The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is a small public aquarium operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), making it one of the oldest federal aquariums in the United States. The focus is on the marine life of the northeastern US coast: local fish, lobsters, crabs, turtles, and the harbour seals that live in the outdoor tank.
Admission is free. It is a good choice on a rainy day, and the seal feeding (twice daily) is popular with children. The aquarium is compact — allow about an hour — and is located a short walk from the ferry terminal. The emphasis on practical science rather than entertainment makes it feel like a working research facility, which it effectively is.