Woods Hole Science Aquarium

Closed for Repairs

The aquarium will be closed through early 2027 for major repairs to the basement foundation and exhibit renovations.

Established in 1875, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the country’s oldest public marine aquarium. It displays on average 100 species of marine animals found in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. waters. Visitors can explore the main exhibits and learn about the aquarium’s operations through self-guided tours. At the aquarium, you will find:

• Marine animals from our region
• Exhibit cases with bones, skulls, and teeth
• Information about Woods Hole science and history, fishery science, marine mammals, sea turtles, and local fish species
• Touch tanks where you can find crabs, sea stars, whelks, shells, and egg casings

Visitors are also allowed behind the scenes, where they can ask questions and watch the staff feed animals, clean tanks, and work on the life support systems. Approximately 80,000 people visit the aquarium every year, including 10,000 children in school groups.

Visitors spend an average of 20 to 30 minutes touring our aquarium, but are encouraged to stay as long as they like.

Learn more about our residents and exhibits

Plan Your Visit

Location

The aquarium is located on Cape Cod in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Call (508) 495-2001 to hear our current operating schedule or check back here, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X.

Parking and Public Transportation

There is no off-street parking available at the Aquarium. The village has on-street metered parking, but spots fill up quickly in summer.

Visitors should use public transportation if possible. During the summer, consider parking in Falmouth and using the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority bus service. Bicycling between Woods Hole and Falmouth is also a popular alternative, and there is a bike rack located by our main entrance.

Groups

We welcome visits from school groups and civic organizations. Groups larger than 10 should make a reservation by calling our reservation line: (508) 495-2267. Be sure to include:

• Name of your organization
• Date and time you wish to visit
• Number of individuals in your group
• Name and contact number for us to confirm your visit

Your group is not confirmed until you hear back from aquarium staff. The busiest season for groups is spring. If you would like to bring a school group anytime from March through June, please call for reservations as early in the school year as possible.

Aquarium Accessibility and Amenities

Access

In addition to disability parking spaces and a wheelchair ramp, we’re happy to adjust our visitor policies and hours to meet your needs. To discuss accessibility options before your visit, please contact us via email or call us at (508) 495-2267.

A ramp at the rear of the aquarium provides access to the second floor behind-the-scenes area and touch tank. If you need wheelchair access for the second floor, please notify the reception desk on arrival.

Service Animals

Service dogs are always welcome at Woods Hole Science Aquarium. They must be leashed and remain on the ground at all times.

Strollers

For safety reasons, strollers are not permitted inside the aquarium. A designated stroller parking area is available near the entrance.

Changing Tables

Public restrooms with changing tables are available near the reception desk.

Visitor Feedback

We love to hear from our visitors. Your feedback helps us improve the Aquarium experience. You can e-mail comments to the aquarium staff or send mail to:

Woods Hole Science Aquarium
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543

Programs

We offer a number of programs to involve the public, students, and aspiring scientists. They help us care for animals at the aquarium, and learn about marine science.

• Caring for injured animals
• Aquarium interns and volunteers (not accepting at this time)

Our History

Image

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the oldest public aquarium in the country. Spencer Baird, the nation’s first U.S. Fish Commissioner, established a research station on Little Harbor in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, during the summer of 1871. In 1875, a research aquarium was added to the station, which was opened for public tours in the summer.

Baird set aside space in the aquarium for educational displays featuring local sea life and exhibits to help people learn more about the sea around them. Visitors might also encounter a researcher or two, since it was also a working research aquarium.

Now well into its second century, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium continues to maintain sea life that can be found in local waters as its core collection. It also continues to carry out the dual missions Baird envisioned—supporting fisheries research and educating the public about marine life and marine science.

In the late 20th century, the aquarium took on a third mission—conservation. Our aquarium staff now rehabilitate and release cold-stunned turtles and provide a permanent home for stranded seals that cannot be released to the wild.