Visiting the Woods Hole Science Aquarium
The Aquarium is designed for self-guided tours of the main exhibits and a behind-the-scenes look at Aquarium operations. The Aquarium is a federal building and admission is free; however, we welcome donations, which you can put into a box in the lobby.
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium displays approximately 140 species of marine animals found in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. waters.
Location
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
(508) 495-2001
Directions from Boston
Directions from Providence
Visit Us by Bus
Hours
Our winter hours:
- Monday through Friday
- 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Closed all federal holidays
Wheelchair access
The main Aquarium gallery is wheelchair accessible. A ramp at the rear of the Aquarium provides access to the second floor behind-the-scenes area and touch tank. If you need help with wheelchair access please notify the front desk.
Rules
No pets allowed. Service dogs permitted.
All strollers must be left outside. Our aquarium display and back-up areas have limited space.
Groups
We welcome visits from school groups and civic organizations. Groups larger than 10 should make a reservation by calling (508) 495-2267. 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.
Special Needs
Please let us know if anyone in your group requires special assistance to tour the Aquarium. Many physical impairments and special needs can be accommodated. We have disability parking spaces and a wheelchair ramp near the main entrance.
Parking
Visitors should use public transportation if possible. We have no off-street parking available (other than two disability parking spaces). The village has on-street metered parking, but the spots fill up quickly in busy summer months. During the summer, you may want to park in Falmouth and use the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority bus service.
Activity Sheets
Our activity sheets can be answered by carefully viewing our animals and exhibits. Be aware, though, that the Aquarium collection will likely be a bit different every time you visit. We focus our activity sheets on animals that are almost always in the Aquarium, but occasionally a question might not be answerable on the day you visit.
To view the answer sheets, send us an e-mail or ask the staff when you visit.
Feedback
We like to hear from our visitors. If you take a few minutes after you have toured to let us know what was and wasn't useful, we will be better able to accommodate you and other visitors in the future. You can e-mail comments to the Aquarium staff.
