MarineLab Family Day

Bring your family to MarineLab and snorkel the reef with your very own in-water marine biologist guide. We’ll get you thinking like ecologists with a dockside coral reef jeopardy game. Then, put that knowledge to the test with a coral reef snorkel.

Please do not arrive before 12:45!  

1 PM: Arrive and check in

1:15 - 2 PM: MarineLab instructors will review proper use of snorkel equipment as well as safety signs and signals.  All participants will be outfitted with snorkel gear - we have plenty for all but feel free to bring your own, if you prefer.  All participants will also need to take a simple swim test.

2 PM - 2:30 PM: Coral Reef Jeopardy!  Before we take you snorkeling we want to make sure you know what you are looking at, why our reef is so important, what we can do to keep our waters healthy, and how to find all the good stuff once we are out there!

2:30 PM - 5 PM: Board a MarineLab vessel, enjoy a 30 minute boat ride to a Key Largo reef (site dependent on weather), and hop in the water with a marine biologist guide to explore the coral reef ecosystem.  Plan to snorkel two sites.

**sequence of events and snorkel site locations subject to change due to weather conditions

Admission: There will be a $10 REFUNDABLE deposit for all participants. 

**if the refundable deposit poses a financial burden for your family, please contact our Outreach Coordinator directly to register

Please consider that these are high demand events with waitlists - if you sign up and are no longer able to attend, please reach out to Anne at outreach@marinelab.org in advance so that another family can fill your spot!

Waiver Required! Find the waiver here (If you have already attended a family day in 2025, there is no need to fill out another waiver.)

Age: Limited to ages 7 and up. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

Snorkel gear: Don’t have your own? We’ve got you covered! We are happy to provide snorkel gear in any size you need.

What to bring: A swimsuit, towel, water bottle, sunscreen, and snorkel gear (if you have it!)

For more information, email our Outreach Coordinator, Anne den Otter, at anne.denotter@marinelab.org