Public Visitation
Hours Today: Open 10:00am - 3:00pmLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pmOcean 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
R/V SEA EXPLORER PARADE OF LIGHTS CRUISE Want to experience it from the water? Book a ticket on the R/V Sea Explorer for a festive holiday cruise around the beautiful Dana Point Harbor during the annual Parade of Lights! Desserts are included in the ticket. Beer and wine for purchase Pricing: Adults: $65 Children (19 months - 13 y.o): […]
HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS VIEWING PARTY Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14 6:30 pm - 10:00 pmEnjoy the holidays with the Ocean Institute at our Annual Holiday Parade of Lights Viewing Party for the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s Boat Parade of Lights theme is “Carnival”. Guests are invited to […]
PREMIER VIEWING LOCATION Dana Point Parade of Lights Viewing Party Friday, December 13th 6:30pm – 10:00pm Skip the crowd with this premier viewing location of the 49th annual Dana Point Parade of Lights! Small-scale experience with upscale viewing from our beautiful Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Historical Wharf that sits over the water. You […]
R/V SEA EXPLORER PARADE OF LIGHTS CRUISE Want to experience it from the water? Book a ticket on the R/V Sea Explorer for a festive holiday cruise around the beautiful Dana Point Harbor during the annual Parade of Lights! Desserts are included in the ticket. Beer and wine for purchase Pricing: Adults: $65 Children (19 months - 13 y.o): […]
HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS VIEWING PARTY Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14 6:30 pm - 10:00 pmEnjoy the holidays with the Ocean Institute at our Annual Holiday Parade of Lights Viewing Party for the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s Boat Parade of Lights theme is “Carnival”. Guests are invited to […]
Young Donors DayCelebrating Young DonorsWe want to inspire the next generation of philanthropists this holiday season. That's why we are celebrating our first Young Donors Day- a day all about teaching children what it means to donate and support the things they love. From December 20 until the end of the year, all young donors […]
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 […]
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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Ocean Institute invites you to join us for General Admission! 10:00AM – 3:00PMOcean Institute’s general admission invites the public to engage with our immersive, hands-on exhibits and rotating themes! Our rotating 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]