Exploration Center and Aquarium

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The Exploration Center and Aquarium will be closed through May 8, 2020.
Check back in often, as we will continue to update this page as new information arises!

LOCATION

Easton’s Beach Rotunda
175 Memorial Blvd.
Newport, R.I.  02840

ADMISSION

General Admission: $8
Discounted Admission: $7 (Seniors, college students with ID, and guests of military and first-responders with current ID)
FREE for Save The Bay FAMILY MEMBERS, children under 3 and active and veteran military and first responders with ID

HOURS

SUMMER
Memorial Day – Labor Day
Daily: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WINTER
Labor Day –  Memorial Day
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*Closed Friday, December 20*

R.I. Public School Holidays,
and February and April Vacations
10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

CONTACT

401-324-6020

The Exploration Center and Aquarium

Our interactive marine science center is home to more than 40 species from Narragansett Bay, as well as three touch tanks and dozens of exhibits to get you up close and personal with little skates, dogfish sharks, urchins, crabs and lobsters, seahorses, turtles, and so much more.

Every month features a new theme, with scavenger hunts, story hour, crafts, and science experiments that introduce our guests to something new or unexpected about Narragansett Bay. And, with Newport’s only ocean-facing beach just outside our front door, you can continue the beachcombing experience after your visit!

 

Feeding Frenzy at the Aquarium

Help us feed Bowser the Snapping Turtle
Help us feed Bowser the Snapping Turtle

On the third Thursday of every month, join us for a very special opportunity to assist in feeding some of our favorite critters from Narragansett Bay! From 5-6 p.m., you can see our little skates chow down, watch our stargazer electrify his prey and much more!

Learn more

 

Save The Bay's Exploration Center and Aquarium is a hands-on, experiential learning center that delights and inspires thousands of visitors every year.

Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium announces new shark-and-skate touch tank

Friday, December 20, 2019

Beginning January 1, Save The Bay’s family-friendly Exploration Center and Aquarium in Newport will close to the public for the installation of a new, accessible, shark-and-skate touch tank entitled “Sharks and Skates of Narragansett Bay.”

Beginning January 1, Save The Bay’s family-friendly Exploration Center and Aquarium in Newport will close to the public for the installation of a new, accessible, shark-and-skate touch tank entitled “Sharks... ...Read More

Volunteer at the Exploration Center!

Interested in welcoming visitors to the center, taking care of the animals and teaching about marine life? Visit our volunteer & internship page or contact July Lewis for more information.

JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN INTERN OR VOLUNTEER

Other Ways to Visit

Groups and Afterschool Programs

For pricing and details on a custom experience for your school group, scout troop or afterschool program, call 401-272-2540 x133 or visit our Education Program page.

Explore Programs

Private Aquarium Tours

Cost: $150 for up to 8 guests / $300 for 9-30 guests.

Book a one-hour, private tour at the Exploration Center and Aquarium, for a unique opportunity to handle a multitude of live animals, ask our aquarium biologists all those questions you never get a chance to, or just experience all our exhibits without the distraction of other visitors.

Contact Gráinne Conley (401-272-3540 x133) to book your private aquarium tour!

PARKING

Labor Day through Memorial Day: Free in Easton’s Beach lots

Memorial Day through Labor Day: Paid at Easton’s Beach, validation available (Pay to park at Easton’s Beach; validate your ticket at the aquarium; present validated ticket when leaving for a full/partial refund per City of Newport parking policy)

Metered parking is also available on Memorial Boulevard

The Exploration Center and Aquarium is supported by:

*Please note:  Be sure to access the Johnson & Wales University Harborside Campus through the main entrance on Harborside Blvd. Your GPS may suggest taking Ernest Street to JWU’s Shipyard Street entrance, but that route requires a key card for entry.  

From Route I-95 North or South, take Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue). Head downhill on Thurbers Avenue to US Route 1A (Allens Avenue). Turn right onto Allens Ave. Continue southbound on Allens Ave. into Cranston, where Allens Ave. becomes Narragansett Blvd. Turn left onto Harborside Blvd. at the traffic light by the Shell gas station. Follow Harborside Blvd. through the Johnson & Wales Harborside Campus. At the end of Harborside Blvd., turn right onto Save The Bay Drive. Save The Bay Drive becomes a circular, one-way roadway as you approach the Bay Center. Parking is available in four guest lots after you pass the main building. Enter the building through the main entrance.

Map

May 8, 2020

Dear Friends, Supporters and Community Members, 

Save The Bay’s facilities in Providence, Newport and Westerly will remain closed until June 1 in response to COVID-19. All volunteer, internship and public programs will remain suspended during this time.

Our staff remains dedicated to working on our mission to protect and improve Narragansett Bay from home. As always, we are accessible via email (listed on our website), or on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Students of all ages are invited to tune in to our Breakfast by the Bay live stream on Save The Bay’s Facebook page on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. Join us to learn about Bay species, habitats and more!

Unable to watch the video live? Catch the video later in the day on our Youtube page.