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 […]
Public Visitation
Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pmLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pm
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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 our staff and hand feed a sea star with this up-close encounter you won't forget! The sea star feeding is a two-part experience, the preparation […]
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 […]
Bioluminescence Night Cruise
BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm There’s a luminous underwater world just waiting to shine! Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the […]
Summer Camp 2026 Session 1
Give your child a summer of adventure and hands-on learning with Ocean Institute’s week-long camps for ages 5 to 17. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Campers will receive a free Summer Camp Shirt and enjoy unforgettable experiences like sailing a historic tall ship, whale watching, exploring tide pools, and getting up close […]
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! *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with their child. This is a "Mommy & Me" style class. Classes are offered on Mondays […]
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 beach where your expert guide will lead you through Southern California’s beautiful kelp forests. Enjoy 45 minutes in the water as our guide introduces you to the beauty of […]
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! […]
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 beach where your expert guide will lead you through Southern California’s beautiful kelp forests. Enjoy 45 minutes in the water as our guide introduces you to the beauty of […]
Kayak 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 […]
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 […]