Boat Tours

Daily Boat Tours

Specialty 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.

MDC Members receive a 10 percent discount on most tours. Family rate is 2 adults and 2 children (under 12).
You will need to call us directly at 386.428.4828 to receive these discounts or to inquire about group rates for over 10 people.

Please note: Our boat tours do not depart from our main campus. Our boat dock is located at 116 North Causeway.

Daily Boat Tours

2-Hour Dolphin Discovery Tour
2-Hour Dolphin Discovery Tour

Daily | Early Afternoon 
Adults: $35 | Seniors (62+) & Students: $32
Family: $95 | Children under 12: $20

Book online now!

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.

Departure times change seasonally. Please see our online calendar to verify dates & times.

2-Hour Sunset Eco Cruise
2-Hour Sunset Eco Cruise

Daily | Evening
Adults:
$35 | Seniors (62+) & Students: $32
Family: $95 | Children under 12: $20

Book online now!

Experience a magical New Smyrna Beach sunset while scanning the waters and shorelines for dolphins, manatee, shorebirds, and more.  The rookery islands are a sight in the evening as a variety of birds glide in for a night’s rest.

Departure times change seasonally. Please see our online calendar to verify dates & times.

Specialty Boat Tours & Charters

3-Hour Winter Birding Tour
3-Hour Winter Birding Tour

March 27 | 5 p.m.
April 17 | 8:30 a.m.
Adults: $40 | Seniors (62+) & Students: $37
Children under 12: $22

Book online now!

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. Guidance will be offered to less-experienced birders and there will opportunities for novice birders to learn more about birds from highly experienced guests on the trip from local Audubon chapters. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars, viewing scopes, cameras, bird guide books, sunscreen and water to drink. Guests will walk the island at their own pace.

Forever Explorers Boat Excursions
Forever Explorers Boat Excursions

April 12 | 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
MDC Members: $60 | Non-Members: $65

Price includes a meal

Book online now!

Forever Explorers is designed for young-at-heart, lifelong learners and is geared to offer outdoor opportunities for adults who want to explore and better understand their surrounding coastal environment alongside certified naturalists and scientists! During our Forever Explorers boat excursions, participants will explore the roles of salt marshes, mudflats and various saltwater plants and animals by visiting different spoil islands on MDC’s pontoon boat, Discovery. This tour is open only to participants 18+. 

Our Forever Explorers program also includes kayak excursions, land-based programs, and conservation workshops. Click here to learn more about Forever Explorers

2-Hour Full Moon Boat Tour
2-Hour Full Moon Boat Tour

Monthly during the Full Moon
Adults:
$35 | Seniors (62+) & Students: $32
Family: $95 | Children under 12: $20

Book online now!

As the sun sets and splashes vibrant colors across the sky, sit back and enjoy your view of the beautiful full moon as it rises over the horizon. Full Moon Kayak Tours are offered on the same days/times.

Dolphin Discovery Charter
Dolphin Discovery Charter

Regular Charter: $750 for 2 hours | Additional Time: $200 per hour
Dock & Dine layover: Inquire for rates

Book your private charter today by calling our office at 386.428.4828

Charter our vessel, Discovery, and you can choose from our standard cruise packages or let our team work with you to customize an outing which fits your needs perfectly. We can even arrange “Dock & Dine” excursions transporting your group to some of our local waterfront restaurants.

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.

Our Mission:

"To protect and restore Florida's coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems
through education, research and community stewardship."