Hatfield Visitor Center
Welcome to Hatfield Visitor Center
Thursday-Monday | 10am-4pm
Tickets
Admission is $5 per person aged 5+. Tickets are available online and at the door.
Public Programs and Events
Octopus Feeding
Mon | Thur | Sat 1pm
Join the octopus for lunch as we learn about the many adaptations of these amazing creatures.
Tidepool Feeding
Fri 11am
What do anemones, urchins, and sea stars eat? Join our aquarists at feeding time to find out!
Whale Watch Week
December 26-31 | 10am-4pm
It is migration time for gray whales and we will celebrate all week with crafts, films, lectures, games, and more!
Fossil Fest
February 8 | 10am-4pm
Join us for hands-on activities, hot tips on where to look for fossils, and more. Bring your own specimens in for help identifying them.
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 fortunate 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.
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.
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.
Hours
Regular Season (Starts Labor Day)
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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