FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center

The Ocean Discovery Visitors Center is a destination where the community can come to learn about the research conducted by the marine scientists, engineers and students at FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Since its remodel in January 2017, the center houses five educational exhibits including Marine Drug Discovery, Marine Mammal Research & Conservation, Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, Marine Ecosystem Health and Ocean Engineering. Visitors are welcome to explore these exhibits on their own or participate in a free 30-45 minute interpretive tour provided by a FAU Harbor Branch Graduate Student. The center also features a video theater, aquaria relevant to research topics, interactive displays, a touch tank, gift shop and student information station. While admission and interpretive tours are free, donations are accepted and contribute to Harbor Branch outreach initiatives. Group visits (10 or more people) are also available and must be reserved in advance. The Ocean Discovery Visitors Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. 
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is the northern-most campus of Florida Atlantic University. While this campus is closed to the general public, special tours are offered every Wednesday from 10:30 am to noon. Weekly Immersion Tours focus on the institute’s history as well as current research efforts and can accommodate up to 12 people (suggested for ages 10 and up). Tour highlights include our historic Johnson Sea Link Submersible and scenic 144 acre campus that runs along the Indian River Lagoon. While we drive by and describe our research facilities, guests are not allowed access to laboratory or working spaces for safety reasons. Reservations are required in advance and can be made over the phone or at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center gift shop. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years old. 
 
FAU Harbor Branch also offers several free lecture series where the community is invited to come and learn about our recent discoveries directly from the scientists, engineers and students that made them. Please visit our website for a list of upcoming lectures.
For more information visit www.fau.edu/hboi/ or contact the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center at 772-242-2293.