Florida Keys - Home of The Endangered Sea Turtle
The Florida Keys is a tropical paradise. Whether you are looking for a family vacation, romantic getaway or a singles adventure, this destination has exactly what you are looking for.
This magical vacation spot is ideal during winter and spring months because it is full of fun-filled outdoor activities. The Key's have something for everyone.
The Keys
The Florida Keys or "The Keys" for short, is a string of approximately 1,700 islands in total. Divided into three main categories, depending on the geographical location of the island, each island has its own attractions. The Keys are connected by 42 bridges, one being the infamous 7-mile bridge. The Florida Keys stretch as far as 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida. It is home of the well-known Key West, where you can find Duval's Street bars and Ernest Hemingway’s home museum.
Between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, it is no wonder why water sports like fishing, boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving are so popular. The Key's warm waters and majestic aquatic wildlife won't leave you disappointed. In fact, if you are a water lover and looking for a once in a lifetime opportunity, the Turtle Hospital is a must see.
The Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital is a facility designed to rescue and rehabilitate endangered sea turtles. Its doors opened in 1986 by owner Richie Moretti with the goal of helping this endangered species. The hospital's main objectives are to heal these mythical creatures so they can return to their natural habitat. Their work does not stop there. In efforts to keep the sea turtles safe, the hospital helps conduct research along with educating the public in hopes that this will help prevent them from harm. Over the years, Richie and his team have rehabilitated and released over 1,000 turtles not including hatchlings. When snorkeling, you should consider yourself lucky if you experience seeing one of these extraordinary creatures in the wild.
This is not an ordinary hospital visit. Full of life, the Turtle Hospital is a non-profit organization in Marathon off of the Overseas Highway. The turtle hospital tour begins with a 90-minute educational tour about sea turtles. This tour educates the public about turtles and how our choices on the water can impact their livelihood. This is followed by an introduction of each turtle that is currently being treated and their story. The tour concludes with a visit to a once saltwater swimming pool. The pool has been renovated as an aquarium to house permanent turtle residents unable to return to the wild due to their injuries. You will not only have a chance be face-to-face with these guys, but you may have time to feed them as well.
Turtle hospital rescues and rehabilitates over 100 sea turtles each year and has been doing so for over 20 years. Its sole purpose is to care for these delicate creatures. With over 40,000 people visiting a year, the hospital is supported by the interest and generosity of people who come to visit the sea turtles. This remarkable establishment is definitely one to add to the bucket list and a great reason to visit the Florida Keys.
Upcoming CME Conferences & Online Learning
Want to attend a live CME conference in a beautiful locale or complete an online course from the comforts of home?
At Continuing Education Company, we provide you with options to make your medical continuing education fun, engaging, and relevant. Check out our conference calendar to view the dates and locations of upcoming conferences as well as the online learning courses and live streaming that are currently available. And, for a limited period of time, take advantage of our Special Offer! Attend one of our LIVE conferences in person and you will receive a FREE online 15 credit CME course from CME365™.