Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena 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 […]
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 […]
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’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 […]
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE *subject to change FRIDAYSpecial Ticketed Experiences 4:00pm - 8:00 pm - Cannon Battles 6:00pm - 9:00pm - Sails N' Ales Kick Off Party - Craft Beer from breweries, live music, food and more! SATURDAY 8:30am - 10:00am - Mermaid Breakfast (ticket purchase required) 10:00am - 4:00pm - Maritime Festival Opens! Free Areas Beer Garden Sailor […]
BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm Cruises are selling out! Get your tickets today! Bioluminescence Night Cruises are only offered during the summer months. There’s a luminous underwater world just waiting to shine! Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.* […]
BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm Cruises are selling out! Get your tickets today! Bioluminescence Night Cruises are only offered during the summer months. There’s a luminous underwater world just waiting to shine! Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.* […]
BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm Cruises are selling out! Get your tickets today! Bioluminescence Night Cruises are only offered during the summer months. There’s a luminous underwater world just waiting to shine! Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.* […]
Founders Day Sunday, September 17 10:00am - 7:00pm Ocean Institute’s annual Founders Day celebrating our Founder, Stan Cummings! Learn about him here: https://oceaninstitute.org/stan-cummings-scholars/. Ocean Institute is excited to open up our doors and welcome anyone and everyone to a day of live music, food, drinks, ocean education, animal encounters, and an opportunity to learn and sign up […]
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 a guest speaker on the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Historical Wharf 9:00am-11:00am Beach Cleanup and Lunch & Learn 9:00am-10:30am Beach Cleanup 10:30am Free Lunch & […]
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 […]
Homeschool DayOcean Institute Homeschool dayThis special weekday event is designed for homeschool families looking for an amazing field trip! This event will be similar to our weekend general admission hours, but with even more educational activities! Your ticket includes access to the following activities: Marine Mammal Characteristics: check out our amazing collection of marine mammal […]