Ocean Science Discovery Center & Store

Learn about the WHOI's legacy of ocean science research, engineering, and exploration!

• Learn about the ocean exploration vessels, vehicles, and tools developed and used by WHOI
• Find out how our scientists and engineers first discovered and surveyed the Titanic
• Get to know the critically-endangered North Atlantic right whale
• Discover the Ocean Twilight Zone, the mid-ocean region that hosts the largest number of animals on Earth!
• See and touch REMUS SharkCam – an underwater, shark-tracking robot
• Imagine a deep-sea dive in the submersible Alvin from inside a replica personnel sphere
• And much, much more

School Group Visits

The WHOI Ocean Science Discovery Center welcomes school groups throughout the year for self-guided tours of our facility. Our staff is available weekdays to provide a 15–20-minute presentation to groups, if requested. Most groups plan to spend about an hour at our Discovery Center and coordinate visits with our neighboring Woods Hole science organizations to complete a fun and informative day in our unique, world-renowned village.  Reservations for all groups are required.  Please contact Megan Harrigan at mharrigan@whoi.edu.

Other independent science organizations in the village of Woods Hole (within walking distance of the WHOI Discovery Center) that you may want to visit:

• The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL)
• NOAA Woods Hole Science Aquarium
• Woods Hole Historical Museum
• Zephyr Education Foundation

Splash Lab

A fun, hands-on opportunity for all ages to learn about ocean science! Drop in for 10-20 minutes to do an experiment on ocean acidification, salinity, and other marine chemistry topics!

Splash Lab takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays in July and August from 1-3pm on the patio of the Discovery Center (15 School Street).

Ask a Scientist/ Ask an Engineer

Do you have a science or engineering question?  Speak with current WHOI scientists and engineers in a variety of fields about their research! This pop-up event is held on Tuesdays in July and August from 11am-2pm on the Redfield Laboratory Patio (45 Water Street). (Schedule subject to change, weather permitting) 

Summer Walking Tours

Join knowledgeable WHOI guides on free walking tours through the WHOI dock area and other restricted village facilities!

Tours are available in Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. through July and August. Starting from the WHOI Visitor Center (93 Water Street, Woods Hole), the tours take approximately one hour and provide background on WHOI research and history.

Space is limited, and reservations are required. Tours are recommended for audiences 12+

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high volume of visitors during the summer months, we cannot accommodate any special groups beyond our regularly scheduled tours (10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.).

Gift Shop

The WHOI Gift Shop carries a large assortment of quality merchandise including hats, shirts, sweatshirts, books, educational toys and jewelry. All proceeds help support WHOI's research, education, and outreach activities. Stop by the Gift Shop or visit us online.