What Tours, Exhibits, and Programs Does the Ostego Bay Foundation Offer?

Updated

The Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center on Fort Myers Beach offers interactive marine exhibits and aquariums, a Working Waterfront Tour, outreach through its Museum in a Suitcase program, a summer camp, a Master Naturalist course, and birthday parties at the museum. One important condition applies before you plan anything: the center is currently open by appointment only due to existing construction, so you must call 239-470-4993 to arrange a visit.

Tours & Exhibits

The center describes itself as the original museum, nature and science center on Fort Myers Beach, focused on the ecology of the barrier islands and the estuary ecosystem of Southwest Florida.

On-site, the Marine Science Experience includes:

  • Interactive exhibits
  • Aquariums
  • A touch tank
  • One-of-a-kind collections and unique displays

Working Waterfront Tour

The Working Waterfront Tour is listed alongside the museum as a distinct tour offering, separate from general admission to the exhibits. Because the center is operating by appointment during construction, confirm tour availability and timing when you call rather than assuming a walk-up schedule.

Educational Programs

Beyond exhibits, the foundation runs structured programs for different audiences:

Program Who it's for
Summer Camp Youth participants
Master Naturalist Adults seeking naturalist training
Internships Students gaining hands-on experience
For Educators Teachers and school groups
Museum in a Suitcase Outreach — the museum brought to your location

Museum in a Suitcase is the foundation's outreach option: instead of your group traveling to the center, the program brings a museum experience to you. This is worth asking about if you're organizing for a school, community group, or event and can't visit in person.

Special Events and Celebrations

  • Birthday at the Museum — a birthday party option held at the center.
  • Ostego Bay Kids Fishing Tournament 2026 — an annual kids' fishing event listed on the events calendar.

Research and Visiting Fellows

If you're a visiting fellow or graduate student, the center positions itself as a "base camp" for research, offering local connections and local knowledge. Related research projects listed include:

  • Dolphin Research
  • Florida Manatee
  • Lake O Water Quality
  • A real-time Shark Tracker

How to Plan Your Visit

  1. Call 239-470-4993 to schedule an appointment — this is required right now because of construction.
  2. State what you want to do (general exhibits, Working Waterfront Tour, a program, or a birthday party) so staff can confirm what's running.
  3. Confirm location details — the center is at 161 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach, FL.
  4. Ask about group or outreach options if you're bringing a class or organization, including whether Museum in a Suitcase fits your situation.

The main pitfall to avoid: showing up without an appointment. The website states plainly that the center is open by appointment due to existing construction, so a scheduled call is the only reliable way to know what's available on a given day.