Welcome to our quarterly REEF Campus update, featuring a seasonal snapshot of what’s happening at the Ocean Exploration Center and REEF Campus in Key Largo. From community events and educational programs to behind-the-scenes updates and visitor highlights, this quarterly feature brings you closer to the heart of REEF.
It’s hard to believe that it has already been three months since we officially opened the doors to REEF’s Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo! This new chapter has brought a wave of exciting transformations, from lush landscaping and thoughtfully redesigned workspaces to expanded community programs and vibrant public events. Here are some highlights from our first season:
The Florida Keys community is embracing the Ocean Exploration Center. Since our grand opening during World Ocean Day weekend in June, we’ve received an enthusiastic response from locals and partners. We even welcomed a group of international marine managers hosted by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. After a morning of presentations, they enjoyed lunch in our newly refreshed garden filled with native plants, and explored the Center's interactive exhibits.
Visitors are giving us five-star reviews. Whether they found us online or walked in after driving past us on Overseas Highway, our guests have been loving what they see. We’re proud to be featured on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, with glowing, five-star reviews praising our friendly team, hands-on exhibits, and programs for all ages. One recent review summed it up perfectly: “The exhibits are beautiful, the staff is knowledgeable and courteous, and the interactive activities are fun and educational - my family loved it!” - Jennifer L., TripAdvisor, June 2025
We've hosted several travel writers and media crews. Just last month, US News & World Report named the Ocean Exploration Center one of the Top 10 Things to Do in Key Largo! Thank you to our partners at Visit Florida Keys for their support in establishing these connections.
Our education and outreach programs have a brand new home. The monthly REEF Fish & Friends lecture series is now hosted on the second floor of the Center in the high-tech and spacious Ocean Outreach Gallery, with standing-room-only crowds all summer long. Recent speakers have included REEF Co-Founder Ned DeLoach, Dr. Chris Malinowski, star of Netflix’s All the Sharks, and Malachi Fenn of Florida Public Archaeology Network. Every Tuesday night, our weekly Ocean After Hours program features hands-on marine activities, ocean-themed games, and community events for ocean lovers of every age. Each week brings a fresh experience, from workshops and trivia to creative art projects and science spotlights. Visit this page to see upcoming Ocean After Hours events.
Whether you’ve visited in person or supported us from afar, we hope all REEF members feel proud of what we’ve accomplished together. The Ocean Exploration Center is more than a building, it’s a vibrant new hub for marine conservation, citizen science, and community connection. You can keep up with what's happening at the Center by subscribing to our monthly REEF Campus & Keys Community email newsletter here. We hope to welcome you for a visit soon!