Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is an educational building in Key West dedicated to showing visitors the natural world of the region. With about 6,400 square feet (600 square meters) of exhibit space, it displays habitats like mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs through photos, interactive screens, and animal models.

The center opened in 2007 and became an important learning space for the community while keeping admission free. It also documents the maritime history of the region, including shipwrecks and artifacts like cannons from Spanish fleets that sank in the 18th century.

The center helps visitors understand how local ecosystems shape life in the Keys and why their protection matters to the community. Interactive exhibits on mangroves and coral reefs show how people and nature are connected here.

The center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, with free parking on-site. Plan to spend 30 minutes to two hours exploring the exhibits, which are accessible for all ages and include interactive elements throughout.

The center displays a replica of the Aquarius underwater laboratory, a real research station where scientists study marine life. A special feature is a live video camera that watches coral spawning, a natural event that is hard to see without special equipment, bringing rare underwater moments to visitors.

Location: Key West

Address: 35 Quay Rd, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Opening Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 09:00-16:00

Website: https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/eco_discovery.html

GPS coordinates: 24.55075,-81.80733

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:47