FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center
FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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As someone who has always been interested in the marine environment, I was amazed to hear about all of the different research being conducted here at Harbor Branch. The Visitors Center is focused entirely on explaining the all of the work that the scientists are doing at this amazing institute. The best part of this experience is the guided tour of the exhibits. A graduate student at the university is responsible for walking the guests through center and interpreting the information as well as answering all questions. My favorite exhibit was probably the aquaculture pavilion which showcased their Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture system (IMTA). This system allowed redfish, sea asparagus, sea purselane, red mangroves, algae and sea urchins to all grow in the same body of water! As an aquarium hobbyist this system was very exciting to me! I would recommend this experience to anyone who is interested in science, research and the marine environment (especially the Indian River Lagoon). Also if you get the chance to go on the Immersion Tour of campus, take it. The campus is beautiful and is a great opportunity to see a historic and very influential institution.
Brandon McHenry
00
This eco pontoon tour was a real treat for my high schooler and me! Our tour guide Sam was the real deal — very knowledgeable but also explained all the science really well and patiently answered our questions. The underwater drone was so cute! And we felt lucky to see dolphins and a great variety of birds in their natural habitat. I was also impressed with the quality of the exhibits in the discovery center, and it was small enough to go through quickly. We did the pontoon tour then sandwiches and then the discovery center, but other passengers from our pontoon tour were in and out of the discovery center before we had finished our sandwiches.
Tara Moreno
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A great little detour to add in with other stops in the area, the Ocean Discovery Center is an enlightening display of the University's efforts in the area. Free to the public (donations suggested), the Center provides an introduction to the prevalent species of the IRL and the challenges that they currently face. The displays and aquariums provide a nice 60 - 90 minute reprieve from the road, and the Center is excellently paired with the DJ Wilcox Preserve located nearby.
Shawn Graham
00
Super cool tour! Very relaxing boat ride with lots of nature sightings: manatees, dolphins!, different birds and more. Very impressive technology with screens at every seat and an ROV underwater drone which allowed us to see under the water in high definition. Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable, friendly and entertaining!
Jay Martin
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A guided tour of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute was fantastic. Very informative and enjoyable. Our tour guide, Marisa Pico, a marine biologist who is specializing in turtles, was very personable and answered all our questions - using words, thankfully, that we non-scientists could understand. Thank you, Marisa.
Elliot MacDonald
00
We had the most wonderful time learning with our entire family ranging from all ages. Super fun tour guide named andrew! Adorable gift shop very reasonable prices and admission is FREE!!!! Can't beat it. Our family will definitely come back again to see what new research they've come across!
Skye Mohrhaus
00
Nearby Attractions Of FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center
Indrio Savannahs Preserve

Indrio Savannahs Preserve
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