For Wish Kid Oakley, who loves being outside and swimming, the Florida Keys were the perfect setting for her wish. This tropical archipelago, which stretches almost 180 miles and encompasses 800 small islands, is a popular destination for those who seek a Florida experience that’s a little more off the beaten path. Oakley and her family’s adventure began as soon as they landed in Key West, home to “Mile 0”, and renowned for its beaches, rich history, scenic downtown, and of course, its natural beauty and wildlife.

From Key West, the family drove north over bridges that connected the many islands, including Sugarloaf Key, Big Torch Key, Boot Key, and finally Duck Key, where they arrived at Hawks Cay Resort. With five pools to choose from and even a private enclosed ocean called Tiki Beach, Oakley had plenty of choices for splashing and swimming. But there was so much more to see and do, because Oakley had plans to meet and swim with dolphins!

Oakley and her family headed to Island Dolphin Care on Key Largo. This not-for-profit organization’s mission is “To provide unique, animal-assisted (dolphin), motivational, and educational programs to children, adults with special needs, and their families and caregivers.” Oakley’s two-hour experience included a classroom session and an in-water interaction session. It was a definite highlight of the trip as Oakley’s mom told us, “That dolphin experience was INCREDIBLE! Oakley smiled and laughed through the entire thing, fed them fish at the end. It was just, wow. What an experience.”

Swimming with dolphins is one thing, but feeding and petting a shark? At Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, it’s possible. Oakley and her family had the incredible opportunity to have a one-on-one encounter with a friendly nurse shark—they even got the chance to feed it! And it was all done from the safety of dry land, as the only one swimming in this scenario was the shark!

Oakley’s Florida Keys wish was everything she dreamed it would be. From the plane rides to the swimming pools to the dolphins and the sharks, the smile on her face tells the whole story. As soon as they returned, Oakley’s mom sent us a note:

“We cannot put into words how grateful we are for this experience. Make-A-Wish will forever hold a special place in our hearts. I can't thank you all enough. It was an amazing week with our little peanut. Thank you for everything you did and continue to do!”

We want to send out a special thank you to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and all our donors and supporters for helping make Oakley’s wish come true.