A group headed by Layton later donated a parcel of land for the purpose of building a marine biology laboratory. In 1985 GC responded to Layton's generosity by building the marine facility. The lower level of the facility is used for classroom and laboratory instruction. The upper level is divided into two dormitory units, each equipped with showers, bunks, and a kitchenette. The units are joined by a furnished living and dining area.
Field work is supported by a pontoon boat and a smaller aluminum watercraft.
These courses are taught concurrently and represent a rigorous but rewarding academic challenge for students. Each morning of classes begins with a lecture on marine systems. Lecture topics include the geologic and human history of the Florida Keys, chemistry of marine waters, and the taxonomy and ecology of marine organisms. The field portion of the course involves group study of a designated shallow water locality in the Long Key area. Students in each group become intimately familiar with a small portion of the ocean by not only developing an appreciation for species diversity, but also the quantity of organisms present.