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Explore the Indian River Lagoon with FAU Harbor Branch

Passengers aboard "The Discovery" pontoon on a boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon.

FAU Harbor Branch offers public boat tours of the Indian River Lagoon every Friday and Saturday.


By chelsey matheson | 6/16/2023

’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute offers a new public boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon aboard β€œThe Discovery,” a 36-passenger pontoon.

Tours depart every Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. from FAU Harbor Branch, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce. Explorers of all ages can join the 90-minute excursions.

An expert guide leads participants through an immersive educational experience as marine scientists on 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 β€”from microscopic plankton to sharks, rays, manatees and dolphins.

β€œThe Indian River Lagoon is an amazing ecosystem, home to thousands of plants and animals,” said Gabby Barbarite, Ph.D., director of outreach and engagement at FAU Harbor Branch. β€œWe are so excited to share our knowledge, passions and important research underway with our community through this new program.”

Admission is $40 per person and must be booked in advance. Private charters and field trips are also available. Β For more information and to book at tour, visit or call the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center at 772-242-2293.

-FAU-