NOTICE: Update on the campus rebuild - The Patton Marine Science Education Center is under construction.
We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation and if there are any cancellations we will provide updates as soon as possible on social media.
Bay Education Center SOS programs
(Rockport)
What: Visitors are invited to experience Science on a Sphere® to learn more about Earth’s oceans, land, atmosphere, and planetary neighbors. Science on a Sphere® is a spherical display system created by the National Oceanic land Atmospheric Administration that helps visitors see how global patterns, such as ocean circulation, weather, planetary movements, and climate affect our world.
Where: Bay Education Center located in downtown Rockport (121 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport Texas 78382)
When: Science on a Sphere® presentations are offered free to the public at 2 p.m.
Other: Groups over ten visitors that would like a special screening of the Science On a Sphere should set up a private tour. The Bay Education Center has exhibits and is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Contact: Adriana Reza at 361-749-3152 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bay Education Center 2022 Winter Programs
(Rockport)
What: Come explore the Science On a Sphere®, engage in hands-on activities and crafts while enjoying coffee and great conversation.
Where: Bay Education Center located in downtown Rockport (121 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport Texas 78382)
When:
January 20 - Fish Printing : Bring items from home or use the muslin provided to create your own fish print!
January 27 - Marine Debris Art: Create a piece of art using marine debris picked up from local beaches. Artwork can be displayed or taken home.
February 3 - Weather: Easy to make rain gauges for your backyard or porch!
February 10 - Plankton: Plankton sampling with microscope viewing.
February 17 - Nurdles: Learn more about this pesky plastic.
February 24 - Celebrating Birds: BINGO and Jeo-birdy!
Other: *Limited to the first 10 people
Contact: Savannah Martinez 361-749-3153 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wetland Education Center Tours
(Port Aransas)
What: Did you ever want to visit and learn about a marsh without getting your feet wet? The Wetlands Education Center is a ADA compliant 3.6-acre wetland will allow you to do just that, as you stroll through seagrass, salty marsh plants, and dunes. Come during a free guided tour and you will learn about the special plants and animals of our local wetlands.
Where: Park in our parking lot at 855 East Cotter Avenue, follow the road to your right (around construction fence) and meet at the Wetlands Education Center trailhead. (855 East Cotter Ave., Port Aransas, Texas 78373)
When: Guided tours are available Tuesday and Thursday, at 9 a.m. (the trails are always open for self-guided walks)
Other: Groups over ten visitors that would like a guided tour of the Wetlands Education Center should set up a private tour. Participants, 15 maximum.
Contact: Adriana Reza at 361-749-3152 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) Tours
(Port Aransas)
What: Learn what goes on behind the scenes in an marine animal rehabilitation facility. Touring the ARK, you can expect to see endangered sea turtles, sea birds, and raptor ambassadors, as well as interpretive signage focusing on the importance of marine life and their habitats. Tours are entirely outdoors, last for approximately 45 mintues and require some walking. Tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather or during holidays. Restrooms are not available on site. Reservations are required. Tour participant fee is $7. Children under three are free. All registration fees go directly to the rehabilitation efforts of the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK). [Due to animal permits, all participants need to register. If you have a child age 3 and younger, please register using the Children 3 years and younger option.]
Where: Park in our parking lot at 855 East Cotter Avenue, follow the road to your right (around construction fence) and meet at the Wetlands Education Center trailhead. (855 East Cotter Ave., Port Aransas, Texas 78373)
When: Guided tours are available Wednesdays and Friday, at 10 a.m.
Other: Registration is required.
Contact: For questions and ADA accomodations, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (361)749-6793
The Marine Science Institute is committed to providing a safe environment for our staff and visitors. All guests are required to follow these rules:
- Masks are optional. You are more than welcome to continue wearing a mask if that is your preference. Wearing a mask is highly recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have weakened immune systems.
- Maintain 6 feet of distance from others when possible. Maintaining distance is highly recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have weakened immune systems.
- Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer often.
- If you are sick, please stay home.
Here’s what we’re doing:
- Wearing masks per our personal preferences
- Sanitizing and washing our hands regularly
- Maintaining 6 feet of distance from others
- Keeping common areas (e.g., restrooms) sanitized and clean
- Sanitizing and washing tools and other commonly used equipment
- Monitoring our health and staying home if not feeling well
- Working with local and university health authorities to utilize recommended practices
While we can take reasonable steps to keep our visitors healthy, please understand that the Marine Science Institute cannot guarantee your safety from COVID-19.
Thank you for helping everyone stay healthy!
