Discover Coastal Wildlife and Hands-On Marine Science on Tybee Island

Tybee Island Marine Science Center — Marine Education on Tybee Island

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center in Tybee Island, Georgia, offers a range of marine science programs, hands-on workshops, lectures, films, and guided walks focused on coastal wildlife, conservation, and community engagement. The center features exhibits that include a right whale display and Smoke, a life-sized right whale model, and presents educational programs suitable for families, students, and adult audiences.

Featured programs and experiences

• Whale Tales — A right whale lecture with artifacts and an exhibit visit featuring Smoke. Designed for curious learners aged six and up.
• Sea Turtles Dig the Dark! — A research presentation by Dr. Chris Hintz of Savannah State University on coastal impacts and inland light pollution affecting nesting sea turtles.
• Trawl to Trash Workshop — Hands-on sessions that teach debris collection and turning recycled shrimp nets into reusable bags. Recommended for participants aged eight and up.
• Saving Sea Turtles: Preventing Extinction — An award-winning documentary narrated by Dr. Sylvia Earle with a live Q&A and complimentary concessions.
• Turtle Talk — Sea turtle education with species coverage and a loggerhead feeding at the Coastal Gallery.
• Bird Walk — Guided shorebird walks led by local naturalists, including provided binoculars.
• Tybee Spring Shorebird Panel Discussion — Expert panelists from Manomet Conservation Sciences and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources share research and conservation insight.
• Right Whale to Save Festival — Community festival and vendor opportunities focused on education and nature outreach.
• An Evening Under the Sea and Stars — Special installations and seasonal events blending art, bioluminescence inspiration, and evening programming.

Why visit and what to expect

Visitors to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center can expect fact-based programming led or presented by scientists, university researchers, conservation organizations, and experienced educators. Programs highlight species such as right whales and sea turtles and examine threats like marine debris and light pollution. Many events include interactive elements, hands-on workshops, or opportunities to meet experts during panels and Q&A sessions.

Planning a visit

• Location: Tybee Island, Georgia.
• Audience: Families, students, educators, and conservation-minded visitors.
• Offerings: Exhibits, lectures, workshops, film screenings, guided walks, and seasonal festivals.

Conservation and community impact

Programming such as Trawl to Trash, Sea Turtles Dig the Dark!, and the Right Whale festival emphasizes community involvement in coastal conservation and practical steps to reduce marine debris and protect nesting habitats. Partnerships with institutions like Savannah State University, Manomet Conservation Sciences, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources support research presentations and expert-led discussions.

Bookings and accessibility

Check the center’s schedule for dates, age recommendations, and registration requirements for workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, and guided walks. Many programs welcome participants as young as six for lectures and eight for hands-on workshops, and festivals provide vendor registration for educational and nature-related organizations.

Explore educational programming, seasonal events, and hands-on conservation workshops at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to deepen understanding of coastal ecosystems, support local research, and engage directly with scientists and conservationists.

Visitor tips and FAQs

• Bring binoculars or use the pairs provided for bird walks and shorebird panels.
• Expect interactive exhibits and opportunities to observe and feed a loggerhead sea turtle during Turtle Talk.
• Workshops like Trawl to Trash include hands-on craft activities and practical debris cleanup techniques suitable for families.

Research and education partners deepen program content. Presentations such as Sea Turtles Dig the Dark! are led by university researchers including Dr. Chris Hintz from Savannah State University. Film screenings include special events featuring guest Q&A sessions with creators and scientists. The center’s collaborations with Manomet Conservation Sciences and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources bring shorebird research and conservation updates to public panels today.