National Marine Life Center

09/01/2026

It may only be September first, but it's not too early to register for our 16th Annual NMLC Feet for Flippers 5K, taking place on Saturday, October 17, 2026!

This year's race will be extra special, as our newly renovated Discovery Center will be open! After crossing the finish line, stop in to explore our interactive exhibits, learn more about marine conservation, browse the gift shop, and see all that's new.

We look forward to seeing you on October 17 for another great event that helps advance our mission of marine animal rehabilitation, science, and education.
See you at the starting line! 🌊🐢🦭👟
Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Bourne/FeetforFlippers5K

08/31/2026

🦭 Volunteers Needed at the NMLC Discovery Center! 🐢
We're growing our volunteer docent team! If you love connecting with people and care about ocean conservation, this is for you. Docents help visitors understand our seal & sea turtle rehabilitation work, support the Gift Shop (which funds our rescues), and bring our mission to life for guests of all ages.
No experience required — just curiosity and a passion for marine life!
We will be hosting an orientation for new volunteers this Saturday!
Want to get started? Email: [email protected]

08/29/2026

It's football season! Shout out to John C. for naming our male horseshoe crab Drake Maye! 🏈🦀 He may not have a rocket arm, but he's got a rock-solid shell and 450 million years of game tape! Naming a horseshoe crab is a fun way to get involved with our animals up close, and it directly supports NMLC's mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and educate the public about marine life. Thanks again John!

08/29/2026

📢 Reminder that our new fall hours start September 1st! 🌊
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

08/28/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Eversource Energy Foundation for awarding us a grant through their Community Impact Grant Program! This money will help educate the public on the rehabilitation of local marine animals while building understanding of the challenges they face.

Thank you Eversource MA for helping to fund our work and make our mission possible!

08/26/2026

We still have 2 naming slots open for our Horseshoe Crabs!

For $50, our Name a Horseshoe Crab program lets you officially name one of our current Discovery Center visitors complete with a certificate, a social media shout-out announcing your chosen name, and keepsakes to take home.

All proceeds go to our missions of rehabilitating and releasing stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation.

Purchases can be made in our Discovery Center at 120 Main St, Buzzards Bay, MA

08/25/2026

📚 Who's enjoying A Marriage at Sea so far?
We're so excited to discuss this one! A Marriage at Seaby Sophie Elmhirst follows British couple Maurice and Maralyn Bailey, who set sail across the Pacific in 1972 until a whale sank their boat, leaving them adrift for 118 days with almost nothing to survive on.

We can't wait to talk about Maralyn's meticulous food planning, even while starving and Maurice's quiet, stoic resolve as the two of them faced the unimaginable together. It's as much a portrait of a marriage as it is a survival story.
Drop a comment and let us know how far you've gotten or what's standing out to you so far!

🗓️ Join the discussion Saturday, September 19th
⏰ 4:30pm – 5:15pm
📍 In person at NMLC's Discovery Center or 💻 virtually via Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24060215212613?p=Zm5UWIGEtFbk8CVv5K

Haven't started yet? There's still time to grab a copy and join in! 📖

08/24/2026

🐢 Volunteers Wanted at the NMLC Discovery Center 🦭
Fall recruitment is here! Passionate about the ocean? We're looking for docents to join our team this fall! You'll connect with guests, share the real stories of our seal and sea turtle rehabilitation programs, support our Gift Shop (which funds our life-saving work), and help raise awareness about the threats facing our marine environment.
No experience needed — just a love for marine life and a desire to make a difference.
Volunteering starts with attending an upcoming orientation. Email Gen Devine at [email protected] to learn more and get signed up.
📍 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA

08/23/2026

🐢🍂 Our Fall Hours Are Here!
Starting September 1st, we're shifting to our fall schedule at the National Marine Life Center's Discovery Center! Mark your calendars:
🗓️ Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
🗓️ Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
We can't wait to welcome new and returning visitors this fall!
📍 National Marine Life Center | 120 Main St, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

08/22/2026

Cape Cod Wildlife Festival returns Saturday, September 12 at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable and we will be there!
🐋 Walk through a life-sized 45-foot North Atlantic right whale
🦅 Meet live animals
🔎 Get hands on with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and expert naturalists
🎵 Listen to live music
✨ Meet local conservation organizations working to protect birds, coastal habitats, and other vulnerable species, and discover ways you can make a difference, including
Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Town of Barnstable, Cape Wildlife Center, Center for Coastal Studies, ifaw, New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, Whale and Dolphin Conservation & more! Bring the whole family and spend the day exploring, learning, and connecting with nature!
Get all the details:

Bring the whole family to this free, fun-filled event and connect directly with local wildlife organizations working to protect animals and their habitats across Cape Cod and beyond.