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 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.
Busting Brazilian Peppertrees
On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, eight volunteers gathered at the Marine Discovery Center to remove Brazilian peppertrees from the southwest corner of MDC property. The “tree busters” (Tom Emge, Ed Loomis, Dick Clement, Chris Nelson, Rebecca Moscatello, Mark Morgan,...
December Volunteer Spotlight: Carla Collins
Marine Discovery Center volunteer Carla Collins, a Ph.D., spent her career working in educational research. Now retired, you can find Carla greeting guests at MDC’s Welcome Desk on the weekends or volunteering for other needs at the center. She grew up in rural...
Marine Discovery Center Videos
"To protect and restore the Florida coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems
through education, research and community stewardship."