Welcome to MarineLab!

Waiver is DUE BY APRIL 13

Please click here to sign our e-waiver!

Or copy and paste: https://waivers.marinelab.org/SheridanApril2026

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. 

Want to ease any concerns your child may have about the boat trips?  Show them this video so they know what to expect.

Concerned about meals?  Learn more about dietary options!   

Inhalers, epipens, and Neffy-brand epi nasal spray: If you marked YES on MarineLab’s waiver that your child does have an inhaler, epipen, or Neffy-brand epi nasal spray 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).

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 Nalgene water bottles 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 bag. (NOTE: Check with your teacher about cell phones - some do not allow them on the trip.)

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! 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.    See our policy on "Full Face Snorkel Masks."

Prescription masks: We have a very limited number of prescription masks - if your child has restricted vision, consider purchasing and packing a prescription mask OR just purchase a set of lenses to bring on the trip that will fit in our 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.

• Sunblock (waterproof, SPF 30 or higher – no oils or sprays, please)
  
• Motion sickness medicine, if needed
  
• Medications (if you marked YES on waiver for student having an inhaler, epipen, or Neffy-brand epi nasal spray, they MUST have these with them in order to participate in our program!!)
• REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE IS REQUIRED

CLOTHING & TOWELS:

• Please come dressed ready for the water: have swimsuit on and clothing over top
  
• Change of clothes
  
• 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!
  
• Flip flops/sandals
  
• Sweatshirt/Rainjacket (check the weather)

** If coming Jan/Feb, consider bringing TWO boat towels and multiple sweatshirts/sweatpants so you always have dry, warm clothes post snorkel. A boat ride in 60 degrees is COLD when wet **

PERSONAL ELECTRONICS:

Cellphones, even waterproof ones, are not allowed on the boats or in the classrooms. We recommend disposable underwater cameras for picture taking. If they bring a GoPro or similar camera, be sure their name is on it!

SNORKEL EQUIPMENT:

Snorkel gear is included in your program! However, we do encourage you to bring your own mask & snorkel if you have a high-quality set and/or if you have a prescription mask.  We have a limited number of prescription masks – if you have restricted eyesight, consider purchasing and bringing with you OR just purchase a set of lenses to bring on the trip that fit in our masks. DO NOT BRING FULL-FACE MASKS, they are not allowed to be used in our program.  Read our policy on full face masks here.

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 and 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!