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Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

FAU Harbor Branch is a nationally recognized leader in marine mammal research, conservation, and education. For decades, our team has been working to understand and protect the nearly 20 species of whales that inhabit ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s waters, including the iconic humpback whale. These ocean giants travel thousands of miles each year and can be spotted off our coast between December and March.

To raise awareness and educate our community, FAU Harbor Branch created a one-of-a-kind educational experience: an opportunity to meet, and even step inside, a life-sized inflatable humpback whale. This traveling exhibit offers participants an exclusive look at the world of whales, while exploring their biology, cutting-edge science behind their conservation, and actions we can take to help protect them for generations to come.

Through expert-led programs, one-of-a kind displays, and inquiry driven hands-on activities, this initiative brings the wonders of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s whales to schools, festivals, museums, and communities across the state, empowering Floridians of all ages to become ocean stewards.

2025-2026 Public Events:

We are proud to host our traveling whale exhibit at these public events:

FAU Football Game – Preserving Paradise
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025  • 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m
777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL

Indian River Lagoon Science Festival
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
600 N. Indian River Drive, Ft. Pierce, FL

³Ô¹ÏÍø Oceanographic Society Marine Mammal Festival
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL

ManateeFest at Manatee Lagoon
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
6000 N. Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL

TurtleFest at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21-22, 2026 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
14200 US-1, Juno Beach, FL

Ocean Science Lecture Series
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 • 3 to 6 p.m.
5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL

Royal Palm Beach Seafood Festival
Saturday, March 14, 2026 • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
11600 Poinciana Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL

Learn More:

For more information about this initiative, traveling exhibits, or any other education and outreach programs at FAU Harbor Branch please call the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center at 772-242-2293. We also encourage you to view and download our free marine mammal curriculum to learn more about whales from anywhere in the world.

This program is supported by the Protect ³Ô¹ÏÍø Whales ³Ô¹ÏÍø specialty license plate, which is administered by the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation.