If you’re in Marathon and want something memorable and heart warming to do, The Turtle Hospital is a fantastic stop. This nonprofit rescue, rehab, and release center for endangered sea turtles gives you a real look at how these animals are cared for when they’re injured or sick.

You must join a guided tour to actually see the facility since this is a working hospital. The tour takes you behind the scenes into areas like the X‑ray/operating rooms, and rehabilitation tanks, and the guides explain sea turtle biology, common injuries, and what the staff does to help them heal. You’ll also meet the resident turtles — some are permanent because they can’t be returned to the wild, and others are in recovery before release.

A few tips from me:

• Tours run daily from around 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hourly or so), but reservations are strongly recommended — spots fill up fast, especially in peak season.

• It’s mostly outdoors, so bring sunscreen, water, and a hat — Florida Keys sun is strong.

• There’s free parking on site right off the Overseas Highway.

The whole experience is especially great for families, animal lovers, and anyone who wants an up‑close look at marine wildlife care instead of just watching turtles in the ocean.