Boat Tours
BOAT TOURS
Travel the Indian River Lagoon in the comfort of our 40-passenger Discovery pontoon boat and explore the variety of species that call the lagoon home. Your tour guide on the journey will be one of our friendly certified Florida naturalists.
You can book in person, online, or over the phone at 386.428.4828. Please check our online calendar to confirm dates/times as schedules are subject to change. All tours are weather permitting. Minimum occupancy of 10 is required for boat to depart unless otherwise noted. Infants ages (ages 0-2) are free but must still be registered for our manifest.
MDC Members receive a 10 percent discount on most tours.
Please note: Our boat tours do not depart from our main campus. Our boat dock is located at 116 North Causeway.
Daily Dolphin Discovery Boat Tours
As your captain skillfully navigates the backwaters of the lagoon, you will experience Florida’s natural beauty while learning about conservation efforts to preserve and protect North America’s most biologically diverse estuary. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, birds, sea turtles, and other creatures that inhabit this rich ecosystem.
Afternoon Dolphin Discovery Tour
Daily | Early Afternoon
Adults: $40 | Seniors (62+): $37 | Children (3-12): $20 | Infants (0-2): Free
Morning Dolphin Discovery Tour
Saturdays | 10:00 a.m.
Adults: $40 | Seniors (62+): $37 | Children (3-12): $20 | Infants (0-2): Free
Evening Dolphin Discovery Tour
Daily | Evening
Adults: $40 | Seniors (62+): $37 | Children (3-12): $20 | Infants (0-2): Free
Specialty Boat Tours & Charters
Whether it’s a monthly full moon excursion, a seasonal bird-watching tour, or one of our boat-based adult education programs, there are so many ways to enjoy the Discovery boat beyond our daily Dolphin Discovery Tours. You can even charter our boat!
2-Hour Full Moon Boat Tour
Monthly during the Full Moon
Adults: $40 | Seniors (62+): $37 | Children (3-12): $20 | Infants (0-2): Free
Full Moon Kayak Tours are offered on the same days/times.
Forever Explorers Boat Excursions
Wednesday, October 14 | 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Plein Air Painting
$75 per person
During our Forever Explorers boat excursions, adults can explore the roles of salt marshes, mudflats and various saltwater plants and animals by visiting different spoil islands on MDC’s pontoon boat, Discovery. These programs are open to participants age 18+. Our Forever Explorers program also includes kayak excursions, land-based programs, and conservation workshops. Click here to learn more about Forever Explorers
3-Hour Winter Birding Tours
Wednesday, January 20 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Wednesday, February 17 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, March 10 | 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. • Wednesday, April 7 | 1 to 4 p.m.
$55 per person
We’ll leave our dock and head north to Disappearing Island, where birding enthusiasts will disembark and spend two hours exploring this large sand bar, looking for winter migratory birds and engaging with highly experienced guests on the trip from local Audubon chapters. Bring binoculars, viewing scopes, cameras, bird guide books, sunscreen and water to drink; participants will walk the island at their own pace.
Dolphin Discovery Charter
Regular Charter: $400 per hour
Dock & Dine layover: Inquire for rates
Charters can be arranged on most days, but we encourage advanced booking. Seating is limited to 40 passengers, but could be less if a musician and/or serving table is required. A deposit of 50 percent is required at the time of booking. All charters include a Coast Guard-certified captain and certified Florida naturalist/first mate.
Book your private charter today by calling our office at 386.428.4828
Our Mission:
"To protect our coastal ecosystems through education, conservation, and exploration"