YOUR OCEAN
ADVENTURE AWAITS

Discover a world beneath the surface and experience marine life like never before—up close and personal.

Who We Are

Open seasonally from May through Labour Day (with birthday parties and programming offered year round!), the Back to the Sea Centre in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia brings the beauty of local marine life up to eye level. Visitors can interact with and learn about the incredible animals and creatures that call the Atlantic Ocean home.

The Back to the Sea Society’s mission is to foster curiosity for marine life and inspire a desire to protect the ocean. We recognize the vital role that marine life plays in our world, which is why our dedication lies with education, conservation, and community engagement.

In 2017, we opened our miniature marine interpretive centre, the Touch Tank Hut. The hut hosted over 15,500 visitors, paving the way for our full-scale centre, which opened in June 2023. Through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and unique hands-on experiences, the centre continues to fulfill the society’s vision of inspiring love and respect for the ocean.

Programming & Events!

  • 2025 Season Opening

    We’re back for another ocean inspired season at the Back to the Sea Centre.

    Swim on by on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a visit.

    We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces.

Sea Upcoming Events

Come Make Waves With Us

Come Make Waves With Us

Get to Know Us

  • Find our Summer hours and admission prices here! You can also book group visits, birthday parties and our portable touch tanks!

    We are currently open Wednesdays 1-6 pm, Thursdays to Sundays from 9 am - 4pm

  • You can expect to see many species of marine invertebrates native to Nova Scotia's waters, such as sea stars, rock crabs, sea urchins, scallops and more!

  • Our main entrance facing the parking lot has a ramp leading up to it for wheelchair users. Depending on the size of your wheels, you may be more comfortable using our back entrance, which is level to the ground. If this is the case, our staff are happy to help you out. There are no steps inside the facility.

  • Yes, we would you to have you join the team! Please click here for more information on volunteering with us.

Invest in Our Ocean’s Future, Donate Today

Back to the Sea Society is a public non-profit aquarium and charity. Support from the community is essential in helping to keep our doors open. Your donation will go toward the society’s conservation initiatives and developing more meaningful, hands-on educational programs and events. Single and monthly donations are welcome and appreciated