- Attraction: The Turtle Hospital
- Location: 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
- Industry: Veterinary Hospital
- Website: https://www.turtlehospital.org
Imagine a place where a former Volkswagen mechanic from New Jersey transformed an old 1950s motel into the world’s first state-certified veterinary hospital for sea turtles.
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon represents an extraordinary journey that began in 1986 when Richie Moretti decided to turn his passion for marine life into a mission to save endangered sea turtles.
What started as a saltwater pool filled with local fish for motel guests has evolved into a world-renowned facility that has successfully rehabilitated and released over 1,500 sea turtles back into the wild.
You’ll discover this isn’t just another tourist attraction—it’s a working hospital where every visit directly supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and research efforts that protect these ancient marine creatures.
Educational Tour Experience
Informative Presentation: Your 90-minute journey begins with a 30-45 minute classroom presentation where you’ll learn about the five species of sea turtles that live in the Florida Keys: Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Kemp’s Ridley, and Loggerhead turtles.
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Keep Exploring →You’ll discover fascinating facts like how sea turtle brains are only the size of your thumb, even on massive turtles, and how they migrate thousands of miles in their lifetime.
Behind-the-Scenes Hospital Tour: You’ll get exclusive access to areas typically off-limits to the public, including the operating room, X-ray room, laboratory, and intake facilities. The modern medical facility features state-of-the-art equipment including digital X-ray machines, 3D ultrasounds, and specialized surgical tools designed specifically for turtle care.
Meet the Patients: During your tour, you’ll encounter dozens of turtles at various stages of rehabilitation. Some are recovering from boat strikes, fishing line entanglements, or plastic ingestion, while others are being treated for Fibropapilloma tumors—a virus affecting more than half of Green sea turtles in the Florida Keys.
Interactive Feeding Experience: The highlight of your visit comes at the end when you’ll feed the permanent residents in the large saltwater pool—the facility’s original motel swimming pool. You’ll receive handfuls of turtle pellets to toss to eager turtles who glide over for their treats, allowing you to appreciate their size and beauty up close.
Rehabilitation & Research Mission
Rescue Operations: The hospital operates dedicated turtle ambulances equipped with kayaks and netting to respond to emergency calls throughout the Keys. With a full-time staff of 18 people, they rescue up to 70 injured turtles annually and have assisted over 2,000 disoriented hatchlings.
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Discover MoreMedical Procedures: You’ll learn about the most common surgeries performed, including removal of Fibropapilloma tumors, repair of cracked shells using fiberglass patches, and removal of plastic debris from turtle stomachs. The facility performs surgeries 10 days per month with a full-time veterinarian on staff.
Release Requirements: To be returned to the wild, turtles must have at least one working eye and three working flippers. Those who don’t meet these requirements become permanent residents, creating a bittersweet but important educational opportunity for visitors.
Famous Residents: You’ll meet celebrity turtles like Bubble Butt, the hospital’s first and longest resident since 1989, who developed a permanent floating condition after a boat strike that prevents him from diving properly.
Atmosphere & Setting
Repurposed Motel Charm: The facility maintains its vintage 1950s motel character with sea foam green buildings that house the modern medical equipment. Former motel rooms now serve as research labs, veterinary offices, and housing for hospital staff.
Educational Environment: You’ll find the atmosphere both heartwarming and sobering as you witness the dedication of caregivers working to heal turtles injured primarily by human activities.
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Keep Exploring →The tours strike a perfect balance between education and hope, showing both the challenges these creatures face and the success stories of rehabilitation.
Intimate Group Experience: Tours typically include 10-15 people, creating an intimate setting where you can ask questions and get close-up views of the turtles. The outdoor portions allow you to see turtles in various sized tanks and pools throughout the grounds.
Air-Conditioned Comfort: Roughly half the tour takes place in air-conditioned indoor facilities, providing relief from Florida’s heat while you learn about turtle anatomy and rehabilitation processes.
Other Considerations
Excellent Value: At $35 for adults and $17.50 for children ages 4-12, the admission price represents outstanding value considering you’re supporting critical conservation work while gaining access to a unique educational experience. Children under 4 are admitted free.
Advance Reservations Essential: Tours operate every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 4 PM, but reservations are strongly recommended as they frequently sell out. Tours may occasionally be canceled for turtle emergencies, so calling ahead is wise.
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Discover MoreAge Appropriateness: The experience works best for elementary-aged children and adults, as it involves detailed presentations and walking tours. Younger children may find the 90-minute format challenging, though guides often accommodate families with play areas during presentations.
Supporting the Cause: Beyond admission fees, you can “adopt” a permanent resident turtle for $35 annually to help cover feeding and care costs. The gift shop offers quality souvenirs, with all proceeds supporting the hospital’s mission.
Convenient Location: Positioned at mile marker 48.5 on the Overseas Highway, the hospital offers easy access with ample parking and serves as an ideal stop whether you’re traveling to or from Key West.
The Turtle Hospital
📍 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
