Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet

It was raining, very heavily, so instead of the beach headed to this little gem. It's not vast and only cost $5. The entrance is windy via a wooden path with some features in the garden area. In the building they hold 'classes' on marine biology (none running when I visited) and they have a few rooms with various specimens to view and interact with. They have microscopes out for you to use and look at the details of the very small. In the wet area they have various lifeforms swimming about where you can stroke a ray. They can move quickly! There was a volunteer student at the time of my visit and he was talking about the various crustaceans and allowing people to stoke them; carefully. He was very knowledgeable and a personable chap. The puffer fish (balloon fish) called Bella was lovely (not allowed to touch) and she popped her head up with the cutest smile from time-to-time, but then got camera shy. It was a good place to shelter from the downpour for 20 minutes. If marine biology is your thing you could indeed spend much more time here.

What an experience for $5! ($4 for seniors and less for kids.) We were able to feed the sting rays (their stinger was removed and the handler held your hand so you're comfortable). The displays of marine animals were fascinating and included live seahorses. The sea turtle isolation tanks and the bird sanctuary are interesting. I recommend talking to one of the staff or volunteers and asking questions to learn about the rehabilitation efforts and about the animals' biology and sea life. Parking is free. Bathrooms are spacious and clean. Support a good cause.