About Us
Welcome to Ocean Institute!
The Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization that educates 100,000 children, teachers, parents, and visitors annually through over 30 marine science and maritime history programs. We are located on 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Protected Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth Marine Science and Maritime History education.
The Institute includes state-of-the-art teaching labs, the spectacular Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, a historic tall ship, and an oceanographic research vessel. Immersion-based field trips range from one-hour science labs to multi-day programs at sea. All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.
Our History
The Orange County Marine Institute (OCMI) is established through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the County of Orange, Orange County Department of Education, and five community college districts. Formalized in 1978, the organization operates as a public agency, with operations managed by OCDE and oversight from a multi-agency governing board.
Vision: Connect students to the ocean through hands-on marine science and environmental education.
The Ocean Institute introduces its first summer camp programs, expanding hands-on marine science education for students beyond the school year.
The Ocean Institute launches the Tall Ships Festival, a signature community event celebrating maritime history that becomes a cornerstone of public engagement for decades.
The Ocean Institute acquires the Brig Pilgrim, a replica of the historic tall ship made famous in Two Years Before the Mast, launching immersive maritime history programs at sea.
The Ocean Institute acquires the R/V Sea Explorer, expanding hands-on ocean science programming and allowing students to conduct real-world research and exploration on the water.
Assets and operations transfer to the nonprofit Friends of the Marine Institute in Orange County, shifting from a public agency to independent nonprofit governance. In 1999, the organization is renamed the Ocean Institute, unifying operations and securing a 35-year lease with the County of Orange in Dana Point Harbor.
During this transition, the organization adopts the guiding tagline:
“Experience is the Teacher.”
The Ocean Institute adds the Spirit of Dana Point to its fleet, further expanding sailing and educational opportunities for students and the public.
The Ocean Institute launches the Adopt-A-Class program, expanding access to hands-on marine science education by providing underserved Title I students with funded opportunities to participate in Ocean Institute programs at no cost to them.
The Ocean Institute opens a new ~34,000-square-foot Ocean Education Center, significantly expanding its campus and capacity to serve students. The facility enhances hands-on marine science and maritime programming through modern labs, exhibit spaces, and immersive learning environments, while also introducing updated branding and a refreshed visual identity and logo.
A $2 million grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy, along with support from the Maddie James Foundation, enables the development of expanded on-the-water learning facilities. In 2013, the Ocean Institute opens the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Wharf, strengthening dockside programming and maritime education.
During this period, the Ocean Institute formalizes its mission:
“Using the ocean as our classroom, we inspire children to learn.”
The Ocean Institute expands beyond its core school programs, introducing greater public access through new exhibits—including Headlands and Beyond—along with expanded campus visitation and hands-on experiences for families and the broader community.
With support from the Sahm Family Foundation, the Ocean Institute develops and opens a new shark exhibit within the Sahm Marine Education Center. The ~$1 million project features a 4,000-gallon shark touch tank and interactive exhibits, expanding hands-on marine science learning for students and the public.
The Ocean Institute evolves its long-running Tall Ships Festival into the Maritime Festival, expanding the event to celebrate broader maritime history, culture, and community engagement.
Programs evolve to continue delivering educational experiences through modified operations, expanded outdoor and on-the-water learning, and the launch of a virtual learning program reaching over 10,000 participants. During this time, the Chambers Gallery gift store is relocated into the main building, creating additional space for educational programming.
With support from the Nicholas Endowment, the Ocean Institute completes the Maritime Barn and History Center, adding interactive elements such as a sailing history exhibit, gold panning stream, and rotating learning stations, expanding capacity for hands-on education.
The Ocean Institute unveils Our Ocean, Our Youth, a large-scale mural by artist NöcHe, installed on the back of the facility. Created in collaboration with the Mares Foundation, the mural highlights native marine species and ecosystems and enhances the campus through public art and storytelling.
The Ocean Institute expands its living exhibits with the addition of the Estuary Exploration Exhibit, an immersive, hands-on experience that highlights the importance of local coastal ecosystems. Designed to connect guests to the dynamic relationship between land and sea, the exhibit enhances environmental education through interactive learning and real-world application.
Coffee Importers and Ruby June Bakery open on campus, activating the space as a daily destination and increasing public visitation. This addition enhances the guest experience and creates new opportunities for community connection, engagement, and extended time on campus.
Clean Community
Ocean Institute Earns Clean California Community Designation
Leading the Statewide Zero-Litter Movement
We are proud to announce that Ocean Institute has officially earned the designation as an official “Clean California Community” from Caltrans’ Clean CA initiative. This recognition makes Ocean Institute one of a select number of communities and organizations across California to receive this honor.
This designation reflects Ocean Institute’s role as a leader in California’s Zero Litter movement, helping to reduce waste, protect coastal habitats, and keep our shoreline clean, healthy, and beautiful.
Over the past year, Ocean Institute has worked with volunteers, K–12 student groups, nonprofit partners, and our Dana Point community to reduce litter in and around the harbor, expand environmental education, implement long-term litter-prevention practices, and improve public coastal spaces for residents and visitors!
