We are hiring! Click here for seasonal opportunities
In the heart of Hampton Beach, you can learn about the ocean and take action to protect marine life.
Our Blue Ocean Discovery Center has several tanks that exhibit local marine invertebrates and a large touch tank where you can learn about different species and how to safely handle them. Our knowledgeable educators will share fun facts about the species and lead you in hands-on activities and investigations!
We’re open daily during the summer from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, from June 3 until September 4.
Join us for our public beach cleanup every Monday, Thursday, and Friday at 10 AM!
We are also open by appointment for small groups during the summer and throughout the year.
Our exhibits include:
- Atlantic white-sided dolphin skeleton
- Giant fin whale vertebra
- A touch tank with sea stars, crabs, and other marine life (selection varies!)
- A 100-gallon observation tank
- Lobster trap demonstration
- SmartScope showing magnification of marine animals
- Marine debris exhibit and interactive map
- Old postcards of Hampton Beach
- Exhibits on whales and climate change
Our knowledgeable educators will be on hand to answer your questions. During your visit, you can also help the ocean by completing a beach cleanup! Ask us for more information.
Support the Blue Ocean Discovery Center
We greatly appreciate your donations at the Center or online. It costs approximately $30,000 per year to operate the Center, which includes license fees and other fees paid to the State of New Hampshire, staffing, tank maintenance and updating our displays each year.
Major Sponsors
Lead Touch Tank Sponsor:
High School Student Fellowship Sponsor:
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation
Exhibit Sponsors:
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New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation
Learn more about how the Blue Ocean Discovery Center got started here.
