Closed
We are closed today. Please navigate back to our calendar for upcoming events.
Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pm
Loading view.
Tiny Tots: Little Sprouts
Tiny TotsTiny Tots: Little SproutsJoin us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. For our spring session, we'll be exploring plants and pollinators! *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with their child. This is a "Mommy & Me" style class. Spring […]
Tiny Tots: Little Sprouts
Tiny TotsTiny Tots: Little SproutsJoin us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. For our spring session, we'll be exploring plants and pollinators! *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with their child. This is a "Mommy & Me" style class. Spring […]
Squid Dissections
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 Feeding
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 […]
Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CASet 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 […]
Tidepool Hike
Explore the world between tides!Join the Ocean Institute for a tidepool hike led by one of our expert naturalists. The hike will take us into the rocky Marine Conservation Area located directly behind the Ocean Institute. Families can explore the area and search for snails, crabs, sea stars, and other animals that make the tidepools […]
Squid Dissections
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 Feeding
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 […]
Tiny Tots: Little Sprouts
Tiny TotsTiny Tots: Little SproutsJoin us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. For our spring session, we'll be exploring plants and pollinators! *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with their child. This is a "Mommy & Me" style class. Spring […]
Homeschool Day
Homeschool DayOcean Institute Homeschool DayThis special weekday event is designed for homeschool families looking for an amazing field trip! This event will be similar to our weekend general admission hours, but with even more educational activities! Your ticket includes access to the following activities: Storytime: Join us for educational story time with some of your […]
Featured
Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr. Magnus Egerstedt
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 […]