Educational Tours
For over 50 years, Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has been a leader in marine science and education. Founded in 1971 as a premier marine research facility, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is now the northern-most campus of Florida Atlantic University. Our team of over 300 scientists, engineers, students, staff, and volunteers work toward the goal of Ocean Science for a Better World®.
FAU Harbor Branch offers a variety of educational tours so that the community can learn about the marine environment and the important research conducted by the Institute. For more information, or to make a reservation, please visit www.fau.edu/hboi/bookatour, call 772-242-2293, or stop by our Ocean Discovery Visitors Center. Special group tours and field trips are also available by request.
Directions to FAU Harbor Branch
FAU Harbor Branch welcomes you to go behind the scenes with one of our outreach scientists to gain a greater understanding of the significant research conducted by the Institute. During this 1.5-hour tour, participants will explore our 144-acre waterfront campus, learn about our history, hear highlights of the cutting-edge research being conducted by our marine scientists and engineers, and discover the impact this work has on their everyday lives. The experience will also include a photo-op in front of our iconic Johnson Sea Link deep-sea submersible as well as views of the Indian River Lagoon and Florida wildlife.
Offered Saturdays at 1 p.m. or by request for visiting groups.
Reservations and payment are required in advance (must be made by 4 p.m. the day before).
Tram Tours are recommended for ages 5 and up.
Cost to attend: $25 per person
Join us for a fun and educational 1.5-hour excursion aboard FAU Harbor Branch’s pontoon tour boat, the Discovery! During this experience, an expert guide will discuss the wildlife encountered as well as the research that the Institute conducts to better understand and protect the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem. New for 2023, participants will have the opportunity to experience the lagoon like never before - as a marine scientist aboard a floating laboratory with state-of-the-art tools. Activities include interpreting real-time water quality data from the Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network of Environmental Sensors, surveying underwater habitats with a remotely operated vehicle, and identifying wildlife of all sizes, from microscopic plankton to sharks, rays, manatees, and dolphins.
About the Indian River Lagoon: Designated as an aquatic preserve and Estuary of National Significance, the Lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. Spanning 156 miles along Florida's east coast, it is home to more than 4,000 plant and animal species, including 50 threatened or endangered species. FAU Harbor Branch is a leader in Indian River Lagoon research and education, with a goal of conserving this vital ecosystem for generations to come.
Offered on Fridays and Saturdays or by request for visiting groups.
Tours are limited to 30 people. Reservations and payment are required in advance (must be made by 4 pm the day before).
Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours are appropriate for all ages.
Cost to attend: $40 per person