Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pmThe USCG Narwhal is Back! FREE TOURS ALL DAY! Free tours from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Ocean Institute Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Wharf. Tour a USCG ship - Meet the officers and crew of the NARWHAL. Visit the USCG Auxiliary Booth - meet local members - learn about joining. The Auxiliary […]
Whale and Marine Life Tour: Mother's Day CruiseSunday, May 14, 2023 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Muffins with Mom! In celebration of Mother’s Day, complimentary muffins will be onboard during the cruise. 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, […]
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.* […]
Wednesday MAY 24 10am - 6pmThursday MAY 25 10am - 6pmFriday MAY 26 10am - 8pmSaturday MAY 27 9am - 5pm2023 Mermaid Market Hosted at Ocean Institute! "Mermade Market is a hand curated marketplace with a mission to bring incredible finds from amazing creators to our customers! Our vision is to bring together likeminded lovers […]
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 […]
Whale and Marine Life Tour: Father's Day Cruise Donuts with Dad! In celebration of Father's Day Complementary donuts will be onboard during our Whale and Marine Life Tour for all participants to enjoy! Sunday, June 18, 2023 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Join our crew for an experience you will never forget. Your 2-1/2-hour […]
Lyric Opera of Orange County Presents SONGS OF THE SEALyric Opera OC returns to the Ocean Institute for a beautiful evening of sea-themed melodies & music. The evening begins with a reception, hosted by Dana Point Sister Cities, with light hors d'oeuvres and wine overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Don't miss one of the most elegant evenings […]
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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 […]
Friday, July 14 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Featured Film: The Living Sea All movies are educational films by Greg MacGillivray. Cozy up on the waterfront in Dana Point Harbor […]