Visit the Marine Science Center in Tybee Island Georgia
It promotes the appreciation, conservation, and understanding of the marine ecosystem of coastal Georgia through education and service.
Exhibits
Entrance Hall - Discovery begins when you walk into our lobby! Come visit our baby alligators, wonder at our unique Polkadot batfish, and say hello to the Striped Burrfish! Don't forget to check out the Green treefrog and Southern toads up top, and feel the freshly-shed skin of the Cornsnake!
Atlantic Bight - The main exhibit hall features local species from the land, marsh, shoreline and reef. Get up close and personal with our engaging Atlantic Octopus!
Touch a real Loggerhead sea turtle skull and view many sea turtle artifacts and conservation efforts. In the 600 gallon Gray's Reef Tank funded by NOAA and Gray?s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, you will see reef species like the adorable Damselfish and a VERY healthy Sheepshead!
Turtle Crossing - In this room, you will see a variety of brackish and freshwater turtles, like a Common Snapping Turtle and our shy Eastern Box Turtle. Also be sure to admire our Diamondback Terrapins and learn about TIMSC's crab trap conservation efforts! Learn about the salt marsh and Adopt-a-Wetlands research.
Touchtank - This room allows you to pick up different invertebrates animals, like hermit crabs, spider crabs, whelks, and horseshoe crabs. Use our "On the Beach" display to learn what shells and other objects you might find on the beach.
The Gallery - Compare local and tropical species in this room, especially our fiesty Stars and Stripes Puffer fish! If you are extra quiet, you'll see the beautiful Royal Gramma fish in the coral tank, hiding among the many kinds of coral. Learn about the importance of coral reefs around the world.
Gift Shop - Don't forget to visit the TIMSC gift shop where every purchase supports animal care and educational programs! From local artwork to educational toys, t-shirts, jewelry, and field guides, visitors will find unique Tybee Island souvenirs here.
Beach Discovery Walks - The marine educators lead one-hour guided Discovery Walks on Tybee Island Beach. All ages are welcome to join in for shoreline discoveries. Learn about shells, sand dunes, geology, tides, and beach inhabitants of a barrier island. Call for adult admistion. Children under 5 are free. Please call the Science Center for dates and times. Reservations are recommended.
History - Marine education programs on Tybee Island began in 1987 with beach walks and seining. These classes were offered as an outreach program from the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service. After tremendous response, the outreach program merited a location of its own. In May 1988, only a year later, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center opened its doors.
The initial sponsors of the Center were the City of Tybee Island and the University of Georgia, Marine Extension Service. These two groups were joined in 1990 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The formation of the Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation in 1990 established another major sponsor.
Currently, the Center is co-sponsored by the Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation, the City of Tybee Island, and NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The Foundation is the primary sponsor and provides fundraising support and a Board of Directors.
Volunteers and interns continue to be an integral part of the operation of the Center. Their assistance contributes greatly to the success of the facility.
Coast and Islands National Parks 
Entrance Hall