Public tours of the MSC
Join us for a guided tour of the Marine Science Center (MSC) to learn about some of the current marine and environmental research taking place here, tour the facilities and grounds, and hear about the natural and cultural histories of East Point.
Tour Information
Tours are open to individuals and families. All organizations (e.g., schools, scouts, clubs) and any other parties of six or more interested in visiting the MSC should instead sign up for a guided tour. They are not geared towards prospective students and persons interested in academic programs at Northeastern University (contact the MSC Staff if you are interested in Northeastern’s programs).
Tours are held monthly between May and October. They begin at 2:30 p.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. All tours are free of charge and all participants are required to register via our webform.
Participants should be prepared to walk and/or stand for the duration of the tour, occasionally on unpaved and uneven terrain. Tours for persons with limited mobility may be arranged on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is registration required?
Yes, registration is required. Please note that a limited number of spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Persons not signed up will be regrettably turned away on the day of the tour if no further space is available.
Is there an age limit to take a public tour?
While there is no age limit, the tour is geared primarily to an adult audience. Well-behaved children who can participate respectfully are welcome. The tour does involve walking on unpaved and uneven surfaces, viewing laboratories, and listening to historical and scientific information, so please consider whether these activities are well matched to a participant’s age and interests before registering. We will do our best to adapt to the age group’s interests present on the day of the tour.
Are pets welcome?
With the exception of service animals, no other animals will be allowed inside the buildings.
Is additional paperwork required for the tour?
A Consent to Participate and Release Form will be required for each registrant and will be provided before the start of the tour. Persons under 18 will be required to present a form signed by a parent/guardian.
Can I make changes to my registration?
You may make changes to an existing reservation at least 24 hours before the start of the tour, but you may not be able to add additional people. Please be aware that space is limited, and spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Do I need a printed ticket for the tour?
No printed ticket is required; registered participants will be on our roster and can check in with our staff member at the start time. Every person attending must be registered.
Is parking available at the Marine Science Center?
Parking is available onsite for registered tour attendees during the tour time period (2:30-4:00 p.m.). Upon arrival, please drive through the gate, check in with the security guard, and park in the area to the right. Upon completion of the tour participants will be required to vacate the parking lot.
Are there public transportation options?
The Marine Science Center is accessible via MBTA Bus #439 followed by a 10-minute walk from the Wharf Street stop on an extremely limited basis. Persons planning to access this are advised to research travel times and transfer points very carefully well in advance before committing to this method of transit.
What should or shouldn’t I bring on the tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather. Bringing an extra layer is advisable, as it is often colder/windier in Nahant than on the “mainland”. A hat and/or sunscreen is advised, as is a water bottle, especially on hot days. We also recommend bringing a camera and/or binoculars, as wildlife can often be viewed along the tour path.
The following items are prohibited on a tour: firearms, drugs/alcohol, hazardous materials, and clothing containing inappropriate/obscene words or symbols.