WHOI Ocean Science Discovery Center
Explore the depths of marine science at this free center, featuring interactive exhibits on ocean life, exploration, and the iconic ALVIN submersible.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff attention
WHOI Ocean Science Discovery Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the depths of marine science at this free center, featuring interactive exhibits on ocean life, exploration, and the iconic ALVIN submersible.
"A small but totally free and very informative place, great for kids and adults alike!"
🚗 Skip the Car
Parking is tough! Take the free bus from Hyannis to avoid stress & save money.
💡 Be Patient with Exhibits
Some interactive displays might be tricky. Staff are still learning!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive eDNA Exhibit
Downstairs
Touch marine animals to reveal their DNA code and names on a large, interactive wall display. A truly engaging science experience.
Submersible ALVIN Display
Downstairs
Explore exhibits on the retired submersible ALVIN, famous for its deep-sea exploration and Titanic recovery missions.
Twilight Ocean Life
Downstairs
Discover fascinating displays showcasing the mysterious and vibrant life found in the ocean's twilight zone.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Skip the Car
Parking is tough! Take the free bus from Hyannis to avoid stress & save money.
💡 Be Patient with Exhibits
Some interactive displays might be tricky. Staff are still learning!
🔬 Free & Informative
It's a small but packed with info, and best of all, it's free!
🦈 SharkCam & Ocean Worlds
Check out new exhibits on #SharkCam and #OceanWorlds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Skip the Car
Parking is tough! Take the free bus from Hyannis to avoid stress & save money.
💡 Be Patient with Exhibits
Some interactive displays might be tricky. Staff are still learning!
🔬 Free & Informative
It's a small but packed with info, and best of all, it's free!
🦈 SharkCam & Ocean Worlds
Check out new exhibits on #SharkCam and #OceanWorlds.
🛍️ Visit the Store
Find unique conversational pieces and learn about conservation efforts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the WHOI Ocean Science Discovery Center to be an informative and free attraction, particularly praised for its interactive eDNA exhibit and the historical ALVIN submersible displays. However, some guests have experienced issues with the reliability of interactive exhibits and noted that staff may need further training. Parking in Woods Hole is a significant challenge for many.
"What totally almost amazing place
The new interactive displays only worked ok.
Actually it made them disappointing.
None of the staff really had much of a clue what to do and how they worked.
Nothing was intuitive
Some were so far over peoples heads as to be useless: DNA screen for one.
The stand on portion did not work at all.
It's going to be great when they get it all working and have trained the staff properly
Until then, don't bother going!"
Stephen G
"Small but totally free and very informative. Great to do in concjunction with other woods whole occeanagraphic Institute sites in the area.
Parking is not availibe and street parking is very had to come by but fairly cheap $1/hr up to 3 hrs. Be prepared."
Matthew Thomas
"A wealth of information and resources can be found at the WHOI. As international borders and geographical distance separate me significantly from the Institution, I have spent my time admiring from afar.
WHOI has partnered with Cape Clasp to create beautiful conversational pieces while keeping yourself hydrated, and it takes the efforts of conservation, preservation, and environmental awareness to another level. I appreciate so much about this organization, and I cannot wait to visit when I make my way toward the Eastern Seaboard - whenever that time may come.
Keep it weird!"
Benjamin S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located in downtown Woods Hole. Many visitors recommend taking the free bus from Hyannis to avoid difficult and expensive parking in Woods Hole.
Parking in Woods Hole is very limited and can be expensive, with strict time limits. Street parking is hard to come by.
Yes, the Discovery Center is a short walk from the bus drop-off point in Woods Hole, making it easily accessible if you take public transport.
Yes, the free bus from Hyannis is a popular and convenient way to reach Woods Hole and the Discovery Center.
The most recommended method is to utilize the free bus service from Hyannis, which bypasses the need to find and pay for parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the WHOI Ocean Science Discovery Center is completely free, making it an accessible attraction for everyone.
Through May 18, the center is open Monday-Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm. Starting May 22, it will be open seven days a week.
No advance booking is typically required as admission is free. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any special events or changes in hours.
The center is designed to be engaging for all ages, from children to adults, with interactive exhibits. There are no specific age restrictions mentioned.
Yes, starting May 22, the center will be open seven days a week, including weekends.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
You can find interactive displays on marine life, ocean exploration, the retired submersible ALVIN, and new exhibits like SharkCam and Ocean Worlds. 
Some visitors have noted that certain interactive displays may not always work as intended, and staff may still be learning how to operate them.
The eDNA exhibit is a fascinating interactive display where you can touch marine animals to reveal their DNA code and names on a large wall.
Yes, the center is highly recommended for kids and adults alike, with many interactive elements designed to be engaging for younger visitors.
You can learn about marine science, ocean exploration, deep-sea submersibles like ALVIN, and various aspects of ocean life.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, there is a store where you can find items like fossil shark teeth and other conversational pieces related to ocean conservation.
The store offers a variety of items, including those that promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts, such as collaborations with Cape Clasp.
The provided information does not mention dining facilities within the Discovery Center itself. Visitors may need to explore dining options in downtown Woods Hole.
Yes, the gift shop is a good place to find souvenirs, including items related to retired submersibles like ALVIN.
The store partners with organizations like Cape Clasp to create products that raise awareness for conservation and environmental preservation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some exhibits might need a little patience, the overall experience is designed to be engaging for all ages. Remember that parking in Woods Hole is notoriously difficult, so consider taking the free bus from Hyannis to make your family's trip smoother and more enjoyable.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further and avoid expensive parking fees, opt for the free bus service from Hyannis. This makes the entire visit to Woods Hole very economical, allowing you to focus on the science and exploration.
🔬 Science Enthusiasts
While the center is free, be prepared for the possibility of some interactive elements requiring a bit of patience. The opportunity to learn directly from the research institution's work makes it a highly rewarding experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of ALVIN
The submersible has been instrumental in oceanographic research for decades, allowing scientists to explore environments previously inaccessible to humans. Its presence at the Discovery Center offers a tangible connection to the pioneering spirit of ocean exploration and the advancements made by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).
Seeing the ALVIN exhibits provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of deep-sea exploration, making it a must-see for anyone interested in marine science and history.
Interactive Science Education
A standout exhibit is the eDNA display, which allows visitors to interact with marine animal images and see their corresponding DNA codes. This innovative approach to visualizing genetic information is both educational and captivating, particularly for younger audiences.
Other exhibits, such as those focusing on SharkCam and Ocean Worlds, further enhance the learning experience. These displays, often developed in collaboration with other institutions or tribes, offer insights into cutting-edge ocean research and the diversity of marine ecosystems.
Navigating Woods Hole Logistics
To circumvent these issues, the free bus service from Hyannis is frequently recommended. This option not only saves money but also eliminates the stress of finding a parking spot and the risk of ticketing. The bus route provides convenient access to the heart of Woods Hole, where the Discovery Center is located.
Beyond parking, understanding the operating hours is crucial. While the center has specific hours during certain months, it transitions to seven-day-a-week operation later in the spring, offering more flexibility for planning your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit