Saturday adventures to excite
Marine Science Institute does not operate a visitor center and is not currently set up to handle drop in visitors.
Join us as we explore the San Francisco Bay and California Coast and the animals that call them home.
Most events happen at Marine Science Institute in Redwood City, but sometimes we get to explore farther away.
PUBLIC AND
FAMILY EVENTS
Discovery EcoVoyage
Marine Science Institute
10 - 12 pm or 1 - 3 pm
$55* per person
Ages 5 and up
*Member Discount Available
Get on the water for a 2-hour exploration of the SF Bay aboard our 90-foot research vessel and discover the life in the estuary and how we are connected to it. Working as a team, participants deploy a 16-foot trawl net to bring fishes on board, set a Mud Grab to collect a bottom sample (the benthos) to examine live invertebrates, and lastly observe and discuss live plant and animal plankton using a video microscope.
Adult Participation Required for all minors.
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
Low Tide Walk
Bean Hollow
2 hour program
$35* per person
No age restriction
*Member Discount Available
MSI takes to the tidepools for a treasure hunt of nature's beautiful intertidal secrets. We'll spend our time taking advantage of the low tide to reach the all the rocky shore awesomeness of Bean Hollow!
This quiet piece of coast offers a wealth of rocky shore inhabitants on an otherwise uncrowded habitat.
Parking is easy and requires little walking to the actual tide pools.
Adult Participation Required for all minors.
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
Whale Watching
Moss Landing
11:30 am - 2:30 pm
$100 per person
Ages 5 and up
No Member Discount Available
Join MSI staff and MSI's own Captain Jackson for Whale Watching on Monterey Bay!
MSI has a private 3-hour charter aboard the bio-diesel powered 'Sanctuary' out of Moss Landing. MSI's experienced staff will help engage and educate the entire family about life in the Pacific Ocean.
Get a chance to see whales (possibly even orcas), dolphins, sea otters, sea lions and birds!
Adult Participation Required for all minors.
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
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Shoreside Squid Dissection
Marine Science Institute
10 - 12 pm
$35* per person
Ages 5 and up
*Member Discount Available
A Shoreside at MSI promises to be a fun morning of exploration and discovery!
Participants will have hands-on opportunities running research equipment, collecting invertebrates for observation, and learning about shellfish and squid anatomy before diving in to dissections. Extra special secret closing for this activity so don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure.
Adult Participation Required for all minors.
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
Canoes in Sloughs
Marine Science Institute
9 am - 2 pm
$100 per canoe (4 people)
Ages 5 and up
No Member Discount Available
We don't get to canoe very often so don't miss out on this leisurely family paddle in our fleet of canoes guided by our expert naturalist instructors.
Canoes are sold per family group.
*Canoe combinations for 1 canoe include:
4-person max if using option, B
A. 2 adults (1 minor over 12 allowed to take an adult space, the other place must be a guardian over 18)
B. 2 adults, 1 or 2 young children (5 - 12 years old)
C. 3 adults
Adult Participation Required.
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
Elephant Seal Walk
Ano Nuevo
2.5 hour gentle hike
$37 per person
No age restrictions
No Member Discount Available
Join MSI as we give you a unique guided perspective on our local marine mammals. You and your family will learn why they congregate each year in the same location, what role they play in our local eco-systems, and enjoy an amazing time being up and close to these unique animals.
Adult Participation Required for all minors.
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
Under the Sea with ME
Marine Science Institute
10:30 - 11:30 am
$45 per parent/child
$15 additional person
Ages 3 -5*
No Member Discount Available
Under the Sea with ME is the perfect marine animal introduction for tiny scientists aged 3 – 5. Littles spend each program with their favorite adult learning and exploring different sea creatures. Lessons are designed to connect curricula using animal exploration, reading, and crafts. Each session covers a different animal and habitat, helping young learners make connections and reinforces introductory concepts
*Adult Participation Required. Registration includes one adult and one child.
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
Shark Day
Marine Science Institute
10 am - 11:30 am
$35* per person
Ages 4 and up
*Member Discount Available
MSI loves sharks! Our special Shark Day invites one and all to learn about these amazing creatures, from the Great Whites that swim just off our ocean shores, to the gentle Leopard Sharks that are common in our Bay.
We will be feeding and touching our local Leopard Sharks in our aquarium and viewing information about the vital role of these top predators around our world's oceans.
Adult Participation Required for all minors.
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
San Francisco EcoVoyage
Pier 19, San Francisco
10 - 12 pm or 1 - 3 pm
$60* per person
Ages 5 and up
Member Discount Available
San Francisco Voyages happen once a year and are the highlight of our public event opportunities. Climb aboard our 90' research vessel for a 2-hour exploration of the San Francisco Bay. Take in breathtaking views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges while we cruise the waterways of the SF Embarcadero. Participants will catch fish using an "otter trawl", collect invertebrate samples, and view plankton on our live-screen video microscope.
Adult Participation Required for all minors.
*This link will direct you to our registration site, away from our webpage
MSI EVENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY:
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For refunds, we ask our guests to cancel their registrations with a minimum of two weeks notice. This allows time for families on waiting lists to register and adequately plan their calendars. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within two weeks of program start date.
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Any cancellation will incur a 3% cancellation fee
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ACTIVE processing fee's are non refundable
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Please note our events still take place rain or shine including our Discovery Voyages unless deemed a safety issue by the ship's Captain.
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Should MSI cancel an event for any reason you will be notified via the contact information provided through registration and be issued a full refund*.
*If the Marine Science Institute facilities are rendered unsuitable for the operation of Marine Science Institute programs by reason of Force Majeure such as natural events (fire, earthquake, flooding, etc.), political events (war, strike, massive protests, etc.), governmental action (pandemic response, etc.), or any other causes beyond the reasonable control of Marine Science Institute, then a credit transfer to a future program will be issued.
MEMBERSHIP:
Most public and family events are discounted for our members.
Click here if you are interested in our annual membership. Members receive discounts on public events, birthday parties, priority registration for Marine Science Camp, invitations to member exclusive events and special opportunities. Membership tiers available for more perks and discounts.
QUESTIONS:
Email events@sfbaymsi.org
Call 650-364-2760 x16
Our office hours are M - F, 8 am - 4 pm.
Our offices are closed on weekends.