NOTICE: UTMSI suffered damage in Hurricane Harvey. Our Port Aransas campus and the Bay Education Center in Rockport are currently closed. Thank you for your support and understanding. 

The Mission-Aransas Reserve operates a visitor center in Rockport at 121 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport, Texas. Whether you live in the area or are just visiting, this is a ‘must see’ and is free and open to the public, Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4 pm.

So many of us are drawn to the local estuaries, but know little about the important role they play in our ecology. The Bay Education Center provides the visitor with an innovative way of exploring and learning about these important bodies of water and the life they support. Stroll at your leisure to enjoy our hands-on exhibits and check out the current water quality in our bays.

An added attraction is Science On a Sphere®, a spherical display system created by NOAA to illustrate Earth science concepts to people of all ages. Science on a Sphere presentations occur every Tuesday - Saturday at 2 p.m. Stop by for a visit and it will be an experience that will inspire new appreciation and knowledge of the world around you.

For organized groups of 10 or more, please contact Sara Pelleteri to schedule a special engagement of the Science on a Sphere presentation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Bay Education Center is located at 121 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport, Texas 78382.

For an updated schedule of events visit the Bay Education Center on Facebook.