Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Discover local marine life, from sea turtles to touch tanks, at this educational center dedicated to coastal conservation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover local marine life, from sea turtles to touch tanks, at this educational center dedicated to coastal conservation.
"A cute and fun spot, totally worth the stop with awesome exhibits and sweet staff!"
🎯 Family Membership Deal
A family membership is a steal at $50/year for four kids! Great value for frequent visitors.
🚗 Parking is Shared
Parking is shared with North Beach. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak times.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Touch Tank
Ground floor
Get hands-on with local marine life like hermit crabs and starfish. A guaranteed hit with kids!
Ossie the Sea Turtle
Main exhibit hall
Meet Ossie, the resident sea turtle, a majestic creature that captivates visitors of all ages.
Right Whale Exhibit
Second floor
Learn about the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale and conservation efforts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Support Marine Conservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Family Membership Deal
A family membership is a steal at $50/year for four kids! Great value for frequent visitors.
🚗 Parking is Shared
Parking is shared with North Beach. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak times.
🤝 Private Tours Available
Book a private tour for an engaging, personalized experience, especially for school groups.
🌊 Educational Programs
The center offers fantastic educational programs and beach treks for all ages.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Family Membership Deal
A family membership is a steal at $50/year for four kids! Great value for frequent visitors.
🚗 Parking is Shared
Parking is shared with North Beach. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak times.
🤝 Private Tours Available
Book a private tour for an engaging, personalized experience, especially for school groups.
🌊 Educational Programs
The center offers fantastic educational programs and beach treks for all ages.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Check out the podcast episode featuring the Executive Director for deeper insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to be a charming and educational spot, especially for families. While some note its smaller size and suggest admission could offer more, the interactive exhibits, particularly the touch tank and the sea turtle, are consistently praised. The center's conservation mission and the engaging nature of its educational programs are also highlighted as significant positives.
"Although this center is on the small side, I enjoyed visiting it. There are three levels of the building to explore, with lots of live animals to observe, and in some cases, even touch. The animals actually seemed to engage with you as you got close to the glass."
Anon Ymous
"Stopped here on a whim. To be honest, it was nothing that spectacular. Not much in terms of exhibitions or turtles. At $15 bucks x 4 ppl, sort of felt there should have been more in terms to the experience. Don't feel like this was a good value. But, I guess we support a good cause and state tourism."
M J Fisher
"This is a fun place to take kids, get out of the heat and learn something too. Of course the kids love the area where they can interact with the hermit crabs. Fairly small but kids can spend a lot of time there."
Tired Dad Makin' Stuff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is located on the north end of Tybee Island, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Savannah. Parking is shared with North Beach, so it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season.
Yes, parking is available, but it is shared with North Beach. It can fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early, particularly on weekends and during the summer.
While public transportation options directly to the center might be limited, you can reach Tybee Island via bus from Savannah. Once on the island, consider local trolleys or ride-sharing services if available, though walking or biking might be feasible depending on your accommodation's location.
The center is designed with accessibility in mind, offering multiple levels to explore. Specific accessibility details can be confirmed by contacting the center directly, but it aims to be welcoming to all visitors.
From Savannah, take US-80 E towards Tybee Island. Continue on US-80 E, which becomes Tybrisa Street. Turn left onto Butler Avenue, then right onto North Beach Road. The center will be on your right.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but reviews suggest it might be around $15 per person. It's always best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing information. Some visitors felt the value was a bit low for the experience.
Yes, a family membership is available for $50 per year, which is considered a great deal for families with multiple children. Look for potential discounts for seniors, military, or local residents on their official channels.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Tybee Island Marine Science Center website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
While advance ticket purchase might not always be necessary for general admission, it's a good idea to check their website. For special programs or private tours, advance booking is usually required.
Yes, it's a relatively small center, making it ideal for a quick morning or afternoon visit, especially if you're looking for an indoor activity to escape the heat or rain.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits featuring live marine animals, including Ossie the sea turtle and various fish. There's an interactive touch tank where you can handle creatures like hermit crabs and starfish, and an exhibit on the North Atlantic Right Whale.
Absolutely! The touch tank is a major highlight, allowing visitors to get hands-on with marine life. The animals often seem to engage with visitors as they approach the glass.
You can see a variety of local marine life, including sea turtles (like Ossie!), various fish, sharks, and invertebrates such as hermit crabs and starfish. They also have exhibits on marine mammals like the Right Whale.
Yes, the center is known for its educational programs, including beach and marsh treks, and private tours that are highly praised for their engaging content and knowledgeable guides.
It's highly recommended for kids! They love the touch tank and seeing the animals up close. The educational aspect is also a big plus, making it a fun and informative outing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The center itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there are shaded areas, like a pergola, where visitors can enjoy snacks or packed lunches. You'll find numerous dining options on Tybee Island nearby.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for educational centers to allow visitors to bring their own snacks and drinks to consume in designated areas. It's best to confirm their policy upon arrival or check their website.
The North Beach area and the rest of Tybee Island offer a variety of casual seafood restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops. You can easily find places to eat before or after your visit.
Yes, there are shaded areas, including a pergola, that can be used for resting and eating. This is a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch after exploring the exhibits.
While not explicitly mentioned for food, the center is a popular spot for group visits and educational programs, suggesting they can accommodate special events. Inquire directly about birthday party packages.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture close-ups of the marine life in the exhibits and touch tank, especially Ossie the sea turtle. The Right Whale exhibit also offers unique photographic potential. The building itself, with its panoramic ocean views, is also photogenic.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the center. However, flash photography might be restricted to protect the animals, so be mindful of signage and guidelines.
Ossie the sea turtle is a definite star for photos, as is the interactive touch tank. The new Right Whale exhibit also provides a compelling subject for educational and impactful imagery.
Since much of the experience is indoors, the time of day is less critical for lighting within the exhibits. However, visiting during less crowded times (weekday mornings) will allow for unobstructed shots.
It's always polite to ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, including staff and volunteers, especially if they are featured prominently in your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a family membership for great value if you plan on visiting multiple times. Arriving early is key to avoid crowds and ensure easier parking, as the lot is shared with North Beach. The center is also a perfect indoor activity for a hot or rainy day, providing a welcome break from the beach while still offering a coastal experience.
📚 Students and Educators
Booking a private tour can offer a tailored experience for school groups, ensuring that the content is relevant and engaging for the specific age range. The center's commitment to marine conservation and education makes it a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in environmental science and the unique biodiversity of the Georgia coast.
🌊 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Engaging with the exhibits and participating in educational programs can deepen your understanding of local marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities. The center's mission is to foster a sense of responsibility towards the ocean, making it a meaningful stop for those who care about environmental preservation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Marine Life
One of the most beloved residents is Ossie the sea turtle, a majestic creature that visitors often describe as captivating. The center also features a significant exhibit on the North Atlantic Right Whale, a critically endangered species. This exhibit aims to raise awareness about the threats these whales face and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them.
Beyond the exhibits, the center offers educational programs such as beach and marsh treks. These guided excursions provide a deeper understanding of coastal habitats and the creatures that inhabit them, making the learning experience immersive and memorable.
Conservation and Education Focus
The center is a valuable resource for both locals and tourists, offering a chance to connect with nature and learn about the delicate balance of marine life. They emphasize the importance of understanding and protecting these environments for future generations. The Right Whale exhibit is a prime example of their commitment to highlighting conservation issues.
Many visitors, including school groups and families, praise the center's educational impact. Guides are often commended for their expertise and ability to engage audiences, treating everyone, especially children, as budding scientists. This hands-on approach to learning makes the center a significant asset to coastal Georgia's educational landscape.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Visitors
For families, consider the family membership, which offers excellent value at $50 per year for four children. This makes repeat visits more affordable and encourages ongoing engagement with marine science. If you're visiting with a group, such as a scout troop, booking a private tour is highly recommended. Guides like James have been singled out for their exceptional ability to connect with children and provide in-depth, engaging information.
While the center is on the smaller side, reviews suggest it offers a good balance of education and entertainment. Some visitors have noted that the admission price might feel a bit high for the size of the exhibits, but many agree that supporting the conservation mission is worthwhile. Don't forget to check out their podcast for an even deeper dive into their work.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit