Community Beach Cleanup – Stand Up to Trash
Community Beach Cleanup in partnership with Join us for a day of fun on the water, beach and surrounding areas to cleanup our natural world. New theme every month with […]
Public Visitation
Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pmLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pm
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World Ocean Day
Celebrate World Ocean Day at Ocean Institute!This Sunday, June 8, join us at the Ocean Institute for a special $5 General Admission day in celebration of World Ocean Day! (Children 2 and under are free.) Located in scenic Dana Point Harbor, Ocean Institute is a nationally recognized ocean education center where guests of all ages can explore marine […]
Squid Dissections
Squid DissectionsSquid DissectionsAdd-on experience for General Admission! Dive into a hands-on experience suitable for all levels of curiosity with our squid dissections! Join our expert guides who will lead you […]
Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour
Behind the Scenes Aquarium TourBehind the Scenes Aquarium TourHave you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Ocean Institute? Join us on our immersive Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour to learn all about what it takes to run an aquarium! This tour takes you beyond the eyes of the public to our […]
Kayak Harbor Tour
Explore the ocean from the water! Join the Ocean Institute for a 2-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from one of our expert Naturalists. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing Adults (14 […]
Adventure Sail
Set sail with OI for an unforgettable family adventure! Start with a muster and dive into hands-on activities like raising sail, navigation, helmsmanship, and bow watch. Enjoy a thrilling demonstration of the ship’s cannon as our crew showcases naval gunnery. This exciting program is perfect for families looking to create lasting memories on the open […]
Squid Dissections
Squid DissectionsSquid DissectionsAdd-on experience for General Admission! Dive into a hands-on experience suitable for all levels of curiosity with our squid dissections! Join our expert guides who will lead you through an exploration of anatomy and adaptations. Each dissection is 30 minutes long. Every dissector requires their own ticket and may be accompanied by 1 additional […]
Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour
Behind the Scenes Aquarium TourBehind the Scenes Aquarium TourHave you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Ocean Institute? Join us on our immersive Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour to learn all about what it takes to run an aquarium! This tour takes you beyond the eyes of the public to our […]
Featured
Dads & Donuts Father’s Day Cruise
Dads & Donuts Father's Day Cruise at Ocean Institute!Join our crew for a special Father's Day whale-watching cruise. 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; […]
Squid Dissections
Squid DissectionsSquid DissectionsAdd-on experience for General Admission! Dive into a hands-on experience suitable for all levels of curiosity with our squid dissections! Join our expert guides who will lead you […]
Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour
Behind the Scenes Aquarium TourBehind the Scenes Aquarium TourHave you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Ocean Institute? Join us on our immersive Behind the Scenes […]
Guided Snorkel Tour
Guided Snorkel Tour Explore the ocean with us! Join our semi-private guided snorkel tours and explore the stunning marine life of Shaw’s Cove! Meet at the Ocean Institute for gear […]