Explore the Indian River Lagoon with FAU Harbor Branch

Passengers aboard "The Discovery" pontoon on a boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon.

FAU Harbor Branch offers public boat tours of the Indian River Lagoon every Friday and Saturday.

By chelsey matheson | 6/16/2023

Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute offers a new public boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon aboard “The Discovery,” a 36-passenger pontoon.

Tours depart every Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. from FAU Harbor Branch, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce. Explorers of all ages can join the 90-minute excursions.

An expert guide leads participants through an immersive educational experience as marine scientists on 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.

“The Indian River Lagoon is an amazing ecosystem, home to thousands of plants and animals,” said Gabby Barbarite, Ph.D., director of outreach and engagement at FAU Harbor Branch. “We are so excited to share our knowledge, passions and important research underway with our community through this new program.”

Admission is $40 per person and must be booked in advance. Private charters and field trips are also available. For more information and to book at tour, visit www.fau.edu/hboi/bookatour or call the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center at 772-242-2293.

-FAU-

Tags: harbor branch