February Newsletter 2026
Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day we will be offering a buy one get one deal on our Coral Reef Snorkel and Stingray Cove encounters. If you’re looking for something fun and memorable for you and your special someone to do, swim on over to Aquarium Encounters and take advantage of this amazing deal.
Ground Conch Day
Come one come all to the Key’s newest tradition. Will the conch see its shadow? Will we have six more weeks of winter? Join us at Aquarium Encounters on 2/2 for Ground Conch Day. The event is free and we will have live music, snacks, and beverages. This event will run from 7 am – 8:30 am. We hope you will come out to shell-a-brate with us!
President’s Day
We will be open on President’s Day and are looking forward to celebrating the long weekend with you! We will open at 9 am and will close at 5 pm. Join one of our encounters or come for general admission. With 5 touch tanks, meet the animal talks, and guided tours, and a variety of animals that you can purchase food for, we have something for everyone in the family!
Renewing Our Reefs Together Fundraiser
Do you want to give back to an organization that is doing important work? Join us for the Renew Our Reefs Benefit Concert Series. This will be an evening of live music, dancing, free drinks, and free appetizers as we celebrate the incredible work being done to renew the reefs in the Florida Keys. This is an opportunity to get to know Reef Renewal USA better and learn about the innovative coral restoration efforts happening right here! All proceeds will benefit Reef Renewal USA. There will be music and entertainment by: Flashback Four and Wire Ryan.
When: 2/20/2026
Time: 7 pm – 10 pm
Where: 11710 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050
How to purchase tickets: https://givebutter.com/RenewingOurReefsTogether
Download our app
Looking for a new way to connect with the Aquarium Encounters? We are excited to share our newest project with you! Download our new free app to enjoy live webcams, webinars, animal quizzes, live feeder cameras, and more! You can now immerse yourself in the wonders of the ocean from anywhere in the world! To download our app, head to your app store and search “Aquarium Encounters”!
National Invasive Species Awareness Week
Invasive Species Awareness Week is a time to highlight the growing impact non-native plants and animals can have on Florida’s fragile ecosystems—especially here in the Florida Keys. Invasive species are organisms that are introduced outside their natural range and spread rapidly, often outcompeting native wildlife for food and habitat. With limited land area and sensitive marine environments, the Keys are particularly vulnerable to these disruptions.
Some of the most common invasive species found in the Florida Keys include lionfish, which prey heavily on native reef fish and disrupt coral reef balance; green iguanas, which damage vegetation and burrow into shorelines; Cuban treefrogs, known for preying on native frogs and lizards; and invasive plants like Australian pine and Brazilian pepper, which displace native vegetation and reduce habitat quality. Raising awareness, reporting sightings, and supporting conservation and removal efforts are key steps we can all take to help protect the unique ecosystems of the Florida Keys for future generations.