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Marine science education for everyone.

Our mission: To inspire and empower individuals through marine education to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the ocean, championing its exploration and conservation.

Group Field Programs

Spend up to five days with us at our coastal campus in Key Largo, learning about and exploring the seagrass, mangrove, and coral reef habitats with mask, fins and snorkel! Our STEM field trips are designed for groups of students from grades 5 through college, with standard and advanced options.

We have been sending our sixth grade class to MarineLab for many years and have always had an amazing time. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable, prepared, friendly, patient, and work very well with our students. MarineLab is by far the most looked forward to field trip for our students. - Dan Bassett, St Mark’s Episcopal, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Virtual
Programs

If your class can’t make it to Key Largo, Florida, let us bring Key Largo to you! We have five different LIVE virtual marine science sessions to choose from, all led by one or two of our marine science instructors. Some take place aboard our boat! We also have free LEARNING RESOURCES to use in your classroom!

The interaction was AWESOME!  Out of all of my evaluations for our two-week long unit, ALL of my students enjoyed our virtual field trip the most!  I can’t wait to book our next virtual trip, and to take them to MarineLab to experience it in person. - Gina Ramage, Union Pointe Academy

Families & Individuals

We offer marine science snorkeling summer camps for local children, free Family Days, and marine science STEM teacher professional development workshops. Scholarships are available for Florida Title I teachers to attend our workshops, thanks to our Art Mitchell Memorial Fund.

Our instructor, Pat, was so attentive and kind.  Our kids were a bit hesitant, but he was never frustrated or rushed.  We really lucked out when a manatee visited us in the mangroves.  We were all in awe of snorkeling with a manatee and watching him munch on the seagrass.  We made family memories that will last a lifetime! -   Dena Russell  February 2021 

 Learn more about us through our blog!

ginettehughes@mrdf.org
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a…MarineLab instructor?
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a…MarineLab instructor?
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The Underwater World That Connects Us
The Underwater World That Connects Us

During Project NEPTUNE, Maureen Sweeney visited Dr. Joe Dituri with one of our instructors to discuss organizations such as Our World Underwater Scholarship Society that are focused on jump starting the careers of young scientists. Read Maureen’s blog to learn more about these opportunities!

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MarineLab and Hurricane Season
MarineLab and Hurricane Season

What happens when a hurricane approaches? Learn about our history with storms, what we do with groups (RESCHEDULE), what we do with the money (REFUND), and what we do after a storm has hit (RECOVER!)

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Do You Want To Be A Superhero?
Do You Want To Be A Superhero?

Here at MarineLab, we believe all Monroe County students deserve to experience the life-changing underwater world of the Florida Keys. The Saltwater Superhero Fund, started by Leadership Monroe County Class Delta Force is making all of our dreams come true! Read ahead to learn about this amazing scholarship and how to help our mission today

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The Phases of the Moon Jelly
The Phases of the Moon Jelly

The moon jelly is one of the most misunderstood animals in our oceans, and we’re here to set the record straight. Instructor Ethan returns for another critter corner feature to discuss why our moon jellies are not only an awesome creature to see at the reef, but also a critical part of the food web and ecosystem!

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Your FAQs Answered!
Your FAQs Answered!

Our amazing coordinator Anne Hill is back to answer your most frequently asked questions. If you are visiting MarineLab soon and want to learn more of the ins and outs, give this blog a read!

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Do What You Love, Love What You Do!
Do What You Love, Love What You Do!

Time and again we hear from visiting parents, teachers, and students, “Wow. You have the best job!” While days filled with sunshine, sea views, and snorkeling is a huge perk of a MarineLab career, our instructors are following another calling entirely: education and the chance to make a difference. Read ahead for why we love our jobs!

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100 Days Under the Sea
100 Days Under the Sea

Join our Storyteller Thane under the sea and learn about the historic Project Neptune 100!

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Where Are They Now?
Where Are They Now?

When worlds collide! This past MarineLab instructor moved right down the road to continue her mission of education and inspiration in Key Largo at the Ocean Studies Charter School. Catch up with Martha as she recounts her time at ML and tells us all about where she is now!

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We Found Love in a Salty Place
We Found Love in a Salty Place

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, what better way to celebrate than to highlight all of the incredible romances found right in the waters of the Florida Keys!

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Athlete Life Lessons
Athlete Life Lessons

Our Outreach Coordinator Anne den Otter reflects on the lessons she learned as an athlete, and how that knowledge makes her the best instructor she can be!

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Family Day Fun
Family Day Fun

Whether you’ve been to one of our Family Days, or just heard us wax poetic about how much we love them, read ahead to see how we want to help you have fun with your whole family!

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Key Largo— A Winter Tale
Key Largo— A Winter Tale

One question we get the most here at MarineLab is “what do you all do during the winter?” Grab your wetsuit and join us for this instructor’s winter story.

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Where Are They Now: Anupa Asokan!
Where Are They Now: Anupa Asokan!

Catch up with past seasonal instructor Anupa as she talks about her life, work, and how MarineLab helped grow her passion for the ocean!

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Our Flat Friends!
Our Flat Friends!

Instructor Ethan is back this week to talk about another well-loved elasmobranch! Southern stingrays might not be the most cuddly-looking fish on the reef but they are one of the coolest. Read ahead to find out why we love our flat friends so much!

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New Year, New Fun!
New Year, New Fun!

As 2022 wraps up and the new year makes its way closer, our staff reflected on the last 12 months and all the sun, fun, and snorkeling that came with them! Read our 2023 resolutions, as we look forward to another 365 days in paradise.

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You’ve Heard of Elf on the Shelf, But Have You Heard Of…
You’ve Heard of Elf on the Shelf, But Have You Heard Of…

(A collection of holiday-themed invertebrates you might find at our Atlantic reef)

We at MarineLab will be taking time to be thankful for all of our invertebrate species this season, and hope you enjoy your holidays!

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From The Classroom To the Coral Reef!
From The Classroom To the Coral Reef!

MarineLab loves working with our local schools, and thanks to one grant-funded program, we are able to show students throughout Monroe county their beautiful backyard! Read all about the fun Key Largo School had this week, and what local students are able to experience on this free trip to MarineLab.

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What A Site!
What A Site!

Ever wonder what makes MarineLab snorkels so amazing? It’s not just the instructors and captains that make every trip special; it’s also our sites! Instructor Pat shares all of his favorite sites, and what makes MarineLab stand out.

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Nerding Out for Nurse Sharks!
Nerding Out for Nurse Sharks!

Resident elasmobranch lover Ethan tells us all about one of Marinelab’s favorite sharks, the nurse shark. Learn about what makes this critter extra special, and why we love seeing them during our snorkel trips!

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The Land We’re On
The Land We’re On

This week, Marinelab is thankful for the land that we are able to protect and use to educate the future generations. Land Acknowledgements are a way to show respect to the original stewards of this land. Read about Instructor Anne’s learning experience here

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FREE marine science learning resources
FREE marine science learning resources

MarineLab has free videos, activities, and lesson plans based on our marine science curriculum. Sarah tells us all the different ways these FREE resources can be used!

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Haunted Happenings At Marinelab
Haunted Happenings At Marinelab

Want to know how Marinelab celebrated the 2022 spooky season? Read ahead if you dare……

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Caribbean Teacher Initiative
Caribbean Teacher Initiative

Caribbean teachers join MarineLab’s Summer Teacher Workshop in 2022 thanks to OCEEF.org

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Marinelab Behind the Scenes: Coordinating It All
Marinelab Behind the Scenes: Coordinating It All

How do Marinelab trips come together so smoothly? Our coordinator Anne Hill talks about the behind-the-scene work that keeps our programs running efficiently and what it takes to plan a Marinelab visit!

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Teachers asked…so we complied!
Teachers asked…so we complied!

A new partnership provides educational content for before and after MarineLab programs

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A Day In the Life of a MarineLab Instructor
A Day In the Life of a MarineLab Instructor

Spend a day at MarineLab through the eyes of an instructor! Instructor Pat, our field specialist, explores what an average day looks like for him and why he loves being an educator here in the Florida Keys.

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Who Comes to Marinelab?
Who Comes to Marinelab?

Have you ever wondered where our schools and students visit from? Read about the different groups that have traveled to Marinelab over the years!

By Anne Hill, Marinelab Coordinator, and Ginette Hughes, CEO

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MarineLab Through Fresh Eyes
MarineLab Through Fresh Eyes

Seasonal Instructor Clara Roth reflects on her first month at Marinelab and her first impressions of the programs, people, and snorkeling adventures. Read about her favorite moments so far!

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MarineLab’s First HS Camp
MarineLab’s First HS Camp

Kim Burnett, guest blogger and chaperone for MarineLab’s first High School Summer Camp, shares her thoughts on the experience (spoiler: it’s a great program!)

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