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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.

Parking Advisory
Please note that Ocean Institute's parking lot is reserved for Ocean Institute and Coffee Importers guests only. Ocean Institute's parking lot and surrounding public lots operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During the busy summer season, parking availability can be limited. We recommend arriving early to allow ample time to find parking.
Refunds will not be issued due to a lack of available parking.

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: $16.00
Senior (55+ y.o)/Military Admission: $14.00
Child (19 months-13 y.o) Admission: $12.00
Toddler (0-18 months) Admission: Free!

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

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

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

Sail Ticket includes access to the Ocean Institute for General Admission.
Sunset Sail - Child/Adult
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)
 
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
 
Tidepool Hike
Hike Difficulty Rating: Moderate, 1 – 1.5 mile round trip. Please be prepared for rocky, uneven, and slick terrain for the entire hike.

Closed-toed, Closed-heeled sturdy shoes are required. We recommend sunscreen, light layers, and water.
Tidepool Hike Child/Adult
Price: $18.00
3 and older
 
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.
 
Homeschool Day
Child Admission
Price: $12.00
3-13 years old
Adult Admission
Price: $11.00
Family Four Pack
Price: $45.00
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
Long Boat Rowing Add-on
Price: $5.00
Climb aboard one of our wooden long boats, and learn the art of rowing! Must be eight or older to participate. An adult must accompany children 15 and under. 
Squid Dissection
Price: $5.00
 
Parade of Lights Viewing Party
Enjoy the holidays with the Ocean Institute at our Parade of Lights Viewing Party for the 50th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s Boat Parade of Lights theme is “Carol of the Boats". Guests are invited to view the parade from our one-of-a-kind setting that only the Ocean Institute can provide!
Parade of Lights Viewing Party - Adult
Price: $20.00
14 to 54 y.o.
Parade of Lights Viewing Party - Child
Price: $17.00
19 months to 13 y.o.
Parade of Lights Viewing Party - Senior
Price: $18.50
55+ y.o.
Parade of Lights Viewing Party - Military
Price: $18.50
Veterans and active military. Must show valid ID at check-in
Parade of Lights Viewing Party - Infant/Toddler
Price: $0.00
0-18 months
 
Parade of Lights Premier Viewing
Skip the crowd with this premier viewing location of the 50th annual Dana Point Parade of Lights! Small-scale experience with upscale viewing from our beautiful Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Historical Wharf that sits over the water and our decked-out tallship, the Spirit of Dana Point. Food and drink are available for purchase. Access to the main party is included with your ticket.
Parade of Lights Premier Viewing
Price: $45.00
Parade of Lights Premier Viewing - Infant/Toddler
Price: $10.00
0-18 months
 
Parade of Lights Cruise
Want to experience it from the water? Book a ticket on the R/V Sea Explorer for a festive holiday cruise around the beautiful Dana Point Harbor during the annual Parade of Lights! Dessert and hot cocoa are included with your ticket. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Parade of Lights Cruise - Child/Adult
Price: $65.00
Parade of Lights Cruise - Toddler
Price: $10.00
0 - 18 months
 
Donate Today
Giving to Ocean Institute
 
Make a charitable donation to Ocean Institute
Young Donor Donation
 
 
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
 
Teacher Workshop
Join us for an educational teacher workshop!
Teacher Workshop
 
Join us for an educational teacher workshop! Lunch will be provided!
 
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 - Sunset Sail
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 - Sunset Sail
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 - Sunset Sail
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.
 
 
Girls in Ocean Science Registration

Connecting Influential Female Scientists with the Next Generation of Ocean Ambassadors

Discover the thrill of marine science careers alongside peers and renowned professionals at the Girls in Ocean Science Conference. 

  • Explore education and career pathways in ocean science, guided by influential female scientists
  • Engage in hands-on workshops in lab spaces and aboard the R/V Sea Explorer
  • Gain the tools and inspiration to turn your passion for the ocean into a fulfilling career!

At Girls in Ocean Science, students won't just listen to lectures; they'll dive into real-world science experiences. Whether you’re a dedicated science enthusiast or just beginning to explore your interests, you’ll leave with the confidence and motivation to dive deeper into the world of ocean science. 

Girls in Ocean Science Registration
Price: $70.00
Session GIOS 2026: Saturday, February 28, 2026 7:45AM - 3:00PM OPEN
Girl Scout Badge Add-on
Price: $20.00
Calling all Girl Scouts! Did you know that by attending our Girls in Ocean Science Conference, you can complete many of the activities required to earn the STEM Career Exploration Badge and the Eco Badge? Interested in earning the badge at the Ocean Institute? We will provide all scouts with the activity requirements needed to complete this badge and the physical badge on the day of the conference. This add-on is available for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Please note this add-on does not include admission to the conference.
Session GIOS 2026: OPEN
 
Community /Corporate Partner Circle - Membership
Becoming a Community or Corporate 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.
Corporate 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.
 
Corporate Partner - Trail Blazer
Price: $25,000.00
  • Concierge service for your team
  • Private tour for 10 guests
  • Advertisement space at the Maritime Festival (banner placement on our wharf fence line)
  • Recognition on our website, social media, digital signage, and a dedicated newsletter
  • Private sunset sail aboard Spirit of Dana Point for up to 40 guests (food and beverage not included)
  • Two Ocean Advocate memberships (value $2,000) for senior executives
  • Adopt-A-Class sponsorship covering field-trip costs for one Title I classroom (supports bringing up to 45 students for a half day field trip)
  • 30 General Admission tickets for staff
  • 20 Festival Adventure Passes
  • Plaque on the lobby donor wall for one year, upgraded placement
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.
 
 
Promo Badge
Promo Badge 2
FOR MEMBER DISCOUNTS
Enter your Member No.:

Contact

Information

Address

24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629

Phone

(949) 496-2274

MAIL

oi@oceaninstitute.org