Though you may be thinking of a Key West vacation because of all the fun and exciting attractions and landmarks to see in this tropical paradise, there is so much more to discover when considering the wildlife in Key West! Though there are countless Florida fish to be found amongst the coral reefs, there are many other animals you may want to search for while visiting the Florida Keys.
Key West is home to many endangered species among the vast list of fish and wildlife in the area, so there’s always something exciting to spot while you’re on the beach or having an excursion out on the water. From several different species of turtles to soaring sea birds, there’s something here for every animal lover to experience!
A tour we think you'll love
1) Set Out On A Nighttime Adventure To Spot Nocturnal Key West Animals
When there’s not just one critter you’re searching for, but any and every little animal you can spot in and out of the water, a nighttime LED-lit kayak tour with Key West Paddle is your best bet for spotting Key West wildlife at night. Book a single or double glass-bottomed night kayak adventure and paddle deep into the mangroves with our experienced guides.
While you’re not guaranteed to see any specific wildlife species on a tour, you definitely won’t leave disappointed. Some of the creatures many visitors have encountered on a nighttime kayak tour are sea turtles, tropical fish, various birds, and other species of wildlife in Key West.
If you’re an animal lover visiting the Florida Keys and want a refreshing wildlife experience, check out our website to find out more information and to book your night kayaking tour today!
2) Seeking One Of The Most Popular Animals In Key West: The Sea Turtle
The best time of year to see turtles in a variety of species in Key West is between May and October as this is nesting season for sea turtles. Five of the seven species of sea turtles live in the Florida Keys, some living up to 100 years or older!
Though the docile green loggerhead turtles are a threatened species, they are one of the most commonly spotted sea turtles in Key West, growing anywhere from 350-500 pounds.
Some of the other sea turtle species you might spot in the Florida Keys include:
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2000-pound leatherback
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150-pound hawkbill
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100-pound Kemp’s Ridley
When you do have a beach sighting, be sure to keep your distance as the turtles are likely nesting in the sand. If you want to have a guaranteed sea turtle sighting, you can plan a trip to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
Pro tip: For an added bonus to your wildlife search during the month of May, head to Blue Hole on Big Pine Key to see the stunning green herons as they nest. This hidden gem also offers the opportunity to spot turtles amidst its scenic surroundings.
3) Set Out For A Key Deer Sighting
Key Deer are the smallest member of the whitetail family and are a critically endangered animal only growing up to three feet tall. Key Deer only live in the Lower Keys, but you’ll most likely spot them on No Name Key and Big Pine Key.
If you have enough patience, you can see the Key Deer roaming through neighborhoods in the Lower Keys, grazing amidst the grass and trees, or even wandering the mangrove forests or swimming from No Name Key to another island nearby.
If you need advice on their daily activities or tips on how to spot a Key Deer in the wild, visit the National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center on Big Pine Key. When you are lucky enough to spot one of these friendly creatures, fight the urge to pet or feed them as it’s strictly prohibited in Key West due to the toxic elements it introduces into their diet. Not to mention it can make them dangerously accustomed to roadways and interact with humans.
4) How To Find The Elusive Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit
The Lower Keys marsh rabbit is a tiny creature who only resides in the Lower Keys, and may present a challenge to find. They are mainly found in the Lower Keys from Big and Little Pine Keys. Your best bet at spotting these rabbits is by watching for them at dusk and dawn as this is the time of day they love to nibble on the grass around trails.
These adorable rabbits have a fondness for wetland areas, including freshwater marshes and coastal regions near the edges of islands. One of their vital habitats is the National Key Deer Refuge, where they coexist with various other animals in the year-round haven of freshwater and saltwater marshlands, mangroves, pine rockland forests, and tropical hardwood hammocks.
5) See A Sea Urchin Up Close And Personal
Whether you’d like to go diving around the seagrass beds to find sea urchins for yourself or head to the Key West Aquarium for a hands-on experience with marine life, these small aquatic critters are always an exciting find. Key West is home to several different kinds of sea urchins, including the long-spined and reef urchins, which can be found in the coral reefs surrounding Key West.
There are plenty of diving and snorkeling companies throughout the islands that can take you on tours beneath the waters surface to search for these creatures, but if you have kids in your group or simply want an easy viewing experience, then a trip to the Key West Aquarium might be just the wildlife experience you’re looking for, and it’s open year round.
Not only will you see urchins, but they also have these creatures available in the touch tanks:
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Horseshoe crabs
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Sea stars
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Sea cucumbers
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Conchs
Pro tip: A trip to the Key West Aquarium is also a great way to see other marine life and wildlife like sharks, countless tropical fish, jellyfish, and many other animals.
6) Encounter The Many Fish That Call Key West Home
One of the animals you’re definitely guaranteed to see on a trip to the Florida Keys is fish! Whether you’re spending a day at the beach, heading out on a boat charter, or touring the Aquarium, there are thousands of colorful fish to encounter!
Take a dive in the coral reefs to find colorful tropical fish, or even head out on a charter to try your hand at catching for some tuna, grouper, snapper, kingfish, and so many other varieties! No matter where you go in Key West, you’re guaranteed to find a fish in the water!
7) Spot Feathered Friends In The Wild In The Florida Keys
Another great wildlife searching experience is to locate the many different birds that reside in the Florida Keys. If you want another guaranteed experience the Key West Wildlife Center is a rehabilitation center for injured birds like songbirds, raptors, owls, and many other birds. These birds are either nursed back to health to be set free in their natural habitat or cared for in the facility.
Not only will you be able to see these majestic creatures up close and personal while learning about them from knowledgeable professionals, but the money you spend on admission helps support the cause that keeps these birds in good health and gives them a better chance at getting back to their natural habitats.
See The Many Spectacular Creatures Who Live Around Key West
There are so many critters to seek out and experience during your visit to the Florida Keys, but one of the most exciting ways to visit them is during one of our nighttime tours in a LED-lit kayak with your friends.
Not only can you see creatures like the majestic sea turtle, but you’ll see all the nocturnal creatures of the mangroves come to life in a whole new way.
