Upcoming Events/Closures:
Public SEA Programs (Saturday Explorations at the Aquarium) The UGA Aquarium will be CLOSED May 25-27, 2013 for Memorial Day weekend Summer Camps begin June 3, 2013! World Oceans Day Celebration June 8, 2013 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | General Admission Fees
current weather: Savannah Skidaway
MAREX Units:
UGA Marine Extension Service
UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium
UGA Shellfish Research Laboratory
UGA Marine Advisory Services
UGA Seafood Education & Marketing

Aquarium hours of operation:

• 9 AM - 4 PM weekdays
• 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday
• Closed Sundays & Holidays
• Call (912) 598-FISH

Admission:

• Ages 13-54: $6
• Children ages 3-12: $3
• Seniors (55+): $3
• Military w/ID: $3
• Ages 1-2: Free
  

*Note: We are only able to accept cash or checks

Mailing Address:

The Marine Education Center & Aquarium
30 Ocean Science Circle
Savannah, Georgia 31411

Directions:

From I-16: Exit onto Lynes Parkway East (516) to Savannah (this becomes DeRenne Ave.). Continue on DeRenne and turn right onto Truman Parkway heading South. Follow Truman to Whitfield Avenue exit and turn left at ramp traffic light. Whitfield will become Diamond Causeway. Cross the drawbridge over the Skidaway River, go past Skidaway Island State Park (on your left), going through two traffic lights. At the four-way stop, turn left onto McWhorter Dr. Continue until you reach the Skidaway Marine Science Center. The UGA Aquarium will be to your left. Parking is free. Handicapped spaces are available in front of the building.

Click "here" to view a map of the area.

Aquarium Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9 AM - 4 PM
Saturdays 10 AM - 5 PM

*Note: Closed Sundays & Holidays

Aquarium General Admission Fees
Ages 13-54: $6
Children ages 3-12: $3
Seniors (55+): $3
Military w/ID: $3
Ages 1-2: Free

*Note: We are only able to accept cash or checks.

The University of Georgia's Marine Education Center and Aquarium (MECA) is the education branch of the Marine Extension Service, providing a resource for students, teachers, and the general public in matters related to Georgia's coastal marine environments. Follow the menu links to learn more about specific programs and activities.

• Georgia's original saltwater AQUARIUM features 17 aquaria (including a touch tank) and 1 interactive exhibit.
  
• FIELD TRIPS: Overnight and Day programs in coastal marine science for grades Pre-K - College & Adult groups (scout, civic, church, family/friends, etc.). Email: mared@uga.edu
  
• Take a hike on the wheelchair accessible Jay Wolf Nature Trail & Boardwalk and visit the Skidaway Interpretive Cabin as well as the wildlife viewing pier that goes out over the Skidaway River marsh.
• Do you love to write and sketch? Check out our Journaling PowerPoint for tips and techniques as well as how and why journaling is so important.
  
• The R/V Sea Dawg educational and research vessel & 2 Carolina Skiffs are available for field excursions to organized groups of at least 15 people. Email: mared@uga.edu
  
• Professional development workshops / courses for K-12 educators
  
• Volunteer opportunities in the aquarium, education programs, and research projects
  

The Marine Extension Service is a University of Georgia public service and outreach unit serving the Georgia coast to increase the efficiency of existing marine industries, identify new industries that do not harm the environment and increase public awareness and understanding of coastal ecosystems.

Risse named interim director of UGA’s Marine Extension Service
Writer: Maegan Rudd | Public Service and Outreach

Athens, Ga. – Mark Risse, Ph.D., Georgia Power Professor of Water Resources in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and adjunct professor in the College of Engineering and at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, has been named interim director of the UGA Marine Extension Service. Risse will replace Randy Walker, Ph.D., who is retiring Dec. 1 after more than 32 years of service at the University of Georgia. Vice President for Public Service and Outreach Jennifer Frum announced Walker’s retirement on Nov. 12.

“Randy’s leadership has been invaluable to PSO and to the state. Under his guidance, MAREX has helped Georgia’s coastal areas and marine industries thrive. He has built a foundation that will allow MAREX to make a difference for years to come,” said Vice President Frum. “We are extremely fortunate to have Mark step in and provide strong leadership as we search for a new director. Mark is highly respected throughout the state for his leadership working with all stakeholders interested in Georgia’s natural resources.” 

Risse is an expert in the areas of non-point source pollution management, soil and water conservation, stormwater management and erosion control and animal waste and nutrient management. At the Vinson Institute, Risse provides local and state leaders with technical assistance and advice related to water resource management issues.

Map to the UGA MAREX facility on Skidaway Island:

The University of Georgia: A Land and Sea Grant Institution