Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium Transforms into Tropical Oasis

Tropical fish are swimming into our Bay and into our attention in August at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium. August is Tropical Travelers month at the hands-on center, giving visitors a chance to learn all about the fish who normally live in warmer, more tropical waters along the coast of Florida and up the east coast but wind up in Narragansett Bay when they are swept up in the Gulf Stream. Guests of all ages will be delighted by an interactive story hour featuring “Look! Fish” by Stephanie Calmenson, a tropical fish-themed scavenger hunt with surprise prizes, arts and crafts, and our new exhibit featuring a possible Narragansett Bay of the future as water temperatures continue to warm and bring more tropical species into the area. The Exploration Center and Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During the summertime, an influx of warm water in the Gulf Stream has recently begun to carry millions of eggs and tropical fish up the Atlantic coast, including the smooth trunkfish, gray triggerfish, scamp grouper and others. By sheltering these tropical fish at the aquarium, Save The Bay ensures they will survive our cold winter waters and helps educate community members about the marine life of Narragansett Bay.

Also in August, Feeding Frenzy is a must-see event on August 18, from 5-6 p.m. when visitors can help aquarium staff feed the fish, turtles, sharks and more. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at www.savebay.org/aquarium.

The Exploration Center and Aquarium is located in the Easton’s Beach Rotunda at 175 Memorial Blvd. in Newport, R.I. The center is now open daily for the summer season, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. General admission is $8; and $7 for military and senior citizens. Save The Bay Family Members enjoy FREE admission for 2 adults and up to 4 children.

About Save The Bay: Founded in 1970, Save The Bay works to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its watershed through advocacy, education, and restoration efforts. It envisions a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to everyone and globally recognized as an environmental treasure.