Public Visitation

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

Laurena G. Chambers Gift Shop

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

Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour

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 […]

Sail on Spirit of Dana Point

Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point

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 […]

Whale and Marine Life Tour

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 […]

General Admission

Ocean Institute invites you to join us for General Admission!  10:00AM – 3:00PMOcean Institute’s general admission engages the public with our rotating monthly themes! Our rotating monthly themes allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity. Explore marine mammal artifacts, interactive […]

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 […]

Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour

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 […]

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: Mad Scientists

Tiny Tots: Mad ScientistsTiny TotsCalling all Mad Scientists! Join us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new spooky and fun activities every session, with themes like bugs, physics, and the deep sea! *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with […]

Tiny Tots: Mad Scientists

Tiny Tots: Mad ScientistsTiny TotsCalling all Mad Scientists! Join us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new spooky and fun activities every session, with themes like bugs, physics, and the deep sea! *Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with […]

Harbor Hayrides

HARBOR HAYRIDESJoin us for a family fun FALL event! Enjoy live music, apple cider, temporary tattoos and trick or treating all while cruising the beautiful Dana Point Harbor on the R/V Sea Explorer! Harbor Hayrides are at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and a special Glow Cruise at 7:00pm. Cruises are 45 minutes long. Drinks will be available […]

Harbor Hayrides

HARBOR HAYRIDESJoin us for a family fun FALL event! Enjoy live music, apple cider, temporary tattoos and trick or treating all while cruising the beautiful Dana Point Harbor on the R/V Sea Explorer! Harbor Hayrides are at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and a special Glow Cruise at 7:00pm. Cruises are 45 minutes long. Drinks will be available […]