Air view of MSC Nahant location

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 (introductory coastal ecology lesson, tidepooling, site tour, and touch tank visit) and a 1-hour Guided Tour (site tour and touch tank visit). Descriptions and pricing are detailed below.

For In-Classroom programs, please visit our MSC in Your Classroom page.

For our seasonal free public tours (for individuals/families), please visit our Public Tours page.

contact for availability

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

  • Spring 2026:
    • 3-hr Guided Field Programs: fully booked
    • 1-hr Guided Tour: fully booked
  • Summer 2026:
    • 3-hr Guided Field Programs: fully booked
    • 1-hr Guided Tour: limited
  • Fall 2026:
    • 3-hr Guided Field Programs: fully booked
    • 1-hr Guided Tour: limited
Contact us for availability

3-hour Guided Field Programs: what to expect

Although this varies by grade level, typical field program experiences include (younger students focus more on biodiversity; older students on field research skills):

  • 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

Students collect real field data and visit our touch tanks to interact with species they may not encounter on the shore. Time permitting, students explore East Point’s dramatic geology and learn about its unique natural and human history.

Three young female students dropping liquid into a pipette
Students gather abiotic data during a visit to the tidepools at the Marine Science Center.
Students walking along path overlooking the ocean at the Nahant campus.
08/09/22 – NAHANT, MA. – Boston youths from the We Belong: Empowering Youth Through Leadership Program visit the Marine Science Center in Nahant, Massachusetts on Aug. 9, 2022. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Guided Tour Programs: 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 the facilities and grounds, and hear about the natural and cultural histories of East Point.

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, and to our onsite aquaria to observe and interact with some of the invertebrates typically found in the New England intertidal and subtidal.

Tour components can be customized depending on the age range and interest area of the group.

Requirements

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.

Cost and payment information

2025/26 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, depending on staffing.

Program Fees (per group)

  • 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

Site Rules

Health & Safety

Ready to schedule a visit?

Contact us