Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pmBehind 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 […]
Explore the world between the tides!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 […]
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 […]
Add-on experience for Homeschool Day! Climb aboard one of our wooden long boats, and learn the art of rowing! Must be eight or older to participate. An adult must accompany children 15 and under. Rowing will occur at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. The rowing experience will be 30 minutes long. […]
Ocean Institute is excited to offer Homeschool Day! This special weekday event is designed for homeschool families looking for an amazing field trip! This event resembles our weekend general admission hours, with even more educational activities! Activities include: Estuary Exploration: Visit our brand-new exhibit and learn all about estuaries and the amazing plants and […]
Add-on experience for Homeschool Day! 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 person. Each […]
R/V SEA EXPLORER PARADE OF LIGHTS CRUISE Join the parade with Ocean Institute! Climb aboard the R/V Sea Explorer for a festive holiday cruise around the beautiful Dana Point Harbor during the 50th annual Parade of Lights! Dessert and hot cocoa are included in the ticket. Beer and wine available for purchase. Also includes access […]
Enjoy the holidays with the Ocean Institute at our Boat Parade of Lights Viewing Party for the 50th annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s Boat Parade of Lights theme is “Carol of the Boats”. Guests are invited to view the parade from our one-of-a-kind setting that only the Ocean Institute can provide! Join […]
Skip the crowd with this premier viewing location of the 50th annual Dana Point Parade of Lights! Small-scale experience with upscale viewing from our beautiful Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Historical Wharf that sits over the water. You will also have access to view the parade from the 1700s replica schooner Spirit of Dana […]
R/V SEA EXPLORER PARADE OF LIGHTS CRUISE Join the parade with Ocean Institute! Climb aboard the R/V Sea Explorer for a festive holiday cruise around the beautiful Dana Point Harbor during the 50th annual Parade of Lights! Dessert and hot cocoa are included in the ticket. Beer and wine available for purchase. Also includes access […]
Enjoy the holidays with the Ocean Institute at our Boat Parade of Lights Viewing Party for the 50th annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s Boat Parade of Lights theme is “Carol of the Boats”. Guests are invited to view the parade from our one-of-a-kind setting that only the Ocean Institute can provide! Join […]
Skip the crowd with this premier viewing location of the 50th annual Dana Point Parade of Lights! Small-scale experience with upscale viewing from our beautiful Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Historical Wharf that sits over the water. You will also have access to view the parade from the 1700s replica schooner Spirit of Dana […]