Join the Turtle Club US Pond in Marathon, Florida
After years of gathering virtually since Covid, the Turtle Club US Pond is finally getting together in person for the very first time.
And we could not have picked a better place to do it.
Mark your calendar for October 9–11, 2026, and make plans to join us in Marathon, Florida, right in the heart of the Florida Keys. We will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort, a beautiful waterfront resort with island views, pools, restaurants, and plenty of room for Turtles to relax, reconnect, and make a few new memories together.
This is more than a weekend getaway. It is our Pond’s first chance to turn all those virtual smiles, jokes, stories, and traditions into real handshakes, hugs, laughs, and maybe a toast or two.
Event Details
Turtle Club US Pond Gathering
Dates: Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location: Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort
Marathon, Florida Keys
A special room block has been set up for our group.
Group Rate: $165–$189 per night
Last Day to Book: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Booking Cutoff Time: 4:59 PM
After the cutoff date, any unused rooms will be released, and new reservations will be based on room and rate availability. In plain Turtle talk: book early so you don’t miss the group rate.
Book your room here:
Why Marathon?
Marathon is one of those places that feels made for a gathering like this. It has the tropical Florida Keys setting without feeling too crowded or too formal. There is water everywhere, plenty of good food, beautiful views, and easy access to some of the best-known Keys attractions.
You can relax by the pool, enjoy waterfront dining, explore the Old Seven Mile Bridge, take in the Keys scenery, or simply sit with fellow Turtles and enjoy finally being together in the same place.
Turtle Hospital Tour
We will also tour The Turtle Hospital in Marathon on Saturday, to make the event extra Turtley! Look for an update on the specific time slot for our coordinated visit. They don’t allow third party bookings, so we have to book individually. I’m thinking about 11 am Satuday and then we can find a place to gather for a long lunch after!
That feels like a perfect fit for us.
The Turtle Hospital is a working sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release facility. Their guided educational programs include a look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area, plus a chance to learn more about the sea turtles they care for. Once we confirm the best time for our group, I will share the tour details.
The current plan is to look at a Saturday tour time so people can arrive Friday, enjoy the weekend, and still have Sunday for travel.
Come Be Part of the First One
This will be our first in-person Turtle Club US Pond gathering, and that makes it special.
We have kept the Pond alive virtually for years. Now we get to gather in the Florida Keys, raise a glass, tell stories, meet the people behind the screens, and celebrate what makes this group fun in the first place.
I hope you can make it.
Bring your smile, your Turtle spirit, and maybe a good story or two.
Rooms are limited, and the group rate is only available until September 9, 2026, so please make your reservation soon.
Book your room today:
