Sunset over calm bay with boat wake, coastal estuary view

Explore Pelican Island & Indian River Lagoon with Guided Nature Tours

Outdoor wildlife tours, paddle rentals, and wellness experiences led by the Environmental Learning Center — small groups, family-friendly adventures, and hands-on nature programs.

Featured Tours & Experiences

Pontoon wildlife tours, guided kayaks, paddleboard classes, workshops and family programs for every nature lover.

Vero Beach

Sunset Pelican Island Pontoon Tour with Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach

Join the Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach for a sunset pontoon tour that showcases Florida’s stunning coastal wildlife and island scenery. Ideal for family and small groups, this 2-hour trip offers peaceful waters and unforgettable views as the day ends.

Sunset Pelican Island Pontoon Tour with Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach

Pelican Island Pontoon Tour with Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach

Discover the rich biodiversity of Pelican Island on a relaxing pontoon tour led by the Environmental Learning Center. Perfect for nature lovers seeking an up-close experience with Florida’s wildlife in a tranquil setting.

Pelican Island Pontoon Tour with Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach

Vero

Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals at Environmental Learning Center in Vero

Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe at Florida’s Environmental Learning Center and discover the vibrant Indian River Lagoon. Glide through lush mangroves and encounter diverse wildlife in a peaceful setting that’s perfect for all skill levels.

Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals at Environmental Learning Center in Vero

Vero Beach

Find Balance on the Water with SUP Yoga in Vero Beach, Florida

Discover the soothing blend of stand-up paddleboarding and yin yoga in Vero Beach, Florida. This unique two-hour SUP Yoga class is perfect for all levels—immerse yourself in a peaceful waterside practice that restores body and mind.

Find Balance on the Water with SUP Yoga in Vero Beach, Florida

Vero Beach

Kayaking Adventure at Environmental Learning Center

Join a guided kayak tour through Florida’s stunning coastal waters and mangrove trails, perfect for adventure lovers of all ages. Discover hidden wildlife and scenic waterways in a relaxing, educational environment.

Kayaking Adventure at Environmental Learning Center

Vero Beach

Land-Adventures at Nature's Palette Workshop for Creative Minds

Discover the magic of creating ephemeral art inspired by nature at the Nature's Palette Workshop. Perfect for all ages, this experience blends outdoor exploration with artistic expression. Keep reading to find out what makes this workshop a must-try adventure.

Land-Adventures at Nature's Palette Workshop for Creative Minds

Vero Beach

Nature & Literacy Program at Little Wonders Environmental Learning Center

Discover how Little Wonders blends outdoor fun with early literacy for children aged 18 months to 4 years. This engaging program nurtures curiosity and environmental connection in a safe, natural setting.

Nature & Literacy Program at Little Wonders Environmental Learning Center

Vero Beach

Water Activities & Nature at Sebastian Inlet with Feathers & Fins

Join Feathers & Fins for a captivating 2.5-hour tour of Sebastian Inlet, home to diverse bird and marine life. Discover stunning ecosystems and learn about local conservation efforts.

Water Activities & Nature at Sebastian Inlet with Feathers & Fins

Vero Beach

Outdoor Yoga at Environmental Learning Center in Florida

Discover the serenity of outdoor yoga amid Florida’s native landscapes at the Environmental Learning Center. Connect with nature and find inner peace in a calming, scenic setting perfect for all levels.

Outdoor Yoga at Environmental Learning Center in Florida

Vero Beach

Outdoor Wellness: Chair Yoga at Environmental Learning Center

Discover an outdoor yoga experience that combines mindfulness and movement at the Environmental Learning Center. Perfect for all skill levels, this session offers relaxation and physical benefits amid natural beauty.

Outdoor Wellness: Chair Yoga at Environmental Learning Center

Vero Beach

Walking Meditation at Environmental Learning Center, Florida

Step into calm with the Environmental Learning Center’s Walking Meditation in Vero Beach, Florida. This guided session blends mindful movement with native nature for a refreshing mental reset.

Walking Meditation at Environmental Learning Center, Florida

others

Vero Beach

Beginners Bird Walk with Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach

Step into Florida’s vibrant birding scene with the Environmental Learning Center’s Beginners Bird Walk. Perfect for novices, this guided morning stroll delivers essential bird ID skills in Vero Beach’s rich coastal habitats.

Beginners Bird Walk with Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach

Vero Beach

Rejuvenating Pilates Classes at Environmental Learning Center

Strengthen your core and balance with Pilates classes led by certified instructor Janice Broda at Vero Beach’s Environmental Learning Center. Enjoy full-body workouts set against Florida’s distinctive natural environment.

Rejuvenating Pilates Classes at Environmental Learning Center

land adventures

Vero Beach

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

Discover the Indian River Lagoon’s vibrant marine life with a pontoon ride and interactive Touch Tank experience at the Wild Lagoon Holiday Break Camp near Vero Beach. Perfect for families and nature lovers ready to learn and explore.

Wabasso Beach

Explore Indian River Lagoon: Sunset Pelican Island Pontoon Boat Tours from Wabasso Beach

Discover the Indian River Lagoon’s abundant wildlife and serene beauty on a two-hour pontoon boat tour exclusive to Sea Oaks residents in Wabasso Beach, Florida. Glide past mangroves and pelicans while soaking in sunset views and learning about this extraordinary ecosystem.

Vero Beach

Family Fishing Fun Day at ELC: Ethical Catch-and-Release Adventures in Vero Beach Lagoon

Discover the joy of family fishing with expert guidance at Vero Beach’s Environmental Learning Center. Learn ethical catch-and-release techniques and enjoy unforgettable moments by the Lagoon.

Vero Beach

Find Your Center with Tai Chi in Vero Beach: Balance, Movement & Mindfulness Outdoors

Discover the gentle power of Tai Chi in the peaceful outdoor settings of Vero Beach, Florida. This 1-hour class blends mindful movement with nature, offering balance and relaxation for all ages.

Vero Beach

Discover Rug Hooking in Vero Beach with The Gator Group Fiber Artists

Join The Gator Group Fiber Artists in Vero Beach for a two-hour rug hooking demonstration that reveals the craft’s connection to local nature and history. Witness fibers transform into captivating art inspired by Florida’s coastal environment.

Discover Rug Hooking in Vero Beach with The Gator Group Fiber Artists

Vero Beach

Full Moon Guided Kayak Excursion on Indian River Lagoon Near Vero Beach

Paddle under the full moon on the Indian River Lagoon near Vero Beach during a guided kayak excursion. Experience serene mangrove-lined channels and the quiet magic of Florida’s coastal nightscape.

Full Moon Guided Kayak Excursion on Indian River Lagoon Near Vero Beach

Vero Beach

Experience the Vibrant Art of Cuba at Vero Beach’s Artist Meet & Greet

Discover Cuban culture through captivating art and personal stories at Vero Beach’s Environmental Learning Center. Join the Artist Meet & Greet on November 7 for an inspiring two-hour event that's free and open to all.

Experience the Vibrant Art of Cuba at Vero Beach’s Artist Meet & Greet

Vero Beach

Join the Hallstrom Farmstead Native Mint Restoration Volunteer Experience in Vero Beach, FL

Volunteer to restore endangered Lakela’s Mint habitat at Hallstrom Farmstead near Vero Beach, Florida. Join this hands-on effort to remove invasives and help native plants thrive, all while exploring the unique ecosystem of IRC Conservation Lands.

Vero Beach

Artist Talk in Vero Beach: Exploring Homelessness Through Powerful Photography

Join photographer Mark Schuman in Vero Beach for an impactful talk on homelessness featuring powerful black and white images. Discover the stories behind the crisis and support local aid agencies.

Artist Talk in Vero Beach: Exploring Homelessness Through Powerful Photography

About the Environmental Learning Center

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.

Two kayakers navigating mangrove tunnel, paddling near shore

Stand-up paddleboarder balancing on calm open ocean at horizon

Environmental Learning Center: Pelican Island Tours, Kayak Rentals, and SUP Yoga

Discover wildlife tours and outdoor activities

The Environmental Learning Center offers guided nature tours and outdoor recreation focused on Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Indian River Lagoon, and Sebastian Inlet. Popular experiences include the Pelican Island Pontoon Tour and the Sunset Pelican Island Pontoon Tour, both providing small-group wildlife viewing and scenic boat-based access to protected bird habitat. The Feathers & Fins Sebastian Inlet Tour highlights diverse bird species and marine life along the inlet.

Paddle sports and rentals

For active exploration, the center provides kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals for self-guided trips through mangroves and open water. Guided kayak excursions let participants explore back-water creeks, mangrove trails, and nearby impoundment roads with a knowledgeable leader. Seasonal offerings include Full Moon Guided Kayak Excursions for night paddling and Family Fishing Fun Day events.

Wellness and creative programming

Wellness classes such as SUP Yoga, chair yoga, and traditional yoga connect movement to the outdoors. SUP Yoga is a yin-based paddleboard session that emphasizes gentle movement on the water — pre-registration is required. Creative opportunities like the Nature’s Palette Workshop provide a three-hour guided experience in ephemeral art and nature-based mindfulness.

Family and youth programs

Early childhood programming includes Little Wonders, a nature enrichment and early literacy program for children aged 18 months to 4 years accompanied by a caregiver. Holiday camps and special events (for example, Wild Lagoon Holiday Break Camp with pontoon included) offer family-friendly outdoor learning and recreation.

What to expect on tours and classes

Small groups: Tours often operate in intimate group sizes to maximize wildlife viewing and guide attention.
Bring essentials: Pontoon tours recommend guests bring binoculars, snacks, and personal refreshments when allowed.
Duration: Many signature tours run about two hours (Pelican Island pontoon tours, guided kayak excursions); select tours last longer (Feathers & Fins Sebastian Inlet Tour is approximately 2.5 hours; workshops can be three hours).
Age guidelines: Programs span a wide age range — Little Wonders is for toddlers through preschoolers, and guided paddles commonly welcome participants aged 8 and up.

Why choose these experiences

The Environmental Learning Center focuses on place-based education and outdoor recreation that highlights the ecology of Pelican Island, the Indian River Lagoon, and Sebastian Inlet. Whether booking a pontoon wildlife tour, renting a kayak or SUP, joining a guided paddle, or attending a nature workshop, visitors engage directly with coastal habitats, birdwatching opportunities, and hands-on learning in small-group settings.

Booking and preparation

Reservations and pre-registration are encouraged for SUP Yoga, many wellness classes, and popular tours. Guests should check trip-specific notes for capacity (for example, some sunset pontoon tours accommodate up to 16 guests) and bring appropriate sun protection, water, and any recommended gear such as binoculars. For group or special-event inquiries (Sea Oaks residents offerings, artist talks, demonstrations, and guest-led programs), consult the Environmental Learning Center’s schedule and event details.

Experience guided wildlife tours, paddle sports, family programs, and nature-based workshops that showcase Pelican Island, Indian River Lagoon, and Sebastian Inlet habitats — all delivered through small-group, educational, and recreation-focused outings.

Group of colorful kayaks paddling through lush river wilderness

Book a Nature Experience Today

Reserve a pontoon tour, guided kayak, rental, or wellness class to explore Pelican Island, the Indian River Lagoon, and Sebastian Inlet — limited spots and pre-registration recommended.