The Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center
📍 Apollo Beach, FL
Free-admission conservation campus run by The Florida Aquarium in Apollo Beach. Open November 1–April 15.
Free, friendly staff, shuttle runs frequently. Diligent work to help turtles in need.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with school-age kids aged 6 and up with an interest in marine wildlife and conservation. The educational format is more guided tour than hands-on attraction, so it suits curious, attentive children. Free admission makes it an easy add-on to a Tampa Bay area trip. Combine with the adjacent manatee viewing area for a full afternoon.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →277 Google reviews
GingerWolf
“Free, friendly staff, shuttle runs frequently. Diligent work to help turtles in need.”
Brittney Bartell
“Definitely more of an education experience, the staff were super friendly and informative teaching the kids all sorts of facts about the turtles. There wasn't a whole lot to see other than the facility itself, a few turtles, and learning about what they do to rehabilitate and conserve, but overall was an incredible experience and it was free!”
Chelsea Wood
“This is the most amazing turtle sanctuary. I love what they do here. Helping all animals to get back on the right track for release. Love love love it here! Must go.. plus there's no cost!!! ❤️❤️❤️”
Tara Wagner
“Great experience, lots to learn and see. Can be hard to find the right location at first. It is just down the road from the Manatee viewing area but Google takes you to an employee entrance.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Florida Aquarium's Conservation Campus in Apollo Beach is a free, behind-the-scenes look at active sea turtle rehabilitation and coral conservation research. Staff lead informative walkthroughs explaining the rescue and release process. The 500-acre Florida Conservation and Technology Center also includes a manatee viewing area, fishing pier, kayak launch, and wildlife observation tower. A frequent shuttle connects the parking area to the campus.
