Opening soon - in a new location!

New season, new location – we’ve moved!
In an exciting venture, the touch tank has been placed near the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company’s gift shop and ticket booth. For the past several years, the touch tank has been situated in its own area on the dock, far to the right of all the action; now, the touch tank is central to where passengers of the M/V Thomas Laighton will be boarding and where others enjoy the use of the public picnic tables.
This new location for our animals, crafts and information will offer boat passengers a chance to check us out before or after the tour of the Isles of Shoals; it will also be a fantastic spot for those who drive in or walk from downtown to see us. The touch tank and craft table will be under the canopy and right on the water – a perfect place to cool down on a hot day, participate in some fun activities and learn about our local marine environment.
Starting on opening day, Saturday, June 26th, we will be offering new and exciting crafts for kids to try, and our “Creature Features” will give visitors a new animal to learn about each week. Story times will be held every Tuesday at noon – bring your lunch and hear a new story each week about the inhabitants of our oceans!
The tank’s family of tidepool creatures is growing by the minute: Green crabs, sea stars, mussels and anemones have already moved in. A moon snail and a hermit crab – two of last year’s favorites – are our newest additions, and more will come as the weeks progress toward opening day. If you’d like to see the creatures before June 26th, email katherine@blueoceansociety.org to set up an appointment.
In addition to our new location, we will also have new hours this summer. The touch tank will be open Tuesday through Friday, 11 to 4, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 4, all starting on Saturday the 26th. Make sure to mark your calendar!
Our thanks go out to the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company for their help in making this year’s touch tank location a great one and for once again donating the space. Thanks to all our volunteers and interns who bring their warmth and knowledge to the touch tank. And thanks to all of you for making the touch tank possible! See you this summer!