VISIT

Welcome

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.

Welcoming of the Whales
The Festival of Whales Foundation and Ocean Institute invite you to a sunset welcoming of the whales ceremony by members of the local Acjachemen Nation along with a Dana Point Surf Club paddle out at the Marine Protected Area behind Ocean Institute. Following the beach ceremony, a reception will be held inside the Ocean Institute. Event festivities include food truck cuisine and drink for purchase, music, the Ocean Institute’s free interactive educational activities and displays, and a movie screening. Festival of Whales merchandise will be available for purchase.

Welcoming of Whales
 

 
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.

 
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

Squid Dissection
Price: $5.00

Tidepool Hike
Price: $15.00
Includes General Admission to Homeschool Day

 
Girls in Ocean Science Registration

Girls in Ocean Science Registration
Price: $70.00
Middle School and High School

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.
Session Girls in Ocean Science: Saturday, February 22, 2025 7:45AM - 3:00PM

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 Conference, 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 Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

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

 
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
 
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.


 
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)
 
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.
 
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
 
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

 
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

 
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
 
Gift Certificates - Experiences

Gift Certificate
Gift certificates fare good for admissions and tours.
 

 
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.
 

 
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

 

Contact

Information

Address

24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629