The Edge of the Sea is an intertidal-themed interactive experience anchored by three thoroughly unique, cold-water touch tanks teeming with animals and seaweeds.
Here, you can get your hands wet in simulated tide pools, touch and learn about the animals that live here, and enjoy a beautiful and immersive window to the dynamic zone between the tides. Our naturalists are stationed at the exhibit to guide hands-on learning and spark conversations that we hope deepen appreciation of our coastal environment and inspire conservation of our Blue Planet.
What can you see?
Lots of fascinating creatures, including crabs, urchins, baby lobster, and hard-to-find species like nudibranchs, sea cucumbers, and brittle stars.
A high-powered microscope sitting right over our laboratory-style wet table allows you to get a super close-up view of the animals and seaweeds you can find in the tide pools right outside our doors.
Rachel Carson may have put it best … the EDGE OF THE SEA is a strange and beautiful place. We hope you come on a journey with us here soon!

Tide Pool Touch Tank
Get hands-on with sea stars, mussels, scallops and more!

Water Table Station
Our naturalists will introduce you to some of the Gulf of Maine's fascinating animals and plants.

High Power Microscope
Zoom in for a much closer look at any of the sea creatures at our water table.

Sharks and Skates
Learn about sharks, skates and horseshoe crabs from our naturalists.