Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pmIn 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 […]
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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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!
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 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 […]
July 8th: The Gumbo Brothers (New Orleans Jazz) | 6pm-9pm Join us for two fun filled summer nights enjoying an outdoor concert with the harbor and the ocean as the backdrop. Each night will feature live music, food trucks, and Station Craft Beer! More than a concert! Enjoy learning more about the musicians with Music […]
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: […]
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 […]
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 […]