EDUCATION
Hands-On Feet-Wet
Nature-based education teaches us how to be good stewards of our environment and the natural world around us. Marine Discovery Center offers a wide variety of hands-on, feet-wet educational programs—on campus, and on the water! From action-packed Adventure Camps for kids, free monthly lectures, and indoor educational exhibits to eco-tours and conservation activities, there are opportunities for kids and adults of all ages to connect with nature and gain a better understanding of the diverse inhabitants of the Indian River Lagoon.
YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
See the amazing impact you made last month!
Get involved and volunteer at one of our conservation events or programs.
CONSERVATION
In Action
Healthy coastal habitats play a critical role in all our lives by protecting us from storms, helping to keep our drinking water clean, and supporting the economy through boating, fishing, and tourism. Marine Discovery Center believes in conservation-in-action where YOU play a key role in helping to protect biological diversity, maintain and restore critical habitat and help prevent loss of species, no matter where you live, work or play. Learn more about how you can become part of our volunteer conservation team through our oyster bed and shoreline restoration projects and citizen science programs.
STORIES
from the Lagoon
EXPLORATION
Discover Amazing
Repeated, meaningful experiences in nature help develop a sense of place, a sense of connection, and a sense of community. These experiences reveal the relationship we have with the natural world and the importance of conserving it. Marine Discovery Center invites you to explore the diverse wildlife and beauty of the Indian River Lagoon on one of our expertly guided boat and kayak eco-tours. These two-hour water adventures, led by a certified Florida Master Naturalist, will give you an up-close and personal look at one of North America’s most biodiverse ecosystems, which is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals, including the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, Florida Manatee, horseshoe crabs, coastal birds, and a wide variety of fish and other important organisms. Receive $5 off adult fare in 2022. Book your seat today and DISCOVER AMAZING! Nature is waiting!
Book Boat & Kayak Tours Today
SHARING MDC’s
Best Moments
Carin F.
My son just finished his first summer camp with MDC and LOVED it. Everything was well organized and some of the activities I heard about had me jealous I wasn’t in camp – hello otter and dolphin encounters!!
Joseph C.
The Boat trip speaker Lisa, had proficient execution, in giving detailed information regarding the Indian River Lagoon. I especially appreciated her precision when explaining the protective measures homeowners, would take when doing their part to protect the environment and their investments! All around it was awesome! The captain, Doug was also very generous while awarding me with his finds, being I was the first to spot dolphins! Had a blast! First experience and most certainly won’t be my last! Thanks Marine Discovery Center.. keep being awesome!
Jan A.
This is a gem off the beaten path with so much to offer to all ages. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable. We are looking forward to more adventures and education from this one of a kind New Smyrna experience
Sharon C.
Felt like a child again watching the dolphins jump out of the water.
Valli H.
We learned more in 2 hours than the 7 months we have lived here!
Lee H.
It was informative and interesting to learn so many things about NSB and the wildlife it supports. We spotted dolphins and a great variety of birds during our trip, it was so fun to have such a knowledgeable guide pointing out things we certainly would have missed.
Deborah H.
Although we only got a quick glimpse of 3 dolphins and numerous species of birds, the info given was well worth the ride. So much history of the area and the manner in which the ecosystem is being affected by man was so enlightening.
Location & Hours
520 Barracuda Boulevard
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
(386) 428-4828
Barracuda Bridge is closed. Please use Quay Assisi to access MDC.
Monday-Friday | 9am-5pm
Saturday | Closed through January 2023
Sunday | Closed
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