Marine Science Center

Marine Science Center The MSC is a turtle and bird hospital that offers educational exhibits as a service of Volusia County

Registration for November Turtle Tots is now open!Learn about owls of Florida and meet some of our residents at the Mari...
11/02/2025

Registration for November Turtle Tots is now open!

Learn about owls of Florida and meet some of our residents at the Marine Science Center located at 100 Lighthouse Dr. in Ponce Inlet, FL. This program is for ages 2–6.

To register for our November Turtle Tots Program, email [email protected] with your choice of one of the four sessions listed.

Please include your child’s name and the number of adults attending in the email.
Class size is limited.

10/18/2025

The Marine Science Center Turtle Hospital just admitted its 301st sea turtle patient of 2025. This is officially our highest number ever in a single year and there's still a few months left!

We couldn’t do it without your continued support, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helps us give these amazing animals a second chance.

Thank you for being part of our mission!

All work conducted under FWC Permit MTP-25-194

Every year, the MSC receives hundreds of turtle patients at our hospital. So how do we tell them apart? One of our most ...
10/10/2025

Every year, the MSC receives hundreds of turtle patients at our hospital. So how do we tell them apart?

One of our most common patients are juvenile green sea turtles. This species can be identified by their almond-shaped shell with a starburst pattern, a single pair of prefrontal scales, and the distinct number of scutes (the hard scales or plates on its shell).

All work conducted under FWC Permit MTP-25-194

It's All Smiles at the Touch Pool! Get ready for a fin-tastic experience!Join us for daily presentations and feed the fr...
10/09/2025

It's All Smiles at the Touch Pool!

Get ready for a fin-tastic experience!
Join us for daily presentations and feed the friendly Cownose Rays at the Touch Pool!

Stingray Feeding Times:
11:00 AM
1:00 PM
3:00 PM

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closed Mondays

Bring your curiosity (and maybe a splash-proof shirt) — the rays are waiting to say hello!

Meet "Kewpie", a Florida Box Turtle hatchling!Kewpie came to the MSC Turtle Hospital lethargic. He is one of the smalles...
10/08/2025

Meet "Kewpie", a Florida Box Turtle hatchling!
Kewpie came to the MSC Turtle Hospital lethargic. He is one of the smallest turtle patients the MSC has ever admitted!

All activities conducted under FWC RNW 906-000006

The Marine Science Center is excited to announce our upcoming event. “WILDLIFE FESTIVAL 2025” The festival will celebrat...
10/06/2025

The Marine Science Center is excited to announce our upcoming event.
“WILDLIFE FESTIVAL 2025”

The festival will celebrate the natural beauty of Volusia County from the ground to the sky. Come learn how the Gopher Tortoises and their neighbors depend on native plants and smart backyards to provide healthy habitats and protect our waterways.

Marine Science Center Wildlife Festival
Saturday, November 1st, 2025
10 am to 3 pm
100 Lighthouse Drive Ponce Inlet, Fl 32127
Free admission

This year’s spotlight is on gopher tortoises and how native plants form the foundation of life in Florida. From deep burrows to tiny flowers to soaring treetops, discover how all life is connected and depend on each other for food, shelter, and survival; including humans!

• Explore interactive booths from environmental and wildlife organizations as well as local vendors, food and music.
• Meet live raptor and reptile animal ambassadors and learn about their habitats.
Step inside the fascinating world of the gopher tortoise and the many creatures that share its burrow.
• Discover how planting native plants can help birds and tortoises thrive.
• Experience the renovations and new exhibits.

With presentations, activities, and conservation education for all ages, it’s a day to celebrate the beauty, balance, and biodiversity of Florida.

Please note: No animal releases are scheduled.

Parking Info: Free parking is available behind the Ponce Inlet 7/11. A free shuttle bus will transport guests to and from the MSC. Shuttles will run between the hours of the event. Also limited parking is available at Lighthouse Point Park.
Disability accessible parking is available on Lighthouse Dr. at the Marine Science Center.

10/04/2025

Mark your calendar… Saturday November 1st is Wildlife Festival at the Marine Science Center…. More information to follow

Registration for October Turtle Tots is now open!Explore the outdoors with an EEEK-O-WALK at the Marine Science Center l...
10/01/2025

Registration for October Turtle Tots is now open!

Explore the outdoors with an EEEK-O-WALK at the Marine Science Center located at 100 Lighthouse Dr. in Ponce Inlet, FL. This program is for ages 2–6.

To register for our October Turtle Tots Program, email [email protected] with your choice of one of the four sessions listed.

Please include your child’s name and the number of adults attending in the email.
Class size is limited.

09/30/2025

Tiny flippers, big appetites!

It's feeding time for our hatchlings and washbacks. They're fueling up for a journey offshore, back to the wild.

Did you know sea turtles don't have teeth? Instead, they use their strong beaks to munch on jellyfish, seaweed, and other ocean snacks.

All Work Conducted Under FWC Permit MTP-25-194

Join us in wishing a very happy birthday to our slithery superstar, Toby! Whether he's soaking up the heat, exploring h...
09/26/2025

Join us in wishing a very happy birthday to our slithery superstar, Toby! Whether he's soaking up the heat, exploring his enclosure, or just showing off those stunning scales, Toby always steals the show!

Toby has been a beloved resident reptile ambassador at the MSC since 2011. Through his calm nature and curious personality, he helps teach guests all about Florida Pine Snakes and the critical pine flatwoods they call home.

It's almost here! Are you joining us for "Don't BEE Scared"?When: Saturday, September 27th from 9:00 am to 11:00 amWhere...
09/23/2025

It's almost here! Are you joining us for "Don't BEE Scared"?

When: Saturday, September 27th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: Marine Science Center 100 Lighthouse Dr., Ponce Inlet

To register for this program:
Tel: 386-304-5545 or Email: [email protected]

Address

100 Lighthouse Drive
Ponce Inlet, FL
32127

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

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