Visiting the Coastal Center
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is a 57-acre marine life nature center offering educational programs that teach the importance of environmental stewardship. Guests can interact with stingrays and local invertebrate species, attend programs that teach about local gamefish, sharks, and sea turtles, and explore the Ocean EcoCenter that includes interactive exhibits and aquariums.
Hours & Admission
Coastal Center Hours
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Tuesday through Sunday | 10 am - 4 pm*
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Holiday Closures: New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas
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Administrative offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. If you need to speak with a member of our staff, you can find their information on our Staff page.
*Please note, we are an outdoor facility and inclement weather may affect hours of operation and program times. Check the weather before your visit!
Daily Admission
(Purchase admission tickets upon arrival or in advance on our Admission page.)
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General: $18
- Children (3-12): $9
- Children ages 2 and under: FREE
- Members: FREE
- Active & Retired Military: $16
Group Admission
We provide various options for groups eager to explore and learn at the Coastal Center, available during our regular hours as well as through private tours.
Daily Programs
Stingray Program
10:30 am & 1:30 pm
During this 30-minute program, visitors will learn about different rays — and their cousins, the shark — that live along Florida’s coast! Stingray touching is not allowed during the Stingray Program. Interactions are available during the following times: 10 - 10:30 am, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, and 2:30 - 4 pm (subject to change).
Gamefish Program
11:00 am & 2:00 pm
Discover the array of fish species inhabiting our nearby waters, spanning from sharks to gamefish, within our vast 750,000-gallon Gamefish Lagoon. Witness these creatures up close and personal while our Animal Care staff feed them.
Sea Turtle Program
11:30 am & 2:30 pm
Learn about the five sea turtle species native to Florida, including the three that nest along Martin County's beaches! Discover methods to identify these amazing reptiles, the primary threats they face, and find out how each one of us can make a difference in safeguarding their habitats.
Stingray Interactions
10am – 10:30am, 11:30am - 1:30pm, and 2:30 - 4pm (subject to change)
Nature Trail
10am - 3:45 pm (last entry at 3 pm)
Immerse yourself in nature as you walk a one-mile loop to the Indian River Lagoon and back. Along the trail, discover a wealth of insights about our indigenous marine wetland habitat—the fascinating mangrove swamp.
A 30-minute guided introduction to the nature trail and its magnificent mangrove trees is offered at 12 p.m. every Friday. Meet at the seagrass nursery.
Guest Code of Conduct
The Coastal Center is a family-friendly science center, aquarium, and research facility. providing various scheduled educational programs and activities. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, a Guest Code of Conduct is enforced, covering guidelines on behavior, attire, animal interaction, and more. We encourage everyone to read our Guest Code of Conduct before visiting the Coastal Center.
Service Animal/Pet Policy
Service Animals are always welcome at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Service Animals are highly trained working animals that assist a disabled individual with a specific task or tasks. Service Animals must remain on a leash at all times unless this prevents them from performing their task. For the health and safety of our guests and the animals that live at the Coastal Center, Emotional Support Animals, Comfort Animals, Companion Animals, Therapy Animals, and other pets are not allowed on Coastal Center property.
Neurodiverse Audiences
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is committed to providing a welcoming experience for all visitors, including those who are neurodiverse and their families. Neurodiverse visitors can read about what they can expect from a trip to the Coastal Center at the link provided here: Information for our Neurodiverse Guests.
The Sea Life Monument
The Sea Life Monument was donated to Florida Oceanographic Society in 2010 and is a bronze 19 foot sculpture created by award-winning fine artist Geoffrey C. Smith.
Map & Directions
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is located at 890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996 on Hutchinson Island.
Have Questions?
Contact us at info@floridaocean.org or give us a call at 772-225-0505.
