Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Florida Keys EcoDiscovery Center to close for roof repair
The NOAA Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is temporarily closed while NOAA evaluates findings from a recent structural assessment of the facility. NOAA will be working with engineers to determine the extent of the issues with the roof and address necessary repairs.
Visitors are able to explore the Eco-Discovery Center online by diving into our fully immersive, 360-degree virtual tour of the sanctuary and visitor center during the temporary closure. Since opening its doors in Key West in 2007, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center has served as a gateway to North America's only living contiguous barrier coral reef. Built on the Truman Annex waterfront as part of a larger complex it is a collaborative effort between NOAA, local agencies, and private partners. The 6,400-square-foot facility was designed with a single mission: to educate and inspire the next generation of ocean protectors.
From day one, the center has brought the ocean indoors to more than 750,000 visitors. Visitors can marvel at a centuries-old cannon recovered from the 1733 Spanish fleet, crawl through a replica of the famous Aquarius underwater research habitat, and get hands-on with interactive displays exploring local hardwood hammocks, coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass flats.
Explore the different ecosystems, creatures, history, and conservation efforts of the Florida Keys at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Featuring more than 6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, learn how to be a part of the solution to protect paradise. The exhibits showcase the enticing waters of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, two national parks, and four national wildlife refuges.
- Location: 35 Quay Road, Key West, Florida 33040
- Admission: Free; free parking
- Best for: All ages, families, outdoor enthusiasts, junior scientists
Virtual Tours
Accessibility Features
Physical and Mobility Assistance
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Wheelchair Accessibility/Mobility
- All the walking and viewing areas are wheelchair friendly.
- Both restrooms are wheelchair friendly.
- There are no stairs or ramps, as it is only a ground floor.
- The Help Desk is wheelchair friendly.
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Transportation
- The accessible parking spaces are designed to accommodate ramps from either the side or the rear of the vehicle.
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Parking
- There are a total of 27 parking spaces for the public, two being accessibility spots. (Those two spots are not the very first ones.) There are also two Eco-Discovery Center bike racks with ample space, plus one city bike rack that is on the main path leading to the property. There are also several city parking lots nearby for additional parking needs. The parking lot is large enough to accommodate school buses and travel coaches.
Service Animals
- Service dogs are always welcome at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. We follow the U.S. Department of Justice’s requirements for service dogs as listed under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service dogs are defined as animals trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability.
Sight and Hearing Impaired Assistance
- All videos within the exhibits are captioned and narrated.
- The 20-minute film in the theater is captioned and narrated.
- During exhibit renovations in 2022, all the exhibit text was designed to be easily read with large, contrasting font text and color. There are printed, large text documents available in several languages.
Sensory Friendly Assistance
- This is a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Facility. Staff and volunteers have had training to cater to people of all ages and backgrounds that may have certain sensory needs. This is not only limited to autism, but also to individuals experiencing PTSD, dementia, or those who may just be overstimulated. We offer sensory bags that help lessen the sensory overload and provide a sensory room where people can take a break from the exhibits and crowds.
Language
- Audio tour is available in English, Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole.
- Large text documents of exhibit text are available in English, Spanish, German, French, and Haitian Creole.