Public Visitation
Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pmLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pmExplore the ocean from the water! Join the Ocean Institute for a 2-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from one of our expert Naturalists. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]
Explore the ocean from the water! Join the Ocean Institute for a 2-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from one of our expert Naturalists. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]
Take a deep dive and explore our local sharks and their surrounding environments at Sharks After Dark! Discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity. Using a blacklight discover more about bio-fluorescence and our animals. Get your hands wet in our tide pool touch tank. Explore and learn about […]
Friday, July 28 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Featured Film: Great Barrier Reef All movies are educational films by Greg MacGillivray. Cozy up on the waterfront in Dana Point Harbor for a family-fun movie, sea shanties, and more!We will kick off the event with some crowd-favorite sea shanties provided by Queen Anne’s Blouse Pirate Band […]
Senior Saturdays! Join us on the last weekend every month from 9:00am – 10:00am for Senior Saturdays. Some things just get better with age! Come enjoy the sophisticated side of ocean exploration with special hours for seniors-only. We will open an hour early just for our 55+ age community members to come enjoy our weekend […]
Explore the ocean from the water! Join the Ocean Institute for a 2-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from one of our expert Naturalists. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]
Explore the ocean from the water! Join the Ocean Institute for a 2-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from one of our expert Naturalists. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]
SHARKS AFTER DARK Join us for special admission hours every Tuesday evening June - August6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Take a deep dive and explore our local sharks and their surrounding environments at Sharks After Dark! Discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity. Using a blacklight discover more […]
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 & Refreshments available […]
OCEAN INSTITUTE AND MUSIC PRESERVES PRESENTSUMMER JAMS CONCERT SERIES Come celebrate and support two local non-profits with an intimate concert, artist interview, beer, wine, and food! The Summer Jams Concert Series is a family-friendly three-part series that takes you behind the music with an exclusive artist interview and intimate concert by the sea. Tickets will also […]
Explore the ocean from the water! Join the Ocean Institute for a 2-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from one of our expert Naturalists. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]
The Ocean Institute and three local diving organizations are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the first-ever International Scuba Day on Aug. 6, 2023, by holding a “Clean the Reef” event that will meet up at the Native Plant Garden behind the Ocean Institute.