Centro Costero Oceanográfico de Florida

Experiencia positiva: We went as a family of 4 with coupons from a local entertainment book. The staff refused to use equal value and charged us 2 adult admissions and gave us the lesser value kids tickets for free. This was irksome and classic take as much from the patron as possible tactics. The Oceanagraphic Center has lost their permit to house sea turtles which is extremely alarming. There has been an abundance of money put into renovating this facility and adding a new indoor center which is only partially accessible because a summer camp program is going on. The area which highlights local wildlife is being used all morning for the camp, so a large portion of this exhibit is unaccessable, but they are still charging full price and this info is not available online. I have consistently brought friends and family to this facility for years. After today's visit I may just take my loved ones to the Elliott museum instead.

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing research center (and super friendly and knowledgeable staff) to learn about seagrass role in marine life, interact with stingray and more!

Experiencia fantástica: We greatly enjoyed our afternoon here! We saw the big game feeding demonstration, did the interactive sea critter and sting ray touch exhibits, and walked around the inside area as well. Well worth the price of admission! The only thing we didn’t do was the walking trail. It was very muggy and mosquito filled due to recent rain. Shout out to Jasmin at the sea critter touch tank as well as the sting ray area!! She was very knowledgable and funny :)

Experiencia fantástica: Been here a few times in the last 30 yrs. I love how much it has grown!! I used to come with my parents and my son and this time with our granddaughter.

Experiencia positiva: Mykiyla the director of the center was so considerate for our experience. off to her progressive approach. The center no more has the turtles. AI platforms need to be updated with this info

Experiencia fantástica: We love this place its so nice here. There is tons of wild life exhibits. Tons of stuff for kids and adults. The staff are great. You can spend all day here easily. So much fun. Highly recommend for a family outing

Experiencia fantástica: Great place to take the family. Super knowledgeable staff.

Experiencia fantástica: Great find. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly.

Experiencia positiva: Great place for kids. I didn't have kids with me. A little disappointing, no turtles at all.

Experiencia fantástica: Went for the turtle walk. Very informative. Friendly staff.

Experiencia fantástica: Had fun checking out all the educational things they have to offer. The observation deck was especially cool. From 3 stories up you can see everything and the sea breeze was perfect on this hot day.

Experiencia fantástica: Any time we are on the island, there is always a plan to make it a stop! For 20 years, we have been coming and have loved watching the center get bigger and better year after year. With a great friendly and knowledgeable staff you don't have to worry about asking questions of any kind. Don't skip out on the mangrove walk. The trails are raised and clear. The wildlife is absolutely amazing. Just watch out for the stray spiderweb if you go first thing in the morning.

Experiencia fantástica: Great for children. Very educacional and facsinating.

Experiencia fantástica: We were looking for things to do this weekend and ended up exploring this facility. Although I grew up in the Keys, I still managed to do and see new things. The park is well-designed and easy to follow without getting lost. I enjoyed the mangrove paths the most because of the nature and serenity. The lagoon looks like something you would see in the Keys.

Experiencia fantástica: Very well maintained center, lots of fun activities for kids. They truly care about what they do.

Experiencia fantástica: There is a mission to help people understand what impact our actions have on sea life, wetlands, and ourselves.

Experiencia fantástica: Staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Facility was well maintained and easily accommodating to all people.

Experiencia fantástica: Such a cool place to visit! Here you can pet stingrays, urchins, and others. You can walk a long and beautiful trail and learn about our oceans and live in them.

Experiencia fantástica: Fun and educational. My grandson and I enjoyed the hands on experience.

Experiencia positiva: Stingray petting tanks are always a hit with our family. This one had different rules than others we’ve been to and the rays weren’t as active while the petting options were open but we did manage to pet the southern and cow nose rays! The fish area was AMAZING seeing the nurse sharks so up close and learning about the fish from the animal talk . The starfish shaped touch tank was really cool as well The cost was quite steep for what you get however. If you have entertainment book coupons you can use more than one, we didn’t know that but the cashier was nice enough to explain it as she charged us the extra $18

Experiencia positiva: Really worth a visit. Especially good for kids but us adults enjoyed it too!

Experiencia fantástica: Cute place to visit and learn. We loved it!

Experiencia fantástica: Fun nature center with a variety of exhibits including a touch tank and presentations by friendly curators and volunteers. Great little trails through the swamps where you can see critters in their natural habitat

Experiencia fantástica: Informational and hands on learning great for adults and kids. The nature walk was beautiful this time of year.

Experiencia positiva: Feel bad for the animals. Felt like a zoo taking the animals from wild and putting in lagoon.

Experiencia fantástica: The interactive stingray area was incredible. My son asks to go back to the aquarium every day. That’s how much it impacted him in a positive way.

Experiencia fantástica: 10/10 always have a great time here. Whether it’s a date with my husband or having our 2yo with us, it’s great for all ages.

Experiencia fantástica: Great fun outdoor activity for all ages. Really beautiful trail and place.

Experiencia fantástica: Nice way to spend a few hours and learn something! Really enjoyed the day

Experiencia fantástica: Educational and also fun experiences such as touching stingrays and watching fishes getting fed! Unfortunately turtles weren't there for a certain reason.

Experiencia positiva: I recently came here with my two toddlers and was disappointed. For the price we paid we were hoping to see and do more. They only allowed the petting of the stingrays for about 2 minutes which is typically the highlight of the center. The play area for kids was mostly sand and the petting of shells. We had to rush inside to see the rest of the place because they said it was closing at 2. We had just arrived at 1:30. Once we got inside couldn’t see the 2nd or 3rd floor because the elevator was broken. Wasn’t wanting to climb 3 flights with two toddlers. So we settled for the large fish in the water to look at. They don’t allow the customers to feed the fish. We had to watch the employees do so. There wasn’t enough for the kids to do, so it was more of an in and out experience.

Experiencia positiva: Great place to take the grandson. They didn't have the sea turtles though. Something about a permit expiring.

Experiencia fantástica: This place is a must for people that live in the local area. I will definitely be coming back here again

Experiencia fantástica: We had a nice time visiting the center! I got to touch some rays and learn more about them. The views from the observation deck were nice. We got tickets on Groupon ahead of time which made check in really quick and easy

Experiencia fantástica: Unexpected surprise! We loved this place, and its ecological mission, rather than your typical zoo / aquarium. It’s clear as that the care takers of the animals, aren’t there for pay, instead passion & interest in their work.

Experiencia fantástica: Awesome place for the kids. Extremely interactive

Experiencia fantástica: Vary knowledgeable staff! I'm 46 and learned a lot during the visit. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you're visiting the area.

Experiencia fantástica: Wonderful attraction!! Great for kids that love exploring!!

Experiencia negativa: This was such a disappointing place. To pay $18 a person, get zero guidance as to what there was to see (which wasn't much) where to go once you gave them your money etc was a waste of money and an hour at best. Warning...don't waste your money.

Experiencia positiva: We went specifically to see the turtles which are unavailable at this time due to a licensing issue they are having. It was okay otherwise. Not sure it is worth $18 entrance, especially without the turtles

Experiencia positiva: My husband and I enjoyed our walk through the coastal center. The workers were very friendly and informative. The grounds are very well maintained. I am giving this review four stars because we came for the turtles and we’re disappointed to find out after paying for admission that the turtle observation is closed. Something about licensing. Will come back when the turtles are there.

Experiencia fantástica: Great place to learn about all kinds of ecosystems common to South Florida and to get up close and personal with some of it! Each exhibit or presentation is carefully thought out and provides an entertaining educational experience for all ages. Much of the operation of this 57 acre facility is run by local volunteers who are engaged and attentive to both their charges and their guests.

Experiencia fantástica: It’s cool and cheap. Kids can pet stingrays which is neat… the touch tank is underwhelming but the stingrays make up for it. They have a fairly big indoor area with some tanks and interactive displays, and they have a big outdoor tank/pond you can walk around, plus a nature trail. We killed a few hours for a few bucks- much better roi than Disney lol.

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing opportunity to view and learn about many of the fish and wildlife living nearby. The museum exhibits include interactive feeding, touching and looking at live animals.

Experiencia fantástica: Very informative, great place for kids, great value for the ticket price.

Experiencia fantástica: Great educational experience for all ages. Learn how you can help make a difference in our ocean ecology. Wonderful place to visit when the weather isn’t exactly beach oriented or in the morning before hitting the beach.

Experiencia fantástica: We ended up at the oceanographic center by pure chance, and so glad we did. We had an amazing afternoon petting animals (including stingrays), learning about local wildlife and ended up taking Zac's incredibly interesting boardwalk tour (where we saw two snakes against all odds)! Truly brilliant day with lovely staff. The giftshop is an attraction by itself!

Experiencia fantástica: So glad we made time to visit during our short trip! Our toddler had a blast interacting with the stingrays, hermit crabs, and even sea urchin! The staff were so knowledgeable and friendly. We arrived at around 1pm which was perfect to catch the stingray info session and the fish feeding. The entire facility is very well maintained and beautiful. We will recommend this place to anyone visiting Stuart. Thank you all!

Experiencia fantástica: My adult son and I (74,) spent several hours here and we loved every minute! The stingray tank exhibit was a personal favorite as we got to touch them. Every exhibit has shows and they're incredibly informational and interesting. There are fun games to play, amazing aquariums, picnic area, nature trails, huge brackish man-made lake with so many varieties of fish, cut out photo ops and so much more. I think everyone from 0-100+ would love this place as much as we did!

Experiencia fantástica: We loved it so much. I used to come here for $3 when I was a little girl, and all they had was one pool full of a bunch of different things. Now, it has turned into a great facility with the touching of rays and sea urchins / sea slugs. The educational feedings they offer and the cool science museum inside with the gift shop are nicely organized. Lots of cool photo opportunities. Great place to take anybody of any age. All exhibits are extremely educational and interactive!

Experiencia fantástica: Great place to spend a few hours on the Treasure Coast. We saw many interesting area sea creatures and even learned a bit admit the local environment. It's got many displays for kids, but our group of adults were also engaged and learned about the local ecology from the knowledgeable guides giving brief talks throughout the day. We went on a weekday, so it wasn't very busy, but I'll bet it gets crowded on weekends and holidays. We even got to pet the rays!

Experiencia positiva: DON'T GO ON THE TRAIL!!! My family and I went to visit during our vacation. The outdoor spots were pretty cool, and the indoor exhibits were good as well. One of my issues was the outdoor trail. There was a map on the outside of the trail, showing that there was a shorter and longer path. When we started walking, there were no visible signs or anything to show when to turn to go back. The smell of the trail was awful and made my group nauseous for a bit afterwards. Gift shop was cool but definitely pricey. I reccomend going but only sticking to the outdoor exhibits and the other building.

Experiencia fantástica: A lovely and inspiring place to spend a morning with your grandkids learning about the Everglades and the oceans and all the animals that live in those places. Very friendly staff, a great shop at the end for that souvenir you must have

Experiencia negativa: Went there with my family. It was a nice experience. Facility is nice and animals are well cared for. BUT it is pretty PRICEY. A problem I had is when I came to the Stuart Causeway to look at the water and was going to voluntarily help pick up trash because they had a trash clean up day and they told me because I didn't register on their website and associate with them I was not allowed to help them pick up trash. Don't sound like helping is why they are doing it.... more like social media and pictures.

Experiencia fantástica: What a great find! Lovely visit. Walking path was buggy so take your spray. The stingray talk was informative. It was a very nice experience.

Experiencia fantástica: Great facility with knowledgeable staff. Loved hearing about the conservation and rehabilitation efforts

Experiencia fantástica: Very cool little place to stop at when you’re in the area. The walk around the lagoon was wonderful and the visitor center was very clean with refreshing A/C. Definitely go to the 3rd floor for a good view.

Experiencia fantástica: Great place for kids. Fun games, touch tanks. Large lagoon with fish, stingrays, nurse sharks, turtles. Fish feeding and turtle programs. Very informative. Trail through mangroves to Indian River.

Experiencia positiva: Limited items to see but my grandbabies did have fun touching the sting rays.

Experiencia fantástica: Went here for a day trip with my family. The kids had a blast. They got to touch the stingrays and use the touch tank. It was so cool to see all the fish and learn about the environment and fish.

Experiencia positiva: A non profit rescue center for Turtles run over by boats poor babies

Experiencia fantástica: We had a great time at the Florida Oceanographic Center today during our stay on Hutchinson island. This is a beautiful indoor/ outdoor sanctuary. They offer different educational programs throughout the day every half hour including a fish feeding! Our favorite part was getting to pet the stingrays. It was extremely hot outside so I recommend bringing water bottles, wearing a hat, bringing sunscreen etc. thankfully there are lots of shaded areas and some air conditioned buildings as well so you can take breaks and cool down. My kids loved the indoor area that was like an aquarium inside with fish in tanks as well as kids activities and puzzles etc. If you ask a staff me ever there is a scavenger hunt kids can do and win a prize. It was cool to see the sea turtles up close! Lots of parking and nice bathrooms as well as water bottle refill stations. There is a cute gift shop at the entrance with affordable souvenirs. Highly recommend you take a trip here if you are in the area. Great for families.

Experiencia fantástica: It was a very hot day but there are plenty of shaded areas. It was so special being able to pet the stingrays! My favorite animal! The workers are extremely knowledgeable and nice! Will definitely come back again!! The gift shop is great as well

Experiencia fantástica: Took my kids here last week and we all had a blast! The staff is extremely knowledgeable and kind. Will definitely be visiting again on our next trip!

Experiencia fantástica: We had a wonderful time. The exhibit was great!! Lots of educational activities and fun!

Experiencia fantástica: We discovered this place through Groupon, and I'm so glad we did. It's such a cool place. We absolutely enjoyed our time visiting with the friendly staff and learning more about sea creatures. I absolutely recommend visiting! We absolutely loved it and will be back in the future!

Experiencia fantástica: We went on a class field trip with PSE's first grade class. The whole team at Florida Oceanographic was PHENOMENAL!! Dr Jud made this trip possible for us after it had to be canceled last month. The staff had a plan to make sure every kid got to be a part of each area. We learned about the rays and the touch tank. Then moved to the turtle area and learned about turtles and saw the game fish. Next we went into the building and got to learn about different Florida habitats and how to protect them. While seeing some cool fish of course! I will be bringing all of my family here over the summer to do and see more! Thank you Dr Judd and team for making this a special trip for our kiddos

Experiencia fantástica: Company function held here, love the interactive exhibits and the touch tanks. The lagoon is wonderful as well. Come visit and educate yourself on our wildlife and waters.

Experiencia fantástica: I have visited many times & will probably visit many more times. I bring my grandkids whenever 1 of them comes to visit & it's a hit every time! The touch exhibits are amazing. The lagoon is ALWAYS a favorite - there's so much to see. Plus, you're learning while having fun - how much better can it get? We typically spend 2 hours here.

Experiencia positiva: We were there today May 1st 2024. All the staff were very informative and knowledgeable. Othe than the older lady in the gift shop when I was trying to pay for my things. She didn't acknowledge me at all and all through my transaction keeped talking to some lady at the counter about reading books. I think this is so rude not a hello not a thank-you. I worked in customer service industry for 36 years and am very certain she needs a customer service lesson. Glad you like reading but when I am spending my money I expect your attention. I should have left it on your counter and walked out. May 01/24

Experiencia fantástica: Cool place. Very friendly staff. A few touch tanks with a few different species of ocean critters. Educational. A very long interesting hiking trail through the mangroves. Then there's a very large outdoor water area that has all kinds of sea life including sharks, rays, couple of sea turtles and lots of other fish species. Not a bank breaker either. Decent prices for entry. Kids and adults will love it.

Experiencia fantástica: We had a lot of fun! Brought my 2.5 year old and we both enjoyed ourselves. Used a Groupon so it was very affordable. Staff was super nice and everything was very educational.

Experiencia fantástica: Extremely educational and entertaining, all events are well planned and coordinated so you can enjoy each experience continuously through our the day without missing anything, this, saving you precious time to go to the beach. All animals are rescues and well care for, we learned how to protect these endangered species, their ecosystems, our environment and the world for next generation. We went on a Thursday, was not busy and we enjoyed it more than Disney. A shout out to Matt at sting rays tank, who's very knowledgeable and entertaining, with humor and quizzes. Thank you for doing what you do.

Experiencia fantástica: Excellent place to learn about our Florida environment and its biodiversity! Loved the turtle tour and all the details we learned about the many species. We had so much fun learning about the sea cucumbers, starfish and tiny crab at the “touch” exhibit. And the gift store has such cute things!

Experiencia positiva: We love bringing the kids here. We brought my mother and grandfather here last week who are from PA and they loved it. If you follow the trails all the way out, you see the water and if you are lucky enough you may see some hammerhead's swim by like we did.

Experiencia fantástica: We had a welcome event for the night before my daughters wedding at the Oceanographic Center 3/1/2024. I only have great reviews about this place. It was perfect. Michelle B was so easy to work with. The space is absolutely beautiful and the Lagoon is a plus when over looking the balcony. If you are thinking of having and event don't hesitate to use this space. When we walked in my husband said why didn't we have the wedding here this is great! He was so impressed with the place. Thanks Michelle B I will spread the word. Everyone was wonderful that works there. Patty P

Experiencia fantástica: I liked the place. Good place to spend a few hours, even as an adult. Great for kids too. They do educational programs in the morning, and in the afternoon at 1:30 until 3pm. Check internet or call for morning times and to verify. They have a stringray tank, a massive outdoor salt water lagoon, hiking trail (1 mile; thru mangrove) and a building with indoor salt water fish tanks (although only 5 or so; they did have an octopus which was cool) and an observation deck, and gift shop. Its well done. Part of the focus is on education...

Experiencia fantástica: This has been something we wanted to do for a while and it was worth the wait. The grounds are well kept and there is a lot to see. Nice combination of indoor and outdoor things to see.

Experiencia fantástica: The amount of knowledge you learn is unreal. We spent the whole day there just learning from the shows and then walking through the building. Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the nature walk. I do suggest bringing something to snack on and drink as they only have water.

Experiencia fantástica: My triplet 4 year old grandchildren loved petting the sting rays. Sea turtles and fish make up the rest of the attractions. Incredibly cool to see a large sea turtle swim up to the side of the pond. We always wonder how there are so many fish when we see the sharks in with them.

Experiencia fantástica: Great time coming here with the Wife and Kids, Turtles were gorgeous and fish were stocked well. Bring your polarized glasses to see more down deep!!! Prepare for a wild sanctuary nature walk, bring waters!

Experiencia fantástica: This is a great place to spend the day with your family. There are interactive and very informative displays throughout the grounds, with many "hands-on" exhibits for all ages. The staff is very knowledgeable and will teach you many things about the creatures you will encounter in each exibit. From the walking trails to the gift shop, we were extremely impressed with this park. Highly-rated for a visit!

Experiencia fantástica: Loved the history lesson the damming and canalization of Lake Okeechobee. Learned a lot about local sea life and their efforts to help sea grass and oyster repopulate in the area. The kids all admitted it was worth leaving the beach and was super fun! Must-see in Stuart!

Experiencia positiva: Went to Florida Oceanographic yesterday. Our grandson enjoyed the park. He especially liked all of the interactive displays. I also liked the park but would recommend it more for families with children.

Experiencia positiva: It's a very small lagoon/ aquarium, and it's kind of expensive around $20 to get in. However, it does have a touch tank and plenty of things for kids to do. You could probably kill an hour here going through all the different learning opportunities.

Experiencia fantástica: Nice little exhibit that is very educational about smaller aquatic life. I would say it would take about an hour to go through. Has cool fish tanks with a small octopus. I would say after going through this place would be best for kids.

Experiencia fantástica: A phenomenal experience where you can gain knowledge & have a hands on experience. Plenty of exhibits with the opportunity to pet stingrays. I was hoping to see more turtles but they were hiding during our visit. You can spend an entire day there. There is also a trail that'll take you to a small white beach.

Experiencia fantástica: Absolutely amazing. Definitely stop in. Wonderful staff. Great experience and knowledge. Love that's a non profit so your money to pay is going straight to the beautiful facility.

Experiencia fantástica: phenomenal place for a birthday celebration, or any type of celebration our birthday party for our just-turned 5 year old was incredibly organized by the friendly folks at the center. parking close to unload party fare, super clean private pavilion with tables, trash & recycling containers, clean restrooms about 20 steps away, utensils available in case you forgot something (which we had), a helpful suggested time line with program times listed, and invaluable, cheerful help provided by samantha, who was an ABSOLUTE GEM! this was a birthday our friends and family thoroughly enjoyed; several of the little ones were not happy when it had to end, but we will definitely return

Experiencia fantástica: Our family loved this experience, so much to see. The lagoon was beautiful and so neat to spot all the sea life.

Experiencia fantástica: Excellent place to visit. The game fish pool is large and lots to see.

Experiencia fantástica: My wife would likely disagree with the five stars due to the smell in the Nature Trail, but I thought it was a fun experience. Great access to animals of all kinds. Really interesting exhibits in the park. In my opinion, the VERY SMELLY Nature Trail is a 3/4-mile walk through an actual marsh. The methane gases due to decomposing detritus (and who knows what else) are REALLY strong, but it was lots of fun.

Experiencia fantástica: This is an excellent way to learn about Florida's coast and the animals that live there. The exhibits are well set out, have great visuals, and are right up to date. The staff are enthusiastic, helpful and friendly. The talks about the rays and the turtles should not be missed.

Experiencia fantástica: Nice facility. Friendly staff. Lots to do.

Experiencia fantástica: Had a great time and learnt alot. There is an eye opener in the section that talks about litter and how long garbage sticks around for. Help keep our beaches and oceans clean!

Experiencia fantástica: Nice experience for children. They get to touch stingrays, hermit crabs, and horse shoe crabs

Experiencia fantástica: What a great way to spend half the day. Every time we visit Hutchinson Island we have to come. Staff knowledgeable and friendly. Place clean and safe. All exhibits are educational and fun. The lagoon is truly a sight to experience in person. Great place for family to come to.

Experiencia fantástica: Love this place. Brought my grandsons here and they enjoyed it. Lots to learn for all ages. When you first get in you get to pet the stingrays in the stingray tank and then you can watch them feed the fish in the big estuary. Highly recommend. Will be back

Experiencia fantástica: Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent place with lots of information. Kids loved it but we did too. Sting ray touch tank very cool. Very clean and very cool place. Highly recommend.

Experiencia fantástica: A worthy place to visit, and they have recently renovated with the addition of a new building that contains many educational exhibits. It is a bit expensive to get in, but the cause is well worth it... and where else can you hand-feed - and *pet* - stingrays?