Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pm
Whale and Marine Life Tour
March 9 @ 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Sunday and Saturday, repeating until December 31, 2025
One event on January 20, 2025 at 10:00 am
One event on February 14, 2025 at 10:00 am
One event on February 17, 2025 at 10:00 am
One event on April 7, 2025 at 10:00 am
One event on April 11, 2025 at 10:00 am
One event on May 26, 2025 at 10:00 am
Whale and Marine Life Tour at Ocean Institute!
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget.
Your 2-1/2-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, takes you miles beyond the Dana Point Harbor jetty in search of marine mammals such as migrating blue whales; large schools of playful Dolphin; the impressive sunfish known as Mola; and sleek harbor seals and sea lions.
In addition, Ocean Institute’s professional naturalists are on hand to introduce you to the lifestyles of ocean creatures that frequent the waters off Dana Point. Hands-on activities include sorting through mud samples from the ocean floor, as well as trawling for Plankton.
Our cruises are safe and fun for the entire family, and everyone will learn something new about our ocean and the life within it.
Whale and Marine Life Tour Pricing:
Ticket: $40 | Infant/Toddler (0-1 y.o): $10
Whale and Marine Life Ticket includes access into Ocean Institute for General Admisson.
ABOUT: 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 60 marine science and maritime history programs. We are located on 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Life Conservation Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth Marine Science and Maritime History. 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.