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  • About
  • The team
  • Slide background

    Marine research institute visitor centre

    The Ocean Explorer Centre is Open!
    Free Entry
    Free Entry

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    Explore
    what lives in our
    seas
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    Discover
    how
    O
    C
    E
    A
    N
    S
    MOVE
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    Find out how the
    Arctic
    is changing
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    INVESTIGATE
    PLANKTON
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    T
    H
    E
    HISTORY
    DIVE INTO
    OF
    MARINE SCIENCE
  • Visit the Ocean Explorer Centre

    A FREE indoor visitor attraction near Oban to explore the science behind our oceans

    We are a Visit Scotland approved 4 star visitor attraction

    Open Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm

    The Beach Café is open 10am - 3.30pm

    Easter Closing: We will be closed from 12 noon on Thursday 6th April to Monday 10th April inclusive, re-opening on Tuesday 11th April.

    • Visit our Arctic Cinema

      Visit our cool (polar-themed) cinema and watch short films on marine science
    • Discover the shape of our seas

      Discover the largest mountain chain on Earth on our 3-D globe. Get to know ocean currents and the technology to study them. Explore the seabed landscape of the Firth of Lorn on our giant touchscreen.
    • Explore the marine world

      Spot and identify the sea life in the Firth of Lorn with our interactive cameras and hydrophone. Explore the life in a drop of sea water using a high-spec microscope.
    • Enjoy the Beach Cafe

      Our 35 seater cafe is located near the beach with spectacular views of the Morvern peninsula. It's a perfect meeting place serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas and homebaking. We only use fairtrade teas and coffees and where possible organic and local products.
  • School and group visits

    Deep-sea-art-collectionBook an additional workshop for any group (school or other) that plans to visit the Ocean Explorer Centre to delve deeper into the many marine science topics our visitor centre introduces. Our offer on workshop topics is growing constantly and we happily discuss any needs beyond the topics covered with you. We also encourage visiting groups to combine any indoor workshop with a fact-finding beach safari.

    Find out all you need to know about visiting the Ocean Explorer Centre with a group of children click HERE

    Our indoor and outdoor learning programme suits all ages and stages and is linked to the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.

    To book, please contact Helen by phone on 01631 559123 or by e-mail Helen.McNeill@sams.ac.uk

  • Gallery

    Ocean Explorer Centre Gallery

    A Preview of the visitor centre
    • The history of scottish marine science stretches back over 140 years
    • Explore the life in a drop of seawater
    • Discover the technology to study ocean currents
    • Introducing key facts of the ocean
    • Learn about the seabed that covers 70% of Earth’s surface
    • Cafe Scientifique and shop
    The history of scottish marine science stretches back over 140 years1 Explore the life in a drop of seawater2 Discover the technology to study ocean currents 3 Introducing key facts of the ocean4 Learn about the seabed that covers 70% of Earth’s surface5 Cafe Scientifique and shop6
    jQuery Carousel Slider by SAMS
  • Directions

    How to find us

    Click here for directions
    • On A85 follow signs
    • SAT NAV: PA37 1QA
    • Bus 405/005 Oban to Dunbeg
    • Next to Dunstaffnage Castle

    BE ACTIVE
    Walk or cycle: take the picturesque new cycle path from Oban’s Ganavan beach to Dunbeg (ca 2 miles)

    Contact us

    Ocean Explorer Centre
    Scottish Marine Institute
    Dunbeg, Oban
    PA37 1QA
    01631559123
    info@oceanexplorercentre.org
    #OECentre
  • About us

    Our mission:

    The Ocean Explorer Centre empowers audiences to contribute positively to a healthy and sustainably managed marine environment through greater awareness and understanding of the marine system and the challenges it faces. The Ocean Explorer Centre strives to provide an outstanding visitor experience through inspirational, atmospheric and relevant ‘edutainment’ and stimulating events at affordable prices.

     
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    The Ocean Explorer Centre is the visitor centre to the UK's oldest oceanographic institution, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). SAMS delivers the research showcased in the centre. It also provides education in marine science, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees as well as shorter courses. SAMS is a founding member of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Scotland's newest and most innovative university.
     
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    Our Funders

    For the development of the Exhibition
    • The Robertson Trust
    • University of the Highlands and Islands Development Trust
    • Sheina Marshall Bequest
    • Sir Hugh and Lady Stevenson
    • The Steel Charitable Trust
    • Oban Common Good Fund
    • The Hugh Fraser Foundation
    • The Fishmongers’ Company
    • Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust
    • The Susan H Guy Charitable Trust
    For the building
    • Highlands and Islands Enterprise
    • Millennium Commission
    • Scottish Funding Council
    • European Regional Development Fund
  • Meet the team

    • Head of Communications

      Anuschka Miller

      As Director of the Ocean Explorer Centre I oversee all aspects of activities. My main role, however, is to develop our Centre further by adding new displays, sourcing funding, promoting the centre and ensuring existing content remains up to date.

      ]
    • Outreach officer

      Helen McNeill

      I look after the Ocean Explorer Centre, our visitors, volunteers and shoppers. Also, I organise and deliver educational workshops to visiting groups and coordinate a regular programme of family-friendly events. To arrange a workshop, please contact me.

      ]

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