The CMLC is open Wednesdays through Saturdays 11am-5pm.

Part Aquarium,
Part Museum
ALL DISCOVERY
Welcome to the Charleston Marine Life Center
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.
News and Upcoming Events
Music at the CMLC with Retrofit, Saturday July 27th, noon-1:30pm
We're excited to have Retrofit back for another session of Music at the CMLC. Enjoy exploring our exhibits while Retrofit plays eclectic acoustic music on guitar, mandolin and ukulele. Standard admission, no additional charge.
Coos Hispanic Alliance – Saturday, July 30th 10am
Coos Hispanic Alliance families are invited to a special access event at the CMLC before public hours. Saturday, July 30th, 10am.
Bilingual Storytime – Thursday July 11th, 10am
The Coos Bay Library is holding an ocean-themed storytime in English and Spanish at the CMLC on Thursday, July 11th, 10:00am. Free for 0-5 year olds and their grownups. Listen to the stories, sing some songs, and then explore the center.