Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pmExplore 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. Must be at least 7 years old to participate. Guests under 16 […]
Tide Pool HikesExplore 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 […]
Tide Pool HikesExplore 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 […]
Looking to give back to the ocean and your community? In Partnership with StandUpTo Trash. Join us for a two-hour Beach Cleanup! Offered monthly with a rotating theme (America Recycles Day, Protecting California's Sharks, Marine Protected Areas, etc.). Check-in at Ocean Institute where Hot Cocoa and Coffee are available, courtesy of Coffee Importers. OI will provide your […]
Distinguished Speaker: David McGuire! Join us to explore California's coolest sharks with a presentation from marine biologist and director at Shark Stewards, David McGuire. He will be talking about local shark diversity, threats and global solutions to protect ocean health and sharks.Saturday, January 22nd 6:00pm - 8:00pm $15 - General $10 - Sea Star and above […]
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget. Your 2-1/2-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, takes you miles beyond the Dana Point Harbor jetty in search of marine mammals such as migrating Blue whales; large schools of playful Dolphin; the impressive sunfish known as Mola; and sleek […]
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget. Your 2-1/2-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, takes you miles beyond the Dana Point Harbor jetty in search of marine mammals such as migrating Blue whales; large schools of playful Dolphin; the impressive sunfish known as Mola; and sleek […]
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget. Your 2-1/2-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, takes you miles beyond the Dana Point Harbor jetty in search of marine mammals such as migrating Blue whales; large schools of playful Dolphin; the impressive sunfish known as Mola; and sleek […]
Tide Pool HikesExplore 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 […]
Distinguished Speaker: Marah J. Hardt! Sex in the Sea uniquely connects the timeless topic of sex with the timely issue of sustainable oceans. Through overfishing, climate change, and ocean pollution we are disrupting the creative procreation that drives the wild abundance of life in the ocean. Forget the Kama Sutra. When it comes to inventive […]
Dana Point Festival of WhalesJoin us on March 4, 5 and 6, 2022 in the dolphin & whale watching capital of the world for the 51st annual Dana Point Festival of Whales. Ocean Institute is excited to celebrate festival of whales with distiguished speakers, hands-on activities, whale watching and more!SCHEDULE OF OCEAN INSTITUTE EVENTSFRIDAYWelcoming of the Whales […]
DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES! MARCH 4 - 6 CLICK FOR WEEKEND FESTIVITIES! 10:00am - 3:00pm Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences. From sounds of the sea, to a horn shark touch tank, intertidal touch tank, and artifact exploration.Special Weekend Activities! Destination: Whale Fall Explore […]