With 90 interactive exhibits, simulators, and theaters, GulfQuest is an educator's dream. From stem to stern, GulfQuest provides unique learning opportunities that will inspire your students from the moment they arrive. Prepare to be impressed by the sheer scope of our facility- we have eight decks of exhibit galleries located throughout a life-sized replica of a container ship.
Our museum is eclectic and interdisciplinary, with content that addresses history, engineering, geography, archaeology, and more. Students can "Take the Helm" of a Coast Guard Cutter in our boat simulator, or make decisions as part of a FEMA hurricane response team in Extreme Storms. Other exhibits encourage students to experiment with knot-tying, balancing cargo, and night-time navigation. Along the way, GulfQuest educators and volunteers will engage your students, giving teaching moments specific to each exhibit.
Education is critical to the mission of GulfQuest; we have two state-of-the-art classrooms and offer a variety of PreK-12 programs designed to complement our exhibits. Our lessons align with state standards for science, mathematics, social studies, and language arts for Gulf Coast states (Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi). All booking groups are eligible for free 30-minute classroom sessions taught by trained, credentialed GulfQuest educators.
Please make your reservations at least two weeks in advance.
Discounted admission rates are available for groups of 15 or more students
Students (grades K-12)..... $10.00
Pre-K (click for info)..... $10.00
Chaperones...................... $11.00
Teachers.............................Free Admission
Classroom Programs.....Included (optional)
(Classes are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis)
Chaperones are essential. To ensure a positive learning experience, GulfQuest requests that each school group maintains the following chaperone-to-student ratio:
It can be challenging for large groups to maneuver through our eight decks of exhibit galleries. We recommend that school groups break up into smaller groups led by teachers or chaperones who can facilitate learning experiences and help maintain discipline.
Plan on taking about 15 minutes to complete your reservation.
Call 251.208.1047 Tuesdays through Fridays between 8:30 am. and 4:30 pm or email lambrose@cityofmobile.org
Be ready with the following information:
We will provide you with the total cost of your visit and a confirmation number. All payments are due upon arrival on the date of your visit. Payments should be made out to GulfQuest.
Once you book, GulfQuest will send you the following documents via email:
Please inform GulfQuest of any changes at least 48 hours before your visit.
If you must cancel, please contact the reservations office at least one full calendar week before your scheduled visit. Those who fail to provide a week's advance notice are subject to a cancellation fee of $75 or 25% of the total reservation amount, whichever is higher.
Notify us if you need to cancel a Classroom Program. GulfQuest educators reserve the right to cancel a class with fewer than ten students. In the event you are running late, please notify us so we can plan accordingly.
Decide whether to bring your own lunch or order box lunches through Naman's Catering (we'll provide their contact info upon request). Either way, we'll help you reserve a time for your class to eat in our school lunchroom. You also have the option of eating outside in the amphitheater at Cooper-Riverside Park, overlooking the Mobile River.
If you're bringing your lunches, bring them in cardboard boxes with your school name printed on the side. Upon arrival, you will load your lunches on our carts (marked with your school name) and transport them into the building. Once inside, GulfQuest staff will carry your lunch to the lunchroom. The lunches will be delivered to the lunchroom at your designated lunchtime.
A greeter from GulfQuest will meet your bus when it arrives. The greeter will direct you to our Group Check-In area. To expedite the process, bring your Confirmation Statement and an exact count of students and adults.
Payment is due upon arrival, and should be made our to GulfQuest. (Payment must be made on a school check in order to be tax exempt.)
Buses will unload and load in front of GulfQuest. There is limited bus parking on museum grounds except for drop-off and pick-up. Buses may also park at the Mobile Civic Center.
GIVE HIM THE SLIP
Movie "bad guys" give pursuers the slip when they escape capture. At sea, it was sometimes necessary to "slip" the anchor cable to escape from peril, either leaving it behind or dragging it alongside until it could be hoisted safely.