Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pmThe 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 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! […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
SET SAIL FOR HIGH SEA ADVENTURES! Cannon Battles Friday, Saturday and Sunday Night 4:00pm – 8:00pm (4:00pm – 4:30pm load ships) Join in the celebration of all things maritime. Step aboard a historic tall ship and set sail off the coast of Dana Point. While on board learn about maritime history and experience the thrill […]
Craft Beer, Music, and Tall Ships! Friday, September 9th 6:00pm – 9:00pm Kick off the Maritime Festival with our Sails N’ Ales event! Enjoy craft beer tasting from eight different local brewers as well as live music by The Trip, mermaid encounters, food vendor, and a prime viewing location of the visiting tall ships. Adult ticket purchase includes exclusive tasting […]
DINE WITH MERMAIDS! Join us for breakfast where you will dine with mermaids. After you will experience a dazzling swim show and story time with mermaids from Sheros Entertainment. An experience you and your family will not want to miss! Festival General Admission included with your ticket. Adult(s) must accompany child. Ticket purchase is required. Pricing: Adult: […]
FESTIVAL GENERAL ADMISSION Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pmJoin the Ocean Institute for fun interactive hands-on activities that will spark curiosity in Marine Science and Maritime History! Explore our new Chambers Artifact Gallery, which is home to a variety of marine life artifacts. Learn about the history of whaling during our scrimshaw activity, you even […]
BE DAZZLED! Mermaid Swim Show Saturday and Sunday 11:00pm, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 3:00pm Join our friends from Sheroes Entertainment as they dazzle with an amazing mermaid swim show. Join the show and get your own mermaid craft. An experience you and your family will not want to miss! Festival General Admission included with your ticket. Adult(s) must accompany child. Ticket […]
"School" is back in Session! Saturday and Sunday 2:00pm Cap’n Jack’s School for Lil’ Scallywags has some new lesson plans for his pirates-in-training! Suitable for ages 8-12 years old. Adult(s) must accompany child. Ticket purchase is required. Pricing: Adult: $20 Child (8-14): $40 Exclusive Plush Package Add-on! Skip the lines in the gift shop and add-on to […]
DATE Saturday, September 10th 6:00PM to 10:00PM ADDRESS Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point Avast Ye! An Invitation to a Special Event! Ahoy, me hearties! Ocean Institute invites you to celebrate all things maritime at our inaugural Pirate and Mermaid Ball. Specialty libations, appetizers galore, games and challenges for booty and bounty, and merry […]