Founder’s Day Harbor Cruise
Founder's Day Harbor CruiseJoin our crew for an experience you will never forget. This 45-minute cruise aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, takes you around the […]
Public Visitation
Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pmLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pm
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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 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 […]
Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CASet 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 […]
Founder’s Day Harbor Cruise
Founder's Day Harbor CruiseJoin our crew for an experience you will never forget. This 45-minute cruise aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, takes you around the picturesque Dana Point Harbor. Ocean Institute’s professional naturalists are on hand to introduce you to the harbor's inhabitants, from seabirds to sealions. Our cruises are […]
Community Beach Cleanup – Stand Up to Trash
Community Beach Cleanup in partnership with Join us for a day of fun on the water, beach and surrounding areas to cleanup our natural world. New theme every month with […]
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, 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 […]
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 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 […]
Squid Dissections
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
Summer Camp 2024 Session 8
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Tiny Tots
Tiny Tots: Ocean ExplorersTiny TotsCalling all Ocean Explorers! Join us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new activities each session & expand into a new animal every month! (Formerly known as Junior Naturalists). *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend […]