Coast Day
Celebrating five decades of coastal, marine and environmental science
Join us on Sunday, October 4 for Coast Day
Coast Day is the annual flagship event celebrating the teaching, research and outreach of the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment at the University of Delaware. Learn how UD students, faculty, staff and community partners are improving our understanding of the environment and serving coastal communities.
Now in its 50th year, Coast Day draws attendees to UD's Lewes campus to explore cutting-edge science through hands-on activities, live demonstrations, lab and ship tours, and more. Coast Day also includes live performances, a diverse food court, and a range of experiences for every age.
We look forward to seeing you at Coast Day on Sunday, October 4!
Interested in volunteering?
We're looking for volunteers to help pitch in during Coast Day! Learn more and sign up here.
Need transportation?
The University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment offers free bus transportation from Newark to Lewes on Coast Day. Click here to learn more and reserve your seat.
FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: ADMISSIONS BREAKFAST
Harbor Room at the Virden Center | 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Start your day with the Office of Admissions at a special breakfast and admissions overview before heading out to enjoy all that Coast Day has to offer! Register here
DISCOVERY LECTURES
Cannon Lab, Rm 203
10:30 am - The Solutions of Today: Student Research and Climate Change Mitigation presented by UD Climate Scholars (Hayley Teich, Kat Turner, Siena Kassa and Alex Montana)
12:30 pm - Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles of the Delaware Coast presented by Suzanne Thurman, Executive Director, MERR
CHEMICAL MAGIC SHOW
Cannon Lab, Marine Studies Library Room 234 | 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
WEATHER STATION WALKING TOUR
Meet outside Smith Lab | 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
WORLD OF VOLCANOES
Parking lot | 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm
OYSTER HATCHERY TOURS
Shuttle stop at corner of College Dr. and Pilottown Rd. | 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm
ALL DAY EVENTS
Harbor area
Ship tours
Touch tanks
Cannon Lab
WozMOG Lab - Room 103
Student Spotlight - Room 104
Teaching Lab - Room 121
Smith Lab
ORB Lab - Room 105
Hale Lab - Room 125
TRASER/Shark Lab - Room 146
Greenhouse - Room 160
Robotics Discovery Lab - Room 161
ESSAY CONTEST
Our annual Coast Day 5th grade essay contest returns. This year's theme is Habitats and Ecosystems of Delaware. Students are being asked to describe their favorite ecosystem or habitat in Delaware to visit and explore, what types of animals and plants live there, why that ecosystem or habitat is important and what people can do to protect that ecosystem or habitat.
Student essays must be postmarked or emailed by 5:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2026. Learn how to submit your essay