When James Smithson established the mission of the Smithsonian Institution "increase and diffusion of knowledge among men" he intended to make science available to the general public. The priority of the Galeta Marine Laboratory is research, but we are always looking for better ways to communicate research results to a non-scientific audience, and to help increase awareness of the natural world. Our Education Program offers guided visits to students, tourists and the general public. Through these visits we emphasize the importance of conserving our unique ecosystems and the marvelous opportunity these ecosystems provide to scientists wishing to understand the environment we share.

Galeta Point Marine Laboratory

The Galeta Marine Laboratory is located on the Caribbean Coast of Panama, in the Province of Colon. Here you can admire the beauty of important mangrove ecosystems and fall in love with this unique site at the edge of the sea.