Mote Marine Laboratory's Coral Reef Exploration exhibit is housed at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center. This permanent exhibit features three aquariums, interpretative displays and interactive kiosks, focusing on providing both a beautiful and educational view of the unique coral reef ecosystem of the Florida Keys and the challenges it faces.
The largest of the aquariums at Coral Reef Exploration is a 1,250-gallon tank showcasing species that make their home around the Florida Keys coral reefs, including angel fish, butterfly fish, tangs and wrasse. Guests to the Discovery Center can get up close and personal with invasive lionfish in a 280-gallon aquarium, and check out live coral, crustaceans and reef fish living in a second 280-gallon aquarium.
The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center is a world-class museum that preserves and shares the incredible history of our Upper Keys community and explores the unique ecology of the region. In addition to permanent exhibits on subjects such as Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railway, Legends of the Line, and First People, the Discovery Center offers a lecture series, educating the public through presentations from a variety of expert speakers. The museum’s second floor features a state-of-the-art theater showing documentaries on topics like the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane and Indian Key, as well as traveling exhibits, and the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library. The center, on the property of the Islander Resort, is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.