Programs
The Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium offers marine science programs for all ages. The MMA also partners with other island organizations to offer unique, fun, and educational programming related to the marine life in Nantucket’s waters. All of Maria Mitchell programs, including those listed on this page, are in our current Program Guide.
Important Note:
All Aquarium programs require pre-registration by calling the Aquarium at (508) 228-5387. To register for Seal Cruises and Whale Watches, call Shearwater Excursions at (508) 228-7037. For instructions on how to register for other programs, such as those offered in collaboration with The Trustees of Reservations, see below or reference out current Program Guide.
Aquarium Programs
Special Programs
Field Trips
Marine Ecology
Night Marine Ecology
Beach Discovery
Whale Watches and Seal Cruises (partnering with Shearwater Excursions)
Great Point and Coatue Programs with the Trustees of Reservations
Special Programs
Feeding Frenzy!
Join Aquarium staff as they feed 50+ species of fish and other marine life at the Aquarium before it opens to the public! Learn about what fish eat, see how the matis shrimp captures prey, and learn how the aquarium staff cares for the large array of maring animals on display. This program is limit to 12 participants so please make reservations well in advance.
Offered Monday-Saturday; 9:00AM; Members $5, Non-Members $10; Reservations: 508-228-5387.
Field Trips
Marine Ecology Field Trips
The MMA’s wildly popular Marine Ecology Field Trips are offered regularly throughout the summer. Participants accompany Aquarium staff to various locations around Nantucket and, using a
large seine net, collect, identify, sort, and count the specimens. This hand-on, up-close encounter with native Nantucket marine life is not only fun and educational for children and adults alike, but also an important part of an ongoing biodiversity study conducted by the MMA. When you go on a Marine Ecology Walk, you are contributing to a real research project!
Offered daily at 10AM (please arrive at 9:45). Reservations required. Field Trip leaves from the Parking area at Washington St. Extension. Members:
$15 adults/$10 child; non-members $20 adults/$15 child.
Night Marine Ecology Field Trips
Nantucket Harbor teems with life at night! Just as nocturnal animals that live on land, many of the creatures found in the ocean are night active. Help us survey creatures such as squid, fish, crabs, and more.
Offered Wednesdays at 8PM. Reservations required. Program takes place at the Aquarium, 28 Washinton St. Members:$15 adults/$10 child; non-members $20 adults/$10 child
Beach Discovery Field Trips
These trips are an interactive and enlightening way for you and your family to comb the beaches for treasures of the sea. Our marine biologists will help you identify and will learn about "The Good" (the marine life that belongs on the beach) "The Bad" (the origins of the human garbage on the beach), and "The Ugly", the non-native marine life that is invading our beaches. Possible finds include skate eggs (mermaid purses), slipper shells, bird bones, fish skulls, sea urchins or seal vertebrae. It’s a leisurely stroll along the beach with a twist!
Offered Wednesdays at 2PM. Reservations required. Field Trip leaves from the Parking area at Washington St. Extension. Members: $15 adults/$10 child; non-members $20 adults/$10 child
Whale Watches and Seal Cruises
The Maria Mitchell Association partners with the local eco-tour company Shearwater Excursions to offer environmentally-conscious, fun, and educational cruises to view Nantucket’s local flora and fauna, including whales and seals. A naturalist from the MMA will join the experienced, expert crew of the Shearwater during MMA-sponsored cruises. Please see our program brochure (Link coming soon!) for dates and details. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Maria Mitchell Association. For more information or reserve space on a trip, please call Shearwater Excursions at (508) 228-7037.
Whale Watches
Join us aboard the Shearwater, the only Whale Watch vessel out of Nantucket. Continuing the island's rich, centuries old heritage of whaling, the ancient cry, "Thar she blows" takes on new meaning as we seek out whales for the purpose of education and conservation, rather than exploitation. Passengers are encouraged to participate in spotting the tell-tale spouts that lead us to these magnificent animals.
Seal Cruises
Explore the outer island of Muskeget to get an up-close and personal look at our resident population of Gray Seals. These curious creatures aren’t the only attraction: enjoy sweeping views of Nantucket’s harbor and beaches as well as shorebirds, waterfowl, and more. Shearwater Excursions takes pride in meeting or exceeding all federal and voluntary viewing guidelines set forth by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other agencies dedicated to the protection and safety of marine mammals.
During December, MMA and Shearwater partner to offer Seal Cruises to view the baby seals that are born each winter on Muskeget. Check back for details.
About Shearwater Excursions
Shearwater Excursions is the first family-run, year-round eco-tour company on Nantucket. The vessel, Shearwater, is a comfortable 47' Power Catamaran. Shearwater is a US Coast Guard certified twin-hulled power boat with eco-friendly, clean-burning diesel engines. The very shallow draft of the Shearwater allows shoreline access that most single-hulled boats cannot navigate. In addition, the double hulled design provides a very dry and stable platform from which one can easily observe and photograph. Indoor and outdoor seating offers protection from the elements and there is a clean, private head (toilet) for additional comfort. Snacks and drinks are available for sale. Shearwater’s Captain Blair Perkins has been licensed by the US Coast Guard for more than two decades. His experience as a commercial fisherman, boat captain, and as a naturalist spans more than 30 years on Nantucket Island and he compliments each tour with local flavor and extensive knowledge.
Programs with The Trustees of Reservations
MMA’s partnership with The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) has yielded several popular programs offered throughout the year, including special tours of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and Great Point, fishing classes, and more.
2010 programs coming soon!