THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with Marine Discovery Center
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Marine Discovery Center · New Smyrna Beach, Florida
The Indian River Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, offers one of the region’s most enchanting natural scenes, and the Marine Discovery Center’s Full Moon Boat Tours put you right in the heart of it. Boarding a spacious 40-passenger pontoon boat, guests spend two hours cruising this rich estuarine ecosystem as certified Florida naturalists narrate the unfolding spectacle. The timing is no accident — as the sun dips below the horizon, vibrant hues paint the sky, and the full moon rises, illuminating the water with a soft glow.
The lagoon’s diverse wildlife is what makes this tour stand out in Florida’s coastal adventure landscape. Dolphins often surface playfully alongside the boat, and it’s common to spot sea turtles gliding beneath the water’s surface. Birdlife explodes in activity at sunset, with wintering migratory species and resident rookery birds returning to their islands for the night. During warmer months, manatees may also be spotted, adding to the magical experience. The naturalists onboard not only guide you through the wildlife sightings but also contextualize the fragile ecosystems of the lagoon, connecting visitors directly to local conservation efforts.
Marine Discovery Center serves as more than just a launch point. Located at 116 Causeway N, New Smyrna Beach, it offers an educational exhibit space and a gift shop that deepen your connection to Florida’s coastal environment. The boat itself is thoughtfully designed — accessible, with restroom facilities and plenty of covered seating for all weather conditions.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a bird watcher, or simply seeking an immersive evening on the water, the Full Moon Boat Tour delivers an intimate and reflective window into Florida’s vibrant coastal waters. The interplay of twilight, wildlife, and the moon’s ascent crafts an experience that’s both inspiring and grounded in the natural rhythms of the lagoon.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical effort required as it’s a seated boat tour.
Yes, the pontoon boat used for the Full Moon Boat Tours is handicap accessible and includes an onboard restroom.
No, only non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are allowed during the tour.
Tours may be canceled if fewer than 10 guests book; you will be notified at least an hour before departure.
Yes, the Full Moon Boat Tour is suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly activity.
Arrive at least 20 minutes early to get your parking pass and prepare for boarding.
No, the boat remains afloat throughout the 2-hour tour; there are no stops onshore.
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.
The Marine Discovery Center actively promotes lagoon stewardship through education and sustainable tourism practices, helping to preserve this fragile ecosystem for future generations.
Marine Discovery Center is a nonprofit marine education and conservation facility in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, situated on a 22-acre campus along the Indian River Lagoon. The center offers guided boat tours, kayak eco-tours, family programs, and sensory-accessible activities that connect visitors with the region's estuary and wildlife. Daily and scheduled offerings include two-hour Morning and Evening Dolphin Discovery Tours aboard the pontoon boat Discovery, guided by certified Florida naturalists who interpret local dolphins, sea turtles, and birdlife. Kayak Eco Tours and the Indian River Lagoon Preserve Kayak Tour provide two-hour guided paddling through mangroves with single and tandem kayaks available for beginners and families. On the land-based campus, visitors can join the MDC Campus Tour to learn about restoration projects, the history of Mt. Morgan, gardens, and future plans; campus tours run Wednesday mornings or by request. Family-focused Sea Squirts parent-and-toddler programs for ages three to six run weekly on Wednesdays for nine weeks, with drop-in options offered. The Sense of Adventure program offers sensory‑engaged activities for individuals with disabilities and sensory sensitivities, designed for inclusive hands-on learning. Marine Discovery Center emphasizes environmental education, hands-on interpretation, and stewardship of North America's biologically diverse estuary. Programs are led by trained staff and naturalists, combining outdoor exploration with conservation messaging to foster appreciation for the Indian River Lagoon and its wildlife. Visitor bookings support local conservation initiatives, educational outreach and habitat restoration projects focused on water quality species monitoring and native habitat protection across New Smyrna Beach and Indian River Lagoon.
Book with Marine Discovery Center