Is admission to the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum free, and can groups visit?

Updated

Yes. Admission to the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum is free, and donations are appreciated. Group visits are also possible: motor-coach and group tours are available year round, and you can arrange them by contacting the museum directly at (302) 539-9366 or [email protected].

The museum is located at 708 Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island, Delaware, close to the major beach attractions. Because it does not receive state or federal grants and is funded only by owner contributions and public donations, the free admission is supported by visitor donations rather than ticket sales.

What to know before you go

Admission

  • Cost: Free.
  • Donations: Appreciated, and they help fund the museum since it operates without state or federal grants.
  • What you'll see: The current location houses about 10,000 artifacts at all times, with the other 80% rotated through museum exhibits around the world. The collection is described as one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic and includes both regional and worldwide shipwreck artifacts.

Hours

Hours are subject to change, so the museum asks that you call ahead for availability.

Period Hours
May Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
June – August 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed Wednesdays)
September 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
October – November Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
December – March Closed for renovations

The museum also notes it is closed on Wednesdays.

Group visits

  • Motor-coach and group tours are available year round.
  • To set one up, call (302) 539-9366 or email [email protected].
  • Since hours change by season and are subject to change, confirm your group's date and time when you book.

Practical notes

  • Best for: Families, beach visitors, and groups looking for a low-cost activity near Fenwick Island's beach attractions.
  • Plan around the season: If you're visiting between December and March, the museum is closed for renovations, so a group tour in that window would need to be confirmed directly with the museum.
  • Verify before traveling: Call ahead, especially for groups, since hours are subject to change and the museum relies on direct contact for scheduling.