Plan Your Visit
Discover the ocean’s underwater world and California’s fascinating maritime history through fun, interactive tours and activities that indulge your curiosity.
About:
The Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization that educates 100,000 children, teachers, parents, and visitors annually through over 30 marine science and maritime history programs. We are located on 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Protected Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth Marine Science and Maritime History programs.
GENERAL ADMISSION
Saturday – Sunday
10:00am – 3:00pm
Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences. Explore marine mammal artifacts, interactive exhibits rotating monthly, and local aquaria. Interact with a shark and ray touch tank, intertidal touch tank, and a bubble tank. Bring history to life with a Sailors Life Tour onboard the deck of Spirit of Dana Point.
Ticket must be purchased for all individuals (adults and children).
Pricing
Adults: $15.00
Seniors: $10.00
Kids: $7.50
Members receive free admission!
Special Activities and Tours
Behind the Scenes Aquarium and Spirit Restoration Tours
Hatch and Release: Sea Bass Program Tour
EXPERIENCES & TOURS
Whale and Marine Life Tour
Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Tide Pool Hike
Birthday Parties
Beach Clean-ups
Venue Rentals
24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629
From the I-5 freeway to Dana Point
Traveling south from Irvine:
Exit the Pacific Coast Highway off ramp & veer right. Turn left onto Dana Point Harbor Drive and follow it to our parking lot.
Traveling north from San Diego:
Exit the Beach Cities off ramp & veer left. Turn left onto Dana Point Harbor Drive and follow it to our parking lot.
From the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH – Hwy 1) to Dana Point
Traveling south (from Laguna Beach):
Turn right on Golden Lantern, then turn right onto Dana Point Harbor Drive and following it to our parking lot.
Traveling north (from San Clemente):
Turn left onto Dana Point Harbor Drive and follow it to our parking lot.
PARKING
Car
Parking is free and conveniently located directly in front of the Ocean Institute. Unfortunately, we cannot reserve parking spaces, however, overflow parking is located directly adjacent to the Ocean Institute in the Cove Road Parking lot (free).
Overnight parking is not permitted. Chaperones may request an overnight pass from our Guest Services team.
Motorhomes, trailers, and over-sized private vehicles are not permitted.
Bus
Bus parking is located on Dana Point Harbor Drive next to the Pier parking lot. Busses need to check-in with the Guest Services team to receive their bus parking pass.