Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center // Key West NOAA // Mote Marine Laboratory
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
I can’t say enough about the exhibits and the work being done at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. It features over 6,000 square feet of interactive and dynamic exhibits. Native plants and animals of the Florida Keys are displayed, and there’s even a model of Aquarius, which is the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory. The exhibits were educational and interesting. What a great place to visit on a rainy day, or a seriously hot day.
My Favorite Display
How long it takes for coral to grow – I’m standing by a core sample from modern times to 500 years ago! Fascinating facts, information, education.
The coral core sample was amazing since it was accompanied with a timeline of historic events. The amount of growth over 400 years is only a couple feet.
Some of the displays are interactive, some involve reading or watching a short video, and some are live!!! Looking at reef maps, and watching all the sea creatures in the various aquariums is fun for all ages.
Full Scale Model of an Underwater Laboratory
My dive partner’s broken humerus meant this was as close to diving as he would get on this trip. So, we checked out what an underwater lab is like.
We had a laugh hamming it up by Aquarius – this exhibit showed how scientists on research expeditions live under the sea while working. We did have a lot of trouble taking photos; it was very dark throughout the facility.
Weather Fascinates Floridians
When NOAA posts information, you know it’s accurate! We had fun comparing hurricane activity over the years and trying to determine why some decades were more hurricane-heavy than others.
Hurricane stages in photographs revealed more than our in-person observations could yield. For anyone who lives out of Hurricane Territory, the information on these storms is amazing.
Mote Marine Laboratory Living Reef
The living reef exhibit includes a 2,500 gallon reef tank with living corals and tropical fish, and even a live Reef Cam.
How coral restoration is conducted was explained, with examples of the process of budding new coral growth by division and planting.
Wealth of Information
We couldn’t stop taking photographs of all the interesting posters and information. Statistics, data, and information about our oceans was comprehensive and educational. I think I’ll order a copy of this poster!
Hard to Find
When you are looking for the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, watch out for this sign. It is a very small, easy-to-miss sign. Turn right into their parking lot.
The address is: Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, 35 East Quay Road, Key West, FL 33040 Phone 305-809-4750. Admission is free. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday fro 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Florida Keys Eco Discovery Brochure
What to Read Next
Cuban Chugs at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
History of Diving Museum // “Immerse Yourself in Diving History” // Islamorada, Florida Keys
Don’t Forget: Toxic Sunscreen Banned in FL Keys
Stream2Sea is the only completely reef- and coral-larvae safe sunscreens and shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and sting relief, and they package it in sugar-cane resin containers, not single-use plastic containers! Don’t get sent to the sunscreen police! Use code “KimW” for 10% off your order.
