Nestled in Panacea, Florida, along the Forgotten Coast, the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab is a nonprofit aquarium and research facility founded in 1980 by Jack and Anne Rudloe to promote marine education and conservation. This unique touch-tank aquarium allows visitors to interact with local sea life, including sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and octopuses in naturalistic habitats mimicking Apalachicola Bay’s ecosystems. Exhibits showcase over 200 species from the Gulf of Mexico, with highlights like the Sea Mobile outreach program bringing marine wonders to schools and a sea turtle rehabilitation center aiding injured loggerheads. Guided tours explain biodiversity, while the lab’s research on sustainable fisheries informs exhibits. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed major holidays), admission $12 adults, $10 seniors/students, $8 children 3-11, free under 3. Reviews average 4.5 stars, praising hands-on experiences and passionate staff, with families noting educational value for kids. For beach trips in the Big Bend region, the lab enhances coastal explorations—handle hermit crabs after shelling on St. George Island’s sands or learn about gulf ecosystems post-kayaking in Ochlockonee Bay. Its location amid pine forests and estuaries provides a serene contrast to sunny shores, ideal for rainy days or deepening appreciation for the marine life spotted during beachcombing. Proximity to Wakulla Springs adds freshwater adventures. As a conservation hub, it fosters stewardship, turning vacations into eco-aware journeys. Whether feeding stingrays or watching seahorses, the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab blends fun and learning, making Forgotten Coast getaways memorable with insights into Florida’s underwater world amid tranquil waves and natural beauty. (268 words)
