Explore the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

Plan Ahead

Visit the Eco-Discovery Center on the way to nearby Fort Zachary Taylor State Park or pair it with a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard vessel at the USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum next door.

Introduction

With more than 6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center aims to inspire visitors to preserve the marine ecosystems of the Florida Keys and enjoy this natural resource responsibly. Guests can learn about the native plants and animals of the Florida Keys through exhibits highlighting the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, four national wildlife refuges, and three national parks, including Dry Tortugas, located about 70 miles from Key West.

Visitors can watch a 20-minute movie about the Keys' fragile ecosystems and then explore the center on a self-paced tour. Staff and volunteers are also on-site to answer questions.

Highlights

Notable exhibits include a replica of NOAA's Aquarius, the only underwater ocean laboratory in the world, and a spotlight on the long maritime history of shipwrecks inside the sanctuary's waters. After completing renovations in late 2022, there are additional hands-on activities:

Interactive Exhibits

Guests can enjoy a mangrove exhibit where they can play animal noises and guess which animal made the sound. There is also an area with microscopes for observing coral up close and a paddleboard photo-op that mimics paddling through the mangroves.

Sensory Inclusive Facility

The center has been certified by KultureCity as a sensory inclusive facility for people with sensory sensitivities. It offers a separate room where visitors can take a break from the exhibits. Sensory kits are also available.

Location

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is situated on Key West's Truman Waterfront and is part of NOAA's Dr. Nancy Foster Florida Keys Environmental Complex.

Hours

The center is open Wednesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and so is parking, making this a convenient stop.

For more information, visit the center's website.