Pacific Predators, the 2015 season’s popular exhibition, looks at three of the sea’s greatest predators – the sperm whale, the tiger shark and the colossal squid.
Inquisitive visitors can learn about the animals, their lifestyles and diets, and their roles in the ocean habitat.
The exhibition also explores the human relationship with those animals, from differing cultural perspectives, and changing attitudes between Cook’s time and the present day.
When Captain James Cook sailed the Pacific on his famous voyages of discovery many of this great ocean’s creatures were poorly understood and rarely seen.
No wonder then that some of the larger animals were feared and respected or even, in some cultures, revered as gods or the spirits of ancestors.
The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum also have a packed underwater-themed summer activity programme inspired by their exhibition, including creating clay sea monsters and sewing felt fish.
Young adventurers are invited to a pirate training day with Captain Raggy Beard where they can test whether they have what it takes to become a fully-fledged pirate by taking part in tasks from walking the plank to designing their own pirate flag.
Other events include a storytelling session full of amazing tales of the sea and faraway lands, and a performance of nonsense poetry.
Entry to the Pacific Predators exhibition is free, but museum entry charges still apply (£2 for adults, £1 for children). Some activities may incur an additional charge. For further details about summer activities, contact the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum on 01642 311211.