The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is a marine science education and research facility showcasing the ecology and creatures of coastal Georgia. The facility operates as a catch-and-release centre, meaning the exhibits constantly change based on the local marine life currently residing in the area. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips, ensuring your information is completely up-to-date.
To skip the explanation and just buy tickets, head here.
This guide was updated in April 2026.
Quick facts
| Fact | Details |
| Opening hours | Wednesday to Monday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed Tuesdays) |
| Ticket prices | Adult: $15.00, Child (5-12): $12.00, Senior & Military: $12.00, Under 4: Free |
| Address | 37 Meddin Drive, Tybee Island, GA 31328 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Paid parking in the North Beach parking lot |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
Tybee Island Marine Science Center opening hours
The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is open six days a week, operating from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday through Monday. The facility is completely closed to the public every Tuesday.
The final admission for the day is sold at 4:30 pm, providing guests with a minimum of 30 minutes to explore the galleries before the centre closes.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center ticket prices
General admission tickets cost $15.00 for adults. Seniors and military personnel receive a discounted rate of $12.00, and tickets for children aged five to 12 also cost $12.00. Children aged four and under are admitted for free.
The attraction is an independent, non-profit facility and is not typically included in bundled city pass schemes for the Savannah or Tybee Island area.
How to get to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center
The centre is located on Tybee Island at the end of the North Beach Parking lot, on the beachside of Fort Screven. Visitors driving to the site from Savannah should take US-80 East directly onto Tybee Island and follow the signs toward North Beach and the Tybee Island Light Station.
As public transport options from Savannah to Tybee Island are limited, driving a private vehicle or using a rideshare service is the most reliable way to reach the science centre.
Parking at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Visitors can park in the North Beach parking lot, which is a municipal paid parking area. You must pay for parking at the available kiosks or by using the ParkTYB app, which is available for download on iPhone and Android platforms.
Bus parking is located in designated spaces on Pulaski Street, a short distance away.
How long to spend at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center
A standard visit to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center requires one to two hours to view the indoor coastal galleries, interactive stations, and life-size animal replicas.
Visitors participating in add-on nature-based programmes, such as the Beach Ecology Walk, Turtle Talk, or Sift ‘N’ Seine, should allocate additional time, as these guided experiences typically last an hour each.
Accessibility at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center
The facility is highly accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs. There are designated parking spaces for disabled permit holders located close to the entrance in the North Beach parking lot.
The front entrance features a gradual ramp with arm rails, and an elevator provides barrier-free access to both floors of the facility. Additionally, beach wheelchairs are free to use during the centre’s supervised outdoor programmes.
Inside / what to see at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center
The centre focuses heavily on the local ecology of coastal Georgia. Because it operates almost exclusively as a catch-and-release facility, the live animal exhibits frequently change, featuring specimens sourced directly from the nearby ocean and marshlands before they are eventually returned to the wild.
Inside the coastal galleries, visitors will find live animal exhibits alongside interactive learning stations. The facility also houses a fossil room, and younger visitors can enjoy the outdoor pirate ship playground.
Beyond the self-guided exhibits, the centre offers a robust schedule of guided, hands-on programmes (which include general admission). These include:
- Beach Ecology Walks: A guided tour on Tybee’s north beach to learn about local marine life.
- Turtle Talks: Educational sessions focusing on sea turtle anatomy, natal beaches, and conservation efforts.
- Marsh Ecology Treks: Hands-on exploration in the salt marsh mud.
- Sift ‘N’ Seine: A waist-deep water activity using a seine net to catch, examine, and release local marine animals like crabs and jellyfish.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive early in the morning to easily secure a space in the North Beach parking lot before it fills up with beachgoers. |
| Crowds | Weekdays are generally quieter, while summer weekends see high foot traffic from vacationing families. |
| Layout | Explore the indoor, air-conditioned galleries first before participating in the outdoor playground or guided beach walks. |
| Entry process | Admission can be purchased on-site; ensure you download the ParkTYB app in advance to streamline the parking payment process. |
| On-site logistics | If participating in the Sift ‘N’ Seine or Marsh Ecology Trek, wear appropriate water shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting muddy or wet. |
Frequently asked questions about Tybee Island Marine Science Center
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Tybee Island Marine Science Center suitable for children? | Yes, the centre is highly family-focused, featuring interactive touch tanks, a pirate ship playground, and engaging animal talks. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Tybee Island Marine Science Center? | Advance booking is not strictly required for general admission, but it is highly recommended for the guided outdoor programmes, which have limited space. |
| Is the Tybee Island Marine Science Center open on Tuesdays? | No, the facility is closed to the public every Tuesday. |
| Are bags allowed at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center? | Standard day bags are permitted, though large items may be cumbersome in the exhibit galleries. |
Things to do near Tybee Island Marine Science Center
- Tybee Island Light Station and Museum: Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, located just steps away from the science centre in Fort Screven.
- North Beach: A popular, wide stretch of sand located immediately outside the centre, ideal for swimming and beachcombing.
- Fort Pulaski National Monument: A 19th-century fort located between Savannah and Tybee Island, famous for its role in the Civil War.
- Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion: A bustling fishing pier and gathering spot located at the southern end of the island.
- Jaycee Park: A nearby community park featuring walking trails, sports fields, and a playground.
More Georgia travel
Other Georgia travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- First time visitor guides to the Webb Military Museum, Savannah History Museum and American Prohibition Museum in Savannah.
- What to expect on a visit to Old Fort Jackson in Savannah.
- Plan your trip to the Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah.
- What are the best stops on the Atlanta to Savannah drive?
- The best stops on the Savannah to Jacksonville drive.
