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    Environmental Learning Center

    4.7 (30 reviews)
    Open • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    One of the immersion tanks in which patrons can learn about the underwater species within Pelican Lake.
    Jan-Michael T.

    **INITIAL REVIEW** When it comes to the Treasure Coast, Indian River County is often considered the county with the least to do compared to the other two counties south of them. This includes family-friendly and educational locales for kids, parents, and their loved ones. Ergo, I love that the Treasure Coast made three different legs of the Treasure Coast Kids Quest, in which they found such locales in each county to enrich the learning of our children whilst providing educational entertainment which at times could be free. One of the locales in Indian River County is the Enironmental Learning Center, or the ELC. Though small, it is quite mighty in what they provide. But is it truly worth the visit? Well... the answer is yes, but are you willing to spend the money to up the experience? That is something you'll need to figure out. Though an address if provided, the ELC is located on Wabasso Island. First and foremost, it is a preserve, so all of its activities are based on preservation, consevation, and the protection and education of the island's ecosystem. Parking is free and you'll first enter the area with buildings known as the "ELC Village." This is your welcome center that provides visitor and administration support. Take note that enterting the ELC is $10 per adult, $5 per child, and free for children two years and younger. There are specific areas that feature specific animals for patrons to learn about alongside numerous boardwalks and paths. Make sure to check out the Lagoon Center which has a children's immersive and interactive room. The touch tank will allow children to touch lagoon critters (safe to touch) such as small horseshoe crabs, starfish, and other animals. Take note, this is what children need to do who are partaking in the Indian River county leg of the Treasure Coast Kid's Quest. The aforementioned is the core base of what patrons can do at the ELC. However, if you want to add more adventure to your adventure, such as boat tours, then you'll need to pay. There are both childrens and adult programs in which the price varies. This includes school field trips and parties. The ECO-boat tours vary in price depending if it is a pre-paid tour or a private tour. If you want to pay for their regular boat tours, they range from $25 to $40 taking into account the time of day. Both tours are around and about Pelican Island. In conclusion, the ELC is a fine place to grow when it comes to knowing and understanding our Floridian environment, which is technically dying knowledge despite how connected we are these days. I learned so much here, and though you have to pay these days, I understand and it is for a good cause. Pertaining to scavenger hunts, one of the TurtleTrax turtle statues is located at the ELC, specifically at the entrance. There are also a couple of geocaches on location, too. ELC is a solid four out of five star experience. Only reason I will give it less than a perfect score is that it can be a "one and done" for tourists. Besides that, I would suggest people check it out at least once, and if you have the money for it, give them support if you can.

    Christine J.

    This learning center has learning activities for the entire family. It's usually very hard to keep all their children entertained and engaged while also enjoying yourself but this place had something for everyone. The tour guides a friendly and knowledgeable and kept it age-appropriate and fun. There was kayaking for the older kids, there was seine netting, there was a great picnic area and some swinging seats. The gift shop had quality items. A great day was had by all, and we definitely will be back.

    My company provided my team with a "Fun Day" and we chose to go to the Environmental Learning Center for a Pontoon River Eco Tour. What a hidden Gem we have in our area!!! The ELC was so informative and accommodating, and the Staff was welcoming and informative. Our captain Marty and tour guide Brittany were so friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Not only did we learn so much, but they provided a relaxed atmosphere for the staff to enjoy their day away from work! Thank you ELC!!

    Lion Fish
    Andrew C.

    Environmental Learning Center (ELC) Is located on Wabasso Island in the Indian River Lagoon, the nature center provides educational journeys with all the lagoon's wildlife, including birds and butterflies. Locales span from salt marsh, hardwood hammock, mud flats and mangroves. We were visiting for the first time with the intension to photograph wildlife at the ELC. I was most interested in photographing the Roseate Spoonbill and Reddish Egret that feed off the lagoon for food and shelter. And we were hoping to find manatees and dolphins which were not visible when we strolled along the river. We did have an opportunity to gain experience about the Lionfish that population has grown in Florida, they are an invasive species originally from Indonesia. Florida is seeking help to control the invasion of this fish. ELC is worth a visit for all ages, and especially for individuals that enjoy educational adventures.

    Play areas
    Melanie J.

    Toddler tour led by employee. Found small insects along a trail with guide. Followed with craft/activity. Finished our time at the active children's center. Great for all ages. Volunteers were so nice and kind! Touch tank with critters. Fun and safe place for kids to explore!

    Free use of binoculars
    Bruce K.

    While on a team building exercise, we came here for their Pontoon boat tour. If you're a bird lover, this is a place to go to see some wildlife. This is something of a nature lover's dream and for $35/person I thought it was pretty enjoyable. With that price you get a guide, use of their binoculars, and a 2 hour boat ride around mangroves and islands during which you will definitely see some birds. I would say mostly that this activity would be geared towards bird lovers though as that's what you will mostly see on the ride. However, the center itself looks like there are plenty of trails that you can take your family and walk around. Sadly, during my time there I didn't get the chance to take walks/hikes around the center. My review is mostly on the boat tour. Overall, the pontoon boat tour was great. We saw dolphins, a lot of great blue heron along with a lot of other birds. For kids, the center is great. The adults and bird lovers would love the boat ride and that's what I would recommend.

    Sunset cruise!

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    3 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

    Beautiful evening on the Indian River Lagoon. We saw dolphin and lots of sea birds. The guide and the captain were very informative.

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

    What a fantastic environment to experience learning at its best. Highly recommended for anyone to learn & grow

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    7 months ago

    Great place for kids and adults. Kayak rental was great with a great launching location on the inlet.

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

    informative trip with great contribution by Jim and Marty, ride is smooth, scenery spectacular, birds outstanding

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    1 year ago

    Beautiful tour, informative guide. We went as a group and had a wonderful time. Can't wait to do this again!

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    6 years ago

    A great place to go for pontoon boat tours, kayak excursions and water sports rentals! The ELC is a little piece of paradise in Vero Beach.

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Environmental Learning Center

    “A great place to go for pontoon boat tours, kayak excursions and water sports rentals!”

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    St Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop

    St Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop

    (18 reviews)

    St. Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris France in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam, a college student who…read morecreated the organization to help people experiencing financial hardship. He came up with the idea for a charity in response to a fellow classmates question, what is your church doing for the poor? The group chose St. Vincent de Paul, patron saint of the poor for their name and under the guidance of Sister Rosalie Rendu, they increased the number of people they were able to help. Volunteers of the organization are called Vincentians. The charity spread from France to Europe. In 1845 they established in the United States in St. Louis, Missouri. The organization is now world wide in 150 countries with 750,000 members. I have visited a number of Vincent De Paul Society thrift stores throughout Florida and they have always been a great place to find a bargain. In this building there is the thrift store and an area for client services. Proceeds from this thrift store is used to provide a food pantry, clothing, rent, and utilities to those in need. They are working towards building a neighbor aid center on land that was purchased adjacent to the thrift store. Their goal is to raise $1,000,000 for construction costs and for the furnishings needed in the building. They are seeking donations of any amount to make this dream happen. This thrift store has a nice selection of small appliances, clothing, accessories, art, books, and household goods on the main floor. There is also a downstairs with books and larger pieces of furniture. On the day I visited everything over $1 was 50 percent off so prices were quite good. Higher end items like designer name clothes are sold on their Ebay store page. This is a wonderful charity that is working towards helping even more people in this community. Please consider supporting them if you are able.

    I love this place and how they use the proceeds for the community, but I went there Saturday to…read moredonate a trunkful of stuff but no one was accepting goods that day. I wound up going to another donation center. I understand staffing, but that was my only day off. Put something on your Facebook page.

    Environmental Learning Center - rafting - Updated September 2026

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