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 are excited to announce that the Blue Ocean Discovery Center is undergoing renovation! We look forward to showing you our new exhibits on June 7, 2025. After that, we will be open Tuesday through Sunday throughout the summer.
Check our Facebook page for updates
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
- Two touch tanks 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
- Whale exhibit
- New exhibits for 2025 will be announced soon!
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
New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation
Learn more about how the Blue Ocean Discovery Center got started here.
