Bring your group to the Exploration Center!

Experience Monterey Bay Sanctuary Field Trip Program – K-12th

Immerse your students in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary through one of our hands-on field trip programs. Students will participate in a guided tour of the Exploration Center, then get out into the sanctuary through inquiry-based field activities. Your students will gain a better understanding of the sanctuary and be inspired to protect this special place.

Programs offered:

K – 1^st Grade: Beach Exploration

Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 65 students maximum, not including required chaperones
Cost: < 35 = $100 or 36-65 = $175

2^nd – 3^rd Grade: Kelp Forest Investigators

Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 65 students maximum, not including required chaperones
Cost: < 35 = $100 or 36-65 = $175

4^th – 6^th Grade: Wharf Oceanography

Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 32 students maximum, not including required chaperones
Cost: $150

5^th – 12^th Grade: Marine Debris

Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 65 students maximum, not including required chaperones
Cost: < 35 = $100 or 36–65 = $175

7^th – 12^th Grade: Plankton Discovery

Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 32 students maximum, not including required chaperones
Cost: $150

Make a Reservation: required for all programs and must be made at least 30 days in advance.

Experience Monterey Bay Sanctuary Field Trip programs are scheduled 9am-5pm Wednesday-Friday.

We require a 1:6 adult to student ratio for K-2nd grade, 1:10 for 3rd-12th grade.

For questions, contact: explorationcenter@noaa.gov or (831) 421-9993

Docent-Led Guided Exploration – All Ages

Experience the Exploration Center with your own personal tour guide. Your group will be split into smaller groups of 8-15 to explore exhibits with an interpretative docent who will provide an orientation, focused discussions, and observations. K-12th grade groups will also explore our exhibits with a scavenger hunt!

Days and Times: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm by reservation only.
Duration: 75 minutes
Group Size: 34 participants maximum (not including chaperones*)
Cost: 1-15 participants = $40 or 15-34 participants = $65

* Chaperones are free.
* We require a 1:6 adult to student ratio for K-2nd grade, 1:10 for 3rd-12th grade

Self-Guided Group Reservation – All Ages

Offered Wednesday-Sunday, all self-guided groups with 12-40 participants visiting the Exploration Center must make a group reservation to ensure that multiple groups are not booked at the same time. Although this reservation is self-guided, docents will welcome your group to the Exploration Center and be available to answer any questions you may have.

Days and Times: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm by reservation only.
Duration: varies, depends on group
Group Size: 12-40 participants maximum (not including chaperones*)
Cost: FREE

* We require a 1:6 adult to student ratio for K-2nd grade, 1:10 for 3rd-12th grade

Distance Learning Programs

To book a field trip program contact:

Email: explorationcenter@noaa.gov
Call: (831) 425-9993