Manatees: (5001 5th Ave, Key West, FL)

Experience the magic of manatees at Cow Key Marina, where these gentle creatures grace our coastal waters daily. Nestled in the heart of Key West, Cow Key Marina proudly stands as the top manatee sanctuary in the region. With its year-round resident manatee pods and countless heartwarming encounters, this enchanting spot has become a haven for both manatee enthusiasts and nature lovers. Currently listed as threatened: Currently 8,350 animals

Sea Turtles (Dry Tortugas National Park)

For a chance to witness the grace of sea turtles swimming in the ocean or nesting on the beach, venture to the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West, this secluded national park can only be reached by boat or seaplane. Currently listed: All (5) of the Florida turtle species are listed as either endangered or threatened: Only 40 leatherbacks nest annually on beaches in Florida.

Key Deer (30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL)

The Keys are renowned for its Key Deer, an endangered subspecies of the white-tailed deer exclusive to the Florida Keys. This diminutive deer is the smallest existing deer species in North America. Originating from the mainland during the Wisconsin glaciation, the Key deer is a subspecies of the white-tailed deer that traversed a land bridge to reach the Florida Keys. Currently listed as Endangered: 800 animals

Tarpons (5555 College Rd, Key West, FL)

Tarpons are a well-known fish in the Florida Keys and Key West. However, at Sunset Marina, you can have an experience and privilege of hand-feeding tarpon directly from our docks, located just behind our Ships Store. Throughout the year, a diverse group of tarpons can be found congregating near the docks fillet tables, eagerly awaiting a generous offering. These tarpon range in size from 10lbs to 150lbs, and their numbers can vary from 30 to 200 individuals. Currently listed as Vulnerable:

Sharks (Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico)

Duunnn dunnn… duuuunnnn duun… duuunnnnnnnn dun dun dun dun dun this iconic sound from the movie Jaws strikes fear into the hearts of many vacationers. It's a known fact that sharks, as the apex predators of the sea, hold a certain level of intimidation. It must be acknowledged that most sharks in Key West are generally non-aggressive. However, it's important to note that there are real sharks in the Florida Keys that have the capability to consume you (Hammerhead Shark could be 20 feet long and 1000lbs – that is a MB Sprinter Van). It's not surprising, considering the fact that you're on a small island surrounded by the vast Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The combination of deep and shallow waters in this area is home to the world's third-largest barrier reef, which means that the marine life in these waters is abundant. This includes sharks that have the potential to be a threat. Therefore, I suggest that you take the opportunity to observe these sharks up close with a professional eco-tour guide who has liability insurance, just in case you lose an arm or leg!