Ocean Explorer Centre
Ocean Explorer Centre
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Explore how our oceans work. Hidden in a small space is a treasure trove of exciting info you are encouraged to discover using an underwater camera, 3-D globe, microscope, Arctic tunnel, films, science gear and computers. A real 'edutainment' experience! It's the 'shop window' of a major marine research & education organisation and thus provides access to our blue planet's world of marine science.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
101 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
25
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Jane M
1 contribution
May 2022 • Couples
Spent a fascinating few hours exploring the centre. The films showed the work really clearly. Love the microscope. Excellent help from staff who were ready to answer all our questions. As visitors from a small boat to these waters, the displays showed clearly the microcosm below the surface. This centre should be an example to other research/education centres on how to promote & explain their work, providing a catalyst for future scientists.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jane
We are so delighted your enjoyed your visit and took the time to leave us a review. We are indeed fairly unique in being one of the very rare university settings which introduces the public to our work in a dedicated visitor centre. I am glad you enjoyed the microscope! We have just installed a new underwater camera and a sounds display and we have a visiting artwork. Do come back again. Best wishes Helen
Written July 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laverdalemans
New York City, NY4 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Brilliant educational venue. Please try the beach cafe, within the place. Delicious home made soup, and fresh food, served daily. Friendly, courteous staff, and very reasonable price structure.
Written November 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fillyk
Kendal, UK876 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Visited while staying in Oban and were very glad that we did. The centre is relatively small, but packed full of information, so you can easily spend a bit of time exploring all the options. You can tell that the science of oceanography backs this place, but it does it in a very easily accessible for all way.
There is a lovely little cafe, where we had some toasted sandwiches for lunch - very nice, no complaints.
Oh, and it is dog friendly - including in the cafe. Our dog received a very friendly welcome, making it a great option when the Scottish weather is not so good.
There is a lovely little cafe, where we had some toasted sandwiches for lunch - very nice, no complaints.
Oh, and it is dog friendly - including in the cafe. Our dog received a very friendly welcome, making it a great option when the Scottish weather is not so good.
Written May 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear fillyk
Thank you so much for the great review. We are very pleased you enjoyed your visit and we look forward to seeing you and your lovely dog again soon! Best wishes Helen
Written May 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma
12 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
We come to the area a lot throughout the summer and yesterday was the first time we visited the centre. Great for a rainy day, our little girl loved and it and we learnt a lot. Lovely friendly staff and a beautiful little cafe. We will definitely return in the near future.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizzieM
17 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Fascinating museum with imaginative and clear ways of explaining all sorts of things about the sea. Not a massive museum but an incredibly creative use of space and different methods of communication! We have never ever previously watched a video in a bin! A thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours including a lovely cup of tea in the cafe!
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey T
traceythomas64412 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
You'll This find this centre on what appears to be a business park adjacent to a housing estate! It is extremely small but had some interesting facts about the oceans.
Our visit really only lasted about 30 minutes and we'd done it all. Also the café is closed until September.
It is really more of a 'hands on' experience for children, so as a middle aged couple who try to avoid places aimed at children, it wasn't the best choice for us.
Our visit really only lasted about 30 minutes and we'd done it all. Also the café is closed until September.
It is really more of a 'hands on' experience for children, so as a middle aged couple who try to avoid places aimed at children, it wasn't the best choice for us.
Written August 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark
Bonnyrigg, UK3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Really interesting and informative displays designed to get you thinking. Hands on for the kids. If you don't go for the science go for the cafe. Feed the family lunch for half the price of most places in Oban. Quality service and presentation. Good selection of family friendly menu options. 10 minute drive from town. Try the cakes!
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RuthyGlasgow
Glasgow833 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was a very interesting Ocean Marine Centre with lots of facts about our oceans and hands on tasks and videos to sit and watch. Great learning for us oldies and for families with children. So well organised, with little cafe at the back which served great tasty low budget food. Enjoyed out visit and Dunstaffanage Castle is just right next door with the car park. Another great place to visit.
Written March 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EmmaB0810
Edinburgh, UK59 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This is the second time we have visited when we are in the area. Lovely friendly staff and aimed at all ages. Really nice little cafe for a bowl of soup afterwards. A must visit whilst in Oban for sure.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet O
France299 contributions
Jun 2022
Really informative displays and people happy to explain and answer any questions. Well worth a visit. There is a superb cafe with a great selection of food. We ate here on two occasions. Staff could do with some customer training though sadly!
There is plenty of parking and it is very accessible.
There is plenty of parking and it is very accessible.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Janet, thanks for taking the time to leave a review on Tripadvisor. We are delighted you enjoyed visiting our centre and that you had a nice meal in the cafe. I have noted your comments and we will try to do better. Unfortunately the cafe (which is run separately by another organisation) are under a lot of pressure trying to get staff in these post-Covid days, but as we pride ourselves in the OEC on excellent customer service we will make your views known. Best wishes Helen
Written July 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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