The Micoadventure: Epic Adventures Without the Epic Hassle
Learn About Our Waters
The beautiful waters of the Puget Sound are home to a diverse array of sea life and are home to many fascinating creatures. But usually, we don't get to spend much time with them—after all, we don't breathe water!
That's where the MaST Center comes in. As a working aquarium, marine biology students from Highline College are able to get hands on learning while teaching the public about marine life! Every Saturday, their open house allows you to get up close and personal with sea life.
MaST Center Aquarium
An Up-Close Look at Puget Sound's Marine Life
Perched on the shores of Redondo Beach in Des Moines, Washington, the MaST Center Aquarium is a living classroom, a research lab, and a community treasure trove dedicated to unveiling the magic of Puget Sound. Operated by Highline College, this vibrant facility fosters curiosity through hands-on learning. With over 250 native species on display, interactive touch tanks, and more than 3,000 gallons of flow-through seawater powering its tanks, the MaST Center offers up-close encounters with creatures that usually remain hidden beneath the surface.
While the MaST Center is not open to the public daily, it hosts free, family-friendly Discovery Days every Saturday. Knowledgeable volunteers and marine experts guide you through the center, making the experience educational and fun.
Need to Know:
Native Species on Full Display – The MaST Center houses hundreds of native marine species—from colorful anemones to mesmerizing jellyfish—all thriving in tanks fed by natural seawater directly from Puget Sound. It's one of the most biodiverse educational aquariums in the state. Touch tanks allow guests to (gently) feel native marine creatures while learning about their roles in the ecosystem.
More Than an Aquarium – The fun starts when you enter the lobby, where a 38-foot skeleton of a Gray Whale greets you. There are also exhibits about various marine life species and art installations based on environmental topics.
Underwater Art - During the winter, the center displays an art gallery featuring winning submissions to its Underwater Photography Challenge. See incredible photos of fish and other marine creatures taken right in the waters at Redondo.
Picturesque Coastal Location – The aquarium's Redondo Beach site is not only scenic but also perfectly positioned near tidepools and marine habitats that further enhance the educational adventure. While there, take a walk on the Redondo Beach boardwalk.
The Vibe:
As part of Highline College, the MaST Center is a hub for marine biology students and researchers. Students, families, and marine enthusiasts mingle around tanks full of sea creatures, all within earshot of gentle waves lapping the shore outside.
Kids Love the Aquariums and Touch Tanks at The MaST Center in #SeattleSouthside
Highline College
Building 2 has multipurpose room that offers a variety of configuration options for groups up to 100. This space is ideal for classroom style seminars and small banquets.
Building 7 has fixed, amphitheater style seating for 140, and a large open stage. This meeting space is ideal for lectures and presentations.
Building 8 Mt. Constance and Mt. Olympus are premier meeting space in the student union. With a divider wall, Mt. Constance and Mt. Olympus can be used separately or combined to accommodate up to 200 guests. Both are fully equipped for media presentations. Mt. Townsend student dining center is available for evening or weekend banquets and receptions for groups up to 300. With a performance stage, and two story ceiling this airy space is ideal for auctions, large group receptions, formal dining and social events. Mt. Skokomish is on the 2nd floor this conference room has a capacity of 25 and offers stunning views of the Puget Sound. Fully equipped for media presentations.
Building 25 On the 5th floor of the library the room offers sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountain range. With table seating for 25, and additional gallery seating, it is ideal for formal board meetings or hearings. The room has state of the art media equipment.
Find More
Soak in Local History
The Highline Heritage Museum focuses on showcasing hyperlocal history and connecting it to the world at large, both through showing how local events have had a global impact and by showing how…
Get Bowled Over
Did you know Seattle Southside is the Bowling Capital of the Northwest? It's true! With more than 70 lanes of bowling all centered here, you can roll with the best of them…
Take in a Grand View at Grandview Dog Park
Have you ever heard of a dog park with a view? Grandview Dog Park is exactly that - it's more than just a great play place for Fido, it's also a beautiful…
Treat Yourself at the Spa at Cedarbrook Lodge
You deserve to take a break and treat yourself! Get pampered at the Spa at Cedarbrook with a soothing facial, a relaxing manicure or pedicure, or best of all, un-knot those muscles…