Fun things to do before or after BSA Sea Base High Adventure trips!

 

What can you do after finishing at Sea Base if you have time before your flight or before coming to Sea Base?
Some crews do the following, all of which are close by, some just 5 minutes away.

Other related pages:

• General tips and recommendations based on past trips
• FAQs from past participants
• Master list of Sea Base Trip Guides, Checklists, Calculators, Lists, Forms, Tips and More
• UNofficial official Sea Base page with loads more information about Sea Base.

Fun Stuff before or after Sea Base

 See the interactive map of these destinations on Google Maps here. In order of closest to Sea Base Islamorada (and therefore most practical to do), here they are:

1. Dolphin Research Center has interaction with the dolphins and is just 15-30 minutes (depends on traffic) from Sea Base Islamorada on Grassy Key in Marathon.
   Open: daily, 9 am to 4:30 pm, except for certain holidays. General admission in 2026 is $36 for > age 12.
   Dolphin Encounter 2026 Price starts at $249 per person (includes all-day general admission, but does not include reservation fee.) .).
   58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050.
   Phone:  (305) 289-0002.
   General Information Email: drc@dolphins.org.
   
    
2. Robbie's of Islamorada - You can hand-feed wild, 100-pound tarpons right from the docks. Located just an hour north of the main Islamorada Sea Base campus.
   I heard that scouts get dock access for free, just have to pay for the bucket of fish. It's a short fast stop, you can get in and out in under an hour! In 2026, Dock admission is $3.50, a buck of fish to feed the tarpons is $5.00.
   Beware of pelicans that will steal your fish!
   77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036.
   Phone: 305-664-8070.
   
    
    
3. History of Diving Museum - Located in Islamorada, this museum has a massive, fascinating collection of antique diving gear and historical exhibits.
   Exhibits are open late, with the last admission at 6:45 PM.
   The Immerse Yourself presentation will take place at 7 PM on Wednesday, June 17 at the History of Diving Museum. It will be available both in-person and virtually.
   82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036.
   Phone: (305) 664-9737. Email: info@divingmuseum.org.
    
    
4. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located on Key Largo, FL, just 30 Minutes North of Islamorada on your way to the airport.. .or rather, just offshore. It is a Florida State Park with 70 square nautical miles of adjacent Atlantic Ocean waters. The park, known for incredible snorkeling, is roughly 25 miles long and extends 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Scouts like Tower Of Pizza in Key Largo which also has other food! Last heard, they open at 11am daily and deliver to John Pennekamp for the Sea Base boat crews, and also for the park's campers and staff. You can Canoe and kayak through the park's waters; plus fishing is permitted in designated areas. Saltwater fishing licenses are required. Visitors can go walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater.
   102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5), Key Largo, FL 33037.
   Phone: (305) 451-6300.
    
    
    
    
5. Everglades Alligator Farm - On the way to the airports.
   Also has air boat rides.
   Open daily 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
   No reservation needed to take an Airboat Ride.
   $39 per person includes the
   airboat ride,
   alligator feeding,
   alligator show,
   and admission to the farm.
   Call them for the Scout rate.
   40351 Southwest 192nd Avenue, Homestead, FL 33034.
   Phone: (305) 247-2628. Email: info@everglades.com.
    
    
    
6. Robert Is Here Fruit Stand -  which is on the way to Everglades Alligator Farm. Scouters on  say the milkshakes there are amazing and the scouts loved them! 
   Another scouter reported  "We called ahead and asked for a talk about the business. They gave a great 20ish minute presentation that told about entrepreneurship (hint,hint merit badge) as well as taught our Scouts about some fruits they've never seen before. It was such a great stop!"
   It began decades ago when a single boy started selling a few cucumbers andn  has grown into a local landmark known for farm-fresh produce, out-of-this-world milkshakes, and unforgettable experiences.
   It is still a family-owned market featuring local & exotic fruits, veggies & groceries, plus the famous milkshake counter.
   Open: every day from 9am-6pm. We are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
   19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034.
   Phone: (305) 246-1592 
   
    
    
7. Sea Turtle Hospital Tour, (On Marathon, 20 minutes away)
   The Turtle Hospital, located about 60 miles south in Marathon, FL.
   They offer 90-minute educational guided tours where you can see rescued turtles, learn about marine conservation, and even feed the permanent residents.  The Turtle Hospital offers a BSA discountYou can also get lunch at nearby Bagel Island sandwich shop, which is delicious and cheap.
   Open: daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
   2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL (Mile Marker 48.5).
   Phone: (305) 743-2552. Email: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org.
    
    
    
8. Burdines Waterfront - Best Key Lime Pie in Florida. This is a popular restaurant in the middle of the Florida Keys with highly rated Key Lime pie. 
   What more would you need to know? Of course, They have burgers, chicken, various seafood and salads and regular restaurant items too.
   1200 Ocean View Ave, Marathon, FL 33050.
   Phone: (305) 743-9204.
    
   
9. Airboat Rides Fort Lauderdale - We offer high-speed airboat rides aboard our 300 horsepower custom airboats or more relaxed tours for families and groups.Our airboat rides are custom and tailored to your needs, we provide one-hour and one-hour 30-minutes tours. So what makes our eco-tours different from the rest? Above all, our high-performance boats, comfortable cushioned seats, ear protection, and elevated platform seating for better wildlife viewing.
   45 minutes nw of Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Do not show up at the boat ramp we are by appointment only. 
   Phone: (954) 338-4890. Or Use our contact form for ramp schedules and availability.

Key West Options:

1. Kermits - in Key West, for Key Lime Pie on a stick,
   200 Elizabeth Street, Key West , FL.
   Phone: (305) 296-0806.
   Open: Daily: 10am - 9:30pm
   and
   335F Duval Street, Key West, FL.
   Phone: (305) 296-6703.
   Daily: 10am - 9:30pm.
   
2. Kaya Island Eats - a Scout friendly dining option. Entrees pretty much start at $17, drinks, sides, tips, tax, not included. All Burgers & Sandwiches Served with French Fries, Lettuce, Tomato, & Onion on the side (about $30 - $35 per person, total, including drink and tip). Also Tacos, Island meats, salads.
       
   618 Duval St, Key West, FL, 33040.
   Phone: 305-395-0213.
   Open: Mon-Thurs: 11 AM - 10 PM,
   Friday: 11 AM - 10:30 PM,
   Saturday: 8 AM - 10:30 PM,
   Sunday: 8 AM - 10 PM.

Other fun things to do

Fun Factory Tours - yep, there are factories and business that are open for tours!