Group Visits to the MSC
Scientists have been studying the rocky shore at Nahant for over 150 years, and a guided visit to our site introduces K-12 students and visitors of all ages to coastal ecology, marine life, and how scientists conduct field study in this pristine coastal setting.
We offer two options for guided visits to the site: a 3-hour Guided Field Program and a 1-hour Guided Tour. Descriptions and pricing for each visit type are detailed below.
Looking for another type of group programming?
- For In-Classroom programs, please visit our MSC in Your Classroom page.
- For Visiting Researchers & University Groups please visit our Visiting University Groups page.
- For our seasonal free public tours (for individuals/families), please visit our Public Tours page.
3-hour Guided Field and Tour Program: what to expect
Field programs introduce students to the history and process of research on our site, and provide a hands-on experience collecting data to explore central questions in coastal ecology:
- What Lives Here – Identifying and classifying common marine invertebrates and algae
- Why Does it Live Here – Hypothesizing how abiotic factors affect rocky shore distribution
- How Does it Live Here – Observing species adaptations to challenging conditions
- How Do We Know All This – How scientists collect data and conduct field research
Content varies by grade level; younger students focus more on biodiversity, and older students on field research skills.
Our instructors start the visit with an overview of rocky intertidal ecology, then students work through classroom exploration stations to practice using intertidal field tools, identifying regional species and biofacts, and learn more about the research taking place at the center. Students visit the nearby rocky intertidal and work in small groups to investigate tidepools and collect data field data.
Students will also visit our onsite aquaria to observe and interact with species they may not encounter on the shore, including lobsters, fish, sea stars, and crabs.
Program Fee: $400 per group (group = 30 students or less). Capacity is 2 groups per visit.
1-Hour Guided Tour Program: what to expect
The 1-hour Guided Tour program offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the current marine and environmental research taking place here, see research facilities and grounds, and hear about the natural and cultural histories of the area.
Visitors will be greeted by members of our outreach team and guided through the site, including indoor lab buildings, outdoor research areas and scenic overlooks. The program includes a visit to our onsite ‘touch tank’ aquaria to observe and interact with live animals typically found in new New England nearshore waters, including lobsters, fish, sea stars, crabs.
Tour components can be customized depending on the age range and interest area of the group. Please note that the 1-Hour Guided Tour does not include a visit to the rocky shore or data collection.
Program Fee: $200 per group (group = 30 students or less). Capacity is 2 groups per visit.
Scheduling your visit
Programs are offered during the MSC’s regular hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm. Bookings are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The 3-hour Guided Field Programs are booked to coincide as closely as possible with low tides, consideration of which is paramount for the intertidal field experience. Availability is limited (dependent on tide schedules, graduate programming, and staffing).
Current Field Trip Availability
- Fall 2026:
- 3-hr Guided Field & Tour Programs: limited available dates (contact for details)
- 1-hr Guided Tour: several available dates (contact for details)
- Spring 2027:
- 3-hr Guided Field & Tour Programs: limited available dates (contact for details)
- 1-hr Guided Tour: wide availability
Booking Details
A minimum of three weeks is required to ensure that all of the liability paperwork is in order. However, many schools book months in advance to secure the most ideal dates.
Chaperones are required at the following ratios:
- Grades PreK-2 – One chaperone for every six students
- Grades 3-5 – One chaperone for every 10 students
- Middle School – One chaperone for every 15 students
- High School – One chaperone for every 20 students
Chaperones are responsible for keeping students on task and cooperating with instructions and must be willing and physically able to walk with students around the tidepools of the rocky shore. Additional information will be sent to you about what to bring and what to expect.
Fees and Payment Information
2026/27 Program Fees
Prices are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking. Pricing is calculated per group of 30 or fewer students (grades K-12) or 20 students or fewer (PreK). We can accommodate 1 to 2 groups per visit (up to 60 students total), depending on staffing.
Program Fees (per group of 30 or fewer students):
- 3-hour Guided Field Program: $400 per group
- includes introductory coastal ecology lesson, tidepooling, site tour, and touch tank visit
- 1-hour Guided Tour: $200 per group
- includes a walking tour of the lab and grounds, overview of history and research, and touch tank visit
When you book a program, we will send you an invoice and payment instructions. Payment can be completed by check or credit card.
Cancellations
You may cancel or reschedule your program more than 30 days prior to the start of the program. Cancellation after that time will incur a $100 charge, unless we are able to rebook another program in your time slot.
Any decision to cancel a program will be discussed with you. We will not cancel a program due to rain unless it is forecast to downpour persistently. We will cancel if there is a strong likelihood of thunder, lightning, or heavy winds that render the shoreline unsafe. Every effort will be made to reschedule any programs cancelled due to weather.
Preparing for a visit
Our Educator Resources page provides resources that will help you prepare for your field trip to the MSC.
Food & Facilities
- No vending machines or cafeteria — bring snacks/lunches
- Large lawn available for picnicking; trash bags and dumpster provided
- Restrooms available in the main building and classroom area; must be supervised by teachers/chaperones
Site Rules
- Research areas are off-limits unless previously arranged
- No swimming; wet feet in tidepools are expected
- Do not collect or remove anything (animals, sand, shells, seawater) without prior written permission from the MSC Director
- Do not harm any living organisms
- Disruptive, dangerous, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated
Health & Safety
- Tick checks are strongly recommended after any outdoor activity, especially in summer
- Nahant is typically cooler and windier than the mainland — dress in layers and bring rain gear, a hat, and a change of shoes and clothes