
Bonne Bay Marine Station Norris Point
Discover local marine wonders at Bonne Bay Marine Station, featuring interactive touch tanks and rare sea creatures in Norris Point.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more student guides

Bonne Bay Marine Station Norris Point
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more student guides

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover local marine wonders at Bonne Bay Marine Station, featuring interactive touch tanks and rare sea creatures in Norris Point.
"A small station that packs a punch for the cost, offering a great memory maker!"

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Expect enthusiastic students and staff eager to share their passion for marine life. :star:
🦀 Hands-On Fun
Don't miss the touch tanks! Kids and adults alike love interacting with sea stars and crabs. :crab:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Touch Tanks
Aquarium
Get hands-on with local marine life like starfish, crabs, and lobsters. A hit with all ages!

Unique Lobsters
Aquarium
Marvel at rare blue and white lobsters, and even an ancient, estimated 96-year-old specimen.

Reflective Architecture
Exterior
Admire the building's modern design, with windows mirroring the stunning Norris Point sky and landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Operating Hours
Book Boat Tours in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Expect enthusiastic students and staff eager to share their passion for marine life. :star:
🦀 Hands-On Fun
Don't miss the touch tanks! Kids and adults alike love interacting with sea stars and crabs. :crab:
Trout River - What to do!?
🛥️ Boat Tour Combo
Consider a BonTour boat trip for a guided experience including the Marine Station. :boat:
♻️ Sustainable Practices
Appreciate their commitment to releasing animals back into the ocean post-season. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Expect enthusiastic students and staff eager to share their passion for marine life. :star:
🦀 Hands-On Fun
Don't miss the touch tanks! Kids and adults alike love interacting with sea stars and crabs. :crab:
🛥️ Boat Tour Combo
Consider a BonTour boat trip for a guided experience including the Marine Station. :boat:
♻️ Sustainable Practices
Appreciate their commitment to releasing animals back into the ocean post-season. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bonne Bay Marine Station for its engaging touch tanks and the opportunity to see unique marine life, including rare lobsters. The knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, often students, are a major draw, making the experience educational and fun for all ages. While the station is small, the value and memorable interactions make it a highly recommended stop in Norris Point.
"BonTour works with the Marine Station and offers a boat tour which including a guided tour of the Marine Station. We purchased tickets on line through BonTour.
From the moment we boarded, Bridgette and Simone made us feel welcome with their warm, positive energy and enthusiasm for the marine environment.
Their knowledge of the local aquatic species was truly impressive. We learned so much about the marine life in the area. They were engaging, professional, and made the whole tour both educational and fun. It’s clear they’re passionate about what they do, and their excitement was contagious.
The station may be small but this package packs a punch for the cost. Great memory maker!"
Michelle Doyle
"They had 2 blue lobsters and a 96 year old (estimated) lobster plus lots of other aquatic life. Staff were very informative."
Lee Stewart
"We came for a visit at the end of June. We had the a very positive experience. The timing must have been just right, because we had about three students showing us around the place and telling us all about their facility and their marine animals. The ladies were very knowledgeable and supper friendly. We got to hold some star fish and crabs. Also pretty cool they put all their animals back into the ocean at the end of the season. If you are in the area I would highly recommend."
Alex K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bonne Bay Marine Station is located in Norris Point, Newfoundland and Labrador. If you're coming from Trout River or Woody Point, you might be able to take a ferry, though it's best to check its operational status. Driving is the most common way to reach Norris Point, and the station is well-signposted once you're in town.
Yes, typically there is parking available at the Bonne Bay Marine Station. It's usually convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While possible, getting around Norris Point and the surrounding Bonne Bay area without a car can be challenging. Public transportation options are limited. Renting a car or joining organized tours are recommended for easier access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, and it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing. Some visitors mention that the cost is reasonable for the experience.
While walk-in visits are often possible, booking in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to join a specific tour or visit during peak season. Booking through partners like BonTour for boat tours is often necessary.
Operating hours can change seasonally. It's crucial to verify the current hours of operation on their official website or by calling ahead, particularly if you are visiting outside of the main summer tourist season.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or families is not widely publicized. It's advisable to inquire directly with the Marine Station about any potential discount programs they may offer.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore aquariums featuring local marine life, including unique lobsters and jellyfish. The highlight for many are the interactive touch tanks where you can hold starfish, crabs, and other sea creatures.
Absolutely! The touch tanks and the opportunity to see and interact with marine animals make it a fantastic experience for children. It's educational and fun for the whole family.
A visit to the Marine Station itself usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you spend at the touch tanks and exhibits. If you combine it with a boat tour, your visit will be longer.
Yes, often there are knowledgeable students or staff who provide guided tours, sharing insights about the marine life and research conducted at the station. These tours are highly recommended for a richer experience.
Expect to see a variety of local species, including different types of lobsters (like rare blue and white ones), crabs, starfish, jellyfish, and various fish native to Bonne Bay.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Marine Station, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially around sensitive exhibits. Capturing the reflections of the building is also a popular photo opportunity.
The exterior of the building offers stunning opportunities for architectural photography, especially with its reflective windows mirroring the sky and landscape. Inside, the vibrant marine life in the tanks provides excellent subjects.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best practice to avoid using flash photography when photographing live animals in aquariums, as it can disturb them. Check for any posted signs regarding flash use.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the touch tanks, the aquariums offer a chance to see unique creatures like rare blue lobsters and various local fish. The knowledgeable and friendly staff, often students, are great at explaining things in a way that kids can understand. Consider booking a boat tour that includes the station for a fuller experience, but even a standalone visit is highly recommended for a fun and educational outing.
📚 Educational Travelers
Take advantage of the guided tours to gain a deeper understanding of the marine life and the station's conservation efforts, such as the practice of releasing animals back into the ocean. The opportunity to see unique specimens and learn about their habitats makes for a truly enriching experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marine Life of Bonne Bay
Key attractions include the touch tanks, where the tactile experience of holding a starfish or a crab creates a memorable connection to nature. The presence of rarely seen lobsters, such as the striking blue and white varieties, adds a unique element to the exhibits. These displays are not just for show; they are part of ongoing research and conservation efforts. The commitment to releasing animals back into the ocean at the end of the season underscores their dedication to the health of the bay's ecosystem.
Beyond the interactive exhibits, the Marine Station also showcases jellyfish and various local fish species. The staff and student researchers are a wealth of knowledge, eager to explain the behaviors, life cycles, and ecological importance of each creature. Their passion is often described as contagious, making the educational aspect of the visit highly engaging.
Experiencing the Marine Station with BonTour
When you book a tour that includes the Marine Station, you can expect a seamless transition from the water to the land-based exhibits. Guides like Bridgette and Simone have been praised for their warm energy, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of both the marine environment and the local area. They make the tour both educational and incredibly fun, ensuring visitors learn about the aquatic species and the importance of conservation.
This combined package is often highlighted as a great memory maker and offers excellent value for the cost. It's a way to maximize your time in Bonne Bay, experiencing both the natural beauty of the bay from the water and the fascinating marine life within the station. Booking these popular tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit