Intern Commonly asked Questions
How do I get to Theater of the Sea?
Take Florida’s Turnpike south to the end in Florida City.
The end of the turnpike runs directly into US 1 south.
On the shoulder of US 1 you will see mile markers (MM) starting at about 125 just outside Florida City on what is called the ’18 mile stretch” and counting down as you go south to zero in Key West.
Theater of the Sea is located at MM 84.5 in Islamorada, on the left-hand side (ocean side) of US 1 as you go south.
After crossing Snake Creek draw bridge start watching for the park.
Theater of the Sea is approximately 45 minutes from Florida City and 90 minutes from the airport in Miami.
What should I do for transportation?
To and from the airport
Miami International Airport is the closest airports to Islamorada. It costs approximately $100.00 each way from Miami airport to Islamorada. The following is a list of transportation companies that may be of interest.
Cheapo Taxi 1-305-743-7420
Island Taxi 1-305-664-8181
Go Tour Airport Shuttle 1-800-689-3304
1-305-743-8446
Courtesy Shuttle 1-305-872-9314
Emerald Transportation 1-800-524-7894
1-305-852-1468
While in the Keys
A car in the Keys is practical due to the fact that everything is spread out. Other options for transportation include a bike, local bus service, which is limited, taxis, and staff who may willing to give rides to and from work.
What should I do for accommodations?
Interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodations.
The following people rent rooms to interns for $100-125 per week. If you are interested, call the individuals at home as this is not considered Theater of the Sea business.
Dottie Brand 1-305-852-9756
Kurt Manos 1-305-896-1089
Janice Wilson jwilsun@aol.com
The following numbers may also be of use:
The Reporter - local newspaper 1-305-852-3216
Chamber of Commerce 1-800-822-1088 and 1-800-322-5397
How do I get school credit?
University accreditation for completion of the internship program is common and must be coordinated by the student through his or her school. Theater of the Sea will provide validation of participation upon completion.
Can you help me get a visa for my internship?
Theater of the Sea cannot help you with obtaining a visa. Your best option is to get a tourist visa.
What do I wear?
Theater of the Sea shirts are provided with a minimal deposit, refunded upon return.
It is recommended that you bring the following items:
Comfortable rubber soled foot wear that can get wet. Most staff wear flip flops.
Blue, black or khaki shorts of moderate length and fit. You may get bleach on your shorts so it is recommended that you have shorts made of nylon or some other synthetic material. You can purchase the staff shorts for $40-$50 a pair, however this in not necessary.
Windbreaker type pants and jacket for cool weather and foul weather gear.
Bathing suit. A white or navy blue one piece may be worn as uniform instead of a shirt; any other color may be worn under shirt.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat.
What else should I bring with me?
Be sure to talk to the person you are staying with/renting from and ask if you need to bring any household items. Of course, bring enough money to keep you housed, fed, entertained and mobile during your internship.
What hours will I work?
You will typically work five days a week, 8 hours a day between 9:00am and 6:00pm.
How many other interns will be there with me?
We accommodate 1 to 4 interns at a time, depending on the time of year. There are typically 4 interns at a time between May and August; 1 or 2 at a time between September and April.
On my first day what time should I arrive and who and where do I meet?
You should arrive at the gift shop at 10:00 am and ask for the internship coordinator.
Where do I park my car at work?
Park in the employee parking lot.
Enter Theater of the Seas through the main entrance off of US 1, drive past the first two customer parking areas, then take a left into the employee grass/dirt parking area. Parking space is limited so please park as close to the adjacent car as possible.
What entrance do I use?
On your first day use the main entrance, then use the back parking lot entrance for rest of internship.
Where do I place my belongings at work?
There is a locker for interns and a refrigerator for lunches.
What are my days off?
Your schedule, including days off, will be given to you on your first day.
What do I do for lunch?
You can bring your own or purchase if from Nicky’s Grill, located on the property. The Grill offers interns the employee meal price of $5.00, which includes a sandwich, fries, and beverage.
How will I be evaluated?
Interns are given several written quizzes to assess their progress and are evaluated by the staff member on areas such as public relations, initiative, attitude, dependability, and attendance.
What does the internship involve?
Theater of the Sea volunteer interns work alongside animal care staff to feed and care for dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, and marine invertebrates.
Interns are trained to assist with fish preparation, exhibit upkeep, and animal feeds through observation, discussion, and participation with employees and by completing assigned reading materials. Each day the intern will follow a schedule which lists job assignments and time frames for completion.
Will I be able to work with the animals?
Your direct involvement with the animals will depend on the facility needs and schedules, the animals, the staff, and your abilities.