Public Visitation

Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pm Closed

Laurena G. Chambers Gift Shop

Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pm

Sail on Spirit of Dana Point

Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point

Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tallship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines, and […]

Whale and Marine Life Tour

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, […]

General Admission

Ocean Institute invites you to join us for General Admission!  10:00AM – 3:00PMOcean Institute’s general admission engages the public with our rotating monthly themes! Our rotating monthly themes allow visitors […]

Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour

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 […]

Sea Star Feeding

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 Spirit Restoration Tour

Come aboard the Spirit of Dana Point and learn all about her history along with the restoration process. This dockside guided tour will take you into the lives of those […]

Whale and Marine Life Tour

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, […]

Tidepool Hike

Explore 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 […]

General Admission

Ocean Institute invites you to join us for General Admission!  10:00AM – 3:00PMOcean Institute’s general admission engages the public with our rotating monthly themes! Our rotating monthly themes allow visitors […]

Junior Naturalists

Junior NaturalistsJunior Naturalists  Calling all Junior Naturalists! Join us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new activities […]

Junior Naturalists

Junior NaturalistsJunior Naturalists  Calling all Junior Naturalists! Join us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new activities […]

Whale and Marine Life Tour

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, […]