Is the camp suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, activities are designed for children of all skill levels, with supervision provided.

What should children wear?

Comfortable clothes suitable for water and outdoor activities, along with water shoes.

Typically, the camp provides snacks; check with the center for meal options.

What age range is appropriate?

The camp is designed for kids ages 5 to 12.

How many children are in each group?

Groups are small to ensure personalized attention, usually 8-12 kids per guide.

Is there any special equipment required?

All gear is provided by the center, but bringing personal water bottles is encouraged.

Water Activities at Marine Discovery Center: Indian River Lagoon Adventure | Guided Tour | Boat Tour

Located along Florida's eastern coast, the Marine Discovery Center offers a vibrant hub for young explorers eager to connect with nature while having fun during their school holidays. Sitting beside the Indian River Lagoon, a designated National Estuarine Research Reserve, this center provides an immersive outdoor experience that combines environmental education with hands-on adventure. The highlight is the single-day holiday camp designed for children aged 5 to 12, where kids can step aboard the pontoon boat, The Discovery, to uncover the secrets of this rich ecosystem. The journey through mangrove forests exposes children to one of Florida’s most vital and unique habitats, teeming with wildlife such as herons, oyster toadfish, and dolphins. Guided by experienced instructors, campers learn to identify native flora and fauna, gaining a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship.

This camp offers an engaging mix of kayaking, boating, and shoreline exploration, making it perfect for young adventure-seekers with curiosity about nature. The Indian River Lagoon’s calm, shallow waters are ideal for beginner paddlers, and the center emphasizes safety and environmental responsibility to cultivate mindful explorers. Beyond the water-based activities, kids participate in interactive lessons that highlight the lagoon's ecological importance and the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems. The Marine Discovery Center’s commitment to conservation and education makes it a standout destination for families looking to combine fun with meaningful learning. It’s not just a camp; it’s an opportunity for children to develop an early love for the outdoors, making memories while learning about Florida’s diverse wildlife and habitats.

If you're seeking an accessible, engaging, and educational outdoor adventure for kids in Florida, this camp delivers an unforgettable experience that inspires curiosity and respect for our waters. The Indian River Lagoon remains one of the most vital estuarine systems in the country, and activities here foster a new generation of environmental stewards, all while enjoying the water and wildlife of this iconic Florida location.

About Marine Discovery Center

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.