Marineland and UF Whitney Lab

Marine Studios, later named Marineland, was founded in the 1930s as the world's first oceanarium. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it became one of Florida's earliest tourist attractions. This historic site was used to make many early underwater movies, such as "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "Return of the Creature." The Oceanarium today features new dolphin lagoons and interactive programs for the visitor. The Town of Marineland has been further recognized as Florida's first "Remarkable Coastal Place." Today it is home to Georgia Aquarium's Marineland Dolphin Adventure attraction. Find out more by visiting Marineland Dolphin Adventure at www.marineland.net.

On the eastern side of A1A is the University of Florida Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, a research institute specializing in the cell, molecular, and neurobiology using marine models. Each spring, the facilities host Florida’s Birding Festival, with top nature photographers in attendance. Florida’s abundant bird life and photogenic natural beauty are celebrated with workshops, tours, and excursions, and photo technique workshops during annual Florida’s Birding & FotoFest, held each spring! The festival is headquartered at the Whitney Lab for Marine Bioscience at Marineland, located 15 miles south of St. Augustine on A1A. The region’s phenomenal bird life and abundant natural habitats that sustain them can be viewed with bird walks and boat and kayak trips to undisturbed areas. The Festival Headquarters is at Whitney Lab for Marine Bioscience at Marineland, 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd, Marineland, FL.

View the video on Marineland's Marina

For further information, visit www.whitney.ufl.edu/ and http://floridasbirdingandphotofest.com/.