Key West Aquarium: Quaint, Cozy, Educational, Fun!

Today we ventured over to the Aquarium at Mallory Square. It dates back to the mid 1930's, and is Key West's oldest attraction. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with warmth and charm.

At the entrance is a small pool with a sampling of indiginous sea creatures, such as: conchs, horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and starfish. Visitors are welcome, and encouraged, to handle the creatures. It's the only place in the aquarium where hands are allowed in the water (foreground).

A marine biologist provides information on each creature, along with proper handling instructions.

 We were treated to a Nurse Shark feeding frenzy.

Out back is the Atlantic Shores exhibit. The waters are directly connected to the open sea, with bars and fencing, of course, to contain the sea life.

Everyone was afforded an opportunity to touch a baby Nurse Shark along its tail.

The great sea turtles knew it was feeding time, and wasted no time coming to lunch.

The open sea waters extend into the side exhibits as well. There, among the mangroves are sea turtles and a wide variety of larger tropical fish species ~ my favorite being of the big, rainbow-colored  parrot variety.

Of course, no aquarium visit would feel complete without seeing at least one large iguana!  Actually, this came as no big treat to me, as I'm visited by a family of multi-colored iguana every day at the campsite on the Sigsbee Navy Base.

The Key West Aquarium is a great stop to make whenever you're in town ~ especially if you have children.

~GJ Duerrschmidt