The Oceanarium and Education Center

Plan Your Visit to the Oceanarium

Hours

  • May 15 to May 26, Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • May 29 to September 1, Open every day, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • September 4 to October 27, Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Oceanarium is located on the beautiful coast of Maine within historic Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island.


Address: 1351 ME 3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (we are located one mile from the head of Mt. Desert Island on Thomas Bay).

Single Day Tickets & Admission

  • Adults 19 to 64: $17.50
  • Students 13 to 18 or with college ID: $16.00
  • Seniors 65 to 89: $15.00
  • Children 3 to 12: $14.00
  • Veterans and Active Military: $13.00
  • Toddlers (0 to 2) and Seniors 90+: FREE
  • Over 89: FREE

Season Passes

The season pass includes daily admission to Oceanarium and Education Center from May to October 2024.

  • Individual: $50.00
  • Couple: $75.00
  • Family (up to 5 people): $125.00
  • Add a person to any pass: $25.00 

2024 Season Pass holders receive a 10% discount in our museum shop and a 10% discount on additional guest admission.

Get Season Pass
You’ll receive an email receipt from our payment processor “Givebutter.com” after purchasing your season pass online. The email will also contain a PDF of your pass which you can print or display on your phone.

Group Sizes & Pricing

The Oceanarium and Education Center welcomes groups of 10 to 50 people anytime we’re open (groups over 50 are also possible with special arrangements). Please email fun@theoceanarium.org to arrange.

Adult and Mixed Groups

  • Small Groups: 10-19 people, $12.00/person. Advance notice is helpful but not required.
  • Large Groups: 20 or more people, $9.00/person. Advance notice required.

Children’s Groups (any size)

Non-school Children’s Groups (summer camps, YMCAs, etc.): $7.00/person

  • Designated chaperones are required for children’s groups at a ratio of 1 chaperone for every 8 kids. Designated chaperones are free; extra chaperones and other adults are welcome and also pay $7.00/person.
  • In the case of special needs or similar circumstances, additional free chaperones can be designated with permission of the Oceanarium. 

School/Student Groups

  • All student groups are $5.00 per student (or non-chaperone adult). This includes public schools, private schools, and homeschool groups.
  • Designated chaperones are required for student groups, at a ratio of 1 chaperone for every 8 kids. Designated chaperones are free; extra chaperones and other adults are welcome and also pay $5.00/person.
  • In the case of special needs or similar circumstances, additional free chaperones can be designated with permission of the Oceanarium. 
  • School groups in spring and fall are best served when we’re closed to the public, but can be accommodated when we’re open. 

Our Exhibits

29-Foot Authentic Indoor Lobster Boat ›
2000 Gallons of Authentic Gulf of Maine Habitat in Nine Tanks ›
Rare Blue, Cotton Candy, & Orange Maine Lobsters ›
650-Gallon Touch Pool ›

Know Before You Go

Transportation and Parking

Free parking is available onsite at the Oceanarium and Education center during open hours. The Island Explorer bus offers service to the Oceanarium, every day of the week June to October. For the most up to date bus schedule and travel information visit www.exploreacadia.com

Accessibility

The Oceanarium welcomes all. We are committed to the continued improvement of our buildings and grounds. At present, our visitor center, museum, and aquarium are one story buildings with accessible side entrances.

Daily Program schedule

Each day, from 9:00am-2:00pm the Oceanarium offers a selection of interactive and informative presentations, feedings, and tours. Our schedule is posted daily in our visitor center and is subject to change.