For times, locations and ticket prices, see the more information section under the story below.
In Marathon, just next to the famed Overseas Highway, you may hear a little commotion.
"It's like this suction, so it's like, really fast," Ohio teacher Jill Evans says describing feeding stingrays with a pair of chop stick-like tongs.
In this tropical Eden protected by iguanas and full of snorkelers swimming in a moat, awaits an immersive attraction with three levels of hands on interactions.
The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters specializes in catering to your level of courage.
"You don't get splashed a lot by sharks in Ohio," says Christy DeMetry.
Here, folks start by feeding stingrays, using chop-stick like tongs.
"We were feeding the shark and the stingray..." Christy explains, as Jill gets excited and jumps in.
"I think the stick was in the water for the sting ray and then all the big ones were on top and then the shark came, and turned fast and got us all soaked," Jill concluded.
Next, slip into a wet suit to get even closer.
What appears to be a giant hot tub, is actually filled with something you won’t find at the spa: this tub is squirming with stingrays who want to get close.
"They were really nice and they liked to come up on our laps, especially the really big one!," exclaims
Ava Gerber, visiting from Akron, Ohio.
Ava crawled in for a feeding session, that’s almost up to your neck when you have a seat in the tub.
"I didn't feed them because I don't like touching dead fish, but they were really soft," Ava says.
Instead of shrimp on the grill, here, it’s between your fingers, with a side of fear echoing in your head.
"My brother was telling about the stinging tales, and I was afraid of that. But then my mom said they didn't do that unless I stepped on them or something."
The rays glide by and suck their lunch from your hand like a vacuum cleaner. Don’t worry about their teeth, because they have none!
"I was scared at first, though," says Sydney Shack visiting from New Jersey.
After the cuddle session is over, don't lose that wet suit yet!
"Whether it's rainy windy, it's always perfect conditions here in our coral reef," explains Bob Gayler, a Scuba diver working at The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.
Grab a bottle of squid chunks and squeeze. These tropical fish love to nibble.
"They do like sushi. I don't think they have much of a choice," Jokes Bob.
Here, the grand dame is "Spotty," a huge eagle ray.
"She loves squid," Bob confirms. "And as you saw, she lives to come back and feed again and again and again."
The big moment is when you can feed a shark… by hand!
"They are quite ferocious with their appetite," Bob warns.
Their power is amazing. You can feel the sharks strength through the glass wall that’s six inches thick.
"It's a great opportunity for children to come in here and experience what's out in the ocean in a very safe and controlled environment," Bob believes.
Three different attractions, all on the same island paradise.
"You did great. All your fingers are there," Bob concludes, taking inventory of my hands.
About this Destination
Where: Marathon, Florida Keys, Monroe County
Open: Monday – Sunday
Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Phone number: 305-407-3262
Email: info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com
General Admission:
Adults: $20.00
Children Ages 4–12: $15.00
Encounter Tickets:
- Stingray Feeding:
Adults: $25.00
Children: $10.00 - Sting Rays on your Lap:
Adults: $65.00
Children: $65.00
- Coral Reef Encounter:
Snorkel: $95.00
Dive: $130.00
Address:
11710 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050
Website: http://www.floridakeysaquariumencounters.com/
Parking: Free
Accessibility Note:
Stairs lead into the check-in building. Ramps are provided. Steps are in use on the boardwalk lagoon. Yet, a pathway will allow those in a wheelchair to bypass the bridge.
GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude: 24.730222
Longitude: -81.031364
Latitude: 24° 43' 48.7992"
Longitude: -81° 1' 52.9098"
Drive Times:
From Orlando: 5 hours, 45 minutes
From Tampa: 6 hours
Tankful on Television
You can catch new Florida on a Tankful stories each Thursday and Saturday on News 13 and Bay News 9. New editions play at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m. Classic Florida on a Tankful stories can be found each Friday and Sunday on Bay News 9 and News 13 at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m.
Tankful on Demand
This story was part of the Florida on a Tankful Summer Road Trip. Catch the 30-minute special with Scott Fais now on Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999. Use your remote to scroll to the right to the TRAVEL category. Then SCROLL DOWN to TANKFUL.