Coastal Discoveries
Island Time (48’ vessel) on the Newburyport waterfront, 54R Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA 01950
About
Coastal Discoveries is a non-profit marine education summer program where participants spend time aboard the 48’ Island Time. During the program, they take part in fishing, exploring islands, whale watching, hauling lobster traps, exploring local fisheries more in depth, fishing for in-season species, and a beach day celebration each Friday.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Weekly summer sessions with specific 2026 options for ages 8+ and teen weeks for ages 12+
• Price: Summer 2026 $595 per week; a deposit of at least $200 per session is required, with an additional $15 per T-shirt
For the 2026 season, Coastal Discoveries is offering two Teen Weeks for ages 12 and up and five All Ages Weeks for ages 8 and up. Fishing Weeks are geared toward participants who want to primarily fish and do not include many land-based activities, allowing more in-depth exploration of local fisheries than the traditional weeks. All other weeks follow the same curriculum that Coastal Discoveries has used in past seasons, including exploring local islands, hauling lobster traps, fishing for in-season species, and ending each week with a beach day celebration on Friday.
Coastal Discoveries was established in 1988 and is described as the longest running local marine summer program, with more than 7,000 kids having crossed its decks since its inception. For 36 years, Coastal Discoveries has stated a mission of making the connection between land and sea, sea creatures and people, and helping children become more aware of watery environments, the life they hold, and the impact daily habits have on these ecosystems. The program’s experienced staff is noted as providing a wealth of local maritime knowledge. In 2014, Beth and Bob Bishop took over as program directors, and Beth’s cell phone number is listed as 508-451-0195.
Coastal Discoveries is the proud recipient of the BONS Best of the Northshore Children’s Program award from 2014 through 2025, and is also described as the proud recipient of the 2014–2024 Best Children’s Program award from BONS. The program notes an affiliation with “easy web page builder.” Families are asked to indicate permission for Coastal Discoveries to use photos or video of their child, may request a Coastal Discoveries T-shirt for $15 per shirt, and are asked to list any allergies, medications needed during program hours, or special needs their child may have.
Last updated January 26, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Weekly summer sessions with specific 2026 options for ages 8+ and teen weeks for ages 12+
• Price: Summer 2026 $595 per week; a deposit of at least $200 per session is required, with an additional $15 per T-shirt
For the 2026 season, Coastal Discoveries is offering two Teen Weeks for ages 12 and up and five All Ages Weeks for ages 8 and up. Fishing Weeks are geared toward participants who want to primarily fish and do not include many land-based activities, allowing more in-depth exploration of local fisheries than the traditional weeks. All other weeks follow the same curriculum that Coastal Discoveries has used in past seasons, including exploring local islands, hauling lobster traps, fishing for in-season species, and ending each week with a beach day celebration on Friday.
Coastal Discoveries was established in 1988 and is described as the longest running local marine summer program, with more than 7,000 kids having crossed its decks since its inception. For 36 years, Coastal Discoveries has stated a mission of making the connection between land and sea, sea creatures and people, and helping children become more aware of watery environments, the life they hold, and the impact daily habits have on these ecosystems. The program’s experienced staff is noted as providing a wealth of local maritime knowledge. In 2014, Beth and Bob Bishop took over as program directors, and Beth’s cell phone number is listed as 508-451-0195.
Coastal Discoveries is the proud recipient of the BONS Best of the Northshore Children’s Program award from 2014 through 2025, and is also described as the proud recipient of the 2014–2024 Best Children’s Program award from BONS. The program notes an affiliation with “easy web page builder.” Families are asked to indicate permission for Coastal Discoveries to use photos or video of their child, may request a Coastal Discoveries T-shirt for $15 per shirt, and are asked to list any allergies, medications needed during program hours, or special needs their child may have.
Last updated January 26, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.