Meetings

Spanning more than 10,000 acres of protected lands, The Islamorada Area State Parks encompass seven beloved community state parks in the Upper and Middle keys. Groups can help keep these natural spaces pristine and operations running smoothly by lending a hand to the official citizen support organization for these parks, The Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks. Volunteer opportunities include park maintenance assistance, ranger station attendant, and more.

Based in Key Largo, the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (better known as just REEF) actively engages local communities in the organization’s marine conservation efforts. In fact, their Volunteer Fish Survey Project – which tasks snorkeler and divers with tracking and recording fish species they see – is directly responsible for establishing the world’s largest database of marine fishes, a vital way researchers gain an understanding of our marine ecosystems. So why not partake in a popular Key Largo pastime while conducting a little science for this particular project? Check out the program’s toolkit to learn how groups can help during a snorkeling excursion.

Dubbed the “Dive Capital of the World,” Key Largo is renowned for its numerous dive sites nestled along some of the most beautiful reefs located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. They’re also some of the easiest to access, catering to divers (and snorkelers) of all skill levels. The result is a distinctive experience for adventurous groups seeking to immerse themselves in the rich marine life across a range of reefs, from Molasses, Elbow, and French Reef to the iconic Christ of the Abyss statue.

Organized by the resort, this activity is more than just a scenic bike ride through the 20-mile-long chain of islands that make up Islamorada; it’s a scavenger hunt. Participants are grouped into teams before the ride, each receiving a clue to guide them to their starting point. At each location, they receive an additional clue to lead them to their next destination – this repeats for approximately 12 stops. Teams must also gather specific words from each clue, and the first team to return to the start line with all the correct words wins the prize.

Situated on the grounds of Reefhouse Resort & Marina, an open-air facility houses 20 fiberglass tanks that contain coral fragments in various growth stages. Welcome to the satellite land nursery for Mote Marine Laboratory’s cutting-edge coral restoration project. Groups not only get the chance to tour the facilities but also assist the on-site researchers with daily tasks, such as generating tags, making/repairing racks and trees for the coral fragments, cleaning tanks, and transferring corals among tanks. Long-term volunteer opportunities include observing coral health and training in Mote’s pioneering coral microfragmentation process.

Another essential contributor to the restoration of Florida’s Coral Reef, the Coral Restoration Foundation has been working to turn the tide for this critical ecosystem since 2007. In fact, to date, this Key Largo-headquartered organization has restored more than 17,500 square meters of Florida’s Coral Reef. Want to help increase that number? Under their land-based volunteer options, groups can help construct coral trees (essential to growing new coral), as well as assist with greeting visitors or answering calls in the Education Center.

Inspired by its 17 acres of waterfront surroundings, the Opal Spa at Reefhouse Resort & Marina is the place for teams to relax and replenish the body, mind, and soul. Treat yourself to a therapeutic massage, foot treatments, or facial massages or indulge in one of our packages, like the “Keys Konch Out” or “Island Indulgence.” There’s no better way to augment your meeting experience than with a little bit of pampering.

Dive into an invigorating aquatic experience with a water aerobics session at the Reefhouse Resort pool. Our expert instructor will guide your corporate group through a dynamic water aerobics class, tailored to accommodate varying fitness levels, whether your team is looking for an energizing workout or a more relaxed session. A combination of fitness, team spirit, and a splash of fun, it’s an experience that will create lasting memories.