Whale and Marine Life Tour
2026-08-01 09:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-02 09:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-08 09:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-09 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget.

Your 2 and a 1/2 hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean lnstitute’s 65′ research vessel, takes you miles beyond the Dana Point Harbor jetty in search of marine mammals such as migrating blue and grey whales; large schools of playful dolphin; the impressive sunfish known as mola-mola; and sleek harbor seals and sea lions.

Ocean Institute’s professional naturalists will brief you with information on our local species before boarding, and they will be on hand during the cruise to provide insight on all the marine life you encounter. Possible hands-on activities include sorting through mud samples from the ocean floor and examining plankton under the microscope.

Our cruises are safe and fun for the entire family, and everyone will learn something new about our ocean and the life within it.

Whale and Marine Life Tour Pricing:

Adults and Children: $40

Infants/Toddlers (0-18 months): $10

Your Whale and Marine Life Ticket includes access to the Ocean Institute for General Admission.

Tickets

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

General Admission
2026-08-01 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-02 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-08 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-09 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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 world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity.Explore marine mammal artifacts, interactive exhibits, and local aquaria. Interact with a shark and ray touch and an intertidal touch tank.Bring history to life and step back in time with a Sailor’s Life Tour onboard the deck of Spirit of Dana Point and a visit to our Maritime Village.

Pricing

Adult: $16Child (19 months – 13 y.o): $12Senior (55+) or Military: $14Infant/Toddler (0-18 months): Free!Elevate your experience! Select add-ons at checkout: Squid Dissection: $5 Sea Star Feeding: $10Tickets must be purchased for all individuals. Ocean Institute Members receive complimentary year-round general admission! Not a member? Click here to join today!

Tickets

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

Squid Dissections
2026-08-01 10:30 - 13:30, 2026-08-02 10:30 - 13:30, 2026-08-08 10:30 - 13:30, 2026-08-09 10:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Add-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 person. Each dissector will receive their own squid to dissect. Note: Children under 18 months do not require their own ticket to accompany a dissector.

Dissections will occur at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, and 1:30 pm.

Add-on Price: $5

Must have a General Admission ticket to participate. Add on experience ticket during check out.

Tickets

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

Sea Star Feeding
2026-08-01 12:00 - 12:35, 2026-08-02 12:00 - 12:35, 2026-08-08 12:00 - 12:35, 2026-08-09 12:00 - 12:35 (America/Los_Angeles)
General Admission Add-on Experience!

Have you ever wanted to hand-feed a sea star? Join us for this interactive feeding experience at 12:00 pm where you can prepare their food alongside our staff and hand feed a sea star with this up-close encounter you won’t forget!

The sea star feeding is a two-part experience, the preparation and the feeding. During the preparation phase, the guest will be using sharp knives. It is recommended that children 10 and under are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sea star feeding is only held at 12PM on Saturday and Sunday.

General Admission ticket purchase is required. Add experience to your cart at checkout.

Add-on Price: $10

Tickets

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour
2026-08-01 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-08 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Go behind the scenes with us!

Have 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 husbandry prep kitchen, the quarantine lab, and the life support yard, and then you’ll get to participate in a shark feeding!

Pricing

Tickets are $35 a person and include general admission to Ocean Institute!

Tickets

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

Guided Snorkel Tour
2026-08-02 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-08-06 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-08-07 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-08-09 09:00 - 10:30 UTC
Explore the ocean with us!

Join our semi-private guided snorkel tours and explore the stunning marine life of Shaw’s Cove! Meet at the beach where your expert guide will lead you through Southern California’s beautiful kelp forests. Enjoy 45 minutes in the water as our guide introduces you to the beauty of Southern California’s kelp forests and their marine life. All gear provided—just bring your sense of adventure!

Your tour includes:

Complete set of snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit)

Expert tour guide with knowledge of the cove, kelp forests, and marine species

All gear setup and breakdown handled by your guide

Pricing:

$64.00 per person. (2 person minimum)

Recommended for ages six and up. All guests must be able to swim in the ocean. Guests must secure their own transportation to Shaw’s Cove.

Tickets

F. A. Q.

Where does the tour take place?
Tours take place at Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach, CA

Where do we meet?
Your guide will meet you by the bench at the top of the stairs at Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach.

Is there parking near the meeting point?
There is limited street parking available near Shaw’s Cove. You can park on Fariview, Cliff Drive, or other side streets. There is also metered parking along PCH.

What should I bring/wear?
All snorkeling gear is provided! Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. Wetsuits are provided but are optional depending on the season. We also recommend bringing sunscreen and water.

You’ll also need to fill out and bring a copy of our Water-Based Recreation Waiver for each member of the group.

Is the water cold?
Southern California’s waters can be a bit chilly depending on the season, but the wetsuit should keep you nice and comfortable for the duration of the dive!

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, you should be comfortable swimming to enjoy this snorkeling experience. Our guides will have boogie boards available should you get tired, so you can rest and enjoy the sights from the board!

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?
Our guides are trained to support all snorkeling experience levels, including beginners!

What if the weather conditions are bad?
Safety comes first. If conditions aren’t suitable, we’ll notify you and offer rescheduling or a full refund.

How many people are on each tour?
Tours are semi-private with a small group size to ensure personal attention and safety—we have a maximum of 5 guests per guide.

Can I bring a camera or GoPro?
Yes! Waterproof cameras are welcome, but please ensure they’re secure. Guides may also take photos during the tour.

How do I book a tour?
You can reserve your spot online by clicking the Tickets button above, or by contacting our Guest Services team at (949) 496-2274 ext. 111 or at guestservices@oceaninstitute.org.

What happens after the tour?
After exploring the ocean, our guides handle the gear cleanup! We can also recommend some amazing local restaurants to enjoy – swimming can often make you hungry!

To show our appreciation, several Laguna Beach partners are offering exclusive promotions just for you. Simply show your ticket confirmation from your guided snorkel tour at the participating businesses to enjoy these special deals.

Museum of Make Believe – $2 OFF Adult Tickets

Splashes – complimentary dessert w/ purchase of lunch entrée

Soul Spark, LLC – 2 free, 1 hour coaching sessions (life, career, or both)

GG’s Bistro – 15% discount (excluding Happy Hour)

Açaí Republic Laguna Beach – 25% off

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy

Summer Camp 2026 Session 7
2026-08-03 09:00 - 2026-08-07 16:00 UTC
Dive Into Adventure!

Give your child a summer of adventure and hands-on learning with Ocean Institute’s week-long camps for ages 5 to 17. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

Campers will receive a free Summer Camp Shirt and enjoy unforgettable experiences like sailing a historic tall ship, whale watching, exploring tide pools, and getting up close with sharks. Each day is packed with exciting activities that inspire curiosity, teamwork, and a love for the ocean.

Please note that some activities, such as sailing, are limited to older campers only.

Learn More

Little Currents: Powered by OI + Rivian
2026-08-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rivian South Coast Theater, 162 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651, United States
Toddler Time at Rivian South Coast Theater

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 seeds that can ignite a love for the world around them.

There will be a structured schedule of activities each session. Each session features a fun mix of sensory play, sing-along circles, themed crafts, and interactive story time. Modeled after our popular Tiny Tots program, this pop-up experience provides a safe and welcoming space for toddlers to explore while parents connect and learn about other family-friendly offerings from Ocean Institute.

Location: Rivian South Coast Theater, 160 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach

Recommended ages 0-2 years old.Free to the Public!

August Theme:

Hydrothermal Vents

What goes on at the bottom of the ocean? The animals that live down there on the ocean floor have much different ways of life than the animals at the surface of the ocean. It’s really cold, the pressure is high, and the lava-like layer underneath the Earth’s crust creates systems called hydrothermal vents. Join us to learn more!

RSVP

Distinguished Speaker Series: Susan Sirota
2026-08-05 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
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 ranging from ocean researchers, ocean authors, ocean artists, and ocean athletes.

Light snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30pm, talk begins at 6:00pm.

Description:

Join Deputy Director of the National Maritime Historical Society Susan Sirota for an engaging exploration of the West Coast maritime image—where it came from, how it has been shaped, and why it matters now more than ever. Drawing on decades of leadership in maritime history, education, and nonprofit organizations, Ms. Sirota examines how today’s stewards and interpreters of maritime identity translate science, history, and lived experience for the public. This talk explores the challenges these organizations have faced over time, the pressures they encounter in an era of environmental and cultural change, and how a clear sense of purpose, storytelling, and public trust can help navigate an uncertain future.

Pricing:

$10 – General

FREE – Members

FREE – Students (with Valid ID)

Tickets

About Susan:

Susan Sirota is a maritime historian and nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience bringing West Coast maritime stories to life for broad public audiences. She currently serves as Deputy Director of the National Maritime Historical Society and spent nearly three decades at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where she created hands-on educational programs, curated exhibits, managed tall ship festivals, and designed and directed the Pacific Heritage Tour for the replica 1542 San Salvadore that connected hundreds of thousands of people to the Pacific’s maritime past. Deeply committed to place-based learning, Susan’s work explores how the Pacific has shaped California’s communities, culture, and sense of identity—making maritime history relevant, accessible, and meaningful for all ages.

Kayak Tour
2026-08-08 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Explore the ocean from the water!

Join the Ocean Institute for a two-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. One of our expert naturalists will teach you about the harbor’s history and unique ecosystem. All experience levels are welcome. An adult must accompany guests under 16.

Pricing

Adults (14 y.o. and up) $36

Children (3-13 y.o) $25

Must be at least 3 years old to participate. An adult must accompany guests under 16.

Tickets

F. A. Q.

What’s included?

Kayak

Paddle

Life Jacket

Ocean Institute Naturalist

What should I bring?

Moisture-wicking/weather-dependent clothing

Hat

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Water

When should I check in?

Moisture-wicking/weather-dependent clothing

Hat

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Water

Please check in by 8:45 am.

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

Adventure Sail
2026-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Set sail with OI for an unforgettable family adventure!

Start with a muster and dive into hands-on activities like raising sail, navigation, helmsmanship, and bow watch. Enjoy a thrilling demonstration of the ship’s cannon as our crew showcases naval gunnery. This exciting program is perfect for families looking to create lasting memories on the open water. Join us for a day of adventure and fun!

Tickets:

Adults – $40Children (19 mo. to 13 yrs.) – $40Infant/Toddler (0-18 mo.) – $10

Tickets

About the Spirit of Dana Point

The Spirit of Dana Point is a traditionally built replica of a 1770s privateer schooner used during the American Revolution. These ships were known for their speed and were used for smuggling. The ship is 118 feet long with a rig height of 100 feet… and 5,000 square feet of sail!

It was Dennis Holland’s dream to build an accurate replica from the period when America fought for independence. Armed with talent, determination, little money and plans he purchased from the Smithsonian Institution, he laid the keel in his Orange County yard on May 2, 1970. Thirteen years later, this fast privateer was launched and continues to sail the ocean. Everywhere you look on board is the craftsmanship and pride of early America.

Formerly the Pilgrim of Newport, the re-named Spirit of Dana Point is an excellent teaching platform where students directly experience life at sea as it has been for hundreds of years. The 118-ft. schooner is used for living history and at-sea maritime programs throughout the year.

The Spirit of Dana Point is also available for public and private charters, coastal sails, corporate team building, and filming opportunities.

For private charters, events or wedding onboard the Spirit of Dana Point please e-mail: events@oceaninstitute.org

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

Summer Camp 2026 Session 8
2026-08-10 09:00 - 2026-08-14 16:00 UTC
