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.
Woods Hole Science Aquarium remains closed due to the pandemic and we do not have an anticipated opening date at this time. We continue to work on a plan that will allow visitors to safely visit our aquarium. We take the safety of our visitors and staff very seriously. When we have our plan in place, including an opening date, we’ll announce it here, on our website, social media channels like Facebook, and through our eNewsletter. We hope to see you all soon. Stay safe and healthy!
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 Visitor Center
While in Woods Hole, drop by the WHOI Visitor Center and Store to pick up maps, brochures about the Institution, a copy of Oceanus magazine, or WHOI merchandise. Our staff and volunteers are ready to answer your questions and provide you with other resources about WHOI and the ocean. Summer walking tours are also available in July and August by reservation.
93 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
» Website
WHOI Ocean Science Exhibit Center & Gift Shop
Explore WHOI’s ocean science research, engineering and discoveries through exhibits at the Discovery Center. Learn about the submersible Alvin, the discovery and exploration of the Titanic, the Ocean Twilight Zone, Hydrothermal vents and more! Please check here for the most up-to-date information. 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
Woodwell Climate Research Center
Woodwell Climate 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