General Admission
Ocean Institute’s general admission invites the public to engage with our immersive, hands-on exhibits and rotating themes!Our rotating themes allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater […]
Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pm
Loading view.
Tidepool Hike
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 […]
Squid Dissections
Add-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 […]
Sea Star Feeding
General Admission add-on experience! Have you ever wanted to hand-feed a sea star? Join us for this interactive feeding experience at 12:00 pm where you can prepare their food alongside […]
Sea Shanty Sunday
Ahoy mateys! You are invited to sing sea shanties with the pirate band, Queen Anne's Blouse, on the Spirit of Dana Point docked at Ocean Institute’s Maritime Village! This is […]
Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour
Have 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 […]
Whale and Marine Life Tour
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget. Your 2 and a 1/2 hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean lnstitute’s 65′ research vessel, takes you miles beyond […]
General Admission
Ocean Institute’s general admission invites the public to engage with our immersive, hands-on exhibits and rotating themes!Our rotating themes allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity.Explore marine mammal artifacts, interactive exhibits, and local aquaria. Interact with a shark and ray […]
Squid Dissections
Add-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 […]
Tidepool Hike
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 […]
Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour
Have 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 […]
Homeschool Day
Homeschool Day Ocean Institute is excited to offer Homeschool Days! These special weekday events are designed for homeschool families looking for an amazing field trip! These events resemble our […]