Venue Rental

MADDIE JAMES MARITIME WHARF:

• Access to the space for three hours total – this includes setup & cleanup.
• Choice between two layouts:
  • Layout 1: 10 cocktail tables and two rectangular tables for refreshments
  • Layout 2: Round tables with seating for 30 guests and two rectangular tables for refreshments
• Black linens for tables
• Bluetooth speakers for music
• Up to 60 guests
• COST: $1,100

*All rentals are subject to a 10% county rental tax, a 3% booking fee, and a $200 service fee in addition to the hourly rate.

SURF DECK:

• Access to the space for three hours total – this includes setup & cleanup.
• Choice of the following layouts:
  • Six 72” round tables with 10 chairs per table plus two rectangular tables for refreshments
  • 60 chairs setup classroom style (facing the front of the room), three cocktail tables in the back of the room, plus two rectangular tables for refreshments.
  • 10 cocktail tables setup throughout the room plus two rectangular tables for refreshments
• Black linens for tables
• Caterers and bartenders may be utilized per Ocean Institute Event Agreement but must be setup/cleaned up within the three-hour time limit.
• COST: $1500

SAMUELI CONFERENCE CENTER & COURTYARD:

• Access to the space for four hours total – this includes setup & cleanup.
• Standard Package includes:
  • Up to 200 chairs classroom style in Samueli + 10 Cocktail Tables in the Courtyard
  • Use of screen for slideshow
  • Audio system with microphones
  • Firepit on in courtyard
  • Black linens for tables
• Deluxe Package includes:
  • Seating for up to 150 at round tables with chairs + 10 Cocktail Tables in the Courtyard with black linens
  • Use of screen, microphones, speakers, and firepit as outlined in standard package.

• Caterers and bartenders may be utilized per Ocean Institute Event Agreement but must be setup/cleaned up within the four-hour time limit.
• STANDARD PACKAGE: $2500
• DELUXE PACKAGE: $2800

BURIAL AT SEA

• 2 hour use of vessel
  • We offer the use of our research vessel, Sea Explorer, for the spreading of ashes and burial at sea.
  • The client is required to provide a copy of the death certificate, a Permit for Disposition of Cremated Human Remains (HSC 103050), (HSC 103055), and a signed Ocean Institute release form.
  • Anything that will be thrown into the ocean with the ashes must be biodegradable.
  • We will accommodate location requests as long as they are 3 miles offshore and reachable within the time frame.
• CAPACITY: 45 people
• COST: $2,000

*All rentals are subject to a 10% county rental tax, a 3% booking fee, and a $200 service fee in addition to the hourly rate.

Samueli Lecture Hall & Conference Center

Conference Center Features:

This space transforms into an extravagant dining room, wedding hall or banquet, and includes an outside courtyard overlooking the Dana Point harbor. This picturesque venue offers up incredible photo opportunities.

• Ideal for weddings, receptions, seminars, conferences, meetings, team-building seminars, and more.
• Spectacular view of Dana Point Harbor and the Headlands
• Single-story space with vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling windows
• Approximately 3,000 sq. feet

• Audio visual system capable of accommodating any medium
• Home of “Gray-Sea,” a majestic 25 foot Gray-Whale Skeleton
• Photos depict rental chairs provided by client.

Courtyard Features:

• Adjacent outdoor space is included in the rental of the conference center
• Approximately 2,000 square feet
• Gas-powered fire-pit and seating
• Tidepool tank with local marine life
• Seats up to 100 additional guests

Rates:

• Mon-Thurs: $1500 per hour
• Fri-Sun: $2000 per hour
• Included in this fee is the following:
  • Use of both spaces and the firepit
  • 1 event walkthrough of the space prior to the event
  • Tables & Chairs
  • Black linens for tables
  • Tables & chairs setup to your preferred layout before your arrival
  • Use of our catering kitchen for caterers
  • A staff member present to assist as needs arise, tend to restrooms, etc.
• All rentals are subject to a 10% county rental tax, a 3% booking fee, and a $200 service fee in addition to the hourly rate.

Capacity:

The room can comfortably seat up to 180 persons seated at tables, up to 220 people in theater style seating, and up to 250 people standing.

Surf Deck

Nestled next to the Headlands, the Surf Deck is a covered, open-air space on the second level of our facility, with 180-degree views of the ocean and the harbor. This is an indoor space with open-air windows, built in benches, plenty of space for tables & chairs, and a balcony for guests to sit facing the ocean.

Rates:

• Mon-Thurs: $650 per hour
• Fri-Sun: $1,000 per hour
• Included in this fee is the following:
  • 1 event walkthrough of the space prior to the event
  • Tables & Chairs
  • Black linens for tables
  • Tables & chairs setup to your preferred layout before your arrival
  • Use of our catering kitchen for caterers
  • A staff member present to assist as needs arise, tend to restrooms, etc.
  • Usage of private restrooms only accessible to your event party
• All rentals are subject to a 10% county rental tax, a 3% booking fee, and a $200 service fee in addition to the hourly rate.

Capacity:

The Surf Deck comfortably seats ~60 people at round tables or up to 80 persons standing.

Executive Boardroom

Ocean Institute’s boardroom is a great way to brighten up any meeting! Comfortably seating 12 guests around a large wooden table or 18 in the room with a balcony to enjoy the ocean and harbor view, you can bring your team offsite to reconnect and rejuvenate. The room includes a Smart TV with HDMI, AirPlay, and USB capabilities as well as a sound bar to play videos and sound clips. The boardroom is on the second floor of Ocean Institute’s main building with restrooms and water fountains just down the hall.

Rates:

Mon-Fri: $120 per hour
Sat-Sun: $175 per hour
Hourly rate from 8AM-5PM. Extended hours available for an additional fee ($200 per hour)

All rentals are subject to a 10% tax and a 3% booking fee in addition to the hourly rate.

Capacity:

Accommodates up to 12 around the conference table and 18 with additional seating.

Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Maritime Wharf

This outdoor space is about as waterfront as you can get! Connected to our dock leading into Dana Point Harbor, you can watch boats, kayakers, and wildlife enjoying the water all from your seat. This beautiful open-air space has views of the entire harbor and the jetty beyond it. The wharf features working replicas of tall-ship sails, barrels, and other ship features that can be great décor or can remain covered under linen covers.

Rates:

Mon-Thurs: $550 per hour
Fri-Sun: $880 per hour

Included in this fee is the following:

• 1 event walkthrough of the space prior to the event
• Tables & Chairs
• Black linens for tables
• Tables & chairs setup to your preferred layout before your arrival
• Use of our catering kitchen for caterers
• A staff member present to assist as needs arise, tend to restrooms, etc.

All rentals are subject to a 10% tax, a 3% booking fee, and a $200 service fee in addition to the hourly rate.

Capacity:

The wharf comfortably seats up to 60 people or accommodates up to 80 persons standing.