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Bring your group to the Exploration Center!


The Sanctuary Exploration Center’s guided programs are a great way to introduce your class or group to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Through interactive and multimedia exhibits, visitors can immerse themselves in the sanctuary while learning what their role is in coastal and ocean protection

3 image collage of people sround sanctaury exploration center

Download complete list of Group Programs Flyer
(593K PDF)

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.

Guided tours Click here to view field trip program descriptions

Programs offered:

K – 1st Grade: Beach Exploration
Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 65 students maximum, not including required chaperones
Cost: < 35 = $100 or 36-65 = $175

2nd – 3rd Grade: Kelp Forest Investigators
Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 65 students maximum, not including required chaperones
Cost: < 35 = $100 or 36-65 = $175

4th – 6th Grade: Wharf Oceanography
Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 32 students maximum, not including required chaperones
Cost: $150

5th – 12th Grade: Marine Debris
Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 65 students maximum, not including required chaperones
Cost: < 35 = $100 or 36–65 = $175

7th – 12th 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

  image of docent and school children

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

  Can’t join us in person? Access free, pre-recorded programs or schedule a LIVE virtual interaction on sanctuary topics with associated lessons for your students.

To book a field trip program contact:

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

Reviewed: July 18, 2024
Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service

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