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FAQs

Our family is spending the summer in the Woods Hole area. What marine science programs are available for our kids?
WHOI’s educational programs are at the undergraduate level. We do not offer summer programs for kids, but you can click here to find other Woods Hole-area programs for kids.

Are the Institution’s labs open to the public?
No, those buildings are not open to the public but you can visit the WHOI Visitor Center (93 Water Street) for more information as well as taking a walking tour during July and August.

Can I go out to sea on a WHOI boat?
WHOI ships are working research vessels and are rarely in Woods Hole for any length of time. They are most often in use by scientists conducting research in oceans all over the world.

What can I see and do in Woods Hole?
The village of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, is a scenic seaport that hosts a thriving intellectual community, home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and other scientific organizations. It is also home to the Steamship Authority, which offers ferry service to the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

How can I get more involved in knowing what type of research and events are happening at WHOI?
You can sign up for our e-newsletter by visiting www.whoi.edu/signup

Popular sites to visit in the village include the following:
» Ocean Science Discovery Center of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Located on School Street. Suggested donation: $5/person aged 10 and over; under 10, free. Small gift shop. Telephone (508) 289-2663 or 289-2252.

Visitors to Woods Hole may also attend many of the science lectures and seminars sponsored by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. In addition, a number of the organizations in the Woods Hole village area sponsor children's programs during the summer.

» Visitor Center of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Located at 93 Water Street. No admission charge. Open weekdays year-round from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Information Office offers summer walking tours of WHOI dock area and village facilities. Weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  Tours are free, but reservations are required. Telephone (508) 289-2252.

» Woods Hole Science Aquarium of the National Marine Fisheries Service
Located on Albatross Street. No admission charge. Call for hours of operation: (508) 495-2001.

» Marine Biological Laboratory
Located at 100 Water Street (Pierce Visitor Center). No admission charge. Summer walking tours are offered each weekday afternoon. Tours are free, but reservations are recommended. For hours of operation, call (508) 289-7623.

»Woods Hole Historical Museum
Located on Woods Hole Road. No admission charge. Summer walking tours of historic buildings on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. For information and hours of operation, call (508) 548-7270.

Information about lodging, restaurants, galleries, and events in Woods Hole can be found at www.woodshole.com

» Directions to Woods Hole
Because public parking is extremely limited in the village of Woods Hole, visitors are encouraged to park in the town of Falmouth and take the WHOOSH trolley to Woods Hole. Information about the trolley is available from the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.