Seal Walks
Join the Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) team to observe local seal species at Salisbury Beach State Reservation!
After a brief introduction to local seal species and our Marine Mammal Rescue program, we will walk a half-mile down to the shoreline to view seals that typically haul out on the rocks of the Merrimack River. Following federal guidelines for viewing protected marine mammals, we will maintain a safe distance of at least 150 feet away. We will have scopes and binoculars available to use; please feel free to bring your own. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the biology, ecology, and conservation of these iconic New England animals and ask our marine mammal experts questions.
Participants can choose from two Seal Walk locations, including Salisbury Beach State Reservation and, new for 2026, Half Tide Rocks in Newburyport, MA. Seal walks are held entirely outdoors. Please be sure to dress for the weather and varied terrain, and wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes.
Registration is required to attend a Seal Walk!
- Dates and Times: See full schedule below
- Locations: Salisbury Beach State Reservation & Half Tide Rocks-Newburyport, MA
- Program Length: approximately 1 hour
- Ages: All ages! Children must be accompanied by adults.
- Cost:
- Non-Members: Adult (age 11+), $14. Children (ages 3-11), $10.
- Members: Adult (age 11+), $10. Children (ages 3-11), $7.
- Ages 0-2: Free
Donations to support SSC Marine Mammal Rescue are greatly appreciated and can be made during the registration process.
Not a member? Join today and save! (For example, a family of 2 adults and 2 children would save $14 instantly.)
Please note: Photos and videos taken by Seacoast Science Center and SSC Marine Mammal Rescue staff and volunteers may be used for educational and promotional purposes. A media release is available in the program registration form.
2025-2026 Seal Walk Schedule
| Date | Time | Location |
| Sunday, January 11, 2026 | 10am–11am | Salisbury Beach State Reservation |
| Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 2pm–3pm | Salisbury Beach State Reservation |
| Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 3pm-4pm | Half Tide Rocks, Newburyport MA |
| Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 1:30pm–2:30pm | Salisbury Beach State Reservation |
| Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 2pm–3pm | Salisbury Beach State Reservation |
| Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 1pm-2pm | Half Tide Rocks, Newburyport MA |
| Sunday, March 1, 2026 | 2pm–3pm | Salisbury Beach State Reservation |
| Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 1pm–2pm | Salisbury Beach State Reservation |
| Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 2pm-3pm | Half Tide Rocks, Newburyport MA |
| Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 12:30pm–1:30pm | Salisbury Beach State Reservation |
| Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 11:30am-12:30pm | Half Tide Rocks, Newburyport MA |
| Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 11:30am–12:30pm | Salisbury Beach State Reservation |
*April 2026 Seal Walks are sold out. Reach out to l.mcdowell@sscnh.org with questions.
Note: For those with mobility limitations or other questions, please email SSC Marine Mammal Rescue team member, Lauren at l.mcdowell@sscnh.org.
Parking
Salisbury Beach State Reservation Parking Information
Parking is FREE at Salisbury Beach State Reservation during this time of year.
Enter Salisbury Beach State Reservation and continue south on State Reservation Road until you reach the southernmost parking lot, next to the jetty. Park in this lot, then meet our group at the entrance nearest to the jetty. Look for folks wearing Marine Mammal Rescue gear! There are restrooms available in this parking lot.
Thank you to our partner, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, for supporting our mission and providing the opportunity for SSC Marine Mammal Rescue to host Seal Walks at their beautiful location.
Half Tide Rocks-Newburyport, MA
Parking is FREE at the Half Tide Rocks walk route in Newburyport, MA, and the walk is accessed via the Clipper City Rail Trail.
Participants will meet at the *Newburyport Clipper City Rail Trail*
Please park in the dirt lot next to 175 Water St Newburyport MA. Look for folks wearing Marine Mammal Rescue gear! There are restrooms available at this parking lot. If the dirt lot is full, please park next to Klone Labs on 115 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950 and walk to the meeting spot. Make sure you get a parking pass from an MMR employee to ensure you do not get a ticket.
Citizen Science Project
Participants will also have the opportunity to join our seal haul-out survey during our walk. At the end of each tour, we’ll compile the data to better understand the environmental conditions and human activities that influence seal populations, movements, behavior, and habitat use at Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Learn more about our Marine Mammal Rescue program.
Special thanks to NextEra Energy Resources, through its charitable NextEra Energy Foundation, for supporting our Seal Walks.