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Hatfield Visitor Center
Welcome to Hatfield Visitor Center
Open Thursday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets ($5 for ages 5+) are available online and at the door.
New Octopus Comes to the VC
We are excited to welcome a new female giant Pacific octopus to the Hatfield Visitor Center. Currently, she weighs just three pounds. She was donated by Perry Bordeaux, captain of the fishing vessel Das Bug.
We are often asked how long an octopus stays with us. According to Visitor Center aquarist Jaimie Hart, an octopus will stay at the VC between 6-12 months. “We document and matrix all behaviors, feeds, interactions, and body changes for any signs that they are ready to reproduce. Our goal is to always get the octopus back out into the ocean at the first sign of reproduction age so they can have a chance at reproducing and creating offspring,” said Hart.
If you are unable to meet her in person, you can visit the octocams.
Meet Our Volunteers!
We are blessed to have such an amazing group of volunteers at Hatfield.
Watch this video and learn what inspires them to join our volunteer crew and share their time and talents with the community. Interested in joining them? Learn how.
Regional Class Research Vessel
This interactive simulator let's you experience what it feels like to be at the helm of a large research vessel and steer it through Yaquina Bay.
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Oregon Coast Crustaceans
This exhibit showcases crustaceans found along the Oregon coast. By displaying these animals in smaller interconnected tanks, it is possible to keep more than one species in harmony.
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Tidepool Touch Tank
Gently pet fish, abalone and sea stars. Discover what happens when you stroke the sticky tentacles of a sea anemone. Friendly volunteers are on hand to answer questions and help visitors of all ages.
Public tidepool feedings occur on Fridays at 11:00am.
How many pipefish can you find?
Look closely as the camera pans through the eelgrass and see how many pipefish you can find. The video pans through the eelgrass a second time and shows you where these fish are hiding out.
Pipefish can be found around wharves, floating freely in tide lines, or camouflaging themselves in eelgrass beds and patches of seaweed in bays and estuaries. Fun fact: The female pipefish transfers eggs to the male's brood pouch, where he cares for developing young. Pipefish and seahorses belong to the same family, which is why their little faces are so similar.
Hours
Summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Open Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Regular Season (Starts Labor Day)
Regular Season (Starts Labor Day)
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1
Location
Hatfield Marine Science Center
Visitor Center
2030 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport, OR 97365-5229
Phone: 541-867-0100; Option 2
Email
Map & Directions
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