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.

Group Visits Buy a Ticket


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.

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Using a simulator, a child steers a research ship through Yaquina Bay. His father stands near him and points to the screen.


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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A close up view of a crab. Its eye stalks peer straight ahead. Also, its massive front claws are in view.


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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Sea Urchins and anemones in a tide pool touch tank.


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)
Open Thursday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Buy a ticket online, or get one at the door.
 
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

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