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Family Activities and Things to do on Hutchinson Island, Dolphin Tours

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Family Fun

Things to do and places to visit on Hutchinson Island and surrounding communities that the whole family can enjoy!

Hutchinson Island is a family friendly Island with a variety of things to do for the whole family including air boat rides to see alligators, children's museums, water parks, feeding the sting rays, kayaking, sea turtle walks, snorkeling, boat tours and more!

During your stay on Hutchinson Island Island you'll find a variety of activities the whole family!



Sailfish Splash Park

Horseback Riding on the Beach, Hutchinson Island
Horseback Riding on Hutchinson Island beach
Photo Courtesy: Tours on Horseback


Florida Cracker Airboat Rides
See Alligators! Vero Beach FL


Our Town Market Exhibit at the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast, photo credit: Earth Mama's World

Kayak and Paddleboard Tours on Hutchinson Island, Kayak & Paddleboard rentals also available.
Kayak and Paddleboard Tours on Hutchinson Island
Photo courtesy: Lisa's Kayaks

Feed the Stingrays at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center located on Hutchinson Island, Stuart Florida
Feed the Stingrays at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Photo courtesy of FOCC

Kayaking Hutchinson Island Florida
Motorized Kayak Tours
Photo courtesy: Motorized Kayak Adventures

Motorized Kayak Tours, Hutchinson Island
Motorized Kayak Tours
Photo courtesy: Motorized Kayak Adventures

Sea Turtle Group Tours - See Sea Turtles Nesting on Hutchinson Island FL
Sea turtle Walks

Sunset Kayak Tours Hutchinson Island Florida
Motorized Kayak Tours
Photo courtesy: Motorized Kayak Adventures
 

Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, Fort Pierce, Hutchinson Island, Florida
Smithsonian Marine Ecosystem Exhibit on
Hutchinson Island, Florida

Indian River Lagoon and Swampland Boat Tours Fort Pierce FL - South Florida Wildlife Boat Tour, Dolphin, Manatee, Birds, Turtles, Fish and more.

Indian RiverSide Park Interactive Play Fountain
 Indian RiverSide Park Interactive Play Fountain

Sunshine Wildlife Tours, Eco Tours Stuart Florida

Nature Cruise To Bird Island, Port St Lucie, Florida


Kayak Fishing
Photo Courtesy South River Outfitters


Kayak Eco Tours
Photo Credit: South River Outfitters


Kayak Eco Tours
Photo Credit: South River Outfitters


Eco Tours
Photo Courtesy Kino

 

Sailfish Splash Waterpark
Sailfish Splash Waterpark features; 1000-foot lazy river, two four-story tall water slides, one a 253 foot closed flume “Speed Slide”, zero depth entry, 7,326-square foot water playground with jets, sprays, slides and a 300 gallon “Dump Bucket”, shaded picnic area, WiFi on Competitive Pool Side.

The waterpark’s state-of-the-art competitive area boasts: 50-meter by 25-yard, FINA compliant, temperature-controlled swimming and diving pool that supports USA Swimming sanctioned short-course and long course swim meets, FHSAA swim and diving meets, and water polo competitions. 25-yard temperature controlled teaching and warm-up pool with depths ranging from 3 ½ feet to 6 feet.

The 7,000-square-foot support facility, offers: Café & concessions, multi-purpose rooms for meetings, training, and parties, cell phone and family lockers, oversized restrooms, family changing rooms, shade canopies and umbrellas throughout Sailfish Splash Waterpark create plenty of shade. The facility serves patrons with physical disabilities with fully accessible entries and mobile pool lifts.

April, May, Sept - weekends only 10:30 - 5 PM
June 3 - Aug 23 - Open Everyday 10:30 am - 6:00 pm 

Sailfish Splash Waterpark
931 SE Ruhnke Street
Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 320-3100
Sailfish Splash Waterpark

Beach Tours on Horseback
A beach tour on horseback is the only way to explore the scenic beaches of South Florida. Let our guides take you, your friends and family on an adventure you're sure to remember and cherish! Scenic beach eco tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays of every month. Riders from beginners to advanced welcome. Rides are held at Frederick Douglass Memorial Park on Hutchinson Island just 4 miles north of the St. Lucie Power Plant on A1A. Scheduled Dates are Sundays year round on the beach. Other days during the week may be scheduled by special reservation. Wooded trail rides are also available at St. Lucie County nature preserves such as Paleo Hammock, Bluefield and Pinelands Preserves.

Horseback Riding at Frederick Douglass Park
Hutchinson Island
3800 South Ocean Drive
Fort Pierce FL 34949 

Tours on Horseback
87 Pinewood Lane
Fort Pierce, FL 34947
Phone: 772-468-0101 or 772-519-0237
beachtoursonhorseback.com

Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, Jensen Beach Florida
The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast offer children and families a place to explore and learn through hands-on, interactive activities. The Children's Museum exhibits include, Our Town Market where children will be able to role play shopping complete with shopping carts and checkout station, the Health Center where children learn about their body systems enjoying interactivities involving a healthy heart, digestive system, skeletal system, and the functions of the brain, a Car Care Center where children can change a tire, check underneath the chassis, role play and use hands-on tools, a Vet Clinic where children play the role of veterinarian, Mail Stop where kids will have an exciting time sorting and delivering mail, The Children’s Theatre complete with costumes for young actors, scripts for young writers and props, Welcome Aboard 16th Century Spanish Galleon where children will be able to load and fire the cannons while keeping the ship safe from enemies and learn to navigate through the open seas and chart a course,  Fire Truck a 1923 Fire Truck where kids pretend to be firefighters,  try on real bunker gear and imagine driving to a call, Railway All Aboard, an interactive train exhibit where kids push the buttons and bring the train set to life and Come outside and play in the Children's Interactive Garden and Learning Landscape, Workshop Stations, Butterfly Garden, Interactive Themed Garden Play Structures and Sculptures plus much more.

Hours
Monday - Wed. 10am - 4pm
Thursday - Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday – 10am - 4pm
Sunday – Noon - 4pm

General Admission Members FREE, Adults/Seniors/Children $8.50, 12 months to 2 years $4.25, Under 1 FREE

The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
1707 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach FL 34957
Phone: 772-225-7575
Visit: The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast

Florida Cracker Airboat Tours
Just 8 Miles off of I95 at the Blue Cypress recreation area
Vero Beach FL. 772-563-0001

Climb aboard a state-of-the-art, real airplane engine powered airboat for an unforgettable airboat ride experience as Florida Cracker Airboat Tours take you through the marsh and wetlands ecosystem of St. Johns River in Florida where you'll see an abundance of wildlife including alligators and beautiful South Florida birds. You'll enjoy a guided tour complete with headsets. You'll not only hear your guide,
Lawrence Kyzer, tell you all about the Florida wetlands while pointing out the gators and birds along the way, you'll actually be able to speak with anyone on the tour via the talk around headsets and ask questions! Kids and adults alike will love it!

Purchase Tickets by calling 772-563-0001 for reservations or visit: Florida Cracker Airboat Tours

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is located on Hutchinson Island. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, the 57-acre parcel houses the Society's headquarters, nature trails, 750,000-gallon Game Fish Lagoon, Sea Turtle Pavilion, Children's Activity Pavilion, Sea Star Touch Tank Pavilion, Rays on the Reef Ray Pavilion, and the Frances Langford Visitors Center. With its coastal hardwood hammocks and mangrove swamp communities, the site provides excellent opportunities for education and research aimed at increasing visitors' knowledge of these unique environments. Adults $12 Children (3-12) $6 Children under 3 FREE Members FREE.

Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 - 4 p.m.

Stingray Feeding Program
Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Sunday - 1 p.m.

Sea Turtle Program
Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Sunday - 1:30 p.m.

Game Fish Feeding Program
Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Sunday - 2 p.m.

Guided Nature Trail Walk
When Available
Trails open for self guided until
4 p.m. Monday-Saturday
3 p.m. Sunday

Florida Oceanographic Society
890 Northeast Ocean Boulevard
Stuart, FL 34996
772-225-0505
Florida Oceanographic Society

FPL Sea Turtle Walks

FPL Turtle Walks are conducted Friday and Saturday nights in June and July. These walks are extremely popular and limited by permit to 50 people. The presentations begin at 9 p.m. at the Energy Encounter. Once a turtle is sighted, the group is taken to the beach to watch her lay her eggs. Reservations are required. Call 1-800-334-5483. The line opens for reservations on May 1.

The Energy Encounter is located adjacent to the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant on South Hutchinson Island between Ft. Pierce and Stuart.

FPL The Energy Encounter
6501 South Ocean Drive, Highway A1A, Gate B
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
FPL Sea Turtle Walks

Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Center

The Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Center (ODC) is the public gateway to FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. The Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Center houses interactive exhibits, small aquaria, a video theater and other displays exploring the marine environment and depicting the research efforts of the Institute. ODC exhibit content is developed in close coordination with the Harbor Branch project managers by a team of award-winning educators and media specialists. Exhibit content is continually evolving to showcase the ongoing research and conservation efforts of Harbor Branch and to give visitors a close-up look at the emerging technologies used by the marine research community. Free for individual and family public visits.

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 10am—5pm
Saturday, 10am—2pm

The Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Center
5600 U.S. 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
772-242-2400
The Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Center

Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours

Experience Florida's wildlife at it's best with an exciting and education 90 minute Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon and Estuary. Learn about and experience Florida's dolphins, manatee, birds, turtles, and fish, as well as the Indian River Lagoon and Estuary eco system, mangroves and more with Captain "Chop" as your guide.

As a third generation Audubon Warden, Captain "Chop" is one of the most knowledgeable people on Florida's wildlife and eco system. Great for Kids and Adults alike!

Purchase tickets at the Indian River Lagoon Boat Tour Ticket Booth located at Fort Pierce City Marina, Fort Pierce FL or call 772-464-4445

Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours
1 Avenue A
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone:  772-464-4445
visit: Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours

Indian RiverSide Park Interactive Play Fountain

Come cool off in Martin County's only interactive play fountain, fun for all ages. This family fun activity is available year round Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The fountain has routine maintenance and cleaning during the year. Admission is free!

Indian Riverside Park Interactive Play Fountain
1707 NE Indian River Dr
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
(772) 692-7501

Visit: Indian Riverside Park Interactive Play Fountain

Island Princes Cruises

Watch for dolphins, manatee, pelicans, blue herons and egrets in their natural habitat. An adventure for the whole family, as you cruise the waters of Florida's Intracoastal Waterway while the Captains narration will bring history to life. The Captain will acquaint you with the many bird sanctuaries, spoil islands, and other points of interest. The Island Princess offers scheduled sight-seeing cruises and private charter cruises on the St. Lucie River, the Indian River, and the Jupiter Sound. All cruises depart from The Sailfish Marina in the Manatee Pocket of Stuart.

772-225-2100
Sailfish Marina
3585 SE St. Lucie Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34997
visit: Island Princes Cruises

Jungle Eco-Cruise

Offering the only cruise for exploring the jungle-like backwaters of the Real Florida. Common sightings are alligators, turtles and native birds. See Florida's Wildlife at its best! 1 1/2 hour Cruise Reservations Required

North Fork of the St Lucie River Aquatic Preserve,
River Park Marina
500 SE Prima Vista Blvd,
Port St Lucie, FL
Phone:  772.489.8344
visit: Jungle Eco-Cruise

Lisa's Kayaks, Guided Kayaking and Standup Paddle Board Tours

Lisa's Kayaks, Guided Kayaking Tours and Standup Paddle Board Tours located in Fort Pierce, Florida, will get you outside having fun in no time flat. Tours are available for all levels including kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and biking. Join Lisa's for a fun filled time on the water. The Indian River Lagoon has much to offer including miles of shore line that are perfect for bird sightings. We also have abundant wildlife and knowledgeable guides to take you into places that you might not explore otherwise. Sun, surf and fun, that’s what a Florida lifestyle is all about!

Lisa's Kayaks
905 Shorewinds Drive
Fort Pierce, Florida 34949
Phone:772-216-2820
www.lisaskayaks.com 

Motorized Kayak Adventures

With experienced guides and small groups, your tour will be fun, relaxing and educational. You are in complete control as you effortlessly navigate your motorized kayak under the direction of an experienced guide into an eco-system that few have witnessed. Go back in time as you kayak through a densely canopied and ancient mangrove forest. Relax, look, see, listen. Find that peaceful connection with nature and take it with you wherever you may go. No experience needed. All you do is relax and steer. Most tours last between 2 and 3 hours. Tours launch from Fort Pierce and nearby areas that include trips through mangrove canopy forests on the Indian River Lagoon, full moon and sunset tours and inland tours on the north fork of the Saint Lucie River and to the Oxbow Eco Center. It is an experience unlike anything you have ever encountered. The tours are an exploration of the spectacular eco-systems of Florida's Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie River Estuary System. We offer the best in kayak tours with knowledgeable guides and the best in equipment. All you do is steer. Eco tours, day tours, sunset tours, full moon tours are all available.

Motorized Kayak Adventures
1 Avenue A
Fort Pierce, FL 34945 
Phone:772-380-6815
motorizedkayakadventures.com

Oxbow Eco-Center
The Oxbow Eco-Center is situated on a 225-acre preserve on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and offers a rare glimpse of “the real Florida”. A St. Lucie County Environmental Learning Center, the Oxbow Eco-Center is a place where young and old alike can discover the mysterious and hidden life of the forest and river. The preserve at the Oxbow is a living laboratory, offering year round educational programs on a variety of nature related subjects. At the Oxbow, you can join a naturalist on a guided walk through quiet gardens planted and nurtured by Mother Nature herself, or journey on your own through the verdant and wild sanctuary.

The Visiting the Center houses an Exhibit Hall and Discovery Room, which invite you to use all of your senses … touching artifacts, listening to bird songs, and seeing some of Florida’s native reptiles up-close. Their Centerpiece Exhibit takes you on a wondrous journey down the St. Lucie River, one of the most diverse rivers in the state, with more species of fish than any other river in Florida. The life-size exhibit gives you a unique view of this underwater world as you travel from the river’s genesis to the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll encounter dozens of fish species, numerous turtles and crustaceans, and even a life-size manatee with her calf, as you traverse both the freshwater system and the rich estuary. You’ll also learn about the land and habitat that surround the river as you gaze up through a created water line to view native Florida plants and animals, including nearly a dozen species of birds.

5400 NE St. James Drive,
Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
Hours of Operation: Trails: Dawn – Dusk 7 days a week
Center: Tues. – Fri. 12 noon to 5 pm Sat. 10 am to 5 pm
(772) 785-5833
www.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow

Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit on Hutchinson Island
420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL
772-462-FISH (3474) - Group bookings: 772-465-3271
At the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, visitors can explore different Florida marine habitats and learn about the complexity and importance of marine ecosystems. The largest aquarium is a model of a Caribbean coral reef. Other displays include living models of seagrass, mangrove, estuarine and nearshore habitats, as well as a deepwater Oculina coral reef. There are several smaller aquarium displays and a touch tank where you can meet some of our local sea creatures.

Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit
Hutchinson Island
420 Seaway Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34949
772-462-FISH (3474)
visit: www.sms.si.edu/SMEE/index.htm

Snorkeling Bathtub Reef, Hutchinson Island

One of the best snorkeling reefs the entire family can enjoy is Bathtub reef on Hutchinson Island. Just offshore from Bathtub Beach, you can scuba dive and snorkel this exceptional worm reef created by sabellariid worms that cement together sand and bits of shell to form porous rocks and ledges. Because of all the nooks and crannies made by the worms, the reef makes an ideal home to a variety of fish and sea creatures and an ideal place for the whole family to snorkel. The shallow waters that surround Bathtub Reef is protected by the reef itself which means you won't have to worry too much about crashing waves or strong currents. At low tide, the bathtub drains and you'll find you can walk right out to the reef from the beach as the water level isn't more than waist high, making it perfect for the little ones to experience ocean life in it's natural habitat. Bring the family, spend the day at Bathtub Beach and snorkel Bathtub Reef.

Bathtub Beach
1585 SE MacArthur Blvd
Stuart, FL 34996

South River Outfitters
Let South River Outfitters be the jump off point for your next adventure. First-timer, no problem. Been there/Done that, they've got something new for you. South River Outfitters is adjacent to Halpatiokee Regional Park, a beautiful 513 acre preserve loaded with multi-use trails that is also on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. See wildlife Florida is know for: Alligators, Manatee, Dolphin, Birds, fish and marine life.

Guided River Kayak Tours and Kayak Fishing Excursions are available form South River Outfitters. Rather have a self guided tour? South River Outfitters provides kayak, canoe and bike rentals.

South River Outfitters
7647 Lost River Road
Stuart, FL 34997
Tel: 772-223-1500
visit: South River Outfitters  

 

Sunshine Wildlife Tours
Experience North America's most diverse estuary. Join Captain Nancy Beaver on a tour of the Indian River Lagoon. Enjoy up close views of Bottlenose Dolphin, manatee, sea turtles, and a vast array of birds. Use our discovery scopes to view the nursery of life in the ocean. See the mangroves and the sea grass beds that are responsible for sustaining life in the estuary and understand the importance of maintaining the fragile balance of this ecosystem.

See Bottlenose Dolphin on most tours and Manatee on many tours. We focus on the specific problems facing our Wild Dolphin and Manatee. We are committed to enhancing their quality of life through environmental awareness, education, and stewardship. Visit Bird Island on every tour. Bird Island is one of the top 10 bird rookeries in Florida. There are 18 bird species roosting and nesting on the island, including threatened and endangered species. The island was recently designated a critical wildlife area by the state. The tour includes history of the Manatee Pocket, the St. Lucie River, the Indian River Lagoon, and the Intracoastal Waterway. We troll with a small plankton and zooplankton net to fill our discovery scopes and magnify the juvenile life in the estuary.

Tours include Full day and 1/2 day Private Charters and Guided Eco Kayak Tours.

Sunshine Wildlife Tours 
Pirate's Cove
4307 SE Bayview St
Stuart, FL 34997
www.sunshinewildlifetours.com

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