Plan a Family Trip to Sandoway Discovery Center
A family trip to Delray Beach isn’t complete without a stop at Sandoway Discovery Center, located at 142 South Ocean Boulevard.
For just $5, guests can learn about the wonders of the ocean through interactive exhibits and education programs providing an informative mix of marine biology and Delray Beach history. The biologists are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and eager to share their love of the ocean.
A Must-See for Shark Lovers
If you’ve ever wondered what nurse sharks eat for breakfast, you’ll not only find out, but have the chance to feed it to them at Sandoway House Nature Center. The ecological education center lets you watch live shark feedings Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., and even names one lucky person (over the age of 3) the Shark Feeder of the Day. A $25 cost applies. Pre-registration is required by calling 561-274-7263.
A special three-month shark exhibit is set up at Sandoway Discovery Center every year between June and August, featuring an expanded exhibition of these great and predatory marine fish. The display is full of exciting shark artifacts, including shark teeth and jaws from more than 100 species of shark. There is also a mini-fossil dig set up for children to dig for (and keep) genuine fossils.
Between October and May, guests can enjoy a Surfing History Exhibit, detailing the complete history in the State of Florida, and Palm Beach County in particular. The display includes locally-made surfboards and thousands of photos.
A Learning Place for All Age Groups
In addition to its popular shark attraction, Sandoway Discovery Center is also home to snakes, turtles, birds, and tortoises, and has stingray and invertebrate touch tanks that provide a hands-on learning experience. The Florida Reptile and Amphibian room is where visitors will learn about some of Florida’s native and invasive reptile species.
Its microscope room and its children’s activity room make it a fun place for adults and children alike to better understand the environment and the delicate ocean ecosystem through hands-on learning and play.
Other popular features of this historic two-story beachfront museum are the extensive private seashell collection featuring 10,000 museum quality shells from around the world, the nocturnal room, and the second-floor observation deck.
Sandoway Discovery Centre is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The center is closed on Mondays and major holidays. For more information, visit www.sandowayhouse.org.
