Oceanarium and Education Center

Set on 20 acres of tidal salt marsh at the northern tip of Mount Desert Island, the Oceanarium and Education Center invites visitors to explore the Gulf of Maine through hands-on learning and discovery. This nonprofit destination blends a Gulf of Maine–focused aquarium with museum exhibits that highlight local marine life, fisheries and aquaculture, dark skies and ongoing research. Outdoor salt marsh trails lead to the water’s edge, where children and adults can engage directly with coastal ecosystems and seasonal programs rooted in place-based education. Designed for all ages, the Oceanarium encourages curiosity and conservation while connecting visitors to the ocean that shapes Maine’s communities and culture.