Closed for General Admission
We are closed to the public on this day. Sorry for the inconvenience! Please check our calendar for other upcoming events!
Public Visitation
Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pmLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pmJazz 2022
Sponsored by: Community Supporters Our founders had a simple mission with relentless conviction – “Using the Ocean as Our Classroom, We Inspire Children to Learn” To that end, we provide unique deep-dive, hands-on learning experiences that leave an impression on children across decades and generations. From touching sea stars to observing majestic marine mammals for the first time; […]
Distinguished Speaker Series: Steve LaDochy
Distinguished Speaker: Steve LaDochy Dr. Steve LaDochy, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Geosciences & Environment California State University, Los Angeles Come learn about extreme weather from an expert meteorologist and ask your questions! Explore extreme weather with an expert meteorologist! Talk tornadoes, learn about lightning, and seek out storms with us - learn about weather, what goes […]
Closed for General Admission
We are closed for General Admission. Please navigate back to our calendar for upcoming events.
Community Beach Cleanup
In Partnership with Stand Up to Trash Check-in at Baby Beach Bags and grabbers will be provided, reusable gloves encouraged! Fresh coffee, hot chocolate and donuts provided by Coffee Importers (participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable cup!) or Check-in at Ocean Institute Bags, buckets and grabbers will be provided, reusable gloves encouraged! We […]
Kayak Tours
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. Must be at least 3 years old to participate. Guests under 16 […]
Bioluminescence Night Cruise
BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE Summer months only (2 hours) Bioluminescence Night Cruises are only offered during 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.* Come aboard the R/V Sea Explorer and join us […]
Bioluminescence Night Cruise
BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE Summer months only (2 hours) Bioluminescence Night Cruises are only offered during 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.* Come aboard the R/V Sea Explorer and join us […]
General Admission!
Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana PointOcean 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 […]
Summer Kickoff Celebration
Summer Kickoff Celebration! June 18th 5:00pm - 8:30pm Food and drinks available for purchase, movie showings, educational partners and vendor booths! FREE EVENT - RSVP below!
4th of July Firework Cruise!
Join us on the water for Dana Points Annual 4th of July Firework show! Monday, July 4th 7:30pm - 10:00pm Guests (3 and over): $50 Toddlers (2 and under): $0
Sharks After Dark!
Sharks After Dark July 7 & July 21 5:30pm-8:30pm Open for general admission to explore fin-tastic sharks with exclusive night activities! Sharks live a huge part of their life in complete darkness! Join us for a fun, night experience to explore biofluorescence and other fincredible adaptations sharks have to do this. Don't miss out on these […]