Public Tours of The MSC

Tour Information

Join us for a guided tour of Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center (MSC) to learn about the marine and environmental research taking place onsite, see the facilities and grounds, and hear about the natural and cultural histories of East Point. Scheduled public tours are free of charge. Registration is required.

Upcoming tour dates and registration form are linked here.

Tours begin at 2:30pm and last approximately 75 minutes. Participants should be prepared to walk and/or stand for the duration of the tour, occasionally along unpaved and uneven terrain. Tours for persons with limited mobility may be arranged by request.

Tour attendees should check in with the security officer (inside the main entrance gate) and then park in the lot. A member of the MSC Outreach Program Team will meet you in the parking lot at the start of the tour. All attendees will be asked to sign a basic site use waiver before the tour commences.

Tours are open to individuals and families. All organizations (e.g., schools, scouts, clubs) and any other parties of 10 or more interested in visiting the MSC must instead request a paid field trip or guided tour program.
Prospective students and those interested in Northeastern’s academic programs should contact the Admissions Office for tours and information.
Those interested in the Three Seas Masters of Marine Biology Program should contact the Three Seas Program team for tours and information.

Upcoming Tour Dates

Public Tours are held monthly between May and October. View upcoming dates and register here.

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 will appeal to children 7 and over. 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.

Who do I contact with questions?

Please email [email protected] with any questions or contact our front office at 781.581.7370, x0.

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.

Should I bring my printed ticket to the tour?

Printed tickets are accepted but not required. Registered participants may check in via our roster, or we will accept printed or electronic tickets at the start of the tour. 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, park in the area to the right, and proceed to the front office to obtain a parking pass to display on your car’s dash during the tour. Upon completion of the tour participants will be required to vacate the parking lot.

Are there public transportation options?

The MSC 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.