Walk Tybee’s North Beach with a marine science educator and get science center admission
1 hour
Guided beach walk, Center admission
Explore Tybee’s North Beach on a guided walk led by a marine science educator. Learn how barrier islands, tides, dunes, and the intertidal zone shape this shoreline while you look for local wildlife.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Programs begin on time and latecomers cannot be accommodated.
Cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. No-shows are not refunded. If cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be refunded except for any service fees.
Check in at the cashier station at the front entrance. At the start time, meet your educator outside by the large whale tail at the front of the building.
Arrive on time. Programs begin on time, and latecomers can’t be accommodated due to the schedule of other participants.
You park in a city-owned lot, and there’s no dedicated parking for program participants. Parking is an extra charge, and the rate is set by the City of Tybee Island and may change.
37 Meddin Drive, Tybee Island GA 31328
Step inside the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and you are immediately surrounded by the sights and sounds of Georgia's coastal ecosystem. Touch tanks filled with horseshoe crabs and sea urchins invite you to get close to marine life that thrives just offshore. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center sits at the edge of one of the Southeast's most biologically rich shorelines, making every visit feel like a genuine encounter with the living ocean.
This small but engaging marine science center wins hearts with its conservation-focused mission and genuinely helpful staff. Visitors appreciate that it's an ethical alternative to typical aquariums, with proceeds clearly going toward animal care and rehabilitation. The hands-on touch tank gets consistent praise, especially with younger kids, and the beach walk programs offer educational experiences where groups have spotted dolphins right offshore. Families love the outdoor playground and interactive exhibits spread across three stories, plus tracking screens that monitor whales and ships. The experience is intentionally compact, taking most visitors about 30-45 minutes to explore. Some guests expecting a large-scale aquarium may find the number of live exhibits smaller than anticipated, though what's here clearly resonates with the conservation-minded approach. The staff consistently earns high marks for being patient, knowledgeable, and wonderful with children's endless questions. Located conveniently near the beach with easy access, it's positioned as a meaningful way to support marine conservation while enjoying your island visit, particularly appealing if you're traveling with curious kids.