The Crane Point Museum and Nature Center is both a natural history museum, wild-bird center and hiking organizer. The museum provides educational displays of local wild-life and marina-life through dioramas and exhibits. There is a gift shop near the museum that sells generic natural history museum items as well as home-made soaps, lotions and knickknacks. Their hiking trails exist on their 63-acre property and focus on identifying hardwood hammock trees, various amphibians and insects, the oldest house in Key West and more. Their last feature is the Marathon Bird Center, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured and sick wild birds. As of 2010, adult entry was $12, Seniors were $10, children 6 to 12 were $12 and children under 6 were free. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
Mile Marker 50.5 Bayside
5550 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-9100
cranepoint.net
The Turtle Hospital is a charitable corporation in Marathon with four goals: to rehabilitate and return sea turtles; educate the public through outreach activities; conduct and assist in sea-turtle research; and lobby for legislation that protects sea turtles. One of their public-education methods is to provide guided tours of the hospital and rehabilitation facility. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and guests have a chance to feed turtles at the end of the experience. As of 2010, adult admission was $15 and children four to 12 years old were $7.50. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations by phone are recommended.
The Turtle Hospital
2396 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Florida 33050
305-743-2552
turtlehospital.org
The Sombrero Country Club is a private club in the Keys, although guests of members can experience what the club has to offer. The Sombrero golf course is approximately 6500 yards in length and can be enjoyed by the touring pro or the casual golfer. As of 2010, guests of a certificated member pay $55 in the Summer and $75 in the Winter for golf access. Guests of Summer members pay $75 for golf use. There are additional fees for lessons, bag storage, pull-cart storage and lockers. The club also has four lighted tennis courts made of natural green clay. Club members include a professional tennis player, and the club offers lessons as well as regular member tournaments.
Sombrero Country Club
4000 Sombrero Blvd
Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-2551
sombrerocc.com/
Captain Hook's provides the necessary tools for almost any recreational water activity. They offer charters for diving, fishing and snorkeling. There are dive classes and certification as well as a shop that sells bait and tackle, scuba equipment and air tanks. Boats can be rented and snacks and beverages are available for purchase for your adventure. After being out in the water, Captain Hook's also owns an Aquatic Learning Center where families can see nurse sharks, eels and other aquatic creatures up close. Feedings are at 4 p.m. and open for public observation. Reservations for any activity offered through Captain Hook's can be made through the website or through the phone.
Captain Hook's Diving and Fishing in the Florida Keys
11833 Overseas Highway
Mile Marker 53
Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-2444
captainhooks.com
