Public Visitation

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

Laurena G. Chambers Gift Shop

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

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 […]

Cap’n Jack’s Pirate School

"School" is back in Session! Saturday and Sunday 2:00pm Cap’n Jack’s School for Lil’ Scallywags has some new lesson plans for his pirates-in-training! Suitable for ages 8-12 years old.  Adult(s) must accompany child. Ticket purchase is required. Pricing:  Adult: $20 Child (8-14): $40 Exclusive Plush Package Add-on! Skip the lines in the gift shop and add-on to […]

Pirate and Mermaid Ball

DATE Saturday, September 10th 6:00PM to 10:00PM ADDRESS Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point Avast Ye! An Invitation to a Special Event!  Ahoy, me hearties! Ocean Institute invites you to celebrate all things maritime at our inaugural Pirate and Mermaid Ball.  Specialty libations, appetizers galore, games and challenges for booty and bounty, and merry […]

Distinguished Speaker Series: David Grant

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: David Grant […]

Mermade Market

Wednesday NOV. 2 10am - 6pmThursday NOV. 3 10am - 6pmFriday NOV. 4 10am - 6pmSaturday NOV. 5 9am - 5pm2022 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 […]