
Field Trips
Field Trips They'll Remember
At Tampa Bay Watch, providing memorable, hands-on science field trips is our specialty. We find that students learn best through interactive, age-appropriate lessons.
Led by experienced marine science educators, each program is aligned with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and designed to engage students in hands-on, experiential labs and activities. Whether seining, dissecting, or identifying, students develop a connection with the estuary ecosystem and leave feeling inspired.
Estuary Education Is For Everyone!
Accessibility is central to our mission and programs, and financial assistance is available for qualifying groups. Our field trip request form includes an optional application.
Visit Us
We host field trip programs at two locations – the Auer Marine Education Center in Tierra Verde and the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier. We also offer Marine Science on the Move, a mobile classroom that brings the field trip directly to you!
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier
Field trips are based out of our state-of-the-art classroom on the St. Pete Pier
Maximum classroom capacity is 25 people, maximum boat capacity is 45 passengers, larger groups can be accommodated by rotating between activities
Activities unique to the Discovery Center include a lionfish dissection and tours of our interactive exhibit gallery and aquariums
Participate in an otter trawl or choose from a variety of themed boat trips aboard our 45’ USCG-certified vessel
If you are unable to visit both locations (which we strongly encourage!), here are a few hints to help you choose the Tampa Bay Watch destination that best fits your needs:
Auer Marine Education Center at Tierra Verde
Field trips are based out of our private field station on beautiful Shell Key Preserve
Maximum capacity is 50 students
Activities unique to Tierra Verde include kayaking and seining
Participate in a boat-based otter trawl aboard our 32’ USCG-certified vessel to encounter various Tampa Bay species

We Visit You!
Tampa Bay Watch is excited to bring traveling marine science programs to you!
If transportation is a challenge, our Marine Science on the Move vans are ready to deliver top notch content (and animal ambassadors!) directly to your location.