Is Whale Tales suitable for young children?

Yes, it is designed for curious minds aged six and up, with interactive and hands-on elements to keep children engaged.

How long is the Whale Tales experience?

The program typically lasts between one to one and a half hours, making it a concise yet informative visit.

Where is Whale Tales located on Tybee Island?

It is located near the coastal area of Tybee Island, easily accessible from the main visitor routes and beaches.

Can I see live whales during the experience?

While Whale Tales focuses on education through models and artifacts, the right whale migration can sometimes be observed in local waters during certain seasons.

Are reservations required to attend Whale Tales?

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a spot for the program.

What accessibility options are available?

The venue is designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs; please inquire in advance for specific accommodations.

Whale Tales: Discover Right Whales and Marine Mammal Wonders on Tybee Island | Whale Watch | Museum

Off the coast of Tybee Island, Georgia, an extraordinary marine adventure awaits curious minds and nature enthusiasts alike. "Whale Tales" offers an immersive experience into the mysterious world of right whales, one of the Atlantic’s most endangered marine mammals. This engaging program brings the ocean’s giants closer than ever through a blend of hands-on learning, expert storytelling, and an up-close look at unique marine exhibits.

Tybee Island is a gateway to rich coastal ecosystems and abundant marine biodiversity. Located near Savannah, this barrier island is best known for its sandy shores, salt marshes, and the warm waters of the Atlantic that host seasonal whale migrations. Within this setting, Whale Tales stands out as a beacon for education and conservation, transforming a simple visit into a deep dive into marine science.

The heart of the experience lies in a captivating lecture that unpacks the anatomy, behavior, and survival strategies of North Atlantic right whales. Participants of all ages, especially curious children six and older, are invited to explore realistic artifacts that illustrate how these majestic creatures have adapted to life in the ocean. The program emphasizes the importance of ongoing conservation efforts designed to protect whales from ship strikes and habitat threats.

A highlight for many visitors is meeting Smoke, the life-sized right whale model that brings scale and wonder to the story of these mammals. Situated in the right whale exhibit, Smoke provides a tangible sense of the whales’ size and gentle nature, creating unforgettable moments for budding marine biologists and families alike.

Situated steps from the beach, Whale Tales also taps into the local marine culture and history, underscoring Tybee Island's role in coastal preservation and education. This makes it a vital stop for travelers who want to deepen their understanding of the region’s natural heritage while supporting critical wildlife protection.

Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a parent looking to inspire your child, or a traveler seeking meaningful experiences on Georgia’s coast, Whale Tales offers a memorable encounter with the ocean’s giants. The program combines fun, education, and conservation to give every visitor a connection to the fragile marine world right outside Tybee Island’s shores.

About Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Tybee Island Marine Science Center, located on Tybee Island, Georgia, is a community-focused marine education organization dedicated to coastal conservation, research outreach, and hands-on learning.

The center offers a variety of experiences for families, students, and public visitors, including lectures, workshops, panel discussions, guided walks, film screenings, and exhibit visits. Signature programs include Whale Tales, a right whale lecture and right whale exhibit featuring Smoke, a life-sized model; Turtle Talk with sea turtle education and a loggerhead feeding; Sea Turtles Dig the Dark!, presenting Dr. Chris Hintz’s research on coastal impacts and inland light pollution; Trawl to Trash workshops that teach debris collection and converting recycled shrimp netting into reusable bags; and an award-winning Saving Sea Turtles documentary narrated by Dr. Sylvia Earle followed by live Q&A. The center partners with academic and conservation organizations such as Savannah State University, Manomet Conservation Sciences, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to host expert panels and research presentations like the Tybee Spring Shorebird Panel Discussion. Events also include community festivals and seasonal programs such as the Right Whale to Save Festival and special installations like An Evening Under the Sea and Stars. Programming welcomes participants as young as six for select offerings and families with children aged eight and up for hands-on workshops. With a focus on education, conservation, and community engagement, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center provides fact-based programming, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to connect directly with scientists and conservationists. Visitors can attend lectures, workshops, exhibits, and community events year-round.