Tours
We conduct public tours of Mote's Key Largo Coral Nursery on Mondays at 3 p.m., Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Each public tour is limited to 12 participants, so please reserve your complimentary ticket in advance to ensure your spot. While public tours are free, donations are encouraged and appreciated, as Mote is a nonprofit dedicated to the ocean's future. The Key Largo Coral Nursery is located on the property of Reefhouse Resort & Marina, 103800 Overseas Highway (US Hwy 1) in Key Largo, Florida 33037.
Reserve Your Complimentary Ticket
Private tours are available upon request, please fill out the form below to receive more information about scheduling, availability and pricing. Two weeks notice is requested for scheduling.
Request a private group tour in Key Largo
For questions or more information, please contact: keysinfo@mote.org or Upper Keys Community Outreach and Events Coordinator Katie Cleek at 305-395-2757.
Hands-On Experiences at Key Largo
Slice of Paradise Coral Microfragmentation
Create living pieces of paradise by learning from the world’s leading scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory. Using a Mote pioneered technique called microfragmentation and reskinning, guests will learn how to cut coral on land, using a small jewelry diamond-bladed saw, creating small fragments. Guests will mount fragments on ceramic pedestals that will be returned to grow in the land-based nursery until the proper size to outplant.
During this experience, guests will learn about endangered species of coral that are important to Florida’s Coral Reef, and microfragment coral that will eventually be planted on nearby reefs as soon as they grow to the perfect size within the on-site coral nursery. Guests will also get an up-close view and tour of Mote’s land-based satellite nursery and learn about various research happening by Mote scientists to ensure genetic diversity and resiliency-focused strategies that make up Mote’s science-based, innovative and unique restoration approach for Florida’s Coral Reef. PLEASE NOTE: This class takes place at our laboratory location at KEY LARGO, FL in the FLORIDA KEYS.
Fee: $125 per person
Upcoming Dates & Times: Thursdays at 3 p.m. (click Register button for details) or contact keyseducation@mote.org to request a date/time not currently listed.
Age Requirements: Minimum age to participate is 10 years old at time of registration. All participants ages 10-17 MUST be accompanied by a paid adult participant.
This program is one-hour long and pre-registration is required. Registration closes two days prior to the tour date. We require a minimum of 2 guests to operate this program. If we do not meet our registration requirements, we will cancel the program and issue a full refund. Please review our program policies prior to registering.
Questions about Slice of Paradise? Contact us.
Education Programs
We believe conservation begins with education, and the sooner we can educate each other the better off our oceans and our lives will be. With our education programs, you can dive in and get your feet wet and your hearts inspired. We offer programs for all ages from guppies to adults. Education programs are offered at each of Mote’s Florida Keys campuses. To learn more, visit mote.org/keyseducation.