Are children allowed on the pontoon boat?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome, and the camp is especially designed for young naturalists.

How long is the pontoon boat ride?

The dolphin watching pontoon ride typically lasts about 1-1.5 hours within the full day camp.

Is the Touch Tank experience suitable for all ages?

Absolutely, the Touch Tank provides safe, supervised interaction with marine creatures suitable for kids and adults.

What should I bring for the day?

We recommend sunscreen, comfortable clothing, water bottle, and a camera to capture memories.

Are there restroom facilities on site?

Yes, restrooms are available at the Environmental Learning Center where the camp takes place.

Is the camp available year-round?

The camp operates primarily during school holiday breaks and select times; check availability before booking.

Explore Indian River Lagoon with Wild Lagoon Holiday Break Camp: Dolphin Discovery and Interactive Marine Adventures | Boat Tour | Attraction

Vero Beach, Florida, is more than just sun-soaked beaches and palm-lined streets—it’s the gateway to the Indian River Lagoon, a biologically rich estuary stretching along Florida’s east coast. At the heart of this vibrant ecosystem, the Wild Lagoon Holiday Break Camp offers an immersive naturalist experience tailored to families and curious visitors eager to explore one of Florida’s most diverse aquatic environments. This full-day camp centers around a thrilling pontoon boat ride on the Indian River Lagoon, uniquely designed for dolphin watching. Participants board a stable, open-air pontoon that glides smoothly along the calm waters, giving unparalleled access to observe the lagoon’s iconic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Sightings of sleek dolphins gracefully breaching or playfully chasing fish greet guests regularly, revealing the lagoon’s lively underwater world. Beyond the pontoon adventure, the camp enriches the experience with hands-on opportunities at the Touch Tank and adjacent aquarium. Here, young naturalists and adults alike can interact directly with native marine life such as starfish, horseshoe crabs, and live shellfish, fostering a tangible connection to the lagoon’s delicate biodiversity. These educational encounters are led by passionate ELC (Environmental Learning Center) educators who share fascinating facts about the local species and the lagoon’s complex ecosystem. The Indian River Lagoon itself is a unique estuarine system characterized by shallow waters fringed with mangroves, seagrass beds, and oyster reefs. It supports over 4,000 species of plants and animals, making it one of the most diverse estuaries in North America. Vero Beach’s proximity offers visitors both convenience and a front-row seat to witness this natural spectacle. What sets this camp apart is its blend of adventure, education, and family-friendly accessibility. It’s designed to spark curiosity about marine conservation while providing a fun-filled day outdoors. The ELC’s dedication to sustainability ensures that tours minimize environmental impact, promoting responsible wildlife viewing and habitat preservation. For travelers staying in Vero Beach, this camp is an ideal way to engage with Florida’s thriving waterways beyond the typical beach day. Whether you’re a budding biologist, a family with children, or simply a nature enthusiast, the Wild Lagoon Holiday Break Camp opens the door to an authentic and meaningful voyage through the Indian River Lagoon’s watery world.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

4–6 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required, but some standing and walking.

Wildlife

Bottlenose dolphins
Manatees occasionally found in the lagoon

History

The Indian River Lagoon has been an essential resource for Native American tribes and European settlers since the 16th century, supporting fishing and transportation.

Conservation

The Environmental Learning Center actively promotes habitat restoration projects and visitor education to protect the lagoon’s delicate marine ecosystem.

The Environmental Learning Center operates hands-on outdoor programs and guided tours focused on the coastal ecosystems of Pelican Island, the Indian River Lagoon, and Sebastian Inlet. The organization offers a variety of experiences including pontoon tours to Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, kayak and paddleboard rentals, guided kayak excursions, SUP yoga, nature workshops, and family- and youth-focused programs. Programs are designed for small groups and varied age ranges: Little Wonders serves children 18 months to 4 years with caregiver-led nature enrichment and early literacy activities; guided kayak excursions welcome participants aged 8 and up; several tours and classes encourage pre-registration to reserve spots. Pontoon tours emphasize wildlife viewing in an intimate setting and recommend that guests bring binoculars and snacks; the Sunset Pelican Island Pontoon Tour seats up to 16 guests for a two-hour evening experience. The Feathers & Fins Sebastian Inlet Tour highlights local birdlife and marine species during a 2.5-hour outing. The Environmental Learning Center combines outdoor education, wellness classes such as yoga and chair yoga, and seasonal events like full moon kayak trips and holiday break camps that include pontoon rides. By focusing on place-based experiences and small-group settings, the center creates opportunities for wildlife observation, creative expression, family learning, and outdoor recreation rooted in the region’s natural habitats.

Base locationVero Beach, Florida

Tours offered22+

Specialtywildlife-nature

StewardshipLeave No Trace