About
Bodega Marine Laboratory Public and Group Tours introduce visitors to ongoing marine and coastal science research and the history of the laboratory on the Sonoma Coast. Friday public tours are led by ocean-loving docents, who share stories of research and education programs. Classes, clubs, and community groups of ten or more people can request a group tour of the laboratory, and Friday public tours are for individuals and groups of up to 10 people with reservations made through Eventbrite.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: Group tours are scheduled during business hours Tuesday through Thursday, and Friday public tours are available with a reservation.
• Price: A minimal fee of $10 per adult and $5 per child is charged for school and group tours, and Friday public tours are free.
School and group tours are geared toward adults and children over the age of 12 years, and Friday public tours are also geared toward adults and children over the age of 12 years, though all ages are welcome. Group tours can accommodate up to 30 children or 45 adults, and reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance and are not completed until a team member confirms availability and details. Friday public tour visitors do not need to show Eventbrite tickets on arrival, as staff check names off a list. Tours take place on flat and gently sloping surfaces that can accommodate most mobility aids, and tours are not available for RV groups or car clubs due to insufficient parking space.
Bodega Marine Laboratory has been conducting multidisciplinary research and hands-on educational programs for over 50 years and is the core research and educational facility of the UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute (CMSI). Bodega Marine Laboratory sits at the epicenter of one of only four coastal upwelling regions in the world and is adjacent to a State Marine Protected Area and two National Marine Sanctuaries. The Horseshoe Cove webcam on the Bodega Marine Reserve offers a front row view to observe marine life and ocean conditions in Bodega Bay while minimizing human impacts.
CMSI’s mission is to advance collaborative, use-inspired cross-disciplinary research on challenges in the sustainability of coastal ocean systems, support science-informed management of coastal and ocean resources through dialogue with decision-makers, and train diverse and creative innovators in coastal and marine science and policy. CMSI engages policymakers and stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally, and globally to support science-informed management of coastal and ocean resources. Bodega Marine Laboratory offers free, Friday public tours led by docents to share ongoing marine and coastal science research and its history on the Sonoma Coast, and docents receive training and can volunteer as much or as little as their schedules allow.
The leadership team includes Andrea Alfaro, Director of the Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute and Professor in the Department of Animal Science; Moose O'Donnell, PhD, CMSI Associate Director of Programs; Kristin Aquilino, Ph.D., CMSI Associate Director of Operations, Bodega Marine Laboratory; and Suzanne Olyarnik, Ph.D., Director, Bodega Marine Reserve.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: Group tours are scheduled during business hours Tuesday through Thursday, and Friday public tours are available with a reservation.
• Price: A minimal fee of $10 per adult and $5 per child is charged for school and group tours, and Friday public tours are free.
School and group tours are geared toward adults and children over the age of 12 years, and Friday public tours are also geared toward adults and children over the age of 12 years, though all ages are welcome. Group tours can accommodate up to 30 children or 45 adults, and reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance and are not completed until a team member confirms availability and details. Friday public tour visitors do not need to show Eventbrite tickets on arrival, as staff check names off a list. Tours take place on flat and gently sloping surfaces that can accommodate most mobility aids, and tours are not available for RV groups or car clubs due to insufficient parking space.
Bodega Marine Laboratory has been conducting multidisciplinary research and hands-on educational programs for over 50 years and is the core research and educational facility of the UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute (CMSI). Bodega Marine Laboratory sits at the epicenter of one of only four coastal upwelling regions in the world and is adjacent to a State Marine Protected Area and two National Marine Sanctuaries. The Horseshoe Cove webcam on the Bodega Marine Reserve offers a front row view to observe marine life and ocean conditions in Bodega Bay while minimizing human impacts.
CMSI’s mission is to advance collaborative, use-inspired cross-disciplinary research on challenges in the sustainability of coastal ocean systems, support science-informed management of coastal and ocean resources through dialogue with decision-makers, and train diverse and creative innovators in coastal and marine science and policy. CMSI engages policymakers and stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally, and globally to support science-informed management of coastal and ocean resources. Bodega Marine Laboratory offers free, Friday public tours led by docents to share ongoing marine and coastal science research and its history on the Sonoma Coast, and docents receive training and can volunteer as much or as little as their schedules allow.
The leadership team includes Andrea Alfaro, Director of the Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute and Professor in the Department of Animal Science; Moose O'Donnell, PhD, CMSI Associate Director of Programs; Kristin Aquilino, Ph.D., CMSI Associate Director of Operations, Bodega Marine Laboratory; and Suzanne Olyarnik, Ph.D., Director, Bodega Marine Reserve.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
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