Touch Tank
200-Gallon Touch Tank Experience
Open House Debut On April 16, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
The touch tank is free and open to the public but donations are always welcome. All donations support education programs at the Shaw Institute.
This touch tank is a small part of the Shaw Institute’s mission to inform the public about the importance of the marine ecosystem in Maine and around the world. Participants will learn all about the Gulf of Maine and its inhabitants through hands-on learning. You’ll get an opportunity to handle and hold different types of invertebrates while learning about their adaptations, diets and habitats.
Walk-ins are welcome, but please note that for the safety and well-being of our animals we limit group sizes in the Ocean Room to 12 people. Guests are welcome to check out other exhibits and displays while they wait. We thank you in advance for your patience.
Touch Tank Hours
Beginning April 17
Winter/Spring Hours
Wednesday-Friday 10:00am – noon and 1:00pm – 3:00pm, last tour at 2:30pm.
Summer Hours
Tuesday-Friday 10:00am – 4:30pm, last tour at 4:00pm; Saturday 9 am-2 pm, last tour at 1:30pm.
Parties of 8 or more should contact us at least 24 hours in advance.
Admission
Our Touch Tank experience is free and open to the public through Labor Day 2025. Donations are always welcome, but not required. Our goal is to maintain a no-admission-required policy long term, which will rely on the support of residents, visitors and businesses within our region. We will also be pursuing grants as part of our efforts to maintain this wonderful community asset.
School Groups
Bring your class to the Shaw Institute! Educators, homeschoolers and service groups are encouraged to reach out at least two weeks in advance to schedule a group visit. Shaw Institute staff can tailor a presentation or tour for your group. Please contact our lead aquarist, Mikey Vittum, to explore options.
Animal Information
- All species come from and return to local beach areas around the Gulf Of Maine
Volunteer opportunities
- If you are interested in volunteering with the touch tank, please go over the Volunteer Description and fill out the volunteer form found on the Shaw Institute website
Current Residents
Sea Urchins
Lobsters
Crabs
Barnacles
Periwinkles
American oysters
Whelks
Clams
Sea Stars
Lead Aquarist
Mikey Vittum
mvittum@shawinstitute.org
Research Staff
Charles Rolsky, Ph.D.
Executive Director & Senior Research Scientist
crolsky@shawinstitute.org
