Private Beach Biology Field Trip

Did you know that some Nantucketers love to eat mole crabs? Join aquarium staff to learn about the fascinating biology, ecology, and geology that make Nantucket's beaches so unique. We will discover shells and bones of over 15 species of marine animals and are likely to observe live mole crabs, sand fleas, shore birds, beach insects, and seals!

This program meets at your selected location at the time of your choosing. Participants must have their own transportation. At least one adult must sign up with children.

OFFERED

Year-round at your convenience.

COST

This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests.

Members: $200

Non-Members: $250

To schedule a Private Beach Biology Field Trip, please contact Jack Dubinsky at (508) 228-9198 or email jdubinsky@mariamitchell.org.

Private Family Snorkeling Adventure

Join MMA Aquarium educator and lifeguard on a snorkeling adventure and learn about the marine animals around Nantucket! We will observe and identify several species of fishes, crabs, mollusks, and more! Learn all about Nantucket’s marine biodiversity and how to hold crabs. Depending on your interests, we can explore the eelgrass beds of Madaket Harbor or the rocky habitat at Jetties beach. Upon request, we can train you how to do independent Green Crab Surveys to contribute to our community science initiative. Snorkel trips usually last between 1 – 1.5 hours.

This program meets at the beach decided by the participants and MMA staff at the chosen time. This program is appropriate for strong swimmers ages 8 and older. A lifeguard certified staff member will attend the trip. Children may have to pass a brief swimming test before the program begins, and all participants will be asked to wear a flotation belt. At least one adult must register and participate per child.

OFFERED

June-September, at your convenience.

Cost

This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 5 guests.

Members: $450

Non-Members: $500

To schedule a Private Family Snorkeling Adventure, please contact Jack Dubinsky at (508) 228-9198 or email jdubinsky@mariamitchell.org.

Private Bird Walks

Birds are an important part of Nantucket’s ecosystem and the island is known as an excellent birding spot. Join MMA Field Ornithologist, Ginger Andrews, and head out to some of the best birding areas in and around town! Location is flexible and we can accommodate your birding interests! Bird walks are 2 hours in length. Guests are responsible for arranging transportation to the program location.

OFFERED

Year-round, Wednesdays-Saturdays at your convenience.

COST

This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 5 guests.

Members: $100

Non-Members: $150

To schedule a Private Bird Walk, please call

(508) 228-9198 or email info@mariamitchell.org.

Private Events at Loines Observatory

Enjoy an evening under the stars at the famed Loines Observatory. When the stars take over for the night, a professional astronomer will guide your guests through the constellations and let them peer at distant celestial bodies through our telescopes. It’s a magical evening that makes for great memories.

OFFERED

Year-round at your convenience. Booking recommended at least two weeks in advance. Program is weather-permitting and we recommend booking a rain date, usually for the following night.

COST

This flat-rate program can accommodate up to 25 guests.

$2,500 per hour,  June - September 

$1,000 per hour, October - May

For information and pricing, please contact Laura Freedman at lfreedman@mariamitchell.org.

Private Daring Daughters Walking Tour

Join the curator of the Mitchell House for a private walking tour concerning the lives of Maria Mitchell and Nantucket’s famous and infamous women, as well as the lesser known women of our island. Learn why whaling, Quakerism, and the isolation of an island afforded these women opportunities that women elsewhere in America at the time were not afforded.

OFFERED

Year-round at your convenience.

COST

This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests.

Members: $100

Non-Members: $150

To schedule a Private Daring Daughters Walking Tour, please contact Jascin Finger at (508) 228-2896 or email jfinger@mariamitchell.org.

Private Meet the Animals

Learn about the feeding habits and unique adaptations of turtles, frogs, snakes, and more! This is a great way to learn about native and non-native species up-close.

OFFERED

Year-round at your convenience.

Cost

This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests.

Members: $150

Non-Members: $200

To schedule a Private Meet the Animals program, please contact Izzy Gaw at (508) 228-9198 or email igaw@mariamitchell.org.

Private Feeding Frenzy

Join MMA Aquarium staff on a private tour as they feed the ever-hungry creatures at the Aquarium before it opens to the public. You will learn all about the fascinating marine animals as you observe their unique feeding behaviors. The Feeding Frenzy is very popular, so advance registration is required.

This program meets at the Maria Mitchell Aquarium at 28 Washington St. At least one adult must sign up with children.

OFFERED

Seasonally at your convenience. 

Cost

This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests.

Members: $200

Non-Members: $250

To schedule a Private Feeding Frenzy, please contact Jack Dubinsky at (508) 228-9198 or email jdubinsky@mariamitchell.org.

Private Sunday Feeding Frenzy

Join MMA Aquarium staff on a private tour as they feed the ever-hungry creatures at the Aquarium before it opens to the public. You will learn all about the fascinating marine animals as you observe their unique feeding behaviors. The Feeding Frenzy is very popular, so advance registration is required.

This program meets at the Maria Mitchell Aquarium at 28 Washington St. At least one adult must sign up with children.

OFFERED

Seasonally at your convenience. 

Cost

This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests.

Members: $200

Non-Members: $250

To schedule a Private Feeding Frenzy, please contact Jack Dubinsky at (508) 228-9198 or email jdubinsky@mariamitchell.org.

Private Marine Ecology Field Trip

What sea creatures live in Nantucket Harbor? Find out as you help collect, identify and release fish, crabs, shrimp, and other marine life! The Harbor is filled with interesting animals that will amaze you in their shapes, colors, and habits. This program is part of a long term research project and is interesting for adults and children alike.

This program meets at your selected location at the time of your choosing. Participants must have their own transportation to travel to the beach. At least one adult must sign up with children.

OFFERED

June-August, at your convenience.

Cost

This flat-rate program can accommodate 1 group of up to 8 guests.

Members: $315

Non-Members: $350

To schedule a Private Marine Ecology Field Trip, please contact Jack Dubinsky at (508) 228-9198 or email jdubinsky@mariamitchell.org.