Ocean Education Center

Temporary Closure

The Center is currently closed for the Fall / Winter season. It will reopen around Memorial Day 2026. Once available, details will be posted on this page.

About the Ocean Education Center

Thought you knew everything about the beach? Uncover secrets hidden in the sand as the Oak Island Ocean Education Center takes you beneath the waves, with hands-on crafts and activities that the entire family will love! Located right in the heart of Town, just across the street from Town Hall, this amazing facility offers a public place to learn about all our nautical neighbors, including sea turtles, crabs, dolphins, and other nearby sea creatures.

Volunteers share insights into many of the coast's biggest challenges and what you can do to help. The Ocean Education Center also holds various youth programs throughout the summer, so be sure to check this page often for any updates on programs offered.

Ocean Education Center History

In 1952, Dan and Inez Shannon moved to Oak Island and purchased a house on East Beach Drive, where shortly thereafter they built a store. Just two short years later, both their home and business were destroyed by the impacts of Hurricane Hazel in 1954. The Shannons rebuilt both, with their business later serving to house the first post office in Oak Island, as well as a gas station, Shannon's Texaco. It quickly became the popular place to hang out among local residents throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

Sometime after the Shannons’ deaths, the building was donated to the Town, which converted it to the first Ocean Education Center. This building stood for many years until it was destroyed by Hurricane Florence in 2018. In 2021, the Ocean Education Center reopened in its current location at 4700 East Oak Island Drive.

Note: Because this facility is operated on a volunteer basis, schedules are subject to change with little notice. For the latest schedule information, please call 910-278-5518.