Public Visitation

Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pm Closed

Laurena G. Chambers Gift Shop

Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pm

Summer Movie Nights!

Summer Movie Night Movie: The Sea Beast Thursday, July 14 5:30pm-8:30pm (doors open at 5:15pm) Enjoy a beautiful night by the water with a family friendly ocean movie! Mingle by the fire pit, play on the playscape, and enjoy the movie. Movie will start at 5:45pm. Popcorn and drinks for sale, outside food or snacks are welcomed!  Pricing: […]

High School Internship: Open House

Stan Cummings Scholars Internship Program: OPEN HOUSE July 15th  5:00pm - 7:00pm Join us on July 15th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm to learn about our Stan Cummings Scholars Internship Program for high school students. This open house will allow you to discuss with internship mentors and the different departments you could apply to intern in. We […]

Distinguished Speaker Series: John O’Sullivan

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: John O’Sullivan John […]

Founders Day – General Admission

Founders Day Saturday, August 20th 11:00am - 3:00pm Ocean Institute’s annual Founders Day celebrating our Founder, Stan Cummings!  Learn about him here: https://oceaninstitute.org/stan-cummings-scholars/.  Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences. Special Founders Day Experiences:  Fish Market: 9am-12pm Visit our pop-up fish market to get your local caught seafood! […]

Distinguished Speaker Series: Chugey Sepulveda

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: Chugey Sepulveda Sepulveda will […]

Spirit of Dana Point Presentation + Coin Ceremony

Spirit of Dana Point Presentation and Coin Ceremony 3:45pm – Doors open- Join us for light snacks before presentation 4:30pm – Presentation begins Captain John Kraus, the project manager of the Spirit restoration and Master Captain, will walk us through the comprehensive project. The presentation will overview the process as well as show photos and tools that […]

Distinguished Speaker Series: Carlos Gauna

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 […]

Cannon Battles

SET SAIL FOR HIGH SEA ADVENTURES! Cannon Battles Friday, Saturday and Sunday Night 4:00pm – 8:00pm (4:00pm – 4:30pm load ships) Join in the celebration of all things maritime. Step aboard a historic tall ship and set sail off the coast of Dana Point. While on board learn about maritime history and experience the thrill […]

Sails N’ Ales – Kick Off Party!

Craft Beer, Music, and Tall Ships! Friday, September 9th 6:00pm – 9:00pm  Kick off the Maritime Festival with our Sails N’ Ales event! Enjoy craft beer tasting from eight different local brewers as well as live music by The Trip, mermaid encounters, food vendor, and a prime viewing location of the visiting tall ships. Adult ticket purchase includes exclusive tasting […]

Mermaid Breakfast

DINE WITH MERMAIDS! Join us for breakfast where you will dine with mermaids. After you will experience a dazzling swim show and story time with mermaids from Sheros Entertainment. An experience you and your family will not want to miss! Festival General Admission included with your ticket. Adult(s) must accompany child. Ticket purchase is required. Pricing: Adult: […]

Maritime Festival General Admission

FESTIVAL GENERAL ADMISSION Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pmJoin the Ocean Institute for fun interactive hands-on activities that will spark curiosity in Marine Science and Maritime History! Explore our new Chambers Artifact Gallery, which is home to a variety of marine life artifacts. Learn about the history of whaling during our scrimshaw activity, you even […]

Mermaid Swim Show

BE DAZZLED! Mermaid Swim Show Saturday and Sunday 11:00pm, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 3:00pm Join our friends from Sheroes Entertainment as they dazzle with an amazing mermaid swim show. Join the show and get your own mermaid craft. An experience you and your family will not want to miss! Festival General Admission included with your ticket. Adult(s) must accompany child. Ticket […]