The Tybee Island Marine Science Center in Tybee Island, Chatham County, United States | Science Centre | Marine Services | Tropical fish | Marine Sciences Centre

The mission of The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is to promote the appreciation, conservation, and understanding of the marine ecosystem of coastal Georgia through education and service in Typee Island in the United States.

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.

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 Bianca our Stars and Stripes Puffer. Don't forget to check out the striped Sergeant Major Fish!

The 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 our animal care and educational programs! From local artwork to educational toys, t-shirts, jewelry, and field guides, visitors will find unique Tybee souvenirs here.

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center offers educational programs for all ages throughout the year. Use the links to learn more about each program.

Sea Turtle Project
In addition to being a great place to enjoy the sun and surf, Tybee Island beaches are important nesting areas for endangered sea turtles. They return each year to nest from May 1 to October 31. If you are here during these months, we hope you will help us protect these magnificent creatures by remembering a few simple things:

* It is against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or their nests. Sea turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act.

* Avoid using flash lights or flash photography while on the beach at night.

* Turn off outside patio lights and shield indoor lights from shining directly onto the beach at 9 pm during the nesting season, May through October. Lights disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings.

* Dispose of garbage and recyclables properly. Pollution can severely harm marine life.