Public Visitation

Hours Today: Closed

Laurena G. Chambers Gift Shop

Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pm

Dockside Drafts

Dockside Drafts at Ocean Institute 11:00 am – 5:00 pm  This summer, make your way to Dockside Drafts at the Ocean Institute’s Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Wharf. This scenic waterfront beer event is the perfect stop to enjoy craft brews while soaking in the sights and sounds of the harbor. Enjoy the […]

Recurring

Sunset Sail

Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tall ship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines, and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tall ship. During the summer, enjoy […]

Recurring

Squid Dissections

Squid DissectionsSquid DissectionsAdd-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 exploration of anatomy and adaptations. Each dissection is 30 minutes long. Every dissector requires their own ticket and may be accompanied by 1 additional […]

Recurring

Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour

Behind the Scenes Aquarium TourBehind the Scenes Aquarium TourHave 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 takes to run an aquarium! This tour takes you beyond the eyes of the public to our […]

Summer Camp 2025 Session 2

[et_pb_text content_tablet="Summer Camp Dive into Summer Camp fun! " content_phone="Summer Camp Dive into Summer Camp fun! " content_last_edited="on|phone" _builder_version="4.25.1" header_font="Titillium Web||||||||" header_text_color="#ffffff" header_font_size="42px" header_line_height="1.7em" header_3_text_color="#eb2129" custom_padding="||||false|false" text_orientation_tablet="" text_orientation_phone="center" text_orientation_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"]Summer Camp 2025 Dive into Discovery!Welcome to Ocean Institute's 2025 Summer Camp!   Give your child a summer of adventure and hands-on learning with Ocean Institute’s […]

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Tiny Tots

Tiny Tots: Ocean Explorers 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 a new animal every month! *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with their child. This is […]

Recurring

Tiny Tots

Tiny Tots: Ocean Explorers 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 a new animal every month! *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with their child. This is […]

Recurring

Kayak Harbor 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 unique ecosystem from one of our expert Naturalists. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing Adults (14 […]

Recurring

Squid Dissections

Squid DissectionsSquid DissectionsAdd-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 exploration of anatomy and adaptations. Each dissection is 30 minutes long. Every dissector requires their own ticket and may be accompanied by 1 additional […]