Dive Into Adventure!

Summer Camp 2026: June 15 – August 14

Sea Squirts

Ages 5-6

Pricing:

Half Day: $450

Full Day: $550

Half Day Holiday Week: $360

Full Day Holiday Week: $440

A 3% registration fee will be applied at checkout.

Members with Family level memberships and above will receive a 10% discount.

Week-long adventure!

Ages: 5-6 years old

Must be 5 by Sept. 1, 2026

This camp takes our youngest explorers on a week-long adventure interacting with animals, daily ocean-themed crafts, activities and games, and a treasure hunt! Each day will bring a new theme with fun-filled activities! Join us for a fin-tastic week at this half-day or full-day camp!

To keep camp exciting, we offer alternating weekly curriculums based on whether the session is an odd or even number. This ensures campers experience new activities each session, even if they attend multiple weeks.

Even Sessions: Grand Adventures
- This camp will revolve around a grand adventure. Our youngest explorers on campus will encounter friendly sea animals as they explore different ocean habitats! There will be daily ocean-themed crafts, activities, games and a treasure hunt. Each day will have a new theme related to ocean environments and a focus on fun! Join us for some summer fun in the sun at this half-day or full-day camp!
Odd Sessions: Wonders of the Sea
- This camp will teach our youngest campers about all the wonders of the sea! The week will revolve around discovering more about animals that call the sea their home. We will learn about whales, jellyfish, turtles, and more! There will be daily ocean-themed crafts, activities and games, and a treasure hunt! Each day will have a new theme related to marine animals and a focus on fun! Join us for a fin-tastic week at this half-day or full-day camp!

Camp Schedule:

Half Day: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Full Day: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Session 1: June 15 – 19
Session 2: June 22 – 26
Holiday Week: June 29 – July 2
Session 3: July 6 – 10
Session 4: July 13- 17
Session 5: July 20 – 24
Session 6: July 27 – 31
Session 7: August 3 – 7
Session 8: August 10 – 14

Neptune’s Mysteries

Ages 6-7

Pricing:

Regular: $615

Holiday Week: $490

A 3% registration fee will be applied at checkout.

Members with Family level memberships and above will receive a 10% discount.

Week-long adventure!

Ages: 6-7 years old

Must be 6 by Sept. 1, 2026

We are recruiting young scientists to solve ocean mysteries sent from King Neptune! This camp brings a new mystery each day to investigate. We will embark on a marine mammal cruise aboard the Research Vessel Sea Explorer and visit the tidepools at the Dana Point MPA. Join us for a week-long adventure solving ocean mysteries, playing fun games, and learning all about local marine life!

Even Sessions:
- There has been chaos around Ocean Institute’s campus, and King Neptune needs your help! Take a deep look into the different animals we see almost everyday in Neptune’s Mysteries. Campers will take a ride on the RVSE and explore local tide pools as we discover how these creatures survive amongst us!
Odd Sessions:
- Ready to dive in and be a detective? Solve the mysteries of the land and sea while exploring local tide pools and a ride on the RVSE! Campers will learn about different characteristics of insects and animals, and even the importance of keeping our environment clean!

Camp Schedule:

9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 1: June 15 – 19
Session 2: June 22 – 26
Holiday Week: June 29 – July 2
Session 3: July 6 – 10
Session 4: July 13- 17
Session 5: July 20 – 24
Session 6: July 27 – 31
Session 7: August 3 – 7
Session 8: August 10 – 14

Buccaneers’ Adventures

Ages 7-8

Pricing: $595

A 3% registration fee will be applied at checkout.

Members with Family level memberships and above will receive a 10% discount.

Week-long adventure!

Ages: 6-7 years old

Must be 6 by Sept. 1, 2026

Even Sessions:
- Dive into the myths and mysteries of the maritime world! This week, the Buccaneers will learn about tall sailing tales and the real-life creatures that may have inspired them! Lessons in navigation, rowing, tracking, and swashbuckling will shape the campers into a fine pirate crew. Hop on the RVSE to scout for mighty sea beasts, then search the OI campus for hidden treasure!
Odd Sessions:
- Ahoy, matey! This week, campers will strengthen essential pirate skills including knot tying, longboat rowing, cargo hauling, and even a little swashbuckling! The crew will tour the legendary Spirit of Dana Point, studying the lives of real pirates from centuries past. We’ll board the RVSE for a taste of the high seas, and wrap the week up with a test of our treasure-hunting abilities!

Camp Schedule:

9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 1: June 15 – 19
Session 2: June 22 – 26
Session 3: July 6 – 10
Session 4: July 13- 17
Session 5: July 20 – 24
Session 6: July 27 – 31
Session 7: August 3 – 7
Session 8: August 10 – 14

Ocean Discovery

Ages 8-9

Pricing:

Regular: $595

Holiday Week: $480

A 3% registration fee will be applied at checkout.

Members with Family level memberships and above will receive a 10% discount.

Week-long adventure!

Ages: 8-9 years old

Must be 8 by Sept. 1, 2026

What adaptations help animals survive in their habitats? What does it take to care for sea creatures? What does the inside of a fish look like? Find out the answers to these questions and more in a summer camp all about the ocean. Explore animal habitats and ecosystems through hands-on science labs, a two-hour whale watching trip aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, and tide pooling exploration in the Dana Point Marine Protected Area.

Even Sessions:
- Looking for a week full of ocean science, sustainability and scientific observation? During this week of Ocean fun, campers will have a variety of opportunities to get hands-on experience in each of our Labs on the Ocean Institute campus. Campers will learn about pollution through our watershed model, take a dive into the deep sea to learn how to drive an ROV, embark on a research mission aboard our Research Vessel to collect a plankton sample, and even have the chance to touch a few of our local species that live within our facility.
Odd Sessions:
- During this week of ocean exploration, campers will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with every aspect of the ocean off the coast of California. Campers will have the rare opportunity to explore the open ocean aboard our Research Vessel, experience our coastal ecosystems, tide pooling and bird watching, and even get a closer look at the insides of two ocean creatures through a guided dissection by one of our experienced instructors!

Camp Schedule:

9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 1: June 15 – 19
Session 2: June 22 – 26
Holiday Week: June 29 – July 2
Session 3: July 6 – 10
Session 4: July 13- 17
Session 5: July 20 – 24
Session 6: July 27 – 31
Session 7: August 3 – 7
Session 8: August 10 – 14

Shipwreck Hunters

Ages 9-11

Pricing:

Regular: $615

Holiday Week: $490

A 3% registration fee will be applied at checkout.

Members with Family level memberships and above will receive a 10% discount.

Week-long adventure!

Ages: 9-11 years old

Must be 9 by Sept. 1, 2026

What happens to ships lost out at sea? If you like to problem solve and uncover mysteries, challenge yourself this summer as a maritime archaeologist and discover more about the shipwrecks off our coast! Each day explores a different shipwreck, making observations, and testing questions. They’ll also sail aboard two vessels: the historic Spirit of Dana Point and our Research Vessel Sea Explorer.

Even Sessions:
- Come join us for an adventure as we seek out lost treasures. Learn about the fortunes buried at sea and gain the skills to make them your own. Pan for gold, map out your own buried treasure, and identifying famous shipwrecks are a small sample of the adventures we will go on. Our would-be shipwreck hunters are going to go out to sea on both The Spirit of Dana Point and the RVSE to get their feet wet to what a life out at sea would be like.
Odd Sessions:
- Hands Needed! Join our crew to explore vast undersea mysteries. Whether it’s driving an ROV or sailing on The Spirit of Dana Point out to open water, we are going to find out what lies beneath the open waves. Collecting sediment samples around the harbor on a longboat and seeing the mechanics of how boats work are just some of the activities we will be doing to prepare our campers to find shipwrecks.

Camp Schedule:

9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 1: June 15 – 19
Session 2: June 22 – 26
Holiday Week: June 29 – July 2
Session 3: July 6 – 10
Session 4: July 13- 17
Session 5: July 20 – 24
Session 6: July 27 – 31
Session 7: August 3 – 7
Session 8: August 10 – 14

Coastal Explorers

Ages 11-13

Pricing: $660

A 3% registration fee will be applied at checkout.

Members with Family level memberships and above will receive a 10% discount.

Week-long adventure!

Ages: 11-13 years old

Must be 11 by Sept. 1, 2026

Coastal Explorers is an unforgettable week-long adventure filled with scientific investigation, dissections, animal interactions, and tidepooling in the Dana Point MPA. We take our exploration to the seas with a sail aboard our tall ship, Spirit of Dana Point; catch-and-release fishing aboard our Research Vessel Sea Explorer; and a kayak tour around the Dana Point Harbor. Join the summer exploration for a week of hands-on science and ocean memories to last a lifetime!

Even Sessions:
- Dive into a week of exciting ocean science activities providing campers a closer look into coastal biodiversity and healthy marine ecosystems. Campers will participate in experiential learning sessions specializing in scientific data collection, an OI Bioblitz Event, marine wildlife observations aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, sailing on the Spirit of Dana Point, kayaking, and more! This week of camp encourages campers to think about the big picture when it comes to a healthy ocean, sustainable fishing methods, educational tidepooling, and how campers can take action in ocean conservation.
Odd Sessions:
- This thrilling week of camp offers participants the chance to interact and conduct cutting edge research in the newest education area at OI highlighting marine estuaries! These estuarine ecosystems are an excellent way to teach campers about the dynamic part of our coast where freshwater and saltwater mix in a blend of land and sea. Campers engage in water quality monitoring, observation of marine species found in estuaries, examination of the ways estuaries help protect our coast, and a new interactive mapping tool where campers can build a model of their own estuary! In addition, campers will explore the open ocean on the R/V Sea Explorer, sail on the Spirit of Dana Point, kayak in the harbor, go tide pooling, and more!

Camp Schedule:

9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 1: June 15 – 19
Session 3: July 6 – 10
Session 5: July 20 – 24
Session 6: July 27 – 31
Session 8: August 10 – 14

Marine Science Careers & Internship Academy

Ages 14-17

Pricing: $660

A 3% registration fee will be applied at checkout.

Members with Family level memberships and above will receive a 10% discount.

Week-long adventure!

Ages 14 – 17 years old

Must be 14 by Sept. 1, 2026

“I want to be a Marine Biologist! Now what?”

This week-long program will introduce campers to our local ecosystems, current research topics, animal husbandry, and laboratory investigations to inspire and prepare them for future careers or internships in marine science. Program highlights include sailing aboard The Spirit of Dana Point, a fishing day and marine mammal cruise aboard R/V Sea Explorer, guided animal handling and facilities tour by our animal husbandry team, and kayaking in the harbor. This camp will further prepare campers in the marine science field through resume building, data collections, specimen dissections, and a variety of team-building activities. Participants are encouraged to apply for our internship program or volunteer at Ocean Institute after summer camp!

Camp Schedule:

9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 2: June 22 – 26
Session 4: July 13 – 17

Counselor-In-Training Program

Freshman – Seniors in High School

Pricing: $400

A 3% registration fee will be applied at checkout.

Members with Family level memberships and above will receive a 10% discount.

Our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Summer Program is designed for high school students to develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. During the program, participants will work alongside camp counselors to assist with check-in/check-out, daily activities, and camper care.

CIT sessions are 3 weeks long:

Week 1: Shadowing experienced camp counselors
Week 2: Team teaching with a camp counselor
Week 3: Leading activities with counselor support

Who can Apply: High School Students (freshman – senior)

Application required prior to registration. Applications close May 1.

Camp Schedule:

9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 1: June 15–July 2 (No camp July 3)
Session 2: July 6–July 24
Session 3: July 27–August 14

F. A. Q.

General F. A. Q.

Give your child a summer of adventure and hands-on learning with Ocean Institute’s week-long camps for ages 5 to 17. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

Campers will receive a free Summer Camp Shirt and enjoy unforgettable experiences like sailing a historic tall ship, whale watching, exploring tide pools, and getting up close with sharks. Each day is packed with exciting activities that inspire curiosity, teamwork, and a love for the ocean.

Please note that some activities, such as sailing, are limited to older campers only.

The cost varies depending on the camp session. Please click on the camp you are interested in above to find out the pricing.

The camp operates from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Half day options are available for the Sea Squirts camp (ages 5-6).

Campers should bring a packed lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. A detailed list will be provided upon registration.

Meals are not provided. Campers should bring their own lunch and snacks each day. You do have the option to pre-purchase lunch from Coffee Importers for $11 a day. Lunch includes a sandwich (turkey, roast beef, or veggie) plus chips and fruit.

For the safety and security of our campers, parents cannot visit during camp sessions. If your camper requires an aid to be present during camp, please confirm with us ahead of time by emailing camps@oceaninstitute.org.

In order for the campers to be put in the same group, they will need to be registered for the same camp, during the same week. On the first day of camp, you can request for your child to be put in the same group as a friend when you drop them off. Please be aware, if there are any behavioral issues, campers may have to be separated into different groups.

All medications must be in their original container with the dosage and schedule clearly indicated.

Prescription medications require a physician’s note confirming the medication, dosage, and schedule.

Over-the-counter medications require a signed note from a legal guardian with the medication name, dosage, and schedule.

A completed Administration of Medication Form must be submitted on the first day of camp.

Certified staff members with an Administration of Medication Certificate will be responsible for administering medication to campers who require it during the day.

For campers prone to motion sickness, please administer medication before arrival or send it with your camper in its original packaging.

If your camper requires medication, please fill out the 📄 Administration of Medication Form and bring it on the first day of camp.

At Ocean Institute, camper safety is our top priority. To ensure a secure check-in and check-out process, we follow these procedures:

Authorized Pick-Up List – During registration, parents/guardians must provide a list of adults authorized to pick up their camper. Only individuals on this list will be allowed to check out the camper.
Valid Photo ID Required – All authorized individuals must present a valid photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, etc.) at pick-up.
Daily Sign-In & Sign-Out – Campers must be signed in and out each day by an adult (18+ years old).
Adding Authorized Adults – Parents/guardians may add names to the pick-up list during the camp week by contacting Ocean Institute or providing the name at check-in/check-out.
Restricting Non-Custodial Parents – If a custodial parent wishes to restrict pick-up by a non-custodial parent, this request must be submitted in writing and the individual should not be listed as an emergency contact.
Early Pick-Up – If your camper needs to leave early, a legal guardian must provide prior authorization and notify the camp administrator. Please note that early pickup will not be accommodated after 3:30 pm.

🚨 Important: Be sure to list full legal names (as shown on ID) for all authorized pick-ups. Labels such as “Grandma” or “Babysitter” will not be accepted.

Registration F. A. Q.

Registration for camp will open on February 26, 2026. You can register online through our website or contact our office for assistance. Ocean Institute members at the Family, Senior, Sea Star, Captain’s Compass, Sea Life Sponsor, and Ocean Advocate levels will have access to early registration starting February 12, 2026.

Yes, you can transfer to another camp or session (depending on availability). There will be a transfer fee of $40 for each camper being transferred. To initiate a transfer, please email guestservices@oceaninstitute.org.

Cancellations made 15 days or more prior to the start of the session will receive a 50% refund minus the registration fee. Cancellations made 14 days or less before the start of the session are non-refundable.

We will not retro-apply membership discounts for those who register without inputting member information OR decide to purchase a membership after registering for camp.

We are unable to register children for partial weeks of camp. When you sign up for camp, please select a camp where you anticipate attending the full week, when possible.

Yes! Our camps’ curriculum alternates between even and odd weeks, so your camper can have new experiences when attending multiple sessions. Families can also enjoy exclusive savings when registering a camper for multiple sessions:

$25 off per camp when registering for two or more sessions
$30 off per camp when registering for three or more sessions

The discount applies whether a camper repeats the same camp or tries different ones. To qualify, all sessions must be in the cart under the same camper’s name at checkout. (This is not a sibling discount.)

We do not refund fees for missed camp days, as your camp tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. We will not offer a refund for missed camp days camp due to vacation, illness, calendar conflicts, or personal choice.

Camp Activities F. A. Q.

Ocean Institute is a safety-conscious organization and works hard to make sure your camper’s experience is the safest possible. We have provided information on activities your child may participate in with a level of risk because of the potential for injury in any activity. Our goal is to mitigate risk, balancing fun with safety at camp, so your camper will have an unforgettable experience!

Campers participate in a variety of hands-on activities with our instructors; while Ocean Institute makes every effort to create a safe and fun learning environment, the following are activities that may need additional explanation.

NOTE: Please read carefully, as each specific activity lists which camp(s) participate. Not all camps participate in all specific activities.

Participating Camps: All Camps

Many of the camp activities will occur outside and this usually means in the sun. We provide shade for some activity areas and Ocean Institute requires sunscreen be applied in the morning before camp; campers will be asked to reapply sunscreen during the day. Campers should bring their own sunscreen and are responsible for applying it themselves; staff are available to help!

Some outside activities also take place on the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center. This floating dock contains labs where campers discover the techniques and technologies used by scientists as well as the Maritime Historical Boathouse for Maritime camp activities. Campers are always supervised, and the facility has rescue equipment readily available.

Participating Camps: Neptune’s Mysteries, Buccaneer Adventures, Ocean Discovery, Shipwreck Hunters, Coastal Explorers, and MSCIA

The R/V Sea Explorer is a federally documented and US Coast Guard-certified vessel and does not require the use of passenger life jackets. Approved Coast Guard-certified life jackets are available for use ONLY in the case of an emergency. If you would prefer your camper to wear a life jacket, you may provide your own, and staff will ensure that campers wear it; again, life jackets are not required on this vessel. There is a safety rail around the vessel, and campers are always monitored while onboard. R/V Sea Explorer is equipped with heavy scientific gear used to collect samples for camper use during cruises, and these areas are marked and off-limits to campers. Like any vessel during times at sea, the environment of the boat can be slippery and unsteady. Safety orders are given before the vessel departs the dock.

Participating Camps: Neptune’s Mysteries, Buccaneer Adventures, Ocean Discovery, Coastal Explorers, and MSCIA

Campers visit the tide pools at the Dana Point Marine Protected Area. This is a wilderness area with rough terrain, uneven footing, and slippery rocks. Slipping and falling are possible; proper footwear (close-toed, close-heeled shoes with good traction) is required. Instructors carry first aid kits and radios. Please be aware tides are generally not low enough in the daytime during the summer to guarantee observation of tide pool animals, but we do our best to explore the intertidal area!

Participating Camps: Shipwreck Hunters, Coastal Explorers, and MSCIA

Spirit of Dana Point is a federally documented and US Coast Guard certified vessel and does not require the use of passenger life jackets. Approved Coast Guard Certified life jackets are available for use ONLY in the case of an emergency. If you would prefer your camper to wear a life jacket, you may provide your own and staff will ensure they wear it; again, life jackets are not required on this vessel. There is a safety rail around the vessel and campers are always monitored while onboard. There are lines and spars under pressure, hydraulics and working pulley systems. As with any vessel during times at sea, the environment of the ship can be slippery and unsteady. Safety orders are given before the vessel departs the dock.

Participating Camps: Coastal Explorers and MSCIA

Dual sit-on-top kayaks are utilized for kayaking in Dana Point Harbor. There will be two campers per kayak; campers are required to always stay on their kayaks and wear life jackets. There is always an instructor on a separate kayak and a certified lifeguard in a safety boat supervising the activity.

Participating Camps: Coastal Explorers and MSCIA

Campers are supplied with a conventional fishing pole. The staff and captain always supervise campers and no overhead casting is permitted.

Participating Camps: Buccaneers’ Adventures

Campers will be lifted, individually, 8 – 10 feet off the deck in a traditional ship’s bosun’s chair. The chair has a safety line attached, handled by an instructor.

Participating Camps: Shipwreck Hunters

Campers practice the arts of an 1800s gunner aboard the Schooner Spirit of Dana Point‘s quarterdeck. Under the supervision of instructors, campers operate an unloaded replica cannon and gunnery tools to explore how ships defended themselves in the 1800’s.

Participating Camps: Buccaneers’ Adventures and Shipwreck Hunters

Campers row traditional long boats in Dana Point Harbor. All campers and instructors are required to wear lifejackets while in the long boat. A lifeguard in a motorized boat with a first aid kit, radio and life-saving equipment monitors the activities from the water. Campers practice rowing while tied to the dock and then apply their skills in the harbor.

Participating Camps: Buccaneers’ Adventures and Shipwreck Hunters

In the Maritime Center Barn, campers climb onto the foot ropes of a replica yard. The foot ropes are 1-3 feet off the ground with mats below and minimum risk of falling. There are gymnastics mats under the yard and the campers are always supervised.

Participating Camps: Buccaneers’ Adventures and Shipwreck Hunters

Campers handle lines to move cargo from one place to another using traditional block and tackle systems consisting of wooden blocks and synthetic lines. Campers are given line handling instructions before the activity and are supervised during by an instructor.

Save More with Membership!

Family, Senior, Sea Star, Captains Compass, Sea Life Sponsor, and Ocean Advocate Members receive early camp registration and a 10% discount on camp prices. Lower membership levels are not eligible for this offer.

Become a Member

Thank you to our sponsor, MadHippie!

Sunshine, science, and a little extra care. Thanks to Mad Hippie for helping protect our campers and the ocean they love.