Maritime Education Programs

Dive into a dynamic exploration of the museum and Santa Barbara’s bustling working harbor. Led by our expert docents, this tour brings 13,000 years of maritime history to life. Stand before the radiant first-order Fresnel lens from the Point Conception Lighthouse, get up close to Dwight Brooks’ masterful ship models, and discover stories of commercial diving, surfing, and the people who shaped the Santa Barbara Channel.

A national award-winning program, Maritime on the Move provides immersive activities with locally trained naturalists. Countywide students are introduced to the unique oceanographic conditions that make the Santa Barbara Channel productive and bio-divers. Local and global conservation success stories are shared, highlighting the comeback of wildlife that was on the brink of extinction. Students learn important ecological facts on why ocean health is critical to the sustainability of our planet and discuss tangible solutions that will empower them to be stewards of the sea.

SBMM’s Marine Science program takes students out to sea for a two-hour floating lab aboard a local vessel. Students explore the Santa Barbara Channel and experience coastal California as citizen scientists. Working in small groups, students participate in labs that include sampling water quality, observing marine invertebrates, studying plankton, and learning about oceanic food webs.

Meet the Harbor Seal introduces the wonders of the ocean through the story of one of our most beloved local marine animals. The experience builds an early emotional connection to marine wildlife while nurturing curiosity and environmental awareness.

The Girls in Ocean Science (GiOS) Conference connects students in grades 6–12 with leading female scientists and ocean professionals, building curiosity, confidence, and pathways into marine science careers. This immersive, hands-on experience blends mentorship with real-world research. Participants engage directly with experts, explore current ocean science, and gain insight into maritime and marine fields. Click Here to learn more

This interdisciplinary program gives students the opportunity to create artwork and poetry. Through poetry and mixed media creations, students can express their thoughts and feelings visually, reinforcing the link between language and art. As a result, a strong sense of connection is fostered to both the maritime world and the arts.

Whales Are Superheroes! starts with an interactive lesson on whales, their ecological role in mitigating climate change, and the high diversity of species we have here in the Santa Barbara Channel. This is followed by a mixed-media whale art lesson and instruction with a local art educator. Whales serve as a gateway to caring about the environment and motivating people to think about our carbon footprint and climate change.

Join SBMM every third Thursday of the month as leading experts speak on diverse topics ranging from California’s maritime history to the rich ecosystem in the Santa Barbara Channel. Click here to learn more.