Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
Explore a retired offshore drilling rig, now a museum with 3 floors of interactive exhibits on petroleum extraction.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a retired offshore drilling rig, now a museum with 3 floors of interactive exhibits on petroleum extraction.
"A great experience for anyone that wants to learn now about how petroleum is extracted out at sea."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring multiple levels of the rig, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🕵️ Ask for the Scavenger Hunt
Make your visit more interactive by grabbing a scavenger hunt paper at the entrance. :clipboard:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Explore the Rig Floors
Multiple levels of the rig
Wander through three floors of exhibits, models, and interactive displays detailing offshore drilling.

Interactive Scavenger Hunt
Throughout the rig
Engage with the exhibits by participating in a fun scavenger hunt, perfect for all ages.

Worker Experience Locker
Third floor
Step into the shoes of a rig worker by trying on gear and experiencing a simulated locker room.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Navigating the Rig
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring multiple levels of the rig, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🕵️ Ask for the Scavenger Hunt
Make your visit more interactive by grabbing a scavenger hunt paper at the entrance. :clipboard:
👨👩👧 Supervise Children
Keep a close eye on kids, especially on the third-floor catwalk. :eyes:
💰 Cheaper Parking
Avoid expensive parking right by the rig; walk a block or two for cheaper metered street parking. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring multiple levels of the rig, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🕵️ Ask for the Scavenger Hunt
Make your visit more interactive by grabbing a scavenger hunt paper at the entrance. :clipboard:
👨👩👧 Supervise Children
Keep a close eye on kids, especially on the third-floor catwalk. :eyes:
💰 Cheaper Parking
Avoid expensive parking right by the rig; walk a block or two for cheaper metered street parking. :moneywithwings:
💡 Informative Exhibits
The displays are engaging and educational, even for those new to offshore drilling. :bulb:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum for its unique concept, informative exhibits, and engaging experience for all ages. It's considered a highly recommended attraction, especially for its educational value and the opportunity to explore a retired rig. Some minor points of consideration include parking costs and the need for supervision on higher levels.
"Great museum! Worth seeing. The kids really enjoyed getting to see the ins and outs of the rig. Very informative, reasonably priced. There is a gift shop in the entrance building with items for all ages. The rig is multiple stories with an open concept to explore the permitted areas at your own speed and leisure. Very cool! Highly recommend. The staff was very nice."
Melissa Donaldson
"A great experience for anyone that wants to learn now about how petroleum is extracted out at sea.
My son read almost every single exhibit which is something he doesn't normally do in museums.
There is a scavenger hunt if you want a challenge. Be sure to ask for the paper when you first ever the rig. 👍
They request that you keep an eye on your children because there are some areas especially the catwalk on the third floor that young children should not be left alone on. It's not unsafe, but it is high up.
Check out the locker on the third floor for an experience of being a rig worker and grab some gear for dress up!"
Chris Corney
"Last week I was actually thinking about how I know nothing of the offshore drilling process, and then we randomly came across this museum when getting off the cruise ship! Large enough to explain it all, displays are done right, very informational and exactly what I was looking for. Not boring. Good videos. Fascinating process."
Jodi Gardner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located and accessible. Many visitors arrive via cruise ship and find it a short walk from the port. If driving, be mindful of parking options and costs nearby.
While there is parking near the building, reviews suggest it's not owned by the museum and can be expensive. Consider walking a block or two for more affordable metered street parking.
Information on specific public transport routes is limited, but its central location suggests it may be accessible via local bus services. It's best to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Many visitors find it easy to access after disembarking from a cruise ship, as it's within walking distance. If arriving by car, research parking options in advance to save money.
Absolutely! It's a perfect addition to a day trip, especially if you're arriving by cruise ship. It offers a unique and educational experience that can be easily incorporated into a short visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is described as reasonably priced, offering good value for the experience. Specific pricing details are best confirmed on their official website or by contacting them directly.
While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check their website, especially during peak seasons or if you're part of a group. This ensures you secure your spot and avoid potential disappointment.
Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum website for the most current information before your visit. This will help you plan your day effectively.
Discounts may be available for certain groups such as children, seniors, or military personnel. It's advisable to inquire directly with the museum or check their website for any applicable offers.
Refund policies typically vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the museum directly to understand their cancellation and refund procedures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll explore three floors of the retired rig, featuring models, interactive displays, and educational programs about offshore petroleum extraction. There's also a gift shop and a scavenger hunt.
Yes, children often enjoy the museum, especially the scavenger hunt and the opportunity to explore the rig. However, adult supervision is recommended, particularly on higher levels.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the rig at their own pace. The scavenger hunt can add to the engagement time.
The museum is designed for self-guided exploration, allowing you to move at your own leisure. Staff are available to answer questions and provide information.
The third-floor catwalk offers a unique perspective but is high up. While not unsafe, it requires careful supervision of young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have a full-service restaurant. However, there is a gift shop that may offer snacks or drinks. You'll find numerous dining options in the surrounding area.
It's generally recommended to check the museum's specific policy on outside food and beverages. Many attractions prefer that food be consumed in designated areas or outside the exhibit spaces.
Given its location, you'll likely find a variety of restaurants catering to tourists and locals, ranging from casual eateries to more formal dining establishments. Exploring the nearby waterfront or city center will offer many choices.
While the rig is an impressive structure, it primarily functions as a museum. Any food service would likely be limited to a small gift shop area, if available.
Yes, the area surrounding the museum typically offers a range of family-friendly restaurants, making it easy to grab a meal before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted inside the museum. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The exterior of the rig itself offers striking photographic opportunities. Inside, the multi-level layout, detailed models, and interactive displays provide unique angles. The third-floor catwalk also offers a different perspective.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most public attractions and urban areas due to safety and privacy regulations. It's highly unlikely that drone photography would be permitted.
Commercial photography or videography usually requires special permission and may involve fees. If you plan to use images for commercial purposes, contact the museum directly in advance.
Visitors often share photos of the massive rig structure from the outside, interior shots of the engine rooms and control centers, close-ups of scale models, and images of themselves interacting with exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of ground to cover across the rig's multiple levels. Keep a close eye on younger children, especially on the higher decks, as advised by museum staff. The 'Worker Experience Locker' is a fun highlight for kids to try on gear.
🚢 Cruise Ship Visitors
It offers a departure from typical tourist activities, providing a deep dive into industrial history and engineering. You can easily spend a couple of hours here before heading back to your ship, making it an efficient and memorable use of your port time.
⚙️ Engineering & Industry Enthusiasts
You'll appreciate the technical details, the scale of the machinery, and the historical context provided. It’s a chance to connect with the practical application of engineering principles in a challenging and vital industry.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Ocean Star Rig
By preserving this massive piece of engineering, the museum provides invaluable insights into the complexities of offshore drilling. Visitors can learn about the technology, the challenges faced by workers, and the evolution of the industry. The rig's transformation from an active industrial site to a public museum highlights the importance of preserving industrial heritage for future generations.
This unique approach to museum curation allows visitors to experience history firsthand by walking through the actual environment where critical work was performed. It’s a powerful way to understand the scale and ingenuity involved in extracting resources from beneath the ocean floor.
Experiencing Life on an Offshore Rig
Interactive displays and exhibits are designed to educate visitors about the daily life of rig workers. You can learn about their schedules, the types of tasks they performed, and the living conditions. The 'Worker Experience Locker' on the third floor, where you can try on gear, adds a fun, hands-on element to this immersive experience.
While the rig is no longer operational, the museum strives to convey the demanding yet unique lifestyle associated with offshore work. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the dedication and skill required to operate these complex facilities in challenging environments.
Educational Value and Family Fun
For families, the museum offers a unique blend of learning and adventure. The scavenger hunt is a particularly popular feature, encouraging active participation and deeper engagement with the displays. It transforms the visit into a fun challenge, ensuring that kids remain entertained and curious throughout their exploration.
Parents are advised to supervise children closely, especially on higher levels like the third-floor catwalk, due to the height. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, allowing families to make the most of this distinctive educational outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit