Public Visitation

Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pm

Laurena G. Chambers Gift Shop

Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pm

General Admission!

Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point

Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences. From squid dissections , sounds of the sea, to a horn shark touch tank, intertidal touch tank, and artifact exploration.Ticket must be purchased for all individuals (adults and children). Pricing Adults: $15.00 Seniors: $10.00 Kids: $7.50  Members receive free […]

Summer Kickoff Celebration

Summer Kickoff Celebration! June 18th 5:00pm - 8:30pm Food and drinks available for purchase, movie showings, educational partners and vendor booths! FREE EVENT - RSVP below!

4th of July Firework Cruise!

Join us on the water for Dana Points Annual 4th of July Firework show! Monday, July 4th 7:30pm - 10:00pm Guests (3 and over): $50 Toddlers (2 and under): $0

Sharks After Dark!

Sharks After Dark  July 7 & July 21 5:30pm-8:30pm Open for general admission to explore fin-tastic sharks with exclusive night activities! Sharks live a huge part of their life in complete darkness! Join us for a fun, night experience to explore biofluorescence and other fincredible adaptations sharks have to do this. Don't miss out on these […]

Summer Jams Concert

July 8th: The Gumbo Brothers (New Orleans Jazz) | 6pm-9pm Join us for two fun filled summer nights enjoying an outdoor concert with the harbor and the ocean as the backdrop. Each night will feature live music, food trucks, and Station Craft Beer! More than a concert! Enjoy learning more about the musicians with Music […]

Summer Movie Nights!

Summer Movie Night Movie: The Sea Beast Thursday, July 14 5:30pm-8:30pm (doors open at 5:15pm) Enjoy a beautiful night by the water with a family friendly ocean movie! Mingle by the fire pit, play on the playscape, and enjoy the movie. Movie will start at 5:45pm. Popcorn and drinks for sale, outside food or snacks are welcomed!  Pricing: […]

High School Internship: Open House

Stan Cummings Scholars Internship Program: OPEN HOUSE July 15th  5:00pm - 7:00pm Join us on July 15th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm to learn about our Stan Cummings Scholars Internship Program for high school students. This open house will allow you to discuss with internship mentors and the different departments you could apply to intern in. We […]

Distinguished Speaker Series: John O’Sullivan

The Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, brings interesting innovations, real-world research, exotic experiences, and delightful discoveries to the surface through powerful presentations from an ocean of experts. Speakers present on a variety of topics that align with our monthly themes. Admission includes light snacks and refreshments. Distinguished Speaker: John O’Sullivan John […]

Founders Day – General Admission

Founders Day Saturday, August 20th 11:00am - 3:00pm Ocean Institute’s annual Founders Day celebrating our Founder, Stan Cummings!  Learn about him here: https://oceaninstitute.org/stan-cummings-scholars/.  Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences. Special Founders Day Experiences:  Fish Market: 9am-12pm Visit our pop-up fish market to get your local caught seafood! […]

Distinguished Speaker Series: Chugey Sepulveda

The Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, brings interesting innovations, real-world research, exotic experiences, and delightful discoveries to the surface through powerful presentations from an ocean of experts. Speakers present on a variety of topics that align with our monthly themes. Admission includes light snacks and refreshments. Distinguished Speaker: Chugey Sepulveda Sepulveda will […]

Spirit of Dana Point Presentation + Coin Ceremony

Spirit of Dana Point Presentation and Coin Ceremony 3:45pm – Doors open- Join us for light snacks before presentation 4:30pm – Presentation begins Captain John Kraus, the project manager of the Spirit restoration and Master Captain, will walk us through the comprehensive project. The presentation will overview the process as well as show photos and tools that […]

Distinguished Speaker Series: Carlos Gauna

The Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, brings interesting innovations, real-world research, exotic experiences, and delightful discoveries to the surface through powerful presentations from an ocean of experts. Speakers present on a variety of topics that align with our monthly themes. Admission includes light snacks and refreshments. Distinguished Speaker: Carlos Gauna Gauna will […]