Welcome to the REEF Campus, a vibrant hub for ocean conservation, citizen science, and marine education in the heart of Key Largo, Florida!

As the home base for REEF's global ocean conservation programs, the Campus serves as a gateway to the underwater world, inspiring visitors of all ages to explore, discover, and make a difference. Nestled in the historic and beautiful Florida Keys, the Campus features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and opportunities to engage in hands-on marine conservation programs. Whether you're discovering the wonders of the sea by touring the brand-new Ocean Exploration Center, walking the Native Plants Trail to learn about local flora and fauna, or delving into Florida Keys history and culture, the REEF Campus is an welcoming space for all to connect with the ocean and become a steward for our blue planet. 

Visit the REEF Campus

We are located at MM 98.3 in the median along the iconic Overseas Highway. Our address is 98300 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037.

Keep in touch! Stay up to date with the latest events and happenings at the REEF Campus by subscribing to our free REEF Campus & Keys Community monthly newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Want to see what's coming up? Click here to see upcoming events at the REEF Campus.

Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation - Grand Opening June 7-8, 2025

Opening in June 2025, the Ocean Exploration Center represents REEF's commitment to connecting people to oceans. This 4,000-square foot facility 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. Visit www.REEF.org/OEC to learn more.

 

Join us for the grand opening of the Ocean Exploration Center on June 7-8, 2025! The weekend will include tours, immersive exhibits, food and drink, exploring the Florida Keys, and more. Visit www.REEF.org/OECgrandopening for details and to RSVP.

 

Campus Administration

Campus Administration, formerly known as REEF Headquarters, serves as an office for many of our staff, interns, and volunteers. Inside the building are a series of self-guided interpretive exhibits, with topics including invasive species, endangered species, marine biodiversity, Florida Keys marine habitats, long-spined sea urchins, climate change, and marine fishes around the world. These exhibits are open Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

 

The Campus Administration building is a classic conch-style house with a rich and engaging history. Constructed in 1913, it is recognized as the oldest building in the upper Florida Keys still in its original location. Want to learn more about the history of this building and the Florida Keys? Click here to view the July 2024 REEF Fish & Friends presentation by Florida Keys Historian Brad Bertelli, titled "Rock Harbor, Pineapple Farming, and the Connection to REEF."

 

Reefscape Room

Opened in 2017, the Reefscape Room, previously known as the Interpretive Center, offers visitors unique and educational underwater experience without leaving dry land! A floor-to-ceiling mural highlights different marine ecosystems found in the Florida Keys, from seagrass and mangrove habitats to coral reefs and artifical reefs. Many of REEF's public outreach programs are held here. In addition, groups may schedule educational presentations or programs in this space, and visitors are invited to enjoy a self-guided tour during business hours. The Reefscape Room is open Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and select evenings and weekends.

 

To book an education program for your school, group, club, or family, visit the REEF Ocean Explorers Program webpage. Interested in reserving the Reefscape Room for a meeting or event? Click here for information about private bookings.

 

Native Plant & Heritage Trail

Nestled between the Ocean Exploration Center and Campus Administration, the Native Plant & Heritage Trail is tranquil outdoor oasis paired with an enriching educational experience. Winding through the lush hardwood hammock, this scenic trail provides opportunities for informal learning, recreation, and reflection while serving as a vital link to the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, a popular multi-use pathway that welcomes 1.5 million visitors and cyclists annually. A small pond and butterfly garden showcase a Florida Keys mangrove habitat, complete with mosquito fish to maintain ecological balance. This peaceful setting attracts pollinators and native wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts to observe the interconnected beauty of the region.

 

Along the trail, visitors will find interpretive signs highlighting diverse flora and fauna, as well as the cultural and historical significance of the Florida Keys. The trail offers a self-guided experience, allowing guests to explore at their own pace while gaining insight into the native plants, wildlife, and conservation efforts that define this unique ecosystem. The trail also features a well-equipped picnic area with tables, seating, a bike rack, a drinking fountain, and a Little Free Library. Adventure seekers can discover a Geocache hidden along the route, and an announcement kiosk provides information on upcoming REEF events. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll, a moment of quiet reflection, or a deeper understanding of the Florida Keys’ natural heritage, the Native Plant & Heritage Trail offers an immersive experience that celebrates the rich biodiversity and history of the REEF Campus.

 

Honoring REEF Supporters

Pathway to Ocean Conservation

Paving the way from the Reefscape Room to the Administrative Building is the Pathway to Ocean Conservation. The pathway features a collection of engraved bricks personalized to honor the many REEF members and organizations whose donations played a critical role in supporting the indoor and outdoor educational exhibits installed in 2017, including the Reefscape Room, Native Plants Trail, and other features to enhance the REEF Campus.

 

 

Ocean Unity Garden Display

The Ocean Unity display was installed in the garden at the REEF Campus in honor of REEF’s 30th anniversary in 2020. Ocean Unity shows how small actions can add up to make a big difference. For three decades, the REEF community has had a profound impact on marine conservation, and this one-of-a-kind display commemorates the amazing things we can accomplish when we work together. Throughout the summer of 2020, REEF members who donated $500 or more were honored with a personalized Ocean Unity plaque. Generous donors of $5,000 or more were honored with a plaque and fish sculpture on top of the posts.

 

Giving REEF

The Giving REEF is a hand-painted fish display at the REEF Campus designed to celebrate our generous donors. The display is updated each fall, and includes colorful, one-of-a-kind wooden fish, each with a personalized plaque recognizing donors who give $500 or more in a given year. Click here to learn more.