In 2026 ߹ is beginning to offer a variety of experiences to visitors keen to find out more about marine science and have fun learning something new. We will advertise dates and times here when they become available.
A glimpse into marine science tour (90 mins - £10 per person)
Join us on a tour of the UK's oldest ocean research and education charity to see the inside working of marine research and the locations where the magic happens. Visit our robotics facility, see our 'culture collection of algae and protozoa' (something like a botanic garden or zoo for microbes living in the sea), see a lab where we built an instrument to measure sea ice thickness needed for understanding climate change in polar regions, safety of ice roads or Northern shipping routes or even for predicting avalanches and floods in mountainous areas and learn about the diverse research done at ߹).
A puffin's picnic for families with young children c 4-8 (60 mins - £7 per child)
Explore the seashore with your ߹ guide and learn what local sea creatures eat and how they use their senses to find their dinner. As an outdoor activity, make sure to wear appropriate clothing and bring sun/rain protection.
Life below the surface talk (60 mins - £7 per person)
A talk introducing some of the species inhabiting our coastal zone right here in Argyll. You'll hear about what marine researchers have been finding out about them and the questions they are currently investigating: from tiny plankton to our iconic whales and everything in between.
Flapper skate art workshops (150 mins - various costs depending on resources required)
The waters around Oban are protected for the majestic flapper skate that live mostly in deeper waters but whose egg cases can sometimes be found on our shores. Learn about the latest research about the animals and how to protect them to inspire your creativity. We offer painting, felting, poetry, ceramics, mosaic and screen printing workshops for the whole family. All children will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.