Public Visitation
Hours Today: ClosedLaurena G. Chambers Gift Shop
Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pmSquid 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Welcoming of the Whales March 7 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm The Festival of Whales Foundation and Ocean Institute invite you to a sunset welcoming of the whales ceremony by members of the local Acjachemen Nation out at the Marine Protected Area behind Ocean Institute. A reception will be held inside the Ocean Institute […]
Set sail with OI for an unforgettable family adventure! Start with a muster and dive into hands-on activities like raising sail, navigation, helmsmanship, and bow watch. Enjoy a thrilling demonstration of the ship’s cannon as our crew showcases naval gunnery. This exciting program is perfect for families looking to create lasting memories on the open […]
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 […]
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 […]
Dockside Drafts at Ocean Institute March 8 and 9 11:00am – 4:00pm During the Festival of Whales weekend, make your way to Dockside Drafts at the Ocean Institute’s Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Wharf. This scenic waterfront beer event is the perfect stop to enjoy craft brews while soaking in the sights and […]
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 […]
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-10:30am Beach Cleanup 10:30am Free Lunch & Learn at Ocean Institute
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 […]
Dockside Drafts at Ocean Institute March 8 and 9 11:00am – 4:00pm During the Festival of Whales weekend, make your way to Dockside Drafts at the Ocean Institute’s Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Wharf. This scenic waterfront beer event is the perfect stop to enjoy craft brews while soaking in the sights and […]
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 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 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 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 […]
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 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 […]
Ocean Institute's Annual Fundraising Gala CASINO ROYALE Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 6:00pm - 10:00pmJOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF GLAMOUR, HIGH STAKES, AND PURPOSE AT THE CASINO ROYALE GALA! JOIN US FOR A DAZZLING BLACK-TIE EVENING SUPPORTING THE OCEAN INSTITUTE’S VITAL MISSION. PICK A CARD AT THE JEWELRY JACKPOT FEATURING STUNNING PIECES FROM TACORI, TRY […]
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 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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]