Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pm
The health and safety of our campers, staff, and volunteers is and always has been of utmost importance to the Ocean Institute. In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we are constantly monitoring the status of Orange County’s public health and making decisions related to our camp programs based on the most up-to-date and scientific […]
There’s a luminous underwater world just waiting to shine! Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.* Cruise Brochure Come aboard the R/V Sea Explorer and join us at night off the coast of Dana Point to explore the nocturnal world of marine […]
Career & Leadership Club This program is for high school students and aims to give them exposure to various career pathways and leadership opportunities. Working across departments, these high school students will enhance their resumes and make important contributions to Ocean Institute. Cohorts of 6 students will develop their knowledge and skills in leadership, communication, […]
General AdmissionOCEAN INSTITUTE IS OPEN GENERAL ADMISSION SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 10:00am - 3:00pm Dive into Ocean Institute General Admission Ticket On weekends, we open the campus and welcome you to explore our site-wide, immersive journey into the mysteries of the Pacific Ocean. Come and learn all about Moon Jellies, encounter live animals in our Discovery […]
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 […]
Spooky Seas: Haunted Tales at the Ocean InstituteSpooky Seas is back at Ocean Institute with your favorite activities from the past and new experiments to satisfy your sweet tooth. See ticket options below.Spooky Seas: Evening Adventure Friday October 23rd & October 30th 5:30pm - 8:30pm During the evening adventure participants will have the opportunity to visit the […]
The Ocean Institute is pleased to offer unique locations and educational experiences for birthday celebrations. A birthday party at the Ocean Institute is an experience your child will not forget! Parties can be scheduled from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm most Saturdays and Sundays. If you are interested in booking one of Ocean Institute’s Birthday […]
Since you can’t come to Ocean Institute right now, we want to bring Ocean Institute into your meetings, happy hours, family gatherings, or virtual parties! Send us your meeting link (Zoom or other) and we will call in to bring a fun, unique experience into your virtual gathering. We are here to guide you through […]
Capture the King Tide Nature Walk capture the king Tide Nature Walk Capture the highest tide of the year and contribute to a citizen science project! 1-hour Scheduled during the highest tide of the King Tide. See available dates below. The King Tide is a common term for an exceptionally high tide. Join us […]
Native Plant Garden TourWake up and smell the sagebrush!Do you enjoy the natural wonders the coast of Southern California has to offer? Have you ever wanted to know more about the beautiful plants around you? Then join us for our California Native Plant tour! Come learn how to identify certain iconic native plants and hear […]
Holiday Small-i-day Camp!Ocean Institute offers small timeframe, small group camps with outdoor enrichment and the highest safety standards. Campers will join in on a squid dissection, create their own holiday ornament with classic maritime knots, experience fake snow through a fun science experiment, and compare squid anatomy to reindeers during our Reindeer Games! Ages: 5-10 […]
HOLIDAY CAMPS WINTER 3-DAY CAMP Monday December 21st - Wednesday December 23rd AND Monday December 28th - Wednesday December 30th 9:00am - 4:00pm NEPTUNE'S MYSTERIES 3-DAY CAMP Neptune’s Mysteries is a full-day camp for campers age 5-7 years old. Limited availability! Become a scientific investigator to unravel the mysteries of the ecosystems right here in Dana Point! […]