Public Visitation
Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pmLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pmSenior Saturdays! Join us on the last weekend every month from 9:00am – 10:00am for Senior Saturdays. Some things just get better with age! Come enjoy the sophisticated side of ocean exploration with special hours for seniors-only. We will open an hour early just for our 55+ age community members to come enjoy our weekend […]
Ocean Institute invites you to join us for General Admission! 10:00AM – 3:00PMOcean Institute’s general admission engages the public with our rotating monthly themes! Our rotating monthly themes allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity. Staff and volunteers stand ready […]
Explore the world between 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 Conservation 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 tidepools […]
Ocean Institute invites you to join us for General Admission! 10:00AM – 3:00PMOcean Institute’s general admission engages the public with our rotating monthly themes! Our rotating monthly themes allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity. Staff and volunteers stand ready […]
Explore the world between 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 Conservation 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 tidepools […]
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 […]
Stoked on ScienceExploring Careers in Ocean ScienceJoin like-minded peers who are passionate about the ocean. Conduct research with leading scientists in our labs and at sea aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Gain an understanding of the education and career pathways in ocean science. Empower yourself to advance your passion for the ocean into a career. […]
Welcome the Hōkūle'a from onboard the R/V Sea Explorer! Tickets are $20 a person and also include access to the sold-out welcome ceremony! 3:00pm - Board the R/V Sea Explorer We will go out to the harbor entrance to welcome the Hokule'a and escort them back to the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center dock at […]
FREE TO THE PUBLIC Hōkūle'a Arrival Ceremony 4:30 pm - Hōkule'a Arrives outside Dana Point Harbor Dana Point OC Sheriff will provide a water salute and R/V Sea Explorer will escort behind. While Hōkūle'a enters the mouth of the harbor, it will be escorted by canoe clubs to Ocean Institute's dock. 5:00 pm - Welcome […]
Stoked on ScienceExploring Careers in Ocean ScienceJoin like-minded peers who are passionate about the ocean. Conduct research with leading scientists in our labs and at sea aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Gain an understanding of the education and career pathways in ocean science. Empower yourself to advance your passion for the ocean into a career. […]
FREE TO THE PUBLIC Hōkūle'a Dockside Canoe Tours Come aboard the legendary Hōkūleʻa and meet the crew circumnavigating the Pacific on the Moananuiākea Voyage.About Hōkūleʻa and the Moananuiākea Voyage: The Hōkūleʻa is a symbol of the Hawaiian cultural renaissance and a vessel that pays homage to the ancient Polynesian navigators who used the stars, winds, and natural […]
Disney's Moana Screening with the Crew! Doors open at 4:30pm 5:00pm-6:45pm: Screening of Moana 6:45pm: Movie commentary with the Hōkūle'a crew Join us for an enchanting evening celebrating the cultural richness of Disney's "Moana" with a special screening followed by exclusive commentary from the crew aboard the iconic Polynesian voyaging canoe, Hōkūle'a. Experience the magic of […]