Welcome to MarineLab!

Waiver is DUE BY September 15, 2024:

Please click here to sign our e-waiver!

Or copy and paste:

https://tinyurl.com/2024-GLSKW

If you have questions about your program, ask your group leader or teacher first!  They will have details that we do not.

Want to know more about what your child will be doing?  Watch our video and visit our website.

Concerned about meals?  Learn more about dietary options!   

Epi-pens and Inhalers If you marked YES on MarineLab’s waiver that your child does have either an Epi-pen or Inhaler you MUST pack it so your child has it with them at MarineLab.  If you marked yes on the waiver and the child does not have it, they will NOT be able to participate in the MarineLab program.  (Please make sure they bring the right TYPE of inhaler; if they have a rescue inhaler, they should bring that and be prepared to always have it on the boat with them).

Contacting your child: You may call the office at (305) 451-1139 option 2 to leave a message for your student during regular office hours, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Please note that the students are out in the field most of the day, and have a limited window of opportunity to call you back!

Water Bottles MarineLab does not allow single-use water bottles on campus AT ALL. However, HYDRATION is very important of course! We require ALL students to have a refillable water bottle. They will use this water bottle to stay hydrated on the boats. We sell Nalgenes in the gift shop, and the teacher can place an advance order for the entire group if desired.

Cell phones Cell phones are not allowed on the boats or in the classrooms or labs. Please make sure your child knows to keep his or her cell phone in their luggage.

Water Safety and Snorkeling Most of the questions we hear from parents are about the swim test and snorkeling. MarineLab staff members are very encouraging to all students, and usually a timid student can end up being the best snorkeler in the group! All our staff are American Red Cross Lifeguard certified, and very experienced in supervising students in the water. Visit our water safety page for details.

Snorkel mask, fins, vest and wetsuits are included in the program fee! If your child has their own high quality mask and fins, feel free to send it along, but don't go out and buy their own. Ours is good quality and included!  See our policy on "Full Face Snorkel Masks."

What's a rash guard? A rash guard is a long sleeved shirt sometimes called a "swim shirt". It provides sun protection for your child. Sunscreen washes off quickly in the water. A long sleeve lightweight t shirt works just as well.

Got questions? Feel free to call us about what your child will be experiencing while they're at MarineLab! However, if you have questions about the program fee, participation guidelines, or similar queries, please contact your child's teacher.

If you have questions about the gift shop, please contact them directly at 305-451-2353. Their hours are 8 am - 2 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

Want to bring the whole family down for the MarineLab experience?  Read about some of our other programs here.

For a PDF of this list click here

TOILETRIES & PERSONAL ITEMS:

• Sunblock (waterproof, SPF 30 or higher – no oils or sprays, please)
  
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.)
• Motion sickness medicine, if needed
  
• Medications (if you marked YES on waiver for student having an epi or inhaler, they MUST have these with them in order to particpate in our program!!)
• Camera (put your name on it!)
  
• REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE IS REQUIRED

CLOTHING, BED LINENS, & TOWELS:

• Sleeping bag or twin bed linens, & pillow
  
• 2 towels (one for shower, one for boat)
  
• Personal clothing & swimwear
  
• Rash guards or t-shirt for sun protection while snorkeling
  
• Hat & sunglasses
  
• Face buffs/neck gaiters (sun & wind protection)
  
• Plastic bag to carry wet items home!
  
• Sandals/tennis shoes to wear around campus
  
• Flip flops/shower shoes
  
• Raincoat
  
• Sweatshirt or jackets for cooler months (November – March; you may feel chilled when you get out of the water)

PERSONAL ELECTRONICS:

Cellphones, even waterproof ones, are not allowed on the boats or in the classrooms. Please be sure your student knows to store them securely in their luggage while they are out on the water. We recommend disposable underwater cameras for picture taking. If they bring a GoPro or similar camera, be sure their name is on it! Don’t forget charging cords!

SNORKEL EQUIPMENT:

Snorkel gear is included in your program! You are welcome to bring your own mask & snorkel if you have a high-quality set. Fins take up a lot of packing space so feel free to leave yours at home and use ours instead. Shorty wetsuits are provided, if needed.  DO NOT BRING FULL-FACE MASKS as we have determined they are unsafe in our program.  Read our policy on full face masks here.

Food (it invites creepy crawlies into the dorm rooms) 

Slurp gun 

Speargun 

Dive gloves or dive knives

Cheese Whiz or “fish food”

Fishing equipment

Gum

SPRAY sunscreen

Full Face Mask

THE GIFT SHOP HAS THE FOLLOWING:

• Post cards & stamps
• Souvenirs
• T-shirts nad hoodies
• Single-use cameras
• Water Bottles
• Towels

We encourage you to watch this short video to learn about snorkeling in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and how you can help to protect this special place!