Centro de Vida Marina

Experiencia fantástica: Hidden gem!

Experiencia fantástica: Cool little activity for the younger kids. It's free and the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly.

Experiencia positiva: Fun and informational! The viewing pool was very active when we were there!

Experiencia fantástica: We had so much fun visiting this little aquarium. They have a small space but they pack a punch! Each tank was full of so much interesting sea life and the staff were friendly and answered all our silly questions. And it’s free!

Experiencia fantástica: Very educational! It's a small space but lots to see. Everyone is very helpful. It's free and great for kids and adults as well.

Experiencia fantástica: Donations welcome! A great little place to learn about our local marine communities and its residents. We happened to visit while there are less "residents" due to improvements in the facility. We still were in awe by all the creatures and the knowledgeable volunteers. Our 10 year old granddaughter loved the whole experience!

Experiencia fantástica: Great place to take your kids! Very cool aquatic displays with local marine life. The staff were very knowledgeable, and spent time telling us interesting facts about the creatures. And it's free! Highly recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: Great place to visit and spend some time in. Took my 4 year old and she had a blast. The staff was extremely kind and patient.

Experiencia positiva: NOT OPEN TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY despite what google says! Just FYI for parents!

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing experience, the staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a lot and really enjoyed how eco focused they were. Highly recommend dropping by.

Experiencia fantástica: Very cute education center perfect for a trip for kiddos The volunteers were very helpful and the tanks look well maintained

Experiencia fantástica: Good for kids

Experiencia fantástica: I love this place! Absolutely amazing. It was a little busy when I went, but it's free, how am I supposed to complain?

Experiencia fantástica: Cute spot for everyone.

Experiencia fantástica: It's a small building but there were some cool sea creatures. Admission is free. Good place to burn a half hour.

Experiencia fantástica: This place is so awesome! It’s free but please donate if you can. The close up view of the life that you live next to is unbeatable!

Experiencia fantástica: Great place ! Touch tanks are seasonal. Don’t forget to donate

Experiencia fantástica: We love the Marine Life Center! Took our 3 year old and he did not want to leave. We learn new things every time we go.

Experiencia fantástica: We absolutely loved this small, free aquarium. The staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. The kids probably asked 100 questions and they answered them all! You should definitely check it out

Experiencia fantástica: Pretty neat little place. Staff were super nice, knowledgeable, and passionate. They pack a lot of species into there for how small it is. I enjoyed it as an adult, but it is a great place for kids too.

Experiencia fantástica: Super chill, and fun activity to do while in the area!

Experiencia negativa: Very small one room aquarium pictures make it look a lot bigger, but it is maybe a 15 x 15 square-foot room

Experiencia fantástica: Such a nice marine center and the folks there are so fun to chat with!

Experiencia fantástica: Our kids loved it and the staff are super knowledgeable and friendly!

Experiencia positiva: It's a small & fun museum a ton of knowledge for my kid.

Experiencia fantástica: Small little marine centre filled with creatures from the bay, run by delightful, knowledgeable staff. They even have an octopus. Such a beautiful informative centre.

Experiencia fantástica: Was great kids had a blast

Experiencia fantástica: Marine Life Center is a lovely small aquarium in Bellingham. Staff members are very attentive and helpful. My kids love it. It is a mandatory stop whenever we go to Bellingham. We love this place!

Experiencia fantástica: What a great little place. The people who work there are very knowledgeable and kind. I wasn't expecting much, but it was great for kids and the adults.

Experiencia fantástica: We took a group of students from FSD Community Transitions on a quick trip to observe some sea life. Sierra did a fantastic jobs accommodating some of our students. With some quick thinking, our students were able to touch some of the sea creatures even though the touch tank was closed. This was especially important to one of our students with impaired vision. Thank you, Sierra for your kindness and care!

Experiencia fantástica: The staff is really nice and knowledgeable. The place is small but definitely worth a visit.

Experiencia positiva: A small free museum with a few things to see. Can't complain, as it is free, but don't travel there just to visit the museum. Go and also eat at nearby Anthony's and make a longer stay of it (You can park and walk to both fairly quickly). Staff is super friendly, and they are not taking donations right now as it is being fully funded by the port.

Experiencia fantástica: We were pleasantly surprised with this little Marine Life Center. Sitting off the docks where you can watch the boats come and go. Lots of fun to watch sea life, the large pool with all the live creatures is fun to watch. Great place to take kids, fantastic learning place. Cute business, highly recommend.

Experiencia fantástica: So much fun and such a cute area!!!!

Experiencia positiva: It's very small but fun for the little ones. Also it's free.

Experiencia fantástica: It's very small (essentially one room) but it's free and the person hosting was super knowledgeable and friendly and interactive with our young family. Great learning experience.

Experiencia fantástica: A hidden gem on the Bellingham waterfront. While it may appear small in size the collection of PNW marine creatures here is outstanding. It is a great place to spend time looking closely at the different creatures that cannot be done at a larger aquarium. Staff are also very knowledgeable and friendly. Well worth the time to visit if you're interested in learning more about what is in the local waters around north Puget Sound without the chaos of a large paid aquarium

Experiencia fantástica: Thank you. I enjoyed it very much!

Experiencia fantástica: Small but packed full of very cool things to see. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Beautiful area and well worth the visit.

Experiencia fantástica: Loved visiting this place as a kid and love bringing my niece and nephew now! Can't believe it's still free!

Experiencia fantástica: Such an amazing, free, educational experience at the marina! We went on a Friday around midday and there was a steady stream of people in and out. The staff member present was really knowledgeable and friendly. There were so many sea creatures to see! The giant pacific octopus was a favorite of course but the giant sea cucumbers, anemones, nudibranchs, fish, decorator crabs, and other animals were also spectacular! They also had some small toys around the room for toddlers/young children such as a sand table. Great for keeping a little one busy for a few minutes while everyone else stares at the octopus!

Experiencia fantástica: Nice little place to visit. No cost, donations accented, and maintenance set up for children.

Experiencia positiva: It was small but very informational. Pacific Octopus on site, along with many other sea creatures and corals.

Experiencia fantástica: Very cool to see the different sea creatures, especially the giant Pacific Octopus. Unfortunately the touch tank was temporarily closed, but you could still look at the sea creatures. Great place to take your kids to see what lives in the Pacific ocean

Experiencia fantástica: Kid loves seeing all the local marine life upclose. The staff is so friendly, good with the kids and informative.

Experiencia fantástica: So much fun today. Took two little ones I baby sit to visit. I haven't been since my daughter was little, over 15 years ago

Experiencia fantástica: STUNNING! Breathtaking encounters with marine life, up close and awesome. Super informative and was there to witness the Octopus feed while she cleaned and it was incredible.

Experiencia fantástica: A great free look at the marine environment of the puget sound!

Experiencia fantástica: It may be small but it’s awesome! I love aquariums!

Experiencia positiva: Walk by it 3 x a week. Many kids with curious grandparents watching realize up close.

Experiencia positiva: Look, for what it is, it's well cared for maintained and generally and nice free place to go check out so my review may seem a little harsh. However, my review is for families with children under 3. We added it onto our itinerary thinking it was something it was not, so let me expand... my actual review would be 3.5 (if they would let me.) It is not just that it's only one room, it is also that it is a pretty tiny room. There is a bucket of sand an a couple puzzles for kids under 3. Over the age of 3 they might start to appreciate more of the fish and sponges in tanks. The main reason I rated it three stars instead of four is their stroller policy. Parents, you should know that only one stroller can go in at a time, and that is ONLY IF it's not crowded otherwise. So if you have little ones under 3, I would skip it until kids are older. I do think it's cool for adults and totally worth a 15 minute stop for older kids though. It's a nice offering for the area, just wish there were a few other things for the younger kids, or at least it was stroller friendly.

Experiencia fantástica: We had the best time at the marina today! Small space but wow, so much to see! And we even watched Blippi’s episode after we got home. Thank you Casey and the whole team! You were very informative and we actually stayed there for almost an hour and learned a lot!:)

Experiencia negativa: Be prepared for a lot of signs telling you "NO..." And a few different aquatic specimens. The ratio is about 20:1

Experiencia positiva: It’s tiny (literally it’s one room), but they do a good job with its size. First of all, it’s along the water and the staff are passionate about education. Signs explain each of the tanks and its habitants. There’s one tank that you can crawl into to poke your head through a bubble in the middle. There’s a kids corner with activities like coloring and origami. Public restrooms are nearby.

Experiencia fantástica: Great place to discover and learn about local sealife. The attendant was very friendly and great with kids

Experiencia fantástica: Very small but perfect for a quiet outing with little ones!

Experiencia fantástica: This place is amazing! We’ve been bringing our grandson (who lives in Seattle) since he was a toddler. Now, at age 7, when he comes to visit it’s the first thing he asks to do. That and get coconut prawns from Wanida Thai for supper I love that for the center, what’s best for their marine critters is of utmost importance. It fosters a sense of respect for the environment in the kids who visit.

Experiencia fantástica: Small but fun and educational place to learn about the creatures that live in our local marine environment. The staff are very knowledgeable and signs on or near each habitat/aquarium are really informative too. We learned a lot and enjoyed seeing the wide range of sea life - everything from an eel to fish, scallops, different types of crab, anemones, and so much more.

Experiencia fantástica: Super cute little marine center - loved how educational all the tanks were and they had some pretty cool fish and sea creatures. Also pretty awesome to see that they’re fully funded by the Port of Bellingham!

Experiencia fantástica: Super educational and super awesome!! Recommend for anyone who has some time to kill near the waterfront

Experiencia fantástica: A very small, fun and educational place to visit for adults and kids of all ages.

Experiencia fantástica: Sierra was very knowledgeable, welcoming, and answered all of our questions. The displays were awesome. We throughly enjoyed our visit!

Experiencia fantástica: Awesome little gem. Great for stopping buy, watching some marina life creatures.

Experiencia positiva: Very compact (just one room) but nice and free mini-aquarium. The touch tanks were closed due to a sea star disease but there are still lots of good views for little kids to see lots of crabs, fish, and other sea life. It doesn't take long to see everything (maybe 10 minutes) but you could spend up to an hour, or maybe more, as they do have some kids toys and there are staff members happy to share info about the sea life! It was a little hard for my 2 year old to not touch everything and tap the glass but we managed.

Experiencia fantástica: This is a gem! A small sealife experience but so well organized to see lots of creatures up close and very well designed for kids especially. And it's FREE!

Experiencia fantástica: Great place and you can bring your pet. The staff are very friendly and informative. My dog's favourite place to watch fishes,

Experiencia fantástica: Small space but more than full of information! There is a stroller parking on the deck. A huge octopus and loooooooooong wolf eel? were my biggest wow today. Kids really liked there. The place is in the marina and you can enjoy the view of the yacht harbor too.

Experiencia fantástica: Awesome little learning center. Currently the touch pools are closed, but there’s so much to see and learn! There are some pretty incredible tanks to look in, a couple of octopus, and great knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend a visit!

Experiencia fantástica: I just turned 18 this January. I have so many young childhood memories from this place while staying with my grandparents during the summer. This place is amazing and will definitely leave a long lasting and positive impact on young kids as it did with me. Thanks to the amazing staff that keep this place free to enter and maintain it so well. Looking forward to returning again later this summer.

Experiencia positiva: Nice but dont keep soo big octopus in a smal tank like this

Experiencia fantástica: It's a little marine center tucked away in the middle of the buildings. Not sure why on Google it said it was closed on Sundays cause it's not. Loved that they had an octopus.

Experiencia fantástica: This is the sweetest small aquarium. Perfect place to take the smallest child and fun for any age. Free admission, but you can donate to help them maintain it. Large open tank in the center so you can peer in at several varieties of fish. Two octopuses were in separate tanks but next door to each other. Ted and Opal! Super sweet guide on sight to answer questions and help everyone enjoy the experience. Well worth dropping by.

Experiencia fantástica: The octopus is amazing! All of the critters are incredibly beautiful to observe. Such a fun little oasis of sea creatures. We love watching during feeding time and we especially enjoy observing the starfish and octopuses!

Experiencia positiva: Sierra was a great tour guide! We made an appointment on a Sunday morning and really enjoyed our private tour. It's a fun little stop especially if you have young kids.

Experiencia fantástica: This place was amazing!!! Seeing how small it was & wasn't expecting much. I learned so much in the hour we spent there. The young woman, Ciara, who was working there, came out and gave us tons of information about the different fish. She let the kids there feed them as well. Ciara was Super friendly and knowledgeable. She seemed genuinely excited and happy to answer questions. All of this and it was free. I highly recommend stopping by for a visit.

Experiencia fantástica: Free and friendly. A great place to hang out watching underwater creatures.

Experiencia fantástica: As always, we had a great experience. Casey and the Fish are a local treasure!

Experiencia negativa: Better call before you visit. I visited during posted open hours and it was closed. No explanation, no signs except the "Closed" sign. Not lunch time. Disappointed. Edit - Thanks for the reply. I didn't click through the Google Map links to Facebook so missed the notification, I guess that's the way it goes. The signs on the door were not clear, they don't tell a story, to somebody that has not been there before. Just trying to give the impression of somebody finding your place for the first time from Google maps. Good luck.

Experiencia fantástica: My toddler loved looking at the fish, a bunch of things were closed for cleaning, or to help destress the marine life, but we were fine with it, its nice to see that they care for the fish and animals

Experiencia fantástica: The MLC is one of our favorite places to take the kids, since they were small. We always try to go on a day that Casey (the one who runs the place!) is there. She's full of amazing marine life information and engages with the visitors with such ease. She'll interact with the ocean life whenever she can, so everyone can observe their activity. They've done so many cool things to the facility and it is such a treat and privilege that we get to see such amazing sea life, thanks to everyone at The MLC. In direct response to the ridiculous review left about things being closed -- you don't need to touch the sea life to appreciate and enjoy it (neither do your kids). The Octopus is young and new to the tank and needs you to be quiet and respectful around him. Your kids will appreciate you teaching them kindness toward all life, including being ok with not touching and not being noisy. Thank you, MLC, for creating such an amazing environment for families!!!

Experiencia fantástica: One room aquarium very engaging staff was there during feeding time super interesting to talk with the woman there about the different fish!

Experiencia fantástica: Super cute one room marine center. Loved the octopus ! The girls there were very knowledgeable friendly and really liked their center. Well cared for animals.

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing place to check out the pacific marine life. Octopus is gorgeous!

Experiencia positiva: Small aquarium, but they do have a lot of fish and other marine life to look at. It's basically one room with several tanks in it. It's geared towards educational information about the animals there, presented in a way that appeals to kids. It's free to go. Well-behaved kids are encouraged.

Experiencia fantástica: We've gone a few times and always had a good experience. Even as childless adults you'll have a good time. When we went today we got lucky and the employee was able to feed the fish so even though the touch tank was closed we still had a great time. Maybe even better than with the touch tank open.

Experiencia positiva: My son loves the touch tank, especially if there's an octopus! But the touching tank part is closed until mid September.

Experiencia fantástica: The people who work (volunteer?) here are so helpful and informative. The gal who happened to be there the last time we went was so sweet and patiently answered the dozens of questions our son fired off at her. Always a fun and educational experience

Experiencia fantástica: fun little place packed full of information. things to touch and look at!! my little and I both had a great time!!

Experiencia fantástica: What a fabulous community space! I can’t believe it’s free! The gal volunteering was obviously so passionate about her role and was more than happy to share fun-facts and answer my countless questions. I’m grateful for this opportunity to learn about marine life near me!

Experiencia fantástica: Really cute stop on a day trip to Bellingham, the kids loved it! They have touch tanks for the sea life. Free stickers and coloring pages. The worker there the day we went was very informative and kind.

Experiencia fantástica: Cute little place off the beaten path. The staff is very knowledgeable and happy to talk with you. Very educational place not just for kids!

Experiencia fantástica: Love going here on my lunch break and saying hi to the octopus! The staff is always so knowledgeable and friendly. And they always know how to work with all different kinds of kids.

Experiencia fantástica: Marine life center is a must when in the Port of Bellingham with little ones. Great homeschooling educational activity, the people who work here are SO GOOD about engaging with the children. They welcome all questions and love to answer them. (Our visit was May 14 2021) I called and was able to get in same day for a reservation (truthfully got lucky). We had the entire place to ourselves which made it very comfortable for the kids and easier to communicate since it’s a small yet unique space. Free to visit but they do accept Donations!

Experiencia negativa: Very disappointing!!! Multiple time I drove up with my grandson — we travel 1.5 hours only to find it closed. Posted hours online and in the window showed we still had 3 hours left before official closing.

Experiencia fantástica: I believe this is where they keep the local touch tank for sea creatures This is really cool This should be a thing that's in every coastal city and has full government funding in my opinion education is the future

Experiencia positiva: Girl working there, informed us of various species. Very nice lady. We took our two grand children to visit this place and they enjoyed it.

Experiencia fantástica: We arrived around feeding time and enjoyed the hungry and happy rock fish. Really neat for all ages! The employee was sweet and helpful with recommendations for fun in the area.

Experiencia fantástica: Outstanding experience for children. Reservation system makes it a little tough to get in, but I see why they're operating that way right now. The guide was really informative and great with our toddler, who was a little spooked by some of the bigger fish. Highly recommend as a rainy day excursion.

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing! Helpful and fun staff, touch tanks for the little ones and more informative lessons for the adults. 10/10 will be back.

Experiencia fantástica: Cute, fun and educational!