Public Tours and Experiences
Whale and Marine Life Tour
(2 hours)
Join the crew of the Research Vessel Sea Explorer for a Whale Watching experience you will never forget. See whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more as you explore the Pacific Ocean. Our cruises are safe and fun for the entire family, and everyone will learn something new about our oceans and the life within.
For private charters, events or wedding onboard the R/V Sea Explorer please e-mail: events@oceaninstitute.org
**Included with ticket purchase is general admission to Ocean Institute’s indoor facilities for the day.
About the R/V Sea Explorer
The 65-foot Research Vessel Sea Explorer is an educational floating lab equipped with underwater cameras, an acoustic hydrophone, onboard computers, video microscopes, touch tanks, and a viewing aquarium. A bowsprit over the water provides any passenger with a breathtaking view of dolphins, whales, and sea lions.
Research conducted aboard the vessel is integrated into our program curriculum. There is not a more hands-on and poignant learning opportunity for students than to participate in authentic statewide research collaborations such as the projects we have with the California Department of Public Health and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Bioluminescence Night Cruise
Summer months only
(2 hours)
Bioluminescence Night Cruises are only offered during summer months.
There’s a luminous underwater world just waiting to shine! Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.*
Come aboard the R/V Sea Explorer and join us at night off the coast of Dana Point to explore the nocturnal world of marine birds, sea lions, and bioluminescent plankton. A meter net is deployed 600 feet deep to capture thousands of these drifting organisms which have the ability to make their own light. Also, witness the food chain under our deployed squid light–from the tiniest of plankton, to fish and squid–and at times the sea lions and dolphin who feed on them!
*Please be advised that forces of nature determine the abundance of bioluminescence at any given time.
Tall Ship Sails
Spirit of Dana Point
Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tallship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines, and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tallship.
For private charters, events or wedding onboard the Spirit of Dana Point please e-mail: events@oceaninstitute.org
**Included with ticket purchase is general admission to Ocean Institute’s indoor facilities for the day.
About the Spirit of Dana Point
The Spirit of Dana Point is a traditionally built replica of a 1770s privateer schooner used during the American Revolution. These ships were known for their speed and were used for smuggling. The ship is 118 feet long with a rig height of 100 feet… and 5,000 square feet of sail!
It was Dennis Holland’s dream to build an accurate replica from the period when America fought for independence. Armed with talent, determination, little money and plans he purchased from the Smithsonian Institution, he laid the keel in his Orange County yard on May 2, 1970. Thirteen years later, this fast privateer was launched and continues to sail the ocean. Everywhere you look on board is the craftsmanship and pride of early America.
Formerly the Pilgrim of Newport, the re-named Spirit of Dana Point is an excellent teaching platform where students directly experience life at sea as it has been for hundreds of years. The 118-ft. schooner is used for living history and at-sea maritime programs throughout the year.
The Spirit of Dana Point is also available for public and private charters, coastal sails, corporate team building, and filming opportunities.
For private charters, events or wedding onboard the Spirit of Dana Point please e-mail: events@oceaninstitute.org
TIDE POOL HIKE
2-hours
Only scheduled during low tide. Please click button below to see available dates.
Join the Ocean Institute for a tidepool hike led by one of our expert naturalists.
The hike will take us into the rocky Marine Protected Area located directly behind the Ocean Institute. Families can explore the area and search for snails, crabs, sea stars, and other animals that make the tidepools their home. The winter months are the best time to explore these magical marine ecosystems!
Please sign-up in advance as space is limited. Walk-ins will only be allowed when space is available.
BEHIND THE SCENES: AQUARIUM TOUR
1 hour
Explore the inner world of the Ocean Institute! Go behind-the-scenes in our aquarium with over 140 different species and learn more about their care and feeding from our expert guides.
BEHIND THE SCENES: SPIRIT TOUR
Sundays from 1pm to 2pm
Step aboard the Spirit of Dana Point and embark on a captivating behind-the-scenes tour of a historically accurate 1700’s schooner! Learn more about how she was built, and the details of her recent restoration!
