Image
Hatfield Visitor Center
Welcome to Hatfield Visitor Center
We are operating on our regular schedule. Open Thursday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets ($5 for ages 5+) are available online and at the door.
Octopus Updates
We recently moved the giant Pacific octopus out of the exhibit area to be released back into the ocean. Octopuses are short-lived, so we try to keep them for only a few months before returning them to the ocean - usually when they begin to show signs of senescence (aging).
We are looking for a new octopus; please spread the word about donating an octopus to the Visitor Center. While we wait, you can still see the other creatures in the large exhibit tank such as the wolf eel, the monkeyface prickleback, striped surfperch and buffalo sculpin via 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.
Image
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.
Image
Tide Pool 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. Feeding time in the tidepool tanks - Fridays, at 11 a.m.
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
Get directions from your location.