The growth and popularity of the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base and the Out Island Adventure on Big Munson Island eventually led to the donation of a permanent base of operation, the Brinton Environmental Center. Named for the project’s benefactor, J. Porter Brinton, the 6-acre property, dedicated on May 5, 2001, stands on the west side of Summerland Key at mile marker 23.8. Our facility officially opened its doors on June 1, 2001.
The Brinton Environmental Center is home to the Out Island Adventure, Keys Adventure, Florida Fishing Adventure and Marine STEM Adventure. This facility also works closely with Camp Jackson Sawyer, the local area council camp, hosting the Order of the Arrow Ocean Adventure and the Key West Sailing Adventure.
In 2019, Sea Base’s partnership with Mote Marine Laboratories culminated in the construction of the first land-based coral nursery of its kind on-site at the Brinton Environmental Center. The Coral Nursery at the Brinton Environmental Center was constructed with the goal of supporting ongoing coral restoration efforts in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) and to serve as an educational facility where youth and students actively participate in the restoration process.
The Brinton Environmental Center, located 125 miles south of Miami, hosts over 4,500 participants each year. Brinton Environmental Center participants have opportunities to sail, snorkel, fish, kayak and explore our pristine coral reefs of the beautiful Florida Keys.