Public Visitation
Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pmLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pmThe 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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. Staff and volunteers stand ready […]
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 located directly behind the Ocean Institute. Families can explore the area and search for snails, crabs, sea stars, and other animals that make the tidepools […]
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 that align with our monthly themes. Admission includes light snacks and refreshments. Distinguished Speaker: Carlos Gauna Gauna will […]
Stoked on ScienceExploring Careers in Ocean ScienceJoin like-minded peers who are passionate about the ocean. Conduct research with leading scientists in our labs and at sea aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Gain an understanding of the education and career pathways in ocean science. Empower yourself to advance your passion for the ocean into a career. […]
Welcome the Hōkūle'a from onboard the R/V Sea Explorer! Tickets are $20 a person and also include access to the sold-out welcome ceremony! 3:00pm - Board the R/V Sea Explorer We will go out to the harbor entrance to welcome the Hokule'a and escort them back to the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center dock at […]
FREE TO THE PUBLIC Hōkūle'a Arrival Ceremony 4:30 pm - Hōkule'a Arrives outside Dana Point Harbor Dana Point OC Sheriff will provide a water salute and R/V Sea Explorer will escort behind. While Hōkūle'a enters the mouth of the harbor, it will be escorted by canoe clubs to Ocean Institute's dock. 5:00 pm - Welcome […]
Stoked on ScienceExploring Careers in Ocean ScienceJoin like-minded peers who are passionate about the ocean. Conduct research with leading scientists in our labs and at sea aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Gain an understanding of the education and career pathways in ocean science. Empower yourself to advance your passion for the ocean into a career. […]