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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.

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
 
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
 
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.
 
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 
Donate Today
Giving to Ocean Institute
 
Make a charitable donation to Ocean Institute
Young Donor Donation
 
 
GA Experience 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.
 
General Admission and Experiences
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.

 
Gift Certificates - Experiences
Gift Certificate
Gift certificates fare good for admissions and tours.
 
 
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.
 
 
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
Session Field Day May 2025: Saturday, May 17, 2025 6:30AM - 6:30PM OPEN
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.
 
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
 
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 into Ocean Institute for General Admisson.
Spirit of Dana Point Sail - Child/Adult
Price: $65.00
4 and older
 
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 OPEN
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.

 
Tidepool Hike
Check back to see available dates.

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: $15.00
3 and older
 
Tiny Tots
Calling all Little Sprouts! Join us for this "Mommy & Me" style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new activities each session, with new themes every season! Spring's theme is plants and pollinators!
Day Pass
Price: $20.00
Recommended ages ~2-4 y.o.
 
25% off Bundle Discount! Enroll in 3 or more classes and get a 25% discount on each class.
 
Whale and Marine Life Tours
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget!

Whale and Marine Life Ticket includes access into Ocean Institute for General Admisson.
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
 
Cannon Battles
Spirit of Dana Point
Price: $80.00
Join in the celebration of all things maritime. Step aboard a historic tall ship and set sail off the coast of Da Point. While on board learn about maritime history and experience the thrill of a 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!
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.
 
Pirate and Mermaid Experiences
Mermaid Swim Show
Price: $35.00
Join our friends from Sheroes Entertainment as they dazzle with an amazing mermaid swim show. Join the show and get your own mermaid craft. An experience you and your family will not want to miss!
Mermaid Breakfast
Price: $70.00
Join us for breakfast where you will dine with mermaids. Afterwards, you will experience a dazzling swim show and story time with mermaids from Sheros Entertainment. An experience you and your family will not want to miss!
Mermaid Tea by the Sea
Price: $70.00
Join us for high tea where you will dine with mermaids. Afterwards, you will experience a dazzling swim show and story time with mermaids from Sheros Entertainment. An experience you and your family will not want to miss!
Cap'n Jack's Pirate School
Price: $35.00
 
Maritime Festival Vendor

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in participating in Ocean Institutes Annual Maritime Festival! 

This is a fun-filled weekend event with educational maritime and ocean science activities, visiting tall ships, beer gardens, mermaids, pirates, live music, sailor camp, food trucks, and more! Like years past, we will be having a “Peddler’s Village” section of the festival- an area where local craftsman and businesses can showcase their goods. 100% of proceeds benefits Ocean Institute’s operations and educational programs.

Visitors: 8,000-10,000 visitors over 3 days.

Artist Vendor
Price: $350.00
10ft × 10ft space
Commercial Vendor
Price: $900.00
10ft × 10ft space
Food Truck
Price: $700.00
 
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