Full Moon Boat Tours at Marine Discovery Center, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical effort required as it’s a seated boat tour.
Overview
Cruise the Indian River Lagoon under the full moon on a 2-hour pontoon tour led by Florida naturalists. Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant birdlife as the sun sets on New Smyrna Beach.
Full Moon Boat Tours
For all ages! • 2 Hours
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About This Adventure
Experience the breathtaking Indian River Lagoon at sunset aboard a comfortable 40-passenger pontoon boat. Led by certified Florida naturalists, this 2-hour tour offers stunning views of dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant birdlife as the sun sets and the full moon rises, creating an unforgettable evening in nature.
Explore the Indian River Lagoon!
Duration
2 Hours
About
Travel the Indian River Lagoon at sunset in the comfort of our 40-passenger Discovery pontoon boat and explore the variety of species that call the lagoon home. Your tour guide on the 2-hour journey will be one of our friendly certified Florida naturalists. As the sun sets and splashes vibrant colors across the sky, sit back and enjoy your view of the beautiful full moon as it rises over the horizon.
Dolphins, sea turtles, and a wide variety of bird life are often seen during these tours year-round. Sunset brings a variety of birds flying in to the rookery islands for night roosting, and it's quite a sight to see! During the warmer months you may see manatees, and in spring and summer our rookery islands are alive with bird nesting activity. Many beautiful migratory bird species winter here or stop for a bit on their long journeys.
You may book your tour online or by calling our Welcome Center. We do require payment in full at the time of booking for this tour. We recommend coming into the Marine Discovery Center during our stay in New Smyrna Beach, FL to view our exhibit area which showcases the beautiful habitats found in the Indian River Lagoon and Florida coastal waterways. We also have an amazing gift shop!
The Dolphin Discovery Boat does have a restroom on board and is handicap accessible. Passengers are welcome to bring a snack and non-alcoholic beverages on board. Passengers do not get off the boat on this tour.
More Info
On the day of your boat tour, you should arrive at the boat at least 20 minutes before departure. You can receive your parking pass from the Marine Discovery Center Welcome desk. The Welcome Center closes at 5pm on weekdays and 2:30pm on the weekends. You can also receive your pass from the Captain and First Mate on the boat. Place the parking pass on your dashboard. The city will ticket vehicles without a pass. The boat is handicap accessible. The boat does have a small, enclosed head (bathroom). The boat tour is 2 hours, you will not be departing the boat.
Note: Boat will be cancelled and customers notified an hour before trip if the minimum of 10 is not met.
What to Bring
Water, soft drinks (non-alcoholic beverages) and small coolers are allowed. This is a covered boat with open sides. Dress for the weather. A windbreaker or light sweatshirt are always a good option.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early to Secure Parking
Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to obtain your parking pass from the Marine Discovery Center or the boat crew to avoid city fines.
Dress in Layers
Evening temperatures can drop after sunset—bring a light jacket or windbreaker to stay comfortable on the open boat.
Bring Non-Alcoholic Refreshments
You may bring snacks and soft drinks onboard; small coolers are allowed—just no alcohol.
Binoculars Enhance Wildlife Viewing
Bringing binoculars can help you spot distant dolphins, birds, and turtles more easily during the tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
- Loggerhead sea turtles
History
The Indian River Lagoon has long been a vital estuary supporting native tribes and early settlers, now a protected National Estuary to conserve its unique biodiversity.
Conservation
The Marine Discovery Center actively promotes lagoon stewardship through education and sustainable tourism practices, helping to preserve this fragile ecosystem for future generations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Protects against cooling temperatures and wind on the open water at sunset.
fall specific
Binoculars
Enhances your ability to see distant wildlife and birds during the tour.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Keep hydrated and comfortable on the boat; alcohol is not allowed.
Camera with Low-Light Capability
Captures stunning sunset and moonrise moments along with elusive wildlife.