Visit the Discovery Center
Located in Buzzards Bay, NMLC’s renovated Discovery Center gives families, visitors, and community members a closer look at marine animal rehabilitation through exhibits, hands-on activities, and conversations with NMLC staff and volunteers.
Please Note: We are not an aquarium and do not to keep animals on display.
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Plan Your Visit
The Discovery Center is open to the general public and is a great stop for families, local residents, seasonal visitors, tourists, educators, and anyone interested in marine wildlife and conservation.
Phase one of the Discovery Center renovation is complete, and we are now welcoming visitors. Returning guests will find a new layout, updated exhibits, and a refreshed space designed to help families better understand NMLC’s work.
More is still to come. Phases 2 and 3 are planned, with additional exhibits to be installed as they are completed. Come see what’s open now, and visit again as the Discovery Center continues to grow.
“Whether you are visiting the Cape, looking for a local family activity, or interested in supporting marine animal conservation, the Discovery Center offers an accessible way to connect with NMLC’s mission.”
Admission
Entry is donation-based. Visitors are encouraged to contribute what they feel is appropriate to support NMLC’s rehabilitation and education work.
Summer Hours
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Hours are subject to change without notice
Location & Parking
The Discovery Center is located at 120 Main St., Buzzards Bay, MA, 02532
Parking is available in an off-street lot.
Visit Length
Most visits take about 30 minutes. Families with children may spend closer to an hour, especially if children take part in hands-on activities, coloring, reading, or puzzles.
Group Visits
The Discovery Center can also be a meaningful destination for school groups, educators, and arranged group visits.
ADA Accessibility
The Discovery Center is ADA accessible.
What You’ll Experience on Your Visit
A visit offers a closer look at NMLC’s mission through updated exhibits, hands-on activities, and conversations with knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
You'll learn about the animals NMLC helps, the rehabilitation process, and the regional threats that affect marine wildlife, including cold-stunning, parasites, and entanglement.
Who the Discovery Center Is For
The Discovery Center is especially strong for families with children because of its hands-on activities, visual exhibits, and approachable explanations of marine animal rehabilitation.
It is also a worthwhile visit for adults, tourists, seasonal visitors, local residents, educators, and supporters who want to better understand NMLC’s work.
Expore Exhibits
Each exhibit is designed to teach about the rehabilitation, science, and conservation work we do at NMLC
Learn More
You'll learn about how our patients and are treated and supported
View Patients
During the colder months, you may get an opportunity to see our staff working with cold stunned sea turtles in our observation room
Talk & Ask Questions
During your visit, staff and volunteers will be available to explain exhibits and answer questions
Get Hands On
Take part in hands-on activities designed especially for children and families
Shop Our Gift Shop
Our on-site gift shop sells marine and Cape Cod themed items that support NMLC’s work