Dana Point Festival of Whales
Join us on March 1, 2, and 3, 2024, in the dolphin & whale watching capital of the world for the 53rd annual Dana Point Festival of Whales.
Ocean Institute is excited to celebrate festival of whales with a welcoming ceremony, hands-on activities, whale watching and more!
SCHEDULE OF OCEAN INSTITUTE EVENTS
FRIDAY
5pm - Welcoming of the Whales Kickoff Ceremony and Reception
Welcoming of the Whales
The 53rd Annual Festival of Whales will kick off with a sunset welcoming ceremony by members of the local Acjachemen Nation at the Marine Protected Area beach behind the Ocean Institute.
Following the beach ceremony, a reception will be held inside the Ocean Institute.
The free event will include food trucks, a movie screening, and the Ocean Institute’s free interactive educational activities and displays.
RSVP
SATURDAY
Click event for more info!
10:00am - 12:30pm - Whale and Marine Life Tour
Join the Ocean Institute’s marine educators in exploring the ocean from top to bottom, while searching for some of the world’s largest and smallest creatures during our 2.5-hour-long marine life exploration program.
First, learn how scientists identify the largest mammals on earth based on their unique characteristics by exploring our Marine Mammal Exhibit. Then, embark on the R/V Sea Explorer to test your new knowledge as we search for whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Lastly, assist the Ocean Institute staff in collecting samples of seafloor mud and the smallest organisms on earth — phytoplankton and zooplankton! We are pleased to provide the area’s only whale watching program that allows you to be a scientist for the day!
Ticket includes access to general admission to the Ocean Institute.
Price:
$40/person over 3 y.o
Buy Tickets
10:00am - 3:00pm - General Admission
Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences, from our horn shark touch tank, intertidal touch tanks, and much more.
Special Weekend Activities!
- Meet Gray-sea!
- Our juvenile gray whale skeleton, Gray-sea, will be lowered from her usual position hanging in our Samueli Conference Center. Visitors will be able to assist with cleaning Gray-sea and learn more about artifact conservation.
- What Whale Are You?
- Take our fun quiz to find out which species of whale you are! Are you fun and energetic like a common dolphin, or fierce like an orca?
- Whale Artifacts!
- View our amazing collection of whale specimens and fossils, and learn more about prehistoric marine mammals!
- And Much More!
Ticket must be purchased for all individuals (adults and children).
Pricing:
Adults: $15.00
Seniors: $10.00
Kids: $7.50
Members receive free admission!
Buy Tickets
1:30pm - 4:00pm - Whale and Marine Life Tour
Join the Ocean Institute’s marine educators in exploring the ocean from top to bottom, while searching for some of the world’s largest and smallest creatures during our 2.5-hour-long marine life exploration program.
First, learn how scientists identify the largest mammals on earth based on their unique characteristics by exploring our Marine Mammal Exhibit. Then, embark on the R/V Sea Explorer to test your new knowledge as we search for whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Lastly, assist the Ocean Institute staff in collecting samples of seafloor mud and the smallest organisms on earth — phytoplankton and zooplankton! We are pleased to provide the area’s only whale watching program that allows you to be a scientist for the day!
Ticket includes access to general admission to Ocean Institute.
Price:
$40/person over 3 y.o
Buy Tickets
SUNDAY
Click event for more info!
9:00am - 11:00am - Stand up to Trash: Community Beach Clean-up
Stand Up to Trash Beach Cleanup
Check in at the front of the Ocean Institute to sign up and get supplies (bags, buckets and grabbers).
We encourage the “BYOB” philosophy (bring your own bucket or reusable bag, reusable gloves, water bottle or coffee cup) to help reduce any additional waste, but collection supplies will be available at check in.
Then you’re free to roam the beach, ocean or surrounding areas to clean on your own – or make it a fun group project with friends and family.
Pre-registration at www.standuptotrash.com is encouraged.
10:00am - 12:30pm - Whale and Marine Life Tour
Join the Ocean Institute’s marine educators in exploring the ocean from top to bottom, while searching for some of the world’s largest and smallest creatures during our 2.5-hour-long marine life exploration program.
First, learn how scientists identify the largest mammals on earth based on their unique characteristics by exploring our Marine Mammal Exhibit. Then, embark on the R/V Sea Explorer to test your new knowledge as we search for whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Lastly, assist the Ocean Institute staff in collecting samples of seafloor mud and the smallest organisms on earth — phytoplankton and zooplankton! We are pleased to provide the area’s only whale watching program that allows you to be a scientist for the day!
Ticket includes access to general admission for festival.
Price:
$40/person over 3 y.o
Buy Tickets
10:00am - 3:00pm - General Admission
Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences. From sounds of the sea, to a horn shark touch tank, intertidal touch tank, and artifact exploration.
Special Weekend Activities!
- Meet Gray-sea!
- Our juvenile gray whale skeleton, Gray-sea, will be lowered from her usual position hanging in our Samueli Conference Center. Visitors will be able to assist with cleaning Gray-sea and learn more about artifact conservation.
- What Whale Are You?
- Take our fun quiz to find out which species of whale you are! Are you fun and energetic like a common dolphin, or fierce like an orca?
- Whale Artifacts!
- View our amazing collection of whale specimens and fossils, and learn more about prehistoric marine mammals!
- And Much More!
Ticket must be purchased for all individuals (adults and children).
Pricing:
Adults: $15.00
Seniors: $10.00
Kids: $7.50
Members receive free admission!
Buy Tickets
1:30pm - 4:00pm - Whale and Marine Life Tour
Join the Ocean Institute’s marine educators in exploring the ocean from top to bottom, while searching for some of the world’s largest and smallest creatures during our 2.5-hour-long marine life exploration program.
First, learn how scientists identify the largest mammals on earth based on their unique characteristics by exploring our Marine Mammal Exhibit. Then, embark on the R/V Sea Explorer to test your new knowledge as we search for whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Lastly, assist the Ocean Institute staff in collecting samples of seafloor mud and the smallest organisms on earth — phytoplankton and zooplankton! We are pleased to provide the area’s only whale watching program that allows you to be a scientist for the day!
Ticket includes general admission to Ocean Institute.
Price:
$40/person over 3 y.o
Buy Tickets
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
WHALE AND MARINE LIFE TOUR
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 impressive sunfish known as Mola; and sleek harbor seals and sea lions.
In addition, Ocean Institute’s professional naturalists are on hand to introduce you to the lifestyles of ocean creatures that frequent the waters off Dana Point. Hands-on activities include sorting through mud samples from the ocean floor, as well as trawling for Plankton.
Our cruises are safe and fun for the entire family, and everyone will learn something new about our oceans and the life within.
Price:
$40/person over 3 y.o
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