Located on the edge of the harbor in Charleston, the University of Oregon’s Charleston Marine Life Center is an exciting place of discovery for all ages, any time of the year. Aquaria highlight different coastal habitats and animals—from octopuses to colorful sea slugs, with a mesmerizing variety of life in between. Underwater videos from Oregon’s marine reserves and from undersea vents reveal the hidden and remarkable diversity of life offshore. Reach into the touch tank and feel the grasp of an anemone’s tentacles. Take a look at killer whale and gray whale skeletons from below and face to face. Use our microscopes to zoom into hidden details, and binoculars and spotting scopes to spy on seabirds. Soak up the harbor activity, enjoy a close-up view of the day’s catch being unloaded, and watch seals and sea lions a few feet away.

The CMLC is the public outreach center of the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, the University of Oregon’s marine biology research and teaching field station.