Brookdale Ocean Institute

Box 533
Sandy Hook, NJ 07732
(732) 872-2284

Brookdale College maintains two unique educational facilities at beautiful Sandy Hook: a Marine Science Lab building at Fort Hancock and a trailer at Horsehoe Cove. Both facilities offer classroom space, specimen collecting equipment, and microscopes.

Most of the activities here are for groups only, but individuals and families are welcome to join a Whale Watch cruise. Guided by trained staff, the cruise offers great opportunities to see these beautiful creatures, and learn about their contribution to our lives and what we can do to make sure they stay with us.

School Groups and others interested in nature and the marine sciences can receive hands-on, interactive training and enjoy educational boat trips throughout the year. Some of the School Programs include:

• Sea Creatures (grades K - 6): in this introduction to marine life, students collect algae, crabs, fish, and shells, and discover the interrelationship between sea and land.
• Explore the Shore (7 - 12): is an in-depth view of the coast. Topics can stress coastal geology, water chemistry, erosion, marine life, and marine careers.
• Sampling the Sea (7 - 12): includes a cruise through the protected waters of Sandy Hook. Using a full complement of oceanographic equipment, students study a variety of marine life and conditions.
• The Forest and the Sea (4 - 12): students explore Sandy Hook's unique maritime holly forest and learn how life here interacts with the sea.
• Four SEAsons at the Shore (K - 12): Great for Scout merit badges, family groups, birthday parties, and student groups, this is a flexible nature and marine study program.

A variety of other great programs are available in Careers, Science, Astronomy, Geology, The Environment, and much more. Interested groups should call with their specific needs.Most of these programs last 3 hours, some longer. While there is no minimum group size, there is a minimum charge of $150.00. Teacher Workshops are also offered on specific dates throughout the year. Some involve a cruise and some involve specimen collection on the beach. All enhance teachers' ability to instruct students in marine- and nature-related subjects. CEU credits are available with some courses.

Hours: By appointment only.

Admission: Most programs $7.00 per student. Some are FREE. Boat trips cost $15.00. Whale Watches $18.00.

Group Reservations: 12 weeks or more. Note: you are likely to get in on much shorter notice, so try anyway.

Lunch: Picnic tables available.

Handicapped: Partial. Indoor classrooms are accessible.

Directions: Obtain directions when making reservation.

Time: 90 - 120 minutes northeast of Philadelphia.

Nearby: Fort Hancock , Twin Lights Historic Site , Imagine That!