Visit WMSC

Everything You Need to Solve the World’s Problems

The Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) is a field station tailored to the needs of environmental and sustainability research. Located in a pristine environment on Santa Catalina Island, just 22 miles from Los Angeles, WMSC provides unparalleled access to both unspoiled natural systems and areas heavily affected by human activity.

WMSC is equipped to host both undergraduate and graduate courses and individual academic researchers. Whether you want to give your students an immersive educational experience or advance your own planet-saving investigations, we’re here to support you.

A research diver examines seaweed up close
A student in a lab stands over a piece of giant kelp on a tray exterior of Wrigley Marine Science Center cottage housing, white buildings with red tile roofs

Facilities

From the island itself to labs, housing, classrooms, and more, we’ve got the spaces to make your stay at WMSC both comfortable and productive.

Explore Our Facilities
the Wrigley Institute boat, the Miss Christi, docked in the Avalon Harbor at Catalina Island A group of student kayakers paddles along the Catalina Island coast

Boating & Transportation

We offer free transportation to and from WMSC, plus a full-service waterfront to support research and educational activities.

Explore Options
A diver holds onto a human-sized giant kelp frond Two researchers return to the surface after diving for macroalgae

Diving

WMSC offers full support for research diving, including access to boating and the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber.

Learn More
A group of student kayakers paddles along the Catalina Island coast A small white drone sits on a circular landing pad on the sand

Other Activities

WMSC is in a prime location for drone-based research as well as kayaking, snorkeling, and other activities to enrich your experience.

Explore Options
aerial view of Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island, showing the island's coastline and buildings nestled in a cove

Book Your Visit

Visit Virtually

Enjoy a live view of the underwater world in our cove! Explore.org hosts this 24/7 livestream of Big Fisherman Cove, where our students and researchers often work. See if you can spot a Garibaldi, California’s state marine fish, or one of the other species that often visit or live in our cove. We’ve seen giant sea bass, bat rays, two-spot octopuses, nudibranchs, sea lions, and more!