Florida Keys Eco - Discovery Center Tours and Activities

Florida Keys Eco - Discovery Center featuring interior views
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Learn about the area’s important marine ecology at this comprehensive attraction that addresses global environmental concerns, interesting for visitors of all ages.

The water around Key West teems with life and the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is an eco-sensitive area that can be explored. Children and adults will learn about the Keys’ shorelines and underwater world through videos, displays and interactive exhibits spread over 6,000 square feet (560 square meters).

See the Aquarius exhibit, which is a copy of the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory. The actual lab is not far away, located 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) off Key Largo at a depth of 62 feet (19 meters).

A section of the center is part of the Mote Marine Laboratory network, with an exhibit on living reefs. Watch the coral reef come alive in a 2,500-gallon (9,500-liter) reef tank containing an ecosystem of reefs and tropical fish that have an interrelated dependence. Learn about North America’s only coral barrier reef located where the Aquarius is submerged and also about the dangers facing this marine organism.

As expected, the reef is off-limits and protected in a national marine sanctuary, so the center provides an excellent way to learn about it. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, provides current information on the reef’s condition and manages the center.

In addition to explaining the reef, the center has displays on other aspects of the ocean encompassing southern Florida, including an excellent high-definition movie, Reflections of the Florida Keys. View what’s happening on the reef in real time through a live video camera. Watch an exhilarating 3-D movie filmed in nearby waters.

The gift shop is a worthwhile spot to visit for unique items, with sale proceeds supporting educational programs. Plan a family outing to the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Parking and admission are free, although donations are gratefully accepted.

Find the center at the Truman Waterfront. It is closed Sunday, Monday and certain holidays. If you aren’t driving, get here by riding the free Duval Loop bus that stops at the center.

Compare 2,568 hotels close to Florida Keys Eco - Discovery Center with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

The Southernmost Inn - Adults Only
The Southernmost Inn - Adults Only
3 out of 5
525 United Street, Key West, FL, 33040
The price is $321 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
$321
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Key West. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 outdoor pools, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Friendly sraff, close to everything."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2023

The Southernmost Inn - Adults Only
Southernmost Beach Resort
Southernmost Beach Resort
4 out of 5
1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL, 33040
The price is $462 per night from Apr 24 to Apr 25
$462
per night
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Key West. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a beach locale, and 2 poolside bars. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,597 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2023

Southernmost Beach Resort
Opal Key Resort & Marina, Key West
Opal Key Resort & Marina, Key West
4 out of 5
245 Front Street, Key West, FL, 33040
The price is $494 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
$494
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Key West. Enjoy a marina, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Paradise found.
"Excellent staff and facilities"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

Opal Key Resort & Marina, Key West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Plan a trip to see Florida Keys Eco - Discovery Center

Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel
Paradise Inn Key West - Adults Only
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Best Lodging Options Near Florida Keys Eco - Discovery Center

Heron House - Adult Only
Heron House - Adult Only
3.5 out of 5
512 Simonton St, Key West, FL, 33040
Heron House - Adult Only
Southernmost Beach Resort
Southernmost Beach Resort
4 out of 5
1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL, 33040
Southernmost Beach Resort
The Southernmost Inn - Adults Only
The Southernmost Inn - Adults Only
3 out of 5
525 United Street, Key West, FL, 33040
The Southernmost Inn - Adults Only
Opal Key Resort & Marina, Key West
Opal Key Resort & Marina, Key West
4 out of 5
245 Front Street, Key West, FL, 33040
Opal Key Resort & Marina, Key West
Crowne Plaza Key West-La Concha, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Key West-La Concha, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
430 Duval St, Key West, FL, 33040
Crowne Plaza Key West-La Concha, an IHG Hotel
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
4 out of 5
2001 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL, 33040
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Pier House Resort & Spa
Pier House Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
1 Duval St, Key West, FL, 33040
Pier House Resort & Spa
Silver Palms Inn
Silver Palms Inn
3.5 out of 5
830 Truman Ave, Key West, FL, 33040
Silver Palms Inn
Wicker Guesthouse
Wicker Guesthouse
3.5 out of 5
913 Duval Street, Key West, FL, 33040
Wicker Guesthouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.