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.
Notice to Our Valued Guests
As a nonprofit organization, the Ocean Institute is deeply committed to making ocean education accessible to all. Our goal is to keep our ticket and program prices as low as possible so that families, students, and community members can continue to enjoy hands-on, meaningful learning experiences.
To continue delivering high-quality programs and maintain our historic ship, marine exhibits, and educational offerings, we must adjust our pricing in response to rising operational costs — including increases in wages, utilities, and the cost of materials and supplies.
Beginning July 1, 2025, there will be a modest increase to our ticket and public program pricing.
This change will help us sustain the exceptional guest experience you've come to expect while supporting the educators and staff who make our mission possible.
We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support. If you have any questions, please contact us at guestservices@oceaninstitute.org or (949) 496-2274.
Together, we can continue to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
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.
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.
Sail Ticket includes access to the Ocean Institute for General Admission.
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!
Sail Ticket includes access to the Ocean Institute for General Admission.
General admission is included with tour ticket
Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.
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.
Light snacks & Refreshments available for purchase at event.
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
Our sharks are very active at night, making it a great time to observe them; however, touching will not be permitted.
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)
For payments over $1,000, payment can be made via check. To arrange your membership, please email kdavidson@oceaninstitute.org
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in participating in Ocean Institute's 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, a sailor camp, food trucks, and more! Like years past, we will have a “Peddler’s Village” section of the festival—an area where local craftsmen and businesses can showcase their goods. 100% of proceeds benefit Ocean Institute’s operations and educational programs.
Visitors: 8,000-10,000 visitors over 3 days.
Please do not purchase a vendor space until our team approves your application. Click here to learn more and apply.