Educational Programs for All
Since opening in 1987, the Living Coast Discovery Center has offered a variety of educational programs right here on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sweetwater Marsh. Discover why annually 25,000 kids attend programs at the Living Coast!
Education Department Contact Info
education@thelivingcoast.org | (619) 409-5908
Partner Program Information
Living Labs
Living Lab Programs involve a one-hour standards-based lesson with a Living Coast staff member. The day will also include a guided tour with a Docent Volunteer, time to explore the Living Coast animal exhibits, and a provided lunch space with storage for lunches. Exact program schedule varies by group size. Click below to read about your age-specific program.
Living Labs Descriptions | Outreaches to Your Site
Wildlife Tours
Wildlife tours are 2-hours and included a guided tour of the entire facility and an animal encounter of your choice. Animal availability subject to change at discretion of staff.
Program Fees
- $250 / class (includes 25 students & 3 adults)
- $10 / extra person (student or adult)
- $50 / shuttle (for groups arriving by car/walking)
Sample Schedules
(Exact Schedule May Vary)
Living Lab – Small Group | Max. 37 students
Early Start
9:30 – 12:30
- 9:30 – 11:30 Program & Tour
- 11:30 – 12:00 Lunch
- 12:00 – 1:30 Self-Exploration
Normal Start
10:00 – 2:00
- 10:00 – 12:00 Program & Tour
- 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch
- 12:30 – 2:00 Self-Exploration
Living Lab – Large Group | Min. 38 students – Max. 74 students
Early Start
9:30 – 1:30
- 9:30 – 11:30 Group A & B Program & Tour
- 9:30 – 11:30 Group C & D Self-Exploration & Lunch
- 11:30 – 1:30 Group A & B Lunch & Self-Exploration
- 11:30 – 1:30 Group C & D Program & Tour
Normal Start
10:00 – 2:00
- 10:00 – 12:00 Group A & B Program & Tour
- 10:00 – 12:00 Group C & D Self-Exploration & Lunch
- 12:00 – 2:00 Group A & B Lunch & Self-Exploration
- 12:00 – 2:00 Group C & D Program & Tour
Wildlife Tour Only – Small Group | No Min. – Max. 37 students
Early Arrival
9:30 – 12:30
- 9:30 – 11:30 Wildlife Tour & Animal Encounter
- 11:30 – 12:00 Lunch
- 12:00 – 12:30 Self-Exploration
Late Arrival
10:00 – 1:00
- 10:00 – 12:00 Wildlife Tour & Animal Encounter
- 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch
- 12:30 – 1:00 Self-Exploration
Wildlife Tour Only – Large Group | Min. 38 students – Max. 74 students
Early Arrival
9:30 – 1:30
- 9:30 – 11:30
- Group A: Wildlife Tour & Animal Encounter
- Group B: Self Exploration & Lunch
- 11:30 – 1:30
- Group A: Lunch & Self Exploration
- Group B: Wildlife Tour & Animal Encounter
Late Arrival
10:00 – 2:00
- 10:00 – 12:00
- Group A: Wildlife Tour & Animal Encounter
- Group B: Self Exploration & Lunch
- 12:00 – 2:00
- Group A: Lunch & Self Exploration
- Group B: Wildlife Tour & Animal Encounter