OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Open search box
Open 10 am to 4 pm, Thursday through Monday. Please buy a ticket online before you visit.
Have you ever wondered how oysters are commercially raised?
Stop by our oyster tank next time you are in for a close-up underwater view.
Also, oysters aren't the only thing to flourish in this tank. Oyster farms are home to gunnels, crabs, sea stars and more. Look closely and see how many creatures you can find.
Special thanks to the Oregon Oyster Farm, which provides oysters for this tank.
We feed our resident giant Pacific octopus on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. During the feeding time, an aquarist gives a short presentation and is on hand to answer your questions. Below is a video of an octopus feeding time at the Visitor Center. Still have questions? Check out our FAQ octopus page.
Octo Riddle: How do you make an Octopus laugh?
With ten-tickles!
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.
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.
Visitors of all ages are welcome to play in this sandbox. At this exhibit, you move the sand in the sandbox and watch how the contour lines, projected on the sand, change.
Moonglow anemones live in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones throughout the Pacific Northwest. They are often found partially or fully buried in the sand with their body column stretched down into the sand to find a solid place to attach themselves. They can also be found in holes in rocks carved out by boring clams or urchins. Unlike their more common cousins green anemones, moonglows are often found singly or in small groups.
While they look delicate, any animal that lives in the intertidal zone has to be hardy to survive in the ever-changing conditions. You can see these incredible animals in their natural habitat at local beaches like Seal Rock State Park, and in the Visitor Center, currently residing with the Northern Kelp Crab in the Crustacean exhibit!
This text is based on an article by Emily Bjornsgard for our March volunteer newsletter (pdf).
Do you have a group interested in exploring the Visitor Center? You can make a reservation for your group here.
Open: 10 AM - 4 PM Thursday through Monday
Buy a ticket online before you visit.
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center
2030 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport, OR 97365-5229
Phone: 541-867-0100; Option 2
Email
Click on "More Options" to get directions from your location.
