The island's facilities are simple, attractive and designed for utility. SML generates its own electricity and maintains systems for sewage disposal and fresh and salt water distribution. It operates a compressed air system for divers and a mobile telephone unit for emergency communications. An operating staff of about ten provides dining services and maintenance for eleven buildings , numerous boats and several floats. Housing Program participants are housed two to a room in three modern dormitories with toilet facilities in each dorm.
Fresh water is at a premium, so showers are limited, but salt water bathing is encouraged.
Kiggins Commons has showers, dining and lecture halls, a darkroom, and a recreation area. The main laboratory, Palmer-Kinne Laboratory, is equipped with bench space for sixty people, both compound and dissecting microscopes, and sea tables with continuously running seawater for maintaining organisms. Two smaller laboratories are housed in the Grass Foundation Laboratory and Laighton House. The library, lecture halls, infirmary, and office are located in renovated buildings which also house the academic and operating staffs. The kitchen is noted for its hearty cuisine, particularly fresh, local seafood dishes.