Ocean Science Discovery Center & Store
Learn about the WHOI's legacy of ocean science research, engineering, and exploration!
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WHOI at Sea
Learn about the ocean exploration vessels, vehicles, and tools developed and used by WHOI
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Titanic
Find out how our scientists and engineers first discovered and surveyed the Titanic
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North Atlantic right whale
Get to know the critically-endangered North Atlantic right whale
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Ocean Twilight Zone
Discover the Ocean Twilight Zone, the mid-ocean region that hosts the largest number of animals on Earth!
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SharkCam
See and touch REMUS SharkCam – an underwater, shark-tracking robot
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Submersible Alvin
Imagine a deep-sea dive in the submersible Alvin from inside a replica personnel sphere
Group Visits
The WHOI Ocean Science Discovery Center welcomes school groups throughout the year for self-guided tours of our facility. Most groups plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes 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:
Summer Activities
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 July and August. Dates and times will be posted closer to summer.
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 in July and August on the Redfield Laboratory Patio (45 Water Street). Dates and times will be posted closer to summer. (Schedule subject to change, weather permitting)
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.).
The WHOI Store
The WHOI Store carries a large assortment of quality merchandise including hats, shirts, sweatshirts, books, educational toys and jewelry. All proceeds direct support WHOI's research, education, and outreach activities. Stop by the Store at 93 Water Street in Woods Hole village or visit us online.
Location, Hours & Directions
» View Directions & Maps to Village facilities
Location
15 School Street, MS#45 Woods Hole, MA 02543
Hours
April 21-May 23
Open Monday-Friday 11am to 4pm
May 24-August 31
Open daily 11am to 4pm
Merchandise is also available for purchase at the WHOI Store located at 93 Water Street in Woods Hole. For location and hours, please click HERE.
Parking Notice
Street parking in the village of Woods Hole is very limited and metered. We strongly encourage summer visitors to park at the shopping malls and free municipal lots in Falmouth and ride the WHOOSH trolley to the village of Woods Hole. The trolley is operated by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority and charges minimal fees.
» Learn more about public transportation available to and from Woods Hole