Go beyond the classroom and immerse students in real science happening now at Mote's Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in the Florida Keys.
Choose from single day to multiple day activities, explore housing options, and more.
Request a Visiting Program here.
Reservations for visiting school programs are currently open!
- Fall/Winter Programs (September 1- February 28): Reservations open on April 1st
- Spring Programs (March 1 -May 31): Reservations open on September 1st
- Summer Programs (June 1 - August 31): Reservations open on December 1st
Stay where the research is happening. Housing is available onsite for multi-day programs.
- 2 dorm style apartments
- up to 12 people per room
- full kitchen
- linens and cookware provided
Discounts available for visiting groups booking an education package
Choose your program
Multi-day programs
The following programs are designed for high school and college level students. To ensure an immersive research and field work experience our programs have a maximum of 16 students. Please fill out a request form to receive a program estimate.
Each program includes:
- Behind the Scenes tour
- Research Lab and Field Experiences
- All boat charters, gear rentals, and gratuity
- Onsite housing is available (see below)
Dive into Science
Duration: 1 day
Cost: $200/participant
- Coral and Fish ID Training
- Underwater Survey Methods
- 2-tank Dive Charter
Coral Restoration Workshop
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $300/participant
- Coral Fragmentation Workshop
- Kayaking Tour
- Citizen Science Training
- Snorkeling Reef Trip
Discover Scientific Diving
Duration: 3 days
Contact for pricing
- 3 Dive Skills Training Sessions
- Two 2-tank Dive Charters
- Land-Based Coral Restoration training
*Minimum 25 dives required
Investigate Climate Change
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $300/participant
- Ocean Simulator Experiments
- Student Research Project
- Snorkeling Reef Trip
Investigate Environmental Health
Duration: 4 days
Cost: $400/participant
- Kayaking Tour
- Student Research Project
- Snorkeling Reef Trip
Conservation & Scuba Certification
Duration: 6 days
Contact for pricing
- Open-Water SCUBA Certification
- Mote's Coral Nursery Dive
- Coral ID & Reef Surveys
Click here to fill out a request form to receive your program estimate
Single day - Florida Keys Programs
Activities can be booked as multi-day packages or single activities. If booking any ofthe following programs individually, limit one activity per day. For multi-day program pricing, contact us at keyseducation@mote.org.
Behind the Scenes Tour of Mote's Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration
Duration: 1 hour
Single activity price: $100/tour
Join Mote staff for a private tour of Mote's Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration. Come behind the scenes and into the labs of Mote's coral reef restoration and research scientists. Get an up close look at our land-based nursery and Caribbean coral species. This tour explores areas both inside and outside the facility; please wear comfortable shoes and clothing for hot and humid weather.
Kayaking EcoTour
Duration: 2 hours
Single activity price: $25/student
Up for an adventure? Gear up and get ready for a 90-minute journey exploring the waterways of Summerland Key with one of our professional education team members.
Coral Restoration: Land-based Nursery
Duration: 2 hours
Single activity price: $20/student
Students get an in-depth look at what it takes to grow coral on land before they are outplanted on our coral reefs. We will explore topics like algae mitigation, husbandry, and microfragmentation and reskinning techniques. Students will have opportunities to get hands-on in our nursery.
Ocean Acidification Classroom Lab
Duration: 2 hours
Single activity price: $20/student
Students will learn about the effects of climate change on our oceans and the stress on our coral reefs. They will investigate how ocean acidification and temperature can affect the health of marine organisms, and how scientists use this information to make informed decisions about coral reef restoration.
Coral Health and Disease Classroom Lab
Duration: 2 hours
Single activity price: $20/student
Students will learn about the current state of health on Florida’s coral reef tract. Students will be introduced to concepts of disease, coral bleaching, and changing ocean conditions. Students will participate in a hands activity investigating how disease affects corals & research methods used by Mote scientists to study and prevent the spread of disease on the reef.
Coral Identification Lab
Duration: 2 hours
Single activity price: $20/student
Students will learn identifying features of Caribbean coral species. Students will become familiar with the main species in our coral nurseries and will have an opportunity to practice their new identification skills with live coral in Mote’s land-based coral nursery.
Single day - Dive/Snorkel Programs
Activities can be booked as multi-day packages or single activities. If booking any of the following programs individually, limit one activity per day. For multi-day program pricing, contact us at keyseducation@mote.org.
Price includes classroom lesson at Mote and all charter costs, including snorkeling (mask, fins, snorkel) or SCUBA equipment (BCD, regulator, tank, weights). There is a $100 additional dive fee for any students/chaperones SCUBA diving. All divers must be at least certified to Open-Water. Transportation to the dive shop/field site is not provided.
Coral Identification & Reef Surveys
Duration: 8 hours
Single activity price: $75/student
Students will learn identifying features of Caribbean coral species. Students will become familiar with the main species in our coral nurseries and how to identify them in the nursery and on the reef. Students will have an opportunity to practice their new identification skills with live coral in Mote’s land-based coral nursery and in the field at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.
Coral Health & Disease Reef Surveys
Duration: 8 hours
Single activity price: $75/student
Students will learn about the current state of health on Florida’s coral reef tract. Students will investigate concepts of disease, coral bleaching, and changing ocean conditions. Furthermore, they will be trained to identify disease and stress on common corals found in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In the afternoon we will dive or snorkel at a nearby coral reef and conduct disease monitoring surveys. These surveys are given back to Mote scientists as data for our ongoing disease monitoring projects.
Coral Restoration: In the Field (SCUBA ONLY)
Duration: 8 hours
Single activity price: $190/diver (per person; includes gear rental)
Students have an opportunity to get hands-on with coral restoration in the field! After a morning classroom lesson at Mote, students go on a private boat charter to Mote’s coral nursery. Students will learn about Mote's cutting-edge coral restoration techniques and participate in coral nursery restoration activities. SCUBA diving is required. A minimum of 8 participants is required to reserve this program.
Fort Zachary-Taylor Snorkel Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Single activity price: $35/student (includes park entrance fee)
Just a short snorkel from the beach is Mote's only coral outplant site accessible from the shore! Enjoy the beautiful scenery at Fort Zachary-Taylor state park, and after our snorkel your group is welcome to stay around for lunch at the picnic tables, enjoy the beach, and explore the historic fort. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, snorkeling gear cannot be provided at this time. Students must bring their own gear and have strong swimming skills.
*Any snorkel charter can be upgraded to a dive charter
See sample program schedules here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide housing?
Yes! We have 4 dorm-style apartments at our facility. Each apartment has a kitchen, bathroom, and balcony. We have 3 apartments with bunk beds for 12, and 1 apartment that sleeps 10 (handicap accessible)
- Apartment option A (sleeps 12): $360/night
- Apartment option B* (sleeps 10): $300/night
*handicap accessible
All groups scheduled through education are booked as private rooms, regardless of the number of participants, and no other guests will be booked in those rooms. By booking through education you receive a discounted room rate of $360/room/night (*or $300/room for a 10 person room).
Guests under 18 years of age must be separated by gender, and a minimum of 1 male and 1 female chaperone is required for groups with both genders.
Can Mote provide Food?
Mote cannot provide food to your group. Each apartment is equipped with a full kitchen including stove, oven, microwave, sink, and refrigerator for your use. There is a grocery store, Winn-Dixie on Big Pine Key, within 15 minutes drive from the lab. Additionally, in your Welcome Packet and in your rooms you will be provided a list of dining options in the area.
What types of programs do you offer?
We offer programs for Monroe County Schools, Visiting School Programs, Homeschool Programs, Virtual Programs, Internships, and Student Dive Program. Click each link to view more information, including prices.
Can I choose which activities we want within the program packages?
Pre-determined multi-day program schedules cannot be changed, however you can book any of the activities you see on the multi-day schedules as a single-day program. If booking any of the following programs individually, limit one activity per day.
Does it matter what time we arrive to check in?
Our facility is open Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. It is best to try to plan your arrival between those times. Check-in for groups is scheduled for 2 pm. You will receive instructions for self-check in procedures at the time of your final payment (14 days prior to your arrival).
Do we need our own transportation?
Yes. Mote cannot provide transportation for you. If you plan to leave the facility or your program includes a boat charter you will need to have your own vehicle to transport students.
Where are you located?
Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration is located on Summerland Key, FL. About 25 minutes from Key West and 3 hours from Miami. To view on Google Maps, click here.
Where is the closest airport to fly into?
Key West International Airport is the closest airport to our facility. However, flights are typically more expensive and rental cars less available. Most of our groups choose to fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
What do students need to bring?
For a complete packing list, click here. This packing list is a suggestion. Depending on your program, some items included on this list may not be required for your visit.
Are there any waivers/forms to fill out prior to arrival?
Yes. Please fill out the following waivers and send to keyseducation@mote.org at least 7 days prior to your arrival.
Every student and participant needs to sign:
- IC2R3 Liability Waiver
- General Release Form
- If diving/snorkeling: Captain Hooks Waiver
All participants under the age of 18 will need waivers to be signed by their parents. Students without completed waivers will not be able to participate in scheduled activities.
Booking Programs
What is the cost of my program?
The cost of our programs can vary greatly depending on the duration of your stay, how many students and chaperones you have, if you require accommodations, etc. To receive an estimated cost of your program, please fill out the reservation request form. Once completed, your Mote coordinator can provide you with a program quote.
How do I book a program?
When you are ready to book, you will receive a confirmation document that must be signed by the group contact. Once we receive a signed confirmation, an invoice will be prepared for your program. A 25% deposit is required to reserve your program and housing. The deposit will be due 14 days after you receive the invoice.
Can we change the number of students or chaperones after booking?
The number of participants can be changed up to 60 days prior to the program start date. After 60 days, numbers are confirmed per your invoice and confirmation agreement.
What if we need to cancel our trip?
If you cancel your reservation within 14 days of booking your visit and before paying your deposit, there will be no penalty. If you cancel your reservation 15 days or more after booking your visit, you will forfeit your 25% non-refundable deposit. If you cancel less than 30 days before your scheduled visit, no refund will be issued. Mote reserves the right to cancel or modify any program or schedule. Modification of a program schedule by Mote does not constitute grounds for a refund.
What if an activity gets cancelled due to bad weather?
In the event of inclement weather, your field experience may be cancelled. Whenever possible, Mote will schedule an alternative indoor excursion.
Payments
When is my deposit due?
A 25% deposit is due 14 days after you receive the invoice. Your deposit is required to confirm your booking.
When is my final payment due?
Please mail check for final payment so Mote receives it 7 days prior to visit. Notate invoice number on the check. Purchase orders are accepted. If final payment is not made by the deadline, your reservation is subject to cancellation and you will forfeit your deposit.
How do I pay for my program?
Payment may be made via check or credit card. Please refer to your confirmation email for instructions on making your deposit and final payment.
Can students or chaperones pay separately?
Any additional persons/chaperones have to be included on the invoice, however they can be a separate line form OR a separate invoice if that's needed. The school/group is responsible for collecting those fees and either submitting those checks with theirs and/or collecting payment and then including that in their check.
For any additional questions about payments, please contact educate@mote.org or 941-388-4441 ext. 348