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Group Visits

Looking for a unique and engaging group experience in Halifax? Plan a Group Visit to Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity and dive into the wonders of our ocean world. When you book a group visit, you benefit from our discounted group rates, and an orientation to Beaty Centre from our Ocean Science Interpreters. These visits are ideal for youth groups and camps, clubs, team building retreats, and any organized groups eager to learn about Nova Scotia’s marine science and coastal culture! As part of our commitment to accessible marine education, not-for-profit groups receive additional discounted admission rates to ensure everyone gets the opportunity to take part in ocean stewardship.   

Included in your visit:

  • 60–90-minute Group Visit with a minimum of 10 and maximum of 65 people
  • Discounted admission if booking is made one week in advance of visit
  • Orientation to the centre explaining the layout and expectations
  • Space to store coats and bags
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Hours

September 1 – May 3

THU

12PM – 8PM

FRI

10AM – 4PM

SAT

10AM – 4PM

SUN

10AM – 4PM

May 4 – September 6

WED

10AM – 4PM

THU

12PM – 8PM

FRI

10AM – 4PM

SAT

10AM – 4PM

SUN

10AM – 4PM

*Bookings based on availability

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Organized Groups

$10 + HST

Not-for-profit Groups

$8.50 + HST

Group rates apply to organized groups of 10 or more guests and apply for each person in the group regardless of age. Rates are subject to change without notice. 

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Rates

Children 12 years and under will need adult supervision. Not-for-profit groups will receive one free adult admission for every 5 youth in a group. If you wish to have additional adults during your visit, they will be charged at the group rate. These requirements do not apply to groups with youth who require additional support. 

If you have a special request for your group booking, please email us at info@beatymarinecentre.ca. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Halifax Transit Routes 1 and 24 have stops within walking distance of Beaty Centre. Routes 4 and 10 stop at the Student Union Building, which is a short walk to Beaty Centre. 
Bus turnaround

Buses can drop guests off on the side of the Steele Ocean Sciences Building on Edzell Castle Circle.

General parking  

  • Weekdays daytime parking 
  • Street parking on South Street and Oxford Steet  
  • Studley Campus, Alumni West (#16) – Pay and Display 
  • Parking from 4:30 pm to 1:30 am weekdays and all day on weekends 
  • Studley Campus, Steel Ocean Sciences (#21) 
  • Studley Campus, Alumni West (#16) 

Rates apply for groups of 10 or more paid admissions. All attendees must pay as part of the group at the corresponding rate.

  • Any changes to the booking should be made by 4 p.m. one week prior to your visit. 
  • For visits cancelled with less than 72 hours’ notice a $50 fee will be charged, with no potential for re-booking. In the event that group is cancelled due to inclement weather the visit scheduled for that day will be rescheduled to a future date at the group’s convenience within the Centre’s already confirmed schedule. 

  • Payment can be made via cash, credit, debit or cheque made payable to Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. 

Adult supervisors are expected to remain with their youth through their entire visit. Proper supervision is essential to creating a safe, fun atmosphere at the centre. Groups of children 12 and under are required to have a 1:7 chaperone to child ratio. 

Not-for-profit groups will receive one free adult admission for every 5 youth in a group. If you wish to have additional adults during your visit, they will be charged at the group rate. These requirements do not apply to groups with youth who require additional support. 

At this time, Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity is not accepting venue rental requests.   

At this time, Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity is not able to host birthday parties with a rentable room. You are welcome to visit us on your special day, and if applicable, book a group visit to receive a discount on your admission!

  • There is no food for sale or designated lunch space within the centre. No food can be consumed in and around the aquarium spaces; drink is allowed in a container or bottle with a lid.   

  • Coat rack is available for your group’s personal belongings. A host will bring you to them upon your arrival. The centre is not responsible for the security of items left there. Limited coat storage space is available.