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 5for25 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 that non-vaccinated guests 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.
MDC Spirit Night Fundraiser at McKennas NSB
McKenna’s Place in New Smyrna Beach plans to hold a fundraising event for the Marine Discovery Center on January 17. The restaurant, located at 1443 S. Dixie Freeway, holds a special event each Monday from 5-9 p.m., in which it donates 10 percent of all dinner sales...
MDC’s Chad Truxall Recalls Past as Center Plans Its Future
Marine Discovery Center Executive Director Chad Truxall got involved with MDC in its early years while he was teaching at New Smyrna Beach High School. That early relationship turned into more than he ever could have imagined. As the center enters its 25th year of...
Marine Discovery Center Videos
Our Mission:
"To protect and restore the Florida coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems
through education, research and community stewardship."