March 2026

Sat 7

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 […]

Sat 7

March 7 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

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 […]

Sat 7

March 7 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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 […]

Sat 7

March 7 @ 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

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 […]

Sat 7

Featured March 7 @ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Dockside Drafts

Dockside Drafts at Ocean Institute 11:00 am – 5:00 pm During the 55th annual Festival of Whales, make your way to Dockside Drafts at the Ocean Institute’s Maddie James Seaside […]

Sat 7

March 7 @ 12:00 pm - 12:35 pm

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 […]

Sat 7

March 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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 […]

Sun 8

Featured March 8 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am

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 […]

Mon 9

March 9 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Tiny Tots

Calling all ocean explorers! Join us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new activities each session and […]

Fri 13

Featured March 13 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

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 […]

Sun 22

March 22 @ 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

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 your opportunity to dress, talk, and sing like a pirate. Bring your family and friends and enjoy singing along to classic and original sea shanties […]

Sat 28

March 28

Closed

We are closed today. Please navigate back to our calendar for upcoming events.