welcome to the Marine Discovery Center
The Marine Discovery Center has spent over 20 years
informing and educating citizens and guests about
the biodiversity of marine life and plant life in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon.
New Smyrna Beach is home to the most biologically diverse estuary in North America. The Indian River Lagoon, located on the coast of Central Florida, boasts more than 4,000 species and spans 156 miles down Florida’s east coast; providing countless ways to enjoy your time on the water in New Smyrna Beach.
Programs at MDC for all ages are designed to offer outdoor “hands-on, feet-wet” learning opportunities through:
classes, camps, lectures, boat and kayak eco-tours
with certified naturalists and teachers.
We invite you to learn more about all we have to offer.
Exploration | Conservation | Education
DISCOVER AMAZING.
$5 Off Marine Discovery Center Boat & Kayak Eco Tours
Use promo code MDCFALL5 when booking online
Marine Discovery Center News & Announcements
To all of our guests, volunteers, members, and other supporters…
For the safety of our staff and visitors, we recommend all vaccinated and non-vaccinated people wear a mask when inside our facilities. If needed, disposable masks can be supplied when available. All visitors experiencing symptoms are encouraged to stay out of the building and refrain from participating in MDC programs.
Crab Trap BRDs Help Prevent Diamondback Terrapin Deaths
By Lisa D. Mickey Whether you have crab traps for personal, recreational or commercial use, the state of Florida wants you to add a small device to your traps to help protect diamondback terrapins. The devices are called Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) and can be...
September Volunteer Spotlight: Fielding Cooley
Fielding Cooley has worn many hats over the years along the way of his extremely diverse career path – including helping develop early protocols for organic farming in California, operating an Oregon sheep ranch, writing grants for childcare centers, setting up...
Marine Discovery Center Videos
"To protect and restore the Florida coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems
through education, research and community stewardship."