Ever wondered what a horseshoe crab or a clownfish looked like in real life? Well, a great place to find out and learn all kinds of facts about the wildlife in the Georgia coasts is the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. This 30-plus-year-old, family-friendly place is loaded with lots of information and fun for the entire family.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center History
The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service began hosting marine education programs such as beach walks in 1987. The programs were very successful and growing so popular that within one year the Tybee Island Marine Science Center opened up.
In May 1988, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center opened up with the initial sponsors of the city of Tybee and the outreach of University of Georgia Marine Extension Service. By 1990, the Science Center had picked up two additional sponsors: NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary and the Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation. Currently, the science center is sponsored by NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary and Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation.
Mission Possible
The goal of the Science Center is to educate visitors about the natural resources of Georgia's coast and instill an idea of responsible stewardship.
Walks
The Marine Science Center began with educational walks on the beach and those walks continue today. There are several guided tours of the beaches and wildlife areas that provide visitors hands on experiences to teach about the flora and fauna native to the Georgia coastlands. The whole family will enjoy searching for fiddler crabs, snails, and so much more.
Talks
Children and adults alike enjoy the popular talks such as the Coastal Georgia Gallery and the Turtle Talk. The Coastal Georgia Gallery is full of information and wonderful exhibits on the native flora, fauna, and natural habitats. Participants get to see real live baby alligators, polka-dot batfish, clown fish, sea jellies, and many more. The Touch Tank is a great place for kids to get hands on experience with hermit crabs, sand dollars and spider crabs.
Treks
The Marsh Trek is an exploration of the Georgia salt marsh for fiddler crabs, snails, and more. Participants will learn about the adaptations needful for survival in the local environment as well as how the marsh functions as a nursery for organisms and a filter for pollutants and abundant food source for the wildlife.
Why Should You Visit?
The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is a great place to visit for the entire family. From educational walks along the beach and treks in marshes, to fun hands on experiences and entertaining talks any day spend at the marine center will be a memorable trip.
Contact Us Today
Southern Belle Vacation Rentals offers beautiful and comfortable vacation homes in Savannah and on Tybee Island and we are here to assist you in planning your next vacation. For more information about planning a visit, contact us today! We will be happy to let you know all about the upcoming and current events.