Are you MarineLab curious?  The workshop is FREE for any Florida teachers who are currently teaching 5th grade through high school and have never been to MarineLab before.

We want Florida based teachers to come experience what MarineLab is all about.  During this 2 day/1night program you will participate in discussions, labs and field trips that showcase the marine ecology of the Florida Keys.

The program includes two snorkeling trips by boat, overnight accommodations in our air conditioned dorm rooms, snorkel gear, and two meals.  All activities are based at our Key Largo campus.

Registration is a two step process: reserve your spot with a $50 deposit (fully refundable) and submit your medical and dietary information on the waiver.

10 AM - 1 PM: Arrival

1 PM Orientation

2 PM Swim Test/Gear

3 - 5 PM FIELD TRIP: Seagrass/Mangrove Ecology

6 PM Dinner

7 - 8 PM DISCUSSION: Coral Reef Ecology

8:15 - 9:15 PM LAB: Invertebrate Diversity

8 AM Breakfast

8:30 AM Question and Answer Session

9 - 12 PM FIELD TRIP: Coral Reef

12:30 Depart

A medical information/waiver must be completed within 5 days of purchasing a ticket for registration to be complete.The form also supplies important information regarding any special dietary needs. To accommodate your special dietary restrictions they must be indicated on the Medical Information Waiver Form at the time of registration.

We need your waiver submitted by September 1! If the waiver is not submitted by September 1, we reserve the right to refund your money and offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.

Please click here to submit your information and waiver form

Or copy and paste: https://waivers.marinelab.org/twsweekend2026

Doctor's Note: MarineLab requires a doctor’s note for conditions such as seizure disorders, heart conditions, recent injuries/surgeries, and/or conditions that can cause fainting (eg POTS) or loss of consciousness.  This list is not all-inclusive; parents/guardians should be prepared to provide a doctor’s note upon request.  The note should give approval for participant to snorkel in seawater off vessels that may be up to 5 miles offshore, potentially a 45 minute boat ride to land. 

*Failure to provide a Dr note for medical issue/injury could prevent participation in boat trips and/or snorkeling. 

*MarineLab will not submit requests until a few days prior to your arrival - if unsure if note is needed, please reach out to assistant.coordinator@marinelab.org for guidance to prevent having to get a note last minute.  Please email at least 14 days prior to your trip.

For a PDF version of this page, click here. 

TOILETRIES & PERSONAL ITEMS

Refillable water and coffee/tea container! We do not allow single use water bottles 

Pencil and notebook

Protective sunblock (SPF 30 or higher—no oil or sprays)

Insect repellent

Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.)

Motion Sickness Medicine (if motion sickness has been a problem)

Medication  

CLOTHING & LINENS  

2 Towels (one for shower, one for boat—bring small ones, they dry faster!)

Personal clothing and swimwear

Old T-shirts or rash guard for snorkeling (sun protection)

Windbreaker or rain coat

Sunglasses

Casual clothing: shorts, shirts, hat  

Camera (optional—put your name on it!) 

Plastic bag to carry wet items home!

Bed linens, pillow and blanket are provided!  

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES

You are responsible for the safety of your personal electronic devices.  We ask you to be considerate and turn your cell phone off during lectures.  

EQUIPMENT

Snorkel gear is included in your program!  Only bring your own equipment if you already own a high quality set.  PLEASE DO NOT BRING FULL FACE MASKS.  

PLEASE DO NOT BRING:   Slurp gun, speargun, large beach towels, squirt cheese or “fish food”.     

ARRIVING

You may arrive anytime between 10 AM and 1 PM on Sept 19.  At 1:00 PM there will be an orientation for all participants.  Please call/text the MarineLab cell if you are running late: 305-709-9949

DEPARTING

Departure is scheduled after the morning boat trip on Sept 20.  We will return to the dock at noon.  Lunch on September 20 is not included.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please contact us if you cannot make the program.  No shows forfeit the $50 refundable registration.

WIFI

Free campus wireless internet access is available.

FOOD AND DRINKS

Meals are primarily school-cafeteria type food.  We are limited in accommodating special diets but can provide gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian entrees to people who indicate that on their Information Forms.  The program includes dinner on September 19 and breakfast on September 20.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Housing is in our air-conditioned dorm-style rooms.  These rooms contain up to 8 people and are sex segregated.  Beds come with twin linens, a pillow and a blanket.  Room keys are not issued.  Anything especially valuable should be left at home.  However, cameras and personal items are safe in the rooms or you may lock them in your car.  Toilet and shower facilities are on the first floor. These are large rooms with enclosed stalls and showers.  You will probably want to bring a robe and flip flops to wear to and from the showers.  

SMOKING

No one is permitted to smoke or vape on property.  You must go off the grounds if you wish to smoke.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Please limit consumption of any alcoholic beverages to after the evening programs are over.