A brand new period of marine exploration is dawning within the Florida Keys. MarineLab, the famend nonprofit chief in marine science schooling, is ready to take over the legendary Jules’ Undersea Lodge, lagoon, and present store. Beginning September 1, 2025, the power can be rebranded as MarineLab Undersea Park & Museum, with Jules’ Undersea Lodge turning into Jules’ Undersea Lab. This transformation guarantees to mix the enduring undersea habitat with experiential instructional packages, making marine science and undersea residing extra tangible and out there to most people.
“I’m so happy that MarineLab is taking up the operations right here,” stated Teresa McKinna, the long-time President of Key Largo Undersea Park, who’s retiring after helping with the transition. “It’s an ideal match.”
MarineLab CEO Ginette Hughes sees the transfer as a pure enlargement of MarineLab’s actions. “We’ve got at all times been concerned in marine exploration by way of our dad or mum group Marine Assets Improvement Basis,” she said. MRDF’s Founder Ian Koblick added, “Everybody could be a marine explorer by way of SCUBA diving and snorkeling. This enlargement fulfills my authentic dream of serving to all individuals expertise the wonders of the undersea world in individual.”
The general public can stay up for a number of thrilling upgrades and new choices:
- Jules’ Undersea Lab: The undersea lodge can be revitalized to offer a extra immersive and academic expertise for day trippers and in a single day citizen scientists.
- Expanded Applications: New instructional snorkeling and SCUBA packages can be open to the general public, together with a singular Snorkel with a Marine Biologist program. Members will discover the mangrove-fringed lagoon and be taught in regards to the native ecosystem from one in every of MarineLab’s skilled science instructors.
- Undersea Laboratory Museum: Artifacts and displays in regards to the historical past of working and residing within the sea will be part of the prevailing MarineLab museum on dry land.
- Neighborhood Entry: Dive outlets will proceed to be welcome to make use of the lagoon for coaching, making certain the park stays a hub for the native diving neighborhood.
Joe and Ozlem Berg, recognized for his or her videography and diving experience, have joined the crew as Park Director and Reservations Supervisor. They’re keen to steer the power’s transformation. “The upgrades will make this a very world-class vacation spot for anybody passionate in regards to the ocean,” they stated.
For extra info contact Ginette Hughes at ginette.hughes@marinelab.org.
MarineLab
MarineLab is a spot the place lecturers and college students can find out about and expertise first-hand the wonders of our marine world! MarineLab is a registered service mark of Marine Assets Improvement Basis, a 501(c)3 group.
