Connecting people to oceans.
For over 30 years, REEF has been helping people build meaningful connections with the oceans and empowering them to make a difference. Now, we are dreaming bigger in our pursuit of healthy, thriving oceans. We are very excited to share our plans for a new, state-of-the-art education center at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida.
The Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation will inspire curiosity and wonder for the oceans, foster scientific research and collaboration, and serve as an immersive experience that helps everyone discover their unique role in protecting our blue planet.
This $5 million initiative is a pivotal next chapter for REEF and our ocean conservation mission. Construction is underway, and we are planning a grand opening to coincide with World Ocean Day on June 8, 2025.
Click here to support the Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation
More than a museum or education center
The Center will be a launchpad for inspiring future ocean stewards, pioneering research, fostering collaboration, and transforming marine conservation. Visitors - both in person and online - will be empowered as citizen scientists, and become equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources to act as guardians of our blue planet. Central to our ‘Oceans for All’ values, the Center will be free and open to the public - the only such visitor attraction in the area.
Renowned leaders, scientists, researchers, and arts and humanities scholars will convene at the Center to collaborate and address the challenges facing today’s oceans. Permanent and rotating exhibits will celebrate excellence in scientific innovation, history, humanities, and arts.
In the Florida Keys, the ocean is our classroom.
REEF’s 30-plus year legacy as a global leader in conservation is rooted in Key Largo. As one of the premier US destinations to experience the ocean up close, the Florida Keys are an ideal place to foster meaningful and long-lasting connections to the marine environment. More than 5 million people visit the Florida Keys each year, and the Ocean Exploration Center will help to drive positive change and motivate people to take action to protect the oceans.
Project Updates - April 2024
We're thrilled to share an update from the REEF Campus in Key Largo. The Center has been painted to match the historic REEF Headquarters building, and railings were installed on the second floor balcony. Our dedicated team is currently designing interactive exhibits and displays for both inside and outside the Center. Every step brings us closer to building a brighter future for our oceans!
Interested in learning more?
We hope you are as excited as we are about seeing this incredible vision come to life, and we would love to hear your thoughts and ideas. If you would like to chat about this project and how to get involved, please email martha@REEF.org or christy@REEF.org to get in touch.