Woods Hole is home to world-renowned scientific institutions and other educational establishments. Discover the sea and more in new and different ways while you’re here.
Dive into Science on a Woods Hole Walking Tour
Please note the Woods Hole Walking tours have been postponed until further notice.
Ever wondered why Woods Hole became a mecca for science or how the Titanic was discovered and its connection to Woods Hole? All your questions about science in Woods Hole will be answered on a delightful new walking tour.
Starting at the MBL Exhibit Center located at 100 Water Street, you will walk through the streets of historic Woods Hole village and learn about the research conducted by the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and other Woods Hole science organizations. These tours are recommended teens and adults. Space is limited.
Tour Schedule and Information
- Saturdays and Sundays in July and August at 11 am. and 1 pm.
- Tours leave from the MBL Exhibit Center located at 100 Water Street in Woods Hole, MA and last about 1 hour.
- Reservations are required. Please visit https://weekendtours.eventbrite.com to sign up. Tours are recommended for teens and adults.
These tours are made possible with support from the Woods Hole Business Association.
Northeast Fisheries Sciences Center (NEFSC)
The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is the nation’s original federal fisheries laboratory, established in 1871. Research helps to build sustainable marine fisheries and move to ecosystem-based fishery management. The organization also supports the recovery of endangered marine mammals, fish, and sea turtles.
The lab conducts large-scale ocean and fishery monitoring. Its Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the nation’s oldest public aquarium. The aquarium is open to visitors year-round Tuesday-Saturday from 11 am. to 4 pm. The aquarium is closed on Sunday and Monday and on federal holidays.
166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543
(508) 495-2000
NEFSC.Webmaster@noaa.gov
» Website
» Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Marine Biological Laboratory
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery – exploring fundamental biology, understanding biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago.
7 MBL Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
(508) 289-7423
comm@mbl.edu
» Website
» MBL Gift Shop
» Free Summer Tours
» Find out what MBL is all about
Sea Education Association (SEA)
Since 1971, the Sea Education Association (SEA) has been a leader in marine education, developing an understanding of the ocean and its powerful role in nature. The SEA offers programs for college students, high school students, and teachers. Their mission is to give students the opportunity to study the ocean from a multitude of academic perspectives and to do it from the platform of a traditional sailing vessel.
The SEA sailing vessels, 134-foot brigantines, operate year-round. The SSV Corwith Cramer sails the waters of the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, while the SSV Robert C. Seamans sails the waters of the Northern and Tropical Pacific.
171 Woods Hole Road
P.O. Box 6
Woods Hole, MA 02543
(508) 540-3954, fax 508-457-4673
» Website
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is dedicated to research and education to advance understanding of the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system and to communicating this understanding for the benefit of society.
WHOI Ocean Science Exhibit Center & Gift Shop
The Ocean Science Discovery Center is currently closed until further notice.
Discover the world of ocean science. Featured exhibits include the submersible Alvin, discovery and exploration of the Titanic, whale and dolphin research, and many videos and interactive exhibits. Summer hours: May – October, 10 am – 4:30 pm. Off-season hours vary. Visit our online store.
15 School Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
(508) 289-2663, fax (508) 457-2180
giftshop@whoi.edu
» Website
» WHOI Ocean Science Exhibit Center & Gift Shop
» Science Made Public
Woods Hole Research Center
Woods Hole Research Center is an independent research institute where scientists investigate the causes and effects of climate change to identify and implement opportunities for conservation, restoration and economic development around the world.
Gilman Ordway Campus
149 Woods Hole Road
Falmouth, MA 02540
(508) 548-9900, fax (508) 540-9700
» Website
Zephyr Education Foundation, Inc.
Zephyr Education Foundation hosts middle, high school and college class field trips in Woods Hole. Our Ocean Science and Technology Program for school classes includes a hands-on scientific cruise on Vineyard Sound and a session in a specimen tank room at one of the research labs.
97 Water St.
Woods Hole, MA 02543
(508) 566 7790
rreynolds@zephyrmarine.org
» Website