General Admission
Ocean Institute’s general admission invites the public to engage with our immersive, hands-on exhibits and rotating themes!Our rotating themes allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater […]
Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pmOcean Institute’s general admission invites the public to engage with our immersive, hands-on exhibits and rotating themes!Our rotating themes allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater […]
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 […]
Sea Star FeedingSea Star FeedingGeneral Admission add-on experience! Have you ever wanted to hand-feed a sea star? Join us for this interactive feeding experience where you can prepare their food […]
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 […]
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 as you take in […]
Whale and Marine Life Tour at Ocean Institute!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 […]
Ocean Institute’s general admission invites the public to engage with our immersive, hands-on exhibits and rotating themes!Our rotating themes allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater […]
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 […]
Explore the world between the 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 Protected 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 […]
Sea Star FeedingSea Star FeedingGeneral Admission add-on experience! Have you ever wanted to hand-feed a sea star? Join us for this interactive feeding experience where you can prepare their food alongside our staff and hand feed a sea star with this up-close encounter you won't forget! Every feeder requires their own ticket and may be […]
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 […]
Ocean Institute is thrilled to partner with Rivian during their Toddler Time Wednesdays at the Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach! Little Currents: Powered by OI + Rivian is designed for children aged 0-2. This engaging program introduces little ones to ocean-inspired sensory experiences that foster early development and parent-child bonding and plant the […]