Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 9:30am - 3:00pmSHARKS AFTER DARK Join us this summer for special admission hours every Tuesday and Thursday evening June - August5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Take a deep dive and explore our local sharks and their surrounding environments at Sharks After Dark! Discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity. Using […]
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 ranging from ocean researchers, ocean authors, ocean artists, and ocean athletes. Light snacks & refreshments available […]
Tiny Tots: Ocean ExplorersTiny TotsCalling all Ocean Explorers! Join us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new activities each session & expand into a new animal every month! (Formerly known as Junior Naturalists). *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend […]
SHARKS AFTER DARK Join us this summer for special admission hours every Tuesday and Thursday evening June - August5:30 PM - 8:30 PM 8/6 and 8/8 Only - Bioluminescence Night! Take a deep dive and explore our local sharks and their surrounding environments at Sharks After Dark! Discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, […]
Kayak Harbor Tour with REIExplore the ocean from the water!The Ocean Institute is proud to partner with REI to offer kayak tours of the Dana Point Harbor! "The coast of Southern California is teeming with sea life - from bright orange Garibaldi, pelicans, and even bottlenose dolphins. The sandy shoreline opens up to the Pacific […]
Founders DaySaturday, August 1010:00am - 3:00pm Ocean Institute’s annual Founders Day celebrating our Founder, Stan Cummings! Learn about him here: https://oceaninstitute.org/stan-cummings-scholars/. Ocean Institute is excited to open up our doors and welcome anyone and everyone to a day of live music, food, drinks, ocean education, animal encounters, and an opportunity to learn and sign up for all […]
Whale and Marine Life Tour at Ocean Institute!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, takes you miles beyond the Dana Point Harbor jetty in search of marine mammals such as migrating blue whales; large schools of playful Dolphin; the […]
Squid DissectionsSquid DissectionsAdd-on experience for General Admission! Dive into a hands-on experience suitable for all levels of curiosity with our squid dissections! Join our expert guides who will lead you through an exploration of anatomy and adaptations. Each dissection is 30 minutes long. Every dissector requires their own ticket and may be accompanied by 1 additional […]
Sea Star FeedingSea Star FeedingGeneral Admission add-on experience! Have you ever wanted to hand-feed a sea star? Join us for this interactive feeding experience where you can prepare their food alongside our staff and hand feed a sea star with this up-close encounter you won't forget! Every feeder requires their own ticket and may be […]
Founder's Day Harbor CruiseJoin our crew for an experience you will never forget. This 45-minute cruise aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, takes you around the picturesque Dana Point Harbor. Ocean Institute’s professional naturalists are on hand to introduce you to the harbor's inhabitants, from seabirds to sealions. Our cruises are […]
Behind the Scenes Aquarium TourBehind the Scenes Aquarium TourHave you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Ocean Institute? Join us on our immersive Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour to learn all about what it takes to run an aquarium! This tour takes you beyond the eyes of the public to our […]
Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tallship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines, and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tallship. Must be 4 y.o or older […]