very interesting (the tram will take and pick you up). We were lucky enough to observe the vets in action (huge window to see). FREE!

Fantastic experience: I was down there doing work at Coral Care, so we took a quick tour of the Sea Turtle rehabilitation center. It's a pretty interesting place they had four juvenile turles for viewing. The Bible says, For there is none righteousness, no, not one. Romans 3: 10 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 But God Commendeth his love towards us in that why we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

Fantastic experience: Although this isn't a large facility, it is something worth seeing. The services being provided for these turtles are wonderful!! What great work is being done here! There are turtles here from Boston and Northeast Florida being rehabilitated. The staff are very friendly and informative and eager to answer all of your questions.

Fantastic experience: Seeing the cute turtles in rehab was an absolutely amazing experience. This place also has sea urchin and coral farms to help these species through climate change. These farms are not open to the public though. The staff here is also very friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend visiting this place if you can

Fantastic experience: A quick and free thing to do with a shuttle that picks you up from the overflow parking.

Fantastic experience: Great place to take the family

Fantastic experience: Great to have such a facility for endangered and injured

Fantastic experience: The Florida Aquarium Turtle Rehabilitation Center near the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, FL, is an exceptional facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of sea turtles. During my visit, I was impressed by the center's commitment to providing a nurturing environment for injured and sick sea turtles, helping them recover and eventually return to their natural habitat. The staff's dedication and expertise in turtle rehabilitation were evident, and their passion for marine conservation was truly inspiring. Additionally, the educational aspect of the center provided valuable insights into the challenges that sea turtles face in their natural environment and the ongoing efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. The proximity of the Turtle Rehabilitation Center to the Manatee Viewing Center allowed for a seamless and enriching experience, as it provided a comprehensive understanding of the conservation efforts for multiple marine species in the area. Overall, my visit to The Florida Aquarium Turtle Rehabilitation Center was both educational and heartwarming, and I left with a deep appreciation for the vital conservation work being done to protect sea turtles. I would highly recommend this center to anyone interested in marine conservation and the remarkable world of sea turtles. Furthermore, I was pleased to learn that The Florida Aquarium Turtle Rehabilitation Center also incorporates sustainable practices by utilizing solar energy. This commitment to environmental responsibility not only enhances the facility's operations but also aligns with the principles of conservation and stewardship that are at the core of their mission. It was impressive to see firsthand how the center integrates sustainable energy solutions into its operations, further demonstrating their dedication to both marine life and environmental sustainability.

Fantastic experience: I can't believe I just now found this place. They're doing great things to help the sea turtles and educate the public.

Positive experience: Getting a parking apace was really difficult and the primary and overflow lots were full, so we were told to come back in an hour. We went to lunch and were able to get parking. We took the shuttle as the rehab center is about 1 mile from the shuttle stop or overflow parking lot. The turtles we sae looked healthy and well. This was a free experience and no tickets needed.

Fantastic experience: Cool place to see Manatees. Well worth the trip.

Fantastic experience: Such a great place to visit. The work they do here is amazing, between helping sea turtles and raising coral to help dying reefs.

Fantastic experience: This free activity is a huge learning opportunity for adults and children alike. The team are very knowledgable and answer any questions you have. There are great infographics and signs giving more information about sea turtles and coral. Highly recommend visiting as part of a trip to Tampa!

Negative experience: The golf carts to take you to the turtle rescue is chaos and a very long wait on this particular day- 25 min. :(

Fantastic experience: Awesome place to take the kids or even adults absolutely loved it we are already planning our next trip back

Fantastic experience: Was awesome to see how the turtles are nursed back to health and then put back into their habitat. The people there were so passionate about their work. Its a great place to visit.

Negative experience: We couldn't find any information online about how to visit, but based on the reviews, we thought it would be a fun experience. However, when we arrived all of the gates to the parking lots were closed. We tried calling the number online, but that was just to the Florida Aquarium and I waited 10 minutes for someone to take my call and I never got to speak to anyone. I would love to visit this place and give a review of the experience. Unfortunately, based on the lack of information online and the inability to communicate with anyone about how to visit, it is getting 1 star for now.

Negative experience: Only open to visitors during tourist season. Definitely disappointing to those of us that are residents and support them year round. Went out of our way to come by, just to be told they are only open during season. Unfortunately residents will always care more about conservation than tourists. Seems like your priorities are mixed up.

Positive experience: This place was cute. It’s a huge area for such a small display of the turtles. We loved the turtles. The big one was a big hit, waving at the baby (video attached).

Fantastic experience: Lots of fun! Turtle tanks with guides explaining all the aspects of rescue!

Fantastic experience: We came to see the manatee viewing area and found this gem. I always enjoy seeing these facilities and enjoyed this location. The Aquarium guides were very informative, knowledgeable and friendly.

Fantastic experience: Great aquarium! Worth the trip!

Fantastic experience: What a wonderful place to visit, and such a worthy cause for celebration! I highly recommend you visit the Florida Aquarium Turtle Rehab Center! Absolutely amazing!

Fantastic experience: If you ever have a chance, please go see the sea Turtle too! Is right next to the Manatees. Is a small aquarium but is free! Also free parking. You would have to take a shuttle, but dont worry the stuff comes and pick you up. I also got to see two baby sea turtle for the first time!

Fantastic experience: It's amazing what this place does for the sea turtles!! Very educational the kids loved it

Positive experience: Better than the Manatee place but it's a work in progress. 2 turtles, some snakes and a touch tank.

Positive experience: They had around 12 turtles in the rehab. The staff had lot of knowledge about the turtles. Car parking is at flowover car parking and a golf cart takes you to rehab center. Great for kids.

Fantastic experience: Matt at the turtle hospital was excellent!

Fantastic experience: This is a rescue off of manatee center very interesting...doesnt take long to see everything so it's nice to include this with the manatee viewing center a 1/2 mile away

Fantastic experience: Great rehabilitation for sea turtle. Ample space to accommodate a large group maybe like a Field trip. Lots of information. Take a trolley ride to get from manatee viewing center to the turtle rehabilitation center.

Fantastic experience: Great place for school feild trips or just spending time with you kids, plan on being here 2-3 hours

Fantastic experience: Worth visiting. Take the family

Fantastic experience: Wonderful place to visit! Very kid friendly lots of things to learn about.

Positive experience: We enjoyed our visit for the most part. The otter exhibit was closed. The speaker system for their "talks" were not great. Loved the dolphins.

Positive experience: They are doing excellent work here. Unfortunately no interactions with the turtle as they are very sick. Also not much to see. Keep up the good work though!

Fantastic experience: Great place to see injured turtles in rehab

Fantastic experience: Loved seeing the injured turtles being nursed back to health.

Fantastic experience: So much to see and do at the aquarium

Fantastic experience: It was worth stopping, the staff were very friendly and informative.

Positive experience: Interesting. Visit if you are in the area

Fantastic experience: Learned about the different types of turtles and getting hypothermia from the cold. What they do for him how they take care of them. They check them everyday and then let them back out on the east coast to go to up towards New England

Positive experience: Not much to see here but it was neat.

Positive experience: 10 turtles from the New Hampshire area cold water "stun" being evaluated as they had arrived the night before. Staff took time from their eval to share with us what happened, their process and once rehabbed how they are returned. Cool facility and thought it great this facility is open to the public where we can witness their work and share in our planets journey.

Fantastic experience: First time visiting this center and I loved it. Nikki was the staff member outside of the rehab tanks where cabbage was located. She had answers to all of my questions. This center has only been open to the public for a couple years but a must visit spot if you enjoy learning about sea turtles! You can take a free shuttle or walk roughly a mile from the overflow parking for the manatee center.

Fantastic experience: Personalized tour of the facilities, very friendly staff. Relaxing activity and educational at the same time. Great additional activity from going to The Manatee Viewing Center. What a great stop!

Fantastic experience: The real deal these individuals are dedicated to the restoration of habitat for sea turtles, coral reefs, manatees and the entire aquatic ecosystem. I am amazed at the empathy shown for our precious underwater environment. They are also associated with the Florida Aquarium in Tampa which is a must see for anyone visiting the Tampa area.

Positive experience: Nice lady giving us a ride on golf cart was awsume the girl giving info on turtle's was very friendly and knowledgeable over all it's nice to see some people giving back to the ocean

Fantastic experience: Very nice. Loved the ride in on the cart by Melissa. We arrived late in the day (around 4 pm) so Ben, guest relations, gave us a private tour and answered all of our questions.

Fantastic experience: What an awesome place! The facility is beautiful and the staff was very informative. You actually can see the turtles who are being treated and get information about them. I really enjoyed visiting.

Fantastic experience: Was cool to see how they rehabilitate sea turtles, grow coral and sea urchins. Staff was excellent

Fantastic experience: Beautiful museum full of amazing creatures. Love coming here all the time!