Public Visitation

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

Laurena G. Chambers Gift Shop

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

Kayak Harbor Tour

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. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]

Have you had “The TALK”? – Youth Mental Health Town Hall

1 in 5 teens live with a mental health condition and less than half are receiving the support that they need. Now is the time to have The Talk. Parents, youth, and mental health professionals will come together to talk about mental health and increase awareness and support for youth. Panels will be held in […]

Kayak Harbor Tour

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. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]

USCG Narwhal Tours

The USCG Narwhal is Back! FREE TOURS ALL DAY! Free tours from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Ocean Institute Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Wharf. Tour a USCG ship - Meet the officers and crew of the NARWHAL. Visit the USCG Auxiliary Booth - meet local members - learn about joining. The Auxiliary […]

Whale and Marine Life Tour: Mother’s Day Cruise

Whale and Marine Life Tour: Mother's Day CruiseSunday, May 14, 2023 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Muffins with Mom! In celebration of Mother’s Day, complimentary muffins will be onboard during the cruise. Join our crew for an experience you will never forget. Your 2-1/2-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, […]

Kayak Harbor Tour

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. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]

Kayak Harbor Tour

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. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]

Bioluminescence Night Cruise

BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE  8:30 pm - 10:30 pm Cruises are selling out! Get your tickets today! Bioluminescence Night Cruises are only offered during the 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.* […]

Community Beach Cleanup – Stand Up to Trash

Community Beach Cleanup in partnership with Join us for a day of fun on the water, beach and surrounding areas to cleanup our natural world.  New theme every month with a guest speaker on the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Historical Wharf 9:00am-11:00am Beach Cleanup and Lunch & Learn 9:00am-10:30am Beach Cleanup 10:30am Free Lunch & […]

Kayak Harbor Tour

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. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]

Mermade Market

Wednesday MAY 24 10am - 6pmThursday MAY 25 10am - 6pmFriday MAY 26 10am - 8pmSaturday MAY 27 9am - 5pm2023 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 […]

Kayak Harbor Tour

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. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing: $28 Must […]