San Diego Floating Lab

San Diego Floating Lab San Diego Marine Science Floating Lab Welcome to the San Diego Floating Lab! This is a hands on outdoor ocean experience that students never forget.

We are a San Diego small business that provides marine based field trips to students from K through college. Whether you are a greenhorn or a seasoned salty mariner, there is always something to be learned on this voyage. If you are a teacher, parent, school administrator in San Diego or it's outlying suburbs you may contact the San Diego county office of Education/Outdoor Education office for reservations and information. These trips are offered from November-May, Monday-Friday,
AM (8:30-12:30), PM (1-5) or Twilight (5:30-9:30). Our vessels are Coast Guard Certified and inspected, capable of voyages of hundreds of miles, but these trips stick to San Diego Bay and the nearshore waters of the San Diego coast. There are 2 heads (restrooms) with fresh water sinks and plenty of indoor seating in the event of a downpour. Each vessel, Ocean Odyssey and Malihini, limits it's classrooms to 40 passengers (teachers, chaparones and students) to maintain a safe and individual learning experience. If you have a larger group tandem boats are available, make your reservations early in the school year to ensure this is available for your group. Call the Outdoor Edcuation department at (858) 292-3695 for reservations or (619) 889-1212 for general information.

Meet the women behind the scenes at Floating Lab.Holly (left) is your go-to at SDCOE—she handles scheduling, paperwork, ...
04/20/2026

Meet the women behind the scenes at Floating Lab.
Holly (left) is your go-to at SDCOE—she handles scheduling, paperwork, and keeps everything moving on the front end.
Dina (right) is the successor owner, making sure everything runs smoothly on the vessel side.
Two different roles, one mission—keeping Floating Lab running strong.
Dina was honored by the International Game Fish Association with a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing decades of dedication to Floating Lab and marine education.
This program has impacted over a million students—and she’s been a big part of keeping that legacy going.
Proud is an understatement.

We had a very busy Day! NOT only did we have hundreds of children and their families come onboard to check out Floating...
04/20/2026

We had a very busy Day! NOT only did we have hundreds of children and their families come onboard to check out Floating Lab, we had activities off the boat too.
The Floating Lab staff put on a short presentation on one of the stages and on another stage the founders of San Diego Floating Lab received recognition for their work and mentorship over the years.
What a day...at the Docks! Until next year...

Tomorrow is Day at the Docks — don’t miss it!📍 2803 Emerson St⏰ April 19 | 9AM–5PM🎟️ FREE family eventPark on Shelter Is...
04/18/2026

Tomorrow is Day at the Docks — don’t miss it!

📍 2803 Emerson St
⏰ April 19 | 9AM–5PM
🎟️ FREE family event

Park on Shelter Island and hop on the free shuttle to the event.

We’ll be hosting an open house aboard Ocean Odyssey, featuring our Floating Lab aquarium with live specimens on display.

Plus:
🎤 Live seminars
🎶 Entertainment
🚤 Harbor tours

Come down, check it out, and say hi!

03/20/2026

🚨 Unexpected visitor in San Diego Harbor 🚨
This juvenile gray whale has been cruising the harbor for the past few days—definitely took a wrong turn, but we’re not complaining.
Every year or so we get one that wanders in… sometimes for a day, sometimes longer. This one decided to stick around.
Today’s Floating Lab trip got a bonus sighting 🐋
Gray whales migrate between Alaska and Southern Baja, and this one is most likely heading north—just with a little detour through our backyard.
We’re running trips daily and still have availability through May—now’s the time to get on the schedule.
📞 Call Holly to book your Floating Lab experience. (858) 290-5986

03/20/2026

The students got an extra treat today on the floating lab.

King of the Hill 🦭This juvenile California sea lion was feeling pretty proud of its perch… but not for long. Right after...
03/04/2026

King of the Hill 🦭

This juvenile California sea lion was feeling pretty proud of its perch… but not for long. Right after this photo was taken, a bigger sea lion came along and claimed the throne!
Scenes like this happen every day out on the water, and you can see them firsthand on a Floating Lab trip.
We’re running trips daily and still have space available through May.
Call Holly today to reserve your spot and get out on the bay with us. (858) 290-5986

📞 Book your Floating Lab trip today!



🦞 Meet a true survivor of San Diego BayThis female California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) was observed this mo...
01/19/2026

🦞 Meet a true survivor of San Diego Bay
This female California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) was observed this morning in San Diego Harbor during a Floating Lab trip with Project Exploration.
At nearly 2 feet long, she’s estimated to be 50+ years old. Females begin reproducing around 5–9 years of age, meaning she has likely released millions of eggs over her lifetime.
And yes—all specimens are carefully returned to where they were found.
🚤 The Floating Lab runs daily trips through May.
Perfect for classes, clubs, and large groups.
📞 Contact Holly: (858) 290-5986
📧 [email protected]

Address

2803 Emerson Street
San Diego, CA
92106

Telephone

+16198891212

Website

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