FAU Harbor Branch Public Tours

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Visit FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

For over 50 years, Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has been a leader in marine science and education, with a mission of Ocean Science for a Better World®. 

FAU Harbor Branch, located in Fort Pierce, Florida, offers a variety of educational tours and specialty experiences so that the community can learn about the marine environment and the important research conducted by the Institute.

For more information please call 772-242-2293 or stop by our Ocean Discovery Visitors Center. Special group tours are also available by request.

Dontions to Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanogrphic Institute directly benefit a wide range of impactful marine science research, education, and community outreach programs. Click here to learn more about giving opportnitites and to make a contribution.


Tram Tours  

FAU Harbor Branch welcomes you to go behind the scenes with one of our outreach scientists to gain a greater understanding of the significant research conducted by the Institute. During this 1.5-hour tour, participants will explore our 144-acre waterfront campus, learn about our history, hear highlights of the cutting-edge research being conducted by our marine scientists and engineers, and discover the impact that our work has on their everyday lives. The experience will also include a photo-op in front of our iconic Johnson Sea Link deep-sea submersible as well as views of the Indian River Lagoon and Florida wildlife.

Offered on Saturdays at 1 pm (private charters and field trips are also available by request).

Tours are limited to 13 people. Reservations and payment are required in advance (must be made by 4 p.m. the day before).

Tram Tours are recommended for ages 5 and up.

Cost to attend: $25 per person

Click here to reserve your spot today!


Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours

FAU Harbor Branch is proud to announce that our Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours have been named the 2025 "Best Eco Adventure" on the Treasure Coast by Indian River Magazine!


Join us for a fun and educational 1.5-hour excursion aboard FAU Harbor Branch’s pontoon tour boat, the Discovery! During this experience, an expert guide will discuss the wildlife encountered as well as the research that the Institute conducts to better understand and protect the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem. New for 2023, participants will have the opportunity to experience the lagoon like never before - as a marine scientist aboard a floating laboratory with state-of-the-art-tools. Activities include interpreting real-time water quality data from the Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network of Environmental Sensors, surveying underwater habitats with a remotely operated vehicle, and identifying wildlife of all sizes, from microscopic plankton to sharks, rays, manatees, and dolphins.

About the Indian River Lagoon: Designated as an aquatic preserve and Estuary of National Significance, the Lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. Spanning 156 miles along Florida's east coast, it is home to more than 4,000 plant and animal species, including 50 threatened or endangered species. FAU Harbor Branch is a leader in Indian River Lagoon research and education, with a goal of conserving this vital ecosystem for generations to come.

Offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 am and 1 pm (private charters and field trips are also available by request).

Tours are limited to 30 people. Reservations and payment are required in advance (must be made by 4 pm the day before).

Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours are appropriate for all ages.

Cost to attend: $40 per person

Click here to reserve your spot today!


Group Experiences

FAU Harbor Branch has a variety of ways that private groups can enjoy our campus! Charter options are available for our boat and tram tours, as well as other special experiences. We are happy to work with groups of all ages and sizes to plan the perfect experience for you!

To book your group or to learn more, please call 772-242-2293.

Prefer to host one our our scientists? The FAU Harbor Branch Speakers Bureau program allows community organizations to request presentations from our faculty, staff, and graduate students. We offer both off-site and virtual lectures and can accommodate a wide variety of different groups.

To request a speaker for your group or event, please fill out the request form using this link.


Help Us Educate Our Community

Through a diverse portfolio of public tours, exhibitions, on- and off-site events, citizen science, field trips, lectures, experiential education programs and more, we are the public gateway to the amazing marine science research happening at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. With your charitable donation, we can continue educating our community and helping to inspire the next generation of ocean scientists and stewards

Click here to make your gift today; we appreciate it!!


FAU Harbor Branch Public Tours