Location: 1316 Duval Street Key West
Public Parking | (305) 296-2988
Cost: Tickets Adult $13.98 | Child 4-12 $11.83 (free 3 and under) | Senior/Military $12.90 | Membership pass $55
Hours: Conservatory 9am-5pm (last admission at 4:30) | Gift Shop 9am-5:30pm
Food: Not Permitted
At the west end of Duval Street is one of the best attractions to visit for tourists and locals alike: The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Experience nature up close and personal as you step into a magical oasis of butterflies, birds, and incredible natural fauna. Voted the “Best Attraction in Key West To Take Kids”, the attraction is family friendly and filled with lots of educational rescuers to really learn about butterflies and the other wildlife that lives in the conservatory. Walk through the path of the enclosed sanctuary, observing nature’s finest specimens… and if you’re lucky, a butterfly may even land on you!
The location is technically within walking distance of Marrero’s Guest Mansion, but we recommend biking or taking an Uber to the destination. There are endless shops and eateries on the way, so you'll have much to explore before/after heading there. Tickets are required for entry to the exhibition rom & enclosed sanctuary space. Book admission in advance by purchasing tickets online, or buy in person in the gift shop. Last admission is scheduled 4:30pm, a half hour before official close time.The gift shop doesn't officially close until 5:30pm, so you'll have ample time to acquire a souvenir from the shop after touring the conservatory.
Education Room:
After you've purchased your tickets in the gift shop, you’ll walk through an educational room that leads to the enclosed conservatory. Learn about the wildlife preserved at the sanctuary and observe real-preserved butterflies, read the informative plaques, educational displays, and a short informational video outlining the butterflies’ role in the natural world. There are educational pamphlets available for purchase in the gift shop to take with you on the tour.
Tours:
Regular Tours: Purchase your tickets online or in-person the day of your visit. Whether solo or with friends/family, this option is always available. Make sure you are ready to enter the exhibition at least half an hour before closing, as 4:30 is their last entry time. While they technically close at 5:30, there is a limit to the amount of people in the sanctuary at once and setting a limit for the last entry ensures ample time for the last group to observe without over-crowding.
Group Tours: Special discounted rates are offered to groups of 10+ with advance booking. This option is perfect for larger families, groups of friends, and team work-outings looking for a relaxing, educational way to spend some time. Special children’s rates are offered for tax exempt groups. Book in advance for time slots from 9am-4:30pm. For rates & more information, contact Jim Wallace at (305) 296-2988 ext. #19 or tourguide@keywestbutterfly.com.
Twighlight Tour: A private tour offered to groups between 10-20 guests. Experience the conservatory as the sun sets into dusk, witnessing the bird's evening song and the butterflies performing their bedtime dances - a unique and rare experience to see! Complimentary champagne is offered to those who are 21+. This tour is offered for $30 for a group of at least 10 people and must be scheduled in advance. For more information call (305) 296-2988 ext. #11 or email info@keywestbutterfly.com.
Private Visits with the Resident Flamingos:
Rhett and Scarlett are the two pink flamingos who call The Butterfly Conservatory home. Guests can see them walking through the enclosure at any time, but if you’d like to get up close and personal, book this private, guided group visit. This visit happens from 4:30-5:45 and has slots available up to 6 guests total (that way the flamingos don’t get overwhelmed by their fans). Arrive on time!! Th official website explicitly states that those with late arrival to the orientation of the scheduled time slot will not be permitted to join the group. For rates and more information, contact Clarisa Fluker at (305) 296-2988 ext. #11 or info@keywestbutterfly.com.
Magical Weddings & Commitment Ceremonies:
Make your special day even more magical by booking an intimate ceremony surrounded by butterflies! With this reservation, the Conservatory will be closed to the public. This reservation is ideal for parties of 10-20 guests. Complimentary butterfly-embossed champagne glasses are gifted to the newlyweds as a special keepsake for the occasion, and includes a ceremonial release of a real butterfly to commemorate the event. For rates and more information, contact Jim Wallace at (305) 296-2988 ext. #19 or tourguide@keywestbutterfly.com.
Giftshop:
Before you leave, be sure to peruse the gift shop! There are many sections to the multi-room gift shop, including a section for children’s toys, adult souvenirs, locally made goods, artisan jewelry, educational books and activities, garden decor, exhibit apparel, and and an entire room of framed, preserved real butterflies! Not enough room in your suitcase? You can also shop through their online store.
We hope you enjoyed learning about The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, and find this helpful in planning your day excursion. Remember to stay with us when you come visit, we look forward to hosting you.
The Marrero's Team
Traveling elsewhere in Florida? Visit our sister property in Treasure Island FL.
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