How do we get to MarineLab?
Anne Hill, Coordinator
MarineLab is located in Key Largo, Florida, the largest island in the famous Florida Keys, and also the closest to the Florida mainland. Less than 30 miles separate our hometown from the mainland and despite being an island, you get here by car or bus on US1, also called the Overseas Highway in the Keys.
About 75% of MarineLab’s schools and groups come from within Florida. A few opt to use their own school buses, but most contract with a charter bus company from their local area. For one day programs, buses can wait at one of the local parks or the nearby Trade Winds Plaza where Publix is located until it’s time to pick the group up and depart. Besides Publix, the plaza has a restaurant and an Arby’s next door making it convenient for the driver to enjoy lunch and stretch their legs during the wait.
In 2011, we managed to fit FOUR charter buses in our parking lot.
For overnight programs, most bus companies simply send the bus back on departure day rather than waiting in the Keys. However, there are several hotels near MarineLab that do offer bus parking in the event the driver will be staying overnight as well. For your convenience, we provide a list of nearby hotels. You can opt to house your driver at MarineLab, but please be aware that our dormitory-style setup lacks the many amenities of a hotel, including private bathrooms and television! Most importantly, we do not have space on property to park a bus.
Some small groups use parents and private cars to bring their students to MarineLab. Please be aware that we have VERY limited parking on campus, and schools have one or two parking spaces allocated to them, depending on the size of the group. Additional personal cars must be parked off site.
For groups traveling to MarineLab via air through Miami or Ft Lauderdale, rental vehicles are a possibility and there are a number of shuttle and charter bus companies that will pick you up at the airport and bring you to our doorstep. Shuttle companies are generally best for small groups of 14 or fewer, although you would of course have the option to reserve more than 1 shuttle if you have a slightly larger group. Charter buses work well for large groups and most can accommodate up to 50 or so people on one bus. Most of the shuttle and bus companies will allow for a fast food stop along the way but be sure to confirm that before making your reservation. Side trips to Everglades National Park or other points of interest are usually available for an additional fee. An internet search will yield many options for shuttle and bus companies, and we also offer a list of some of the bus and shuttle companies commonly used by our guests.
If you have any questions about how you can get here, feel free to call coordinator Anne Hill at 305.451.1139 option 1 and she will be happy to help you find a solution!