UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium

The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium, operated by the University of Georgia's Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant program, is located on Skidaway Island near Savannah, Georgia, less than 30 minutes from downtown. Opened in 1971 as Georgia's first saltwater aquarium, the facility features 16 exhibit tanks showcasing approximately 50 species of marine life caught by staff directly off the Georgia coast, giving visitors an authentic view of the region's coastal ecosystems. A popular public touch tank allows hands-on interaction with marine invertebrates such as snails and crabs, and Friday morning feedings offer an educational glimpse into the diets and behaviors of the aquarium's animals. The center also includes teaching labs, an auditorium, an art lab, a computer lab, and the Jay Wolf Nature Trail winding along the Skidaway River. It serves as a free, educational resource for families, school groups, and coastal ecology enthusiasts.