UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium
Discover Georgia's coastal wonders at the UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium, featuring local marine life and scenic nature trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Georgia's coastal wonders at the UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium, featuring local marine life and scenic nature trails.
"A small but thoughtfully organized aquarium with engaging touch pools and beautiful waterfront trails."
🎯 Small but Mighty Aquarium
It's smaller than some, but packed with local marine life and interactive touch pools. Great for a focused visit!
👟 Explore the Nature Trails
Don't miss the beautiful waterfront trails! Perfect for a walk or picnic with scenic river views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Touch Pools
Aquarium exhibits
Get hands-on with local marine life like horseshoe crabs in these engaging, educational touch pools.
Skidaway River Nature Trails
Outdoor grounds
Stroll through scenic coastal paths lined with oak trees, offering beautiful views of the Skidaway River.
Georgia's Coastal Marine Life Exhibits
Aquarium exhibits
Discover a variety of local species showcased in thoughtfully organized tanks, highlighting Georgia's marine biodiversity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Relaxed Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Small but Mighty Aquarium
It's smaller than some, but packed with local marine life and interactive touch pools. Great for a focused visit!
👟 Explore the Nature Trails
Don't miss the beautiful waterfront trails! Perfect for a walk or picnic with scenic river views. 
🦀 Touch Tank Fun
Kids (and adults!) love the hands-on experience with creatures like horseshoe crabs. Staff offer great education!
🚗 Plan Your Drive
Located on Skidaway Island, it's about 30 mins from downtown Savannah. Factor in travel time.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Small but Mighty Aquarium
It's smaller than some, but packed with local marine life and interactive touch pools. Great for a focused visit!
👟 Explore the Nature Trails
Don't miss the beautiful waterfront trails! Perfect for a walk or picnic with scenic river views.
🦀 Touch Tank Fun
Kids (and adults!) love the hands-on experience with creatures like horseshoe crabs. Staff offer great education!
🚗 Plan Your Drive
Located on Skidaway Island, it's about 30 mins from downtown Savannah. Factor in travel time.
💰 Great Value
Affordable admission makes it a budget-friendly option for a few hours of fun and learning.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium for its educational value, interactive touch pools, and beautiful nature trails. While some note its smaller size compared to larger aquariums, many find this contributes to a more relaxed and intimate experience. The affordability and the engaging staff also receive positive mentions.
"We had a wonderful experience at the UGA aquarium. While it’s not very large, it’s thoughtfully organized. If you’re seeking a more relaxed and less crowded aquarium visit, this is the perfect spot."
Nurjahan Hadi (Rupa)
"Wonderful learning experience for all ages. Handicap accessible and many indoor exhibits. They have touching pools for horseshoe crabs. Beautiful gardens and waterfront trails"
Mary Margaret Bartlett
"Overall we had a great experience! My 11 year old loved the touch tanks and the staff was incredibly helpful and provide wonderful education on the species.
It was small and although they advertise the amount of tanks (I think around 16), they were smaller tanks all next to each other so it doesn’t take very long to see everything. Because of that my only gripe would be the the driving distance (we stayed in Pooler and had to drive 50 minutes). So for the distance I don’t know that I would visit again."
Kelly P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium is located on Skidaway Island, approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown Savannah. Visitors can reach it by car, and it's often combined with visits to nearby state parks or nature reserves.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Some visitors have biked to the center, combining it with trail rides on Skidaway Island. It's a scenic route for those who enjoy cycling.
Public transport options to Skidaway Island are limited. It is generally recommended to have a car for easier access to the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium.
The driving distance from Pooler to the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium is approximately 50 minutes, which some visitors find to be a significant travel time for the size of the attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally considered affordable and offer good value for the experience. Specific pricing can be found on their official website or by contacting them directly.
While advance booking is not always required, it's a good idea to check their website or call ahead, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to ensure availability and current operating hours.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium is reported to be handicap accessible, with indoor exhibits and accessible trails, making it a welcoming destination for all visitors.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or group rates is typically available through the center's official channels. Checking their website or inquiring directly is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The aquarium focuses on Georgia's coastal marine life, featuring various fish, invertebrates like horseshoe crabs, and other local species. They also have ambassador animals like gopher tortoises.
Yes, the center offers interactive touch pools where visitors can safely interact with marine creatures, providing a hands-on learning experience.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the aquarium and the nature trails, making it a perfect outing for a few hours.
The nature trails are scenic, often lined with oak trees, and offer beautiful views of the Skidaway River. They are a popular feature for visitors looking to enjoy the coastal environment.
Absolutely! The touch pools and engaging exhibits make it a wonderful and educational experience for children of all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, visitors are often encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy on the grounds, especially near the waterfront.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted, and many visitors take advantage of this to have a picnic lunch while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Skidaway River.
While the center is on Skidaway Island, there are dining options available back in Savannah or in nearby communities. It's advisable to plan your meals accordingly if you're not bringing a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic nature trails along the Skidaway River offer beautiful photographic opportunities, especially with the coastal landscape and oak trees. The aquarium exhibits themselves also provide unique shots of marine life.
Photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding flash photography, which can disturb marine animals.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing the exhibits and scenery. For the nature trails, a wider lens can be useful for landscapes, while a macro lens might be fun for close-ups of flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The aquarium's manageable size means little ones won't get tired or bored, and the staff are great at making the experience educational and fun. Don't forget to explore the nature trails for a bit of outdoor adventure and beautiful river views – perfect for a picnic! Many parents appreciate that it's a more relaxed and less crowded option compared to larger attractions. It's a wonderful way to spend a few hours learning about Georgia's coastal creatures in an engaging and accessible environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic lunch brought from home to save on dining costs. The nature trails are free to explore and provide a significant portion of the experience, offering stunning views and a chance to connect with nature without additional expense. It's a cost-effective way to have a fulfilling and enjoyable outing.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Day-Trippers
+2 It's the perfect complement to the aquarium's focus on local marine ecosystems.As a day-trip destination from Savannah, it provides a refreshing change of pace from the historic city. You can easily spend a few hours here, enjoying both the educational exhibits and the natural beauty, making it an ideal short excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Georgia's Coastal Ecosystem
Beyond the indoor exhibits, the center's nature trails are a significant draw. These trails wind through the coastal marshlands and along the Skidaway River, offering a chance to experience the ecosystem firsthand. You can observe native plants, birdlife, and the subtle beauty of the salt marsh. Many visitors find these outdoor spaces just as, if not more, rewarding than the aquarium itself, providing a peaceful and educational complement to the indoor displays.
+1For those interested in marine science and education, the center also plays a crucial role in research and outreach. While not always directly visible to the casual visitor, this aspect underscores the center's commitment to the health of Georgia's marine environments. It's a place where learning about the ocean comes alive, connecting visitors to the natural world in a meaningful way.
A Family-Friendly Educational Outing
+1The size of the aquarium, while smaller than some, is actually a benefit for families. It means children can explore the exhibits without becoming overwhelmed, and the shorter visit time is often ideal for maintaining their attention spans. The staff are frequently praised for their helpfulness and ability to provide excellent educational insights, answering questions and sharing interesting facts about the animals.
Coupled with the scenic nature trails, the UGA Marine Education Center offers a well-rounded outing. Families can enjoy a picnic lunch amidst beautiful natural surroundings after their aquarium visit, making for a complete and enjoyable day trip. It’s a place where kids can learn, play, and connect with nature.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit