Marine Discovery Center
The Marine Discovery Center is dedicated to education and conservation, focusing on the coastal ecosystems of New Smyrna Beach. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, guided eco-tours, and kayak rentals. The center is an excellent spot for families and conservation enthusiasts to learn about marine life and the importance of preserving the environment.
About This Place
Q: What are the main activities available at the Marine Discovery Center?
A: Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, guided eco-tours, and kayak rentals, making it an engaging experience for all ages.
Q: How long should I plan to spend at the Marine Discovery Center?
A: Most visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the exhibits and participating in tours, but you can easily extend your visit if you enjoy kayaking or additional activities.
Q: Are reservations necessary for eco-tours at the Marine Discovery Center?
A: While reservations are not mandatory, they are highly recommended, especially during peak times, to secure your spot on popular eco-tours.
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Location & Map
Find this place on Google Maps and get turn-by-turn directions before you go.
Google Reviews
Dayana Carmona DariasWe had an amazing experience with Marine Discovery Center this past Sunday! We went kayaking and got to see so much wildlife, including beautiful birds and even manatees up close. The tour guides were very experienced, knowledgeable, and also really funny, which made the whole trip even more enjoyable. Everything was well organized and relaxing. We definitely recommend this experience to anyone visiting New Smyrna Beach!
May 6, 2026 · Google Review
Dimitar BogatinovI took the Evening Dolphin Discovery boat tour on May 22, 2026 and thoroughly enjoyed it! We saw dolphins, manatees and tons of birds! Our guide was super knowledgable about Florida nature and wildlife and history and mega passionate about preservation efforts. I would recommend this tour for everyone who loves nature and wildlife!
May 27, 2026 · Google Review
StaceyMarine Discovery Center is SOO fun. My granddaughter is in "Seasquirts" a preschool up to 7 year old. They are wonderful with the kids. Its an amazing program where they play & learn & make friends. Highly recommend it!!
Feb 27, 2026 · Google Review
Orlando Mansur, Jr.An Unforgettable Experience for All Ages! We had the most incredible time at the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by passionate and knowledgeable staff who were eager to share their love for Florida's marine ecosystems. The exhibits are fantastic – interactive, educational, and so well-maintained. We loved getting to see the variety of local sea life up close in the aquariums and touch tanks. It was a huge hit with both the kids and the adults in our group. The absolute highlight of our visit was the guided boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon. Our guide was phenomenal, pointing out dolphins, manatees, and countless species of birds. It was breathtaking to see these animals in their natural habitat, and we learned so much about the importance of conservation efforts in the area. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and spend a few hours here. It's a wonderful organization doing important work, and it provides an experience that is both fun and deeply educational. We left with a greater appreciation for Florida's beautiful coastline. We can't recommend it enough!
Sep 5, 2025 · Google Review
Danielle LongI recently had to pleasure of accompanying my son on a school field trip. It was honestly a complete surprise and breath of fresh air, literally! We enjoyed a short boat ride to disappearing island, where the kids were able to fish for tiny critters. Then we took the boat back to the gift shop. We were given a tour of the shop where a really eclectic group of rescued marine life call home. The coolest part though was the science lab! The kids were able to look at live plankton under microscopes and learn some really neat things about the area and it's inhabitants. The lab is also filled with really awesome preserved sea life, fossils and some reptiles. I was thoroughly impressed and learned a few new things. It was so fun I immediately went home and booked a boat tour and highly, highly recommend the summer camps. I believe that is the only way you can fish the island. There are endless summer activities to choose from at the camps. My kids are so excited to attend!
Jun 17, 2026 · Google Review