Ocean First Institute

Our Mission

To advance the conservation of sharks and all ocean life through cutting-edge research, education, and community engagement that empowers people to protect our blue planet.

What We Do

Research
Goliath Grouper
Great White Sharks
Keys Shark Contaminants
Keys Shark Populations
Past Research
Education
Explorer Series
Free Online Courses
Plastic Pollution Monitoring
Free School Programs
Shark Field Course
Where We Work
Colorado
Florida Keys Lab
Florida Atlantic University
Ocean First Institute

Expeditions

Explore extraordinary marine environments, experience conservation science firsthand, and travel with the scientists and conservation professionals of Ocean First Institute.

Featured expedition

Two blue-footed boobies perched on volcanic rock in the Galápagos
SOLD OUT

Galápagos Islands Expedition 2027

Quito, Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal & Isabela
February 7–18, 2027 · 12 days

A wildlife-rich journey through the Galápagos with expert interpretation, island exploration and snorkeling.

VIEW GALÁPAGOS EXPEDITION

More expeditions coming soon

Discover future opportunities to travel with scientists, experience marine conservation firsthand and explore extraordinary wildlife and places.

GET EXPEDITION UPDATES

Past expeditions

Green sea turtle over seagrass in Belize — OFI expedition archive
COMPLETED

Belize 2026

Caye Caulker & Belize City
May 8–13, 2026 · 6 days

Marine research, reef exploration, wildlife and hands-on field experience with OFI and the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund.

EXPLORE BELIZE 2026

Photo: OFI Belize expedition archive

Travel with a purpose

Science

Connect with the people doing marine conservation research.

Wildlife

Experience extraordinary animals and their habitats.

Conservation

Learn how protecting ecosystems connects people and places.

Community

Share discoveries with fellow travelers and conservation professionals.