Public Visitation

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

Laurena G. Chambers Gift Shop

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

Girls in Ocean Science- Middle School

Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point

Join like-minded peers who are passionate about the ocean. Conduct research with leading scientists in our lab 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. Girls in Ocean Science is proudly […]

Girls in Ocean Science- High School

Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point

Join like-minded peers who are passionate about the ocean. Conduct research with leading scientists in our lab 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. Girls in Ocean Science is proudly […]

Extended Whale and Marine Life Cruise

Calling all naturalist! (5 hours) Join us on our Oceanographic Research Vessel, Sea Explorer, for an experience you will never forget! During this 5-hour adventure we will be in search of a variety of marine life such as whales, dolphins, sea birds, sea lions, sharks and more! Spark your curiosity and take a deeper dive […]

Marine Inventory & Collection Enhancement

Join the Ocean Institute over the course of 3 months for our Marine Inventory & Collection Enchacement program onboard our Research Vessel the Sea Explorer. This program is available for high school (14yo +) and college students to learn first-hand about the importance of research at sea and monitoring our local marine life through inventory […]

The Nautical Ball 2021 Black Tie Gala

Ocean Institute thanks Nautical Ball for being selected as Charity of Choice!  When: Saturday, October 9th at 6:30pm Where: Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663 For more information, visit:  Event website Nautical Ball is hosting their annual Ball on October 9th at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, CA. This year's theme […]

Spooky Seas Evening Adventure

SPOOKY SEAS: HAUNTED TALES AT OCEAN INSTITUTEIt’s sure to be a spooktacular time!  BOO! It’s Halloween, that time of year when we revel in all things spooky, mysterious and FANGtastic. So don’t miss out! Come to Ocean Institute to partake in the ghostly fun. It will be an evening packed with enchanted activities such as: […]

Ocean Institute Lighting Ceremony

Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point

FREE Community evening at OI!Join us for our Lighting Ceremony to kick-off the holiday season and turn on our holiday lights around the campus! Enjoy hot cocoa, touch tanks, and holiday cheer. Optional add-on: Purchase a $5.00 craft to create a light up bioluminescence ornament to take home.

Holiday Parade of Lights Viewing Party

HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS VIEWING PARTY Friday, December 10th  6:30pm - 9:00pmEnjoy the holidays with the Ocean Institute at our Annual Holiday Parade of Lights Viewing Party for the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s Boat Parade of Lights theme is “Fiesta”. Guests are invited to view the parade from our one-of-a-kind setting that only the Ocean Institute can provide! Join us for: Hot Cocoa […]

Holiday Parade of Lights Cruise

Want to experience the Parade of Lights from the water? Join us aboard the Research Vessel Sea Explorer for a festive holiday cruise around the beautiful Dana Point Harbor during the annual Parade of Lights!  This years parade theme is Fiesta! Pricing: Adults - $45 Children - $35

Yule-Tide Market

Give & shop for a great purpose this holiday season through the Ocean Institute Yule-Tide Market!  This holiday market will bring local makers, artists, and craftspeople together with the community for a unique holiday shopping experience filled with high quality one-of-a-kind handmade goods. Enjoy an eco-friendly event and purchase gifts for their loved ones in a way that will make a positive impact on […]

Merry Fishmas: Mermaid and Elf Show

Times: 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm Length: 30-minutes Join us for a musical sing-along show with a Mermaid from Sheroes Entertainment! Don’t miss out on this FINtastic experience.  Do you know how Santa delivers presents under the sea? Mermaid Cascade doesn’t either, but she wants to find out! Help her learn more as she explains what she does […]

General Admission

Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point

Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences. From squid dissections , sounds of the sea, to a horn shark touch tank, intertidal touch tank, and artifact exploration.Ticket must be purchased for all individuals (adults and children). Pricing Adults: $15.00 Seniors: $10.00 Kids: $7.50  Members receive free […]