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Plan Your Experience

Welcome to Ocean Institute

All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.

All public, ticketed events are subject to a 3% ticketing fee.

General Admission

General Admission
 

Explore Ocean Institute's exhibits, touch tanks, and local aquaria!

Our rotating monthly exhibits allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity. Staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences as they gain an understanding of their connection to the ocean!

Pricing:
Adult Admission: $15.00
Senior (55+ y.o)/Military Admission: $10.00
Child (3-13 y.o) Admission: $7.50
Toddler (0-18 months) Admission: $0

Elevate your Experience!*
Sea Star Feeding Add-on: $10
Squid Dissection Add-on: $5

*Must also purchase a general admission ticket for all individuals.


 
Cannon Battles
Step aboard a historic tall ship and set sail off the coast of Dana Point. While on board, learn about maritime history and experience the thrill of mock cannon battles at sea.

Enjoy blasting cannons, towering rigging, bustling decks, and the magnificence of a canvas full of wind during a Cannon Battle! Work with the crew hauling up sail or simply sit back and enjoy the spectacular demonstration of skill, knowledge, and survival! Ticket includes Festival Adventure Pass.

Must be at least 4 years old for Tall Ship Sails.

All ages are welcome on the R/V Sea Explorer Escort Cruise! Beer and wine are also available for purchase onboard.
 

Curlew
Price: $80.00
The 82-foot schooner Curlew was built in 1926 and currently resides in Dana Point Harbor. In the 1930s, Curlew raced in the New York Yacht Club’s ocean cruising class, competing often in the Newport to Bermuda race.

Exy Johnson
Price: $80.00
The Exy Johnson is a 90-foot brigantine, launched with its twin, the Irving Johnson, in 2002 for the TopSail Youth Program at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute. 

Irving Johnson
Price: $80.00
The Irving Johnson is a 90-foot brigantine, launched with its twin, the Exy Johnson, in 2002 for the TopSail Youth Program at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute. 

Bill of Rights
Price: $80.00
This 136-foot schooner, owned by the South Bayfront Sailing Association, was first launched in 1971 in South Bristol, Maine. Designed around the lines of an 1856 America’s Cup schooner, Bill of Rights was dreamed up by Captain Davis as a swift and agile passenger-carrying vessel.

Californian
Price: $80.00
Launched in 1984 and officially designated the State of California’s tall ship, Californian is a replica of a 1847 Revenue Cutter, offering sailing adventures and educational programs at the Maritime Museum in San Diego.

Mayflower - Private Experience for 6!
Price: $450.00
Private experience for 6 people!

Mayflower is the 5th of 12 "Mayflower" ketches designed by Newport Beach marine architect, Hugh Angelman, and built in 1960 at the American Marine shipyard in Hong Kong. Her hull and deck are made entirely of teak, supported by an oak frame. Her design hearkens back to the Golden Age of Sail.

Individual ticket purchases not available.

Spirit of Dana Point
Price: $80.00
The Spirit of Dana Point is a traditionally built replica of a 1770s privateer schooner used during the American Revolution. The ship is 118 feet long with a rig height of 100 feet… and 5,000 square feet of sail! The Spirit is used in Ocean Institute's educational and public programs year-round. 

Cannon Battle Escort Cruise
Price: $60.00
Sit back and relax onboard the R/V Sea Explorer and take in the amazing cannon battles! Food and drink available for purchase.

 
General Admission Add-ons

Squid Dissection Add-on
Price: $5.00
Every dissector requires their own ticket and may be accompanied by 1 additional person. Each dissector will receive their own squid to dissect. Children under 18 months do not require their own ticket to accompany a dissector.

Sea Star Feeding Add-on
Price: $10.00
Every feeder requires their own ticket and may be accompanied by 1 additional person. Children under 18 months do not require their own ticket to accompany a feeder.

 
Whale and Marine Life Tours
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget!

Whale and Marine Life Ticket includes access to Ocean Institute for General Admission.

Unless otherwise noted, cruises run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please arrive 30 minutes before your cruise to check in. 

Whale and Marine Life Tour Child/Adult
Price: $40.00
3 and older

Whale and Marine Life Tour Infant/Toddler
Price: $10.00
0-2 years old
 
Spirit of Dana Point Sail
Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the water! Must be 4 y.o to sail

Sail Ticket includes access to the Ocean Institute for General Admission.

Spirit of Dana Point Sail - Child/Adult
Price: $65.00
4 and older

 
Adventure Sails - Spirit of Dana Point

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 water. Join us for a day of adventure and fun!


 

Adventure Sail - Adult
Price: $40.00

Adventure Sail - Child
Price: $40.00
(19 months – 13 y.o)

Adventure Sail - Infant/Toddler
Price: $10.00
0-18 months

 
Festival Adventure Pass

Festival Adventure Pass
 

Weekend Pass!

Sept 13-14 | Saturday and Sunday | 9:00am – 4:00pm

Ocean Institute’s Annual Maritime Festival! The ticket includes access to the festival on Saturday and Sunday! Join us for fun, interactive, hands-on activities that will spark curiosity in Marine Science and Maritime History! 

Pricing:

Adult: $20

Seniors (55+ y.o): $18.50

Child: (19 months – 13 y.o): $17

Infant/Toddler (0- 18 months): Free

Family 4 Pack: $65


 
Sunset Sails
Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the water on this special summer sunset sail! Must be four years old to sail.

Sail Ticket includes access to the Ocean Institute for General Admission.

Sunset Sail Ticket
Price: $65.00
4 and older

 
Behind the Scenes Aquarium Tour
Join one of our expert aquarists on a behind the scenes tour! Learn about the feeding, habits, and behaviors of over 140 different California species.

General admission is included with tour ticket

Behind the Scenes - Adult
Price: $35.00

Behind the Scenes - Toddler
Price: $10.00
0-18 months

Behind the Scenes - Child
Price: $30.00
(19 months – 13 y.o)
 
Bioluminescence Night Cruise
There’s a luminous underwater world just waiting to shine!

Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.

Bioluminescence Night Cruise Child/Adult
Price: $55.00
Child/Adult

Bioluminescence Night Cruise Infant/Toddler
Price: $10.00
0-2 years old
 
Guided Snorkel Tour
Join our semi-private guided snorkel tours and explore the stunning marine life of Shaw’s Cove! Meet at the Ocean Institute for gear fitting, then head to the beach where your expert guide will lead you through Southern California’s beautiful kelp forests. Enjoy 45 minutes in the water as our guide introduces you to the beauty of Southern California's kelp forests and their marine life, then wrap up with complimentary hot cocoa. All gear provided—just bring your sense of adventure!

The tour is recommended for ages six and up. All participants must be comfortable in the water and able to swim. Guests must secure their own transportation to the snorkel site from Ocean Institute. 

Guided Snorkel Tour
Price: $64.00
Join our semi-private guided snorkel tours and explore the stunning marine life of Shaw’s Cove! Meet at the Ocean Institute for gear fitting, then head to the beach where your expert guide will lead you through Southern California’s beautiful kelp forests. Enjoy 45 minutes in the water as our guide introduces you to the beauty of Southern California's kelp forests and their marine life, then wrap up with complimentary hot cocoa. All gear provided—just bring your sense of adventure!
 
Kayak Tours

Kayak Tours - Adult
Price: $36.00
14 and up. Participants who are 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. 

Kayak Tours - Child
Price: $25.00
3 - 13 y.o. Participants who are 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. 
Must be at least 3 years old to participate. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Explore the ocean from the water!
 
Distinguished Speaker Series
Speakers present on a variety of topics ranging from ocean researchers, ocean authors, ocean artists, and ocean athletes.

Light snacks & Refreshments available for purchase at event.

Distinguished Speaker Series Child/Adult
Regular Price: $10.00
Member Price: $0.00
19 months and up

Distinguished Speaker Series Student
Price: $0.00
Please bring student ID

Distinguished Speaker Series Infant/Toddler
Price: $0.00
0-18 months
 
Sails n' Ales Tasting Tickets

Tasting Ticket - 5
Price: $12.00

Tasting Ticket - 10
Price: $20.00

Tasting Ticket - 15
Price: $26.00

Tasting Ticket - 20
Price: $30.00

Tasting Ticket - Unlimited
Price: $35.00

 
Sails n' Ales

Sails n' Ales
Price: $10.00
Beer tasting tickets sold separately. Please bring a government photo ID. We are required to check the ID of anyone purchasing alcohol, regardless of age.
Session Sails n' Ales 2025: Friday, September 12, 2025 6:00PM - 10:00PM OPEN

 
Tiny Tots
Calling all Ocean Explorers! Join us for this “Mommy & Me” style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new activities each session and a new animal theme every month!

Tiny Tots Admission
Price: $20.00
Recommended ages ~2-4 y.o. Ticket includes admission for one child and one adult. 
 

25% off Bundle Discount! Enroll in 3 or more classes and get a 25% discount on each class.
 
Summer Camp

Give your child a summer of adventure! Week-long camps for ages 5–17 run Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM, June 16–August 15, 2025. Campers receive a FREE camp shirt and enjoy sailing, whale watching, tide pool exploration, and shark encounters—all while sparking curiosity and teamwork.

‼️ What’s New?

  • Alternating Weekly Curriculums – Different activities for even and odd sessions.
  • Dinosaur Week (June 16–20) – Prehistoric fun meets ocean exploration!
  • Multi-Session Discount
  • Lunch Add-On – $11/day
More details in the FAQ on our website (oceaninstitute.org/summer-camp/). 

Sea Squirts
Price: $450.00
Ages: 5-6 years old 

Half Day: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Non-member price: $450 / Members receive 10% discount.

Full Day: 9:00 am-4:00 pm (add full-day at checkout)
Non-member price $550 / Members receive 10% discount.

Must be 5 by Sept. 1, 2025

Neptune's Mysteries
Price: $615.00
Ages: 6-7 years old

Must be 6 by Sept. 1, 2025

Buccaneer's Adventure
Price: $595.00
Ages: 7-8 years old

Must be 7 by Sept. 1, 2025

Ocean Discovery
Price: $595.00
Ages: 8-9 years old

Must be 8 by Sept. 1, 2025

Shipwreck Hunters
Price: $615.00
Ages: 9-11 years old

Must be 9 by Sept. 1, 2025

Coastal Explorers
Price: $660.00
Ages: 11-13 years old

Must be 11 by Sept. 1, 2025

Marine Science Career and Internship Academy
Price: $660.00
Ages 14 – 17 years old

Must be 14 by Sept. 1, 2025
Session Session 4: Mon, Jul 14, 2025 - Fri, Jul 18, 2025 9:00AM - 4:00PM WAIT LIST

Counselor in Training Program
Price: $400.00
Application required prior to registration - See website for more information. 

Freshman - Seniors in High School

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

Camp Schedule: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Session 1: June 16–July 11 (No program during 4th of July week)
  • Session 2: July 14–August 1
  • Session 3: July 28–August 15

Who can Apply:

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


 
Homeschool Day

Child Admission
Price: $12.00
3-13 years old

Adult Admission
Price: $10.00

Family Four Pack
Price: $40.00

Whale Watching Cruise
Price: $35.00
Includes General Admission to Homeschool Day. Please arrive a half hour before the cruise to check-in.

Infant/Toddler Admission
 
0-3 years

Homeschool Day Kayak Tour
Price: $30.00
Includes General Admission to Homeschool Day. Please arrive half an hour before the tour to check in. Must be 8 years or older to participate. An adult must accompany all children 16 and younger. 

Squid Dissection
Price: $5.00

 
Girls in Ocean Science Field Day
This year, we are kicking off our first annual GIOS Field Day, where we bring the students to the professionals! This event aims to immerse the students in a professional setting, seeing the scientists in action, as well as mitigate the transit of immobile equipment and reduce any limited expression of the profession itself.

Girls in Ocean Science Field Day
Price: $100.00

This year, we are kicking off our first annual GIOS Field Day, where we bring the students to the professionals! This event aims to immerse the students in a professional setting, seeing the scientists in action, as well as mitigate the transit of immobile equipment and reduce any limited expression of the profession itself.

During each tour, a representative of the organization will give an overview of the day-to-day functions and walk through some of the equipment or resources that are specific to this space and commonly used there.

Field Day will include visits to the following locations:

  • Molina Animal Care Center at the Aquarium of the Pacific
  • UCI Samueli School of Engineering Research Labs
  • Orange Coast College Dennis Kelly Aquarium

Girl Scout STEM Career Exploration Badge Add-on
Price: $20.00
Calling all Girl Scouts! Did you know that by attending our Girls in Ocean Science Field Day, you can complete many of the activities required to earn the STEM Career Exploration Badge? Interested in earning the badge at the Ocean Institute? We will provide all scouts with the activities needed to complete this badge and the physical badge on the day of the conference. This add-on is available for Seniors and Ambassadors.

Please note this add-on does not include admission to the field day.

 
4th of July Fireworks Cruise
Join us on the water for Dana Point's Annual 4th of July Firework Show!

Fireworks Cruise Ticket
Price: $65.00
3 and older

Infant/Toddler Fireworks Cruise Ticket
Price: $10.00

(0- 18 months)


 
Sharks After Dark
Take a deep dive and explore our local sharks and their surrounding environments at Sharks After Dark!

Our sharks are very active at night, making it a great time to observe them; however, touching will not be permitted.

Sharks After Dark - Adult
Price: $15.00

Sharks After Dark - Senior and Veteran
Price: $10.00
55+ or Veteran

Sharks After Dark - Child
Price: $7.50

Sharks After Dark - Infant/Toddler
Price: $0.00
 
Donate Today

Giving to Ocean Institute
 
Make a charitable donation to Ocean Institute

Young Donor Donation
 

 
Mermaids & Mateys Breakfast (internal)

Mermaids & Mateys Breakfast - Child
Price: $70.00

Mermaids & Mateys Breakfast - Infant
Price: $10.00
0-18 months

Mermaids & Mateys Breakfast - Adult
Price: $70.00
14+

 
Mermaids & Mateys Breakfast

Mermaids & Mateys Breakfast
 
Join us for an enchanting breakfast event where you'll dine with mermaids and pirate mateys! Indulge in a delicious brunch board while being treated to a dazzling mermaid swim show. The experience also includes a captivating storytime session and a photo opportunity with the mermaids. Plus, every ticket includes a Festival Adventure Pass for even more fun and excitement throughout the day!
 

Pricing:

Adults/Seniors/Child: $70

Infant/Toddler (0-18 months): $10 

Plush Package Add-on: $30 (not a ticket)


 
Adopt-an-Animal

Join our Adopt-an-Animal program at the Ocean Institute and become an 'Adoptive Parent' to your favorite marine creature. Your adoption fee supports the well-being of our fascinating marine life, empowers educational initiatives, and ensures smooth operations at Ocean Institute. Dive into a world of ocean education and make a meaningful impact today!


Your adoption includes:
  • Downloadable Certificate of Adoption
  • Downloadable Animal fact sheet
  • Adopt-an-Animal tote bag*
  • Adopted animal sticker*
  • (2) General Admissions Tickets (expire 1 year after purchase date)
*Pick-up only at Ocean Institute's gift shop.
 

Horn Shark Adoption
Price: $100.00

California Spiny Lobster Adoption
Price: $100.00

California Moray Eel Adoption
Price: $100.00

Swell Shark Adoption
Price: $100.00

California Skates Adoption
Price: $100.00

Jetty the Western Pond Turtle Adoption
Price: $100.00

 
Annual Memberships

Jr. Explorer Youth Membership
Price: $50.00
Free year-round Admission
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Free Jr. Explorer plush from giftshop
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
 

Individual Membership
Price: $100.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
 

Family Membership
Price: $150.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
 

Senior Membership
Price: $175.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Senior Saturdays (guest must be 55+)
Complimentary tickets:
(2) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
(2) Tickets - Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
 

Sea Star Membership
Price: $250.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Complimentary tickets:
(2) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
(2) Tickets - Maritime Festival – Festival Adventure Pass
(2) Tickets - Holiday Parade of Lights Party
(2) Tickets - Bioluminescence Night Cruise
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp

 

Captains Compass Membership
Price: $400.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Complimentary Tickets:
- (2) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
- (2) Tickets - Maritime Festival – Festival Adventure Pass
- (2) Tickets - Holiday Parade of Lights Party
- (2) Tickets - Bioluminescence Night Cruise
- (2) Tickets - Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute Member Sticker and Tote bag
20% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
Reciprocal benefits at NARM/CAMM participating institutions.
 

Sealife Sponsor Membership
Price: $650.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Complimentary tickets:
- (4) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
- (4) Tickets - Maritime Festival – Festival Adventure Pass
- (4) Tickets - Holiday Parade of Lights Party
- (4) Tickets - Bioluminescence Night Cruise
- (4) Tickets - Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute Member Sticker and Tote bag
20% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
Reciprocal benefits at NARM/CAMM participating institutions.
(1) Complimentary Private tour of Ocean Institute for 15 people.
 

Ocean Advocate Membership
Price: $1,500.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Complimentary tickets to:
- (6) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
- (6) Tickets - Maritime Festival – Festival Adventure Pass
- (6) Tickets - Holiday Parade of Lights Party
- (6) Tickets - Bioluminescence Night Cruise
- (6) Tickets - Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute Member Sticker and Tote bag
20% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
Reciprocal benefits at NARM/CAMM participating institutions.
(1) Complimentary Private tour of Ocean Institute for 15 people.
(1) Complimentary Private Kayak Tour or Tidepool Hike for 10 people.
 

 
Community Partner Circle Membership
Becoming a Community Partner Circle Member at Ocean Institute means you are helping support the next generation of scientific leaders, researchers, and stewards of our planet. Funds donated to Ocean Institute go to supporting our world-class educational programs as well as the outreach programs Ocean Institute commits to, such as our Adopt-A-Class Program, that are geared to eliminate the financial barriers students may have in attending our programs. Your support encourages the inspiration of children and their families to act in stewardship, so our planet regains a healthy balance. 

For payments over $1,000, payment can be made via check. To arrange your membership, please email kdavidson@oceaninstitute.org

Community Partner - Ground Breaker
Price: $500.00

Community Partner - Foundation Builder
Price: $1,000.00

Corporate Partner - Foundation Builder
Price: $5,000.00
Payments over $1,000 can be made via check. To arrange your membership, please email kdavidson@oceaninstitute.org.

Corportate Partner - Change Agent
Price: $10,000.00
Payments over $1,000 can be made via check. To arrange your membership, please email kdavidson@oceaninstitute.org.
 

Corportate Partner - Trail Blazer
Price: $25,000.00
Payments over $1,000 can be made via check. To arrange your membership, please email kdavidson@oceaninstitute.org.

Corporate Partner - Dream Maker
Price: $50,000.00
Payments over $1,000 can be made via check. To arrange your membership, please email kdavidson@oceaninstitute.org.

 
Gift Certificates - Memberships

Jr. Explorer Youth Gift Membership
Price: $50.00
Free year-round Admission
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Free Jr. Explorer plush from giftshop
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
 

Individual Gift Membership
Price: $100.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
 

Family Gift Membership
Price: $150.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
 

Senior Gift Membership
Price: $175.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Senior Saturdays (guest must be 55+)
Complimentary tickets:
(2) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
(2) Tickets - Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
 

Sea Star Gift Membership
Price: $250.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Complimentary tickets:
(2) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
(2) Tickets - Maritime Festival – Festival Adventure Pass
(2) Tickets - Holiday Parade of Lights Party
(2) Tickets - Bioluminescence Night Cruise
Ocean Institute Member Sticker
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp

 

Captains Compass Gift Membership
Price: $400.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Complimentary Tickets:
- (2) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
- (2) Tickets - Maritime Festival – Festival Adventure Pass
- (2) Tickets - Holiday Parade of Lights Party
- (2) Tickets - Bioluminescence Night Cruise
- (2) Tickets - Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute Member Sticker and Tote bag
20% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
Reciprocal benefits at NARM/CAMM participating institutions.
 

Sea Sponsor Gift Membership
Price: $650.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Complimentary tickets:
- (4) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
- (4) Tickets - Maritime Festival – Festival Adventure Pass
- (4) Tickets - Holiday Parade of Lights Party
- (4) Tickets - Bioluminescence Night Cruise
- (4) Tickets - Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute Member Sticker and Tote bag
20% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
Reciprocal benefits at NARM/CAMM participating institutions.
(1) Complimentary Private tour of Ocean Institute for 15 people.
 

Ocean Advocate Gift Membership
Price: $1,500.00
Free year-round admission to the following programs:
- General Admission
- Distinguished Speaker Series
Complimentary tickets to:
- (6) Tickets - Whale and Marine Life Tour
- (6) Tickets - Maritime Festival – Festival Adventure Pass
- (6) Tickets - Holiday Parade of Lights Party
- (6) Tickets - Bioluminescence Night Cruise
- (6) Tickets - Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Ocean Institute Member Sticker and Tote bag
20% discount on Gift Shop purchases
10% discount on Summer Camp
Reciprocal benefits at NARM/CAMM participating institutions.
(1) Complimentary Private tour of Ocean Institute for 15 people.
(1) Complimentary Private Kayak Tour or Tidepool Hike for 10 people.
 

 
Gift Certificates - Experiences

Gift Certificate
Gift certificates fare good for admissions and tours.
 

 
Mermaid Tea by the Sea (internal)

Mermaid Tea by the Sea - Child
Price: $70.00
19 months - 13 years 

Mermaid Tea by the Sea - Infant
Price: $10.00
0-18 months

Mermaid Tea by the Sea - Adult
Price: $70.00
14+ 

 
Mermaid Tea by the Sea

Mermaid Tea by the Sea
 
You are cordially invited to join us for an afternoon Mermaid Tea By the Sea! Delight in a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and a variety of teas. This enchanting experience includes a dazzling mermaid swim show, a captivating story time, and a photo opportunity with the mermaids. Plus, every ticket includes a Festival Adventure Pass for even more fun and excitement throughout the day! It’s an experience you and your family will not want to miss!

Pricing:

Adult (14+): $70

Child: (19 months – 13 y.o): $70

Infant/Toddler (0- 18 months): $10

Plush Package Add-on: $30 (not a ticket)


 
School for Scallywags

School for Scallywags
 
Ahoy, young adventurers! Join our local favorite Cap’n Will as he trains you on what it means to be a pirate. Learn the ropes, master maritime skills, and find out if you have what it takes to become a true pirate or if you’ll end up walking the plank! Plus, every ticket includes a Festival Adventure Pass for even more fun and excitement throughout the day!
 

Pricing:

Adults/Seniors/Child: $35

Infant/Toddler (0-18 months): $10

Plush Package Add-on: $30 (not a ticket)


 
Mermaid Swim Show

Mermaid Swim Show
 
Join us for a dazzling and interactive Mermaid Swim Show, perfect for kids of all ages who want to embark on an adventure and learn how to be ocean stewards! The ticket includes a mesmerizing mermaid swim show, a photo opportunity with the mermaids, and a Festival Adventure Pass. This is an experience you and your family will not want to miss! This event sells out!
 

Pricing:

Adult/Child/Senior: $45

Infant/Toddler (0- 18 months): $10

Plush Package Add-on: $30 (not a ticket)


 
Mermaid Grotto Meet and Greet

Mermaid Grotto Meet and Greet
 

Join us at the Mermaid Grotto for an exclusive meet and greet with a mermaid! Guests will have the chance to ask questions, meet a mermaid up close, and capture a unique photo with these mythical beauties, creating lasting memories of your magical encounter. Plus, every ticket includes a Festival Adventure Pass for even more fun and excitement throughout the day! This is an experience you and your family will not want to miss!

This experience does not include a mermaid swim show. 
 

Pricing:

Adults/Seniors/Child: $70

Infant/Toddler (0-18 months): $10

Plush Package Add-on: $30 (not a ticket)


 
Plush Add-on

Take Your Experience Home with our Plush Add-on!

Claim at event check-in. Limited quantity available. Don’t miss out!

This is an item add-on only, not a ticket to an event.


Mermaid Plush Add-on
Price: $30.00

Mermaid Plush Package:

  • (1) Mermaid plush doll
  • (1) Mermaid necklace
  • (1) Mermaid temporary tattoo

Pirate Plush Add-on
Price: $30.00

Pirate Plush Package:

  • (1) Pirate plush doll
  • (1) Pirate hat
  • (1) Pirate accessory
Session Pirate Plush Add-on: Sat, Sep 13, 2025 - Sun, Sep 14, 2025 9:00AM - 4:00PM OPEN

 
Teacher Workshop
Join us for an educational teacher workshop!

Teacher Workshop
 
Join us for an educational teacher workshop!
Session August 2025 Teacher Workshop: Friday, August 8, 2025 9:30AM - 1:00PM OPEN

 

Contact

Information

Address

24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629