Plan Your Experience
Welcome to Ocean Institute
All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.
Enjoy the holidays with the Ocean Institute at our Annual Holiday Parade of Lights Viewing Party for the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s Boat Parade of Lights theme is “CARNIVAL". Guests are invited to view the parade from our one-of-a-kind setting that only the Ocean Institute can provide!
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! Desserts included in ticket. Beer and wine available for purchase
Celebrate the spooktacular season with Spooky Seas! Back this year with new family friendly frights from bioluminescence laser tag to the mad scientist laboratory there's something fun for the whole family to enjoy! Bats & ghouls - come in costume to participate in our costume contest, trick or treat throughout the night, and enjoy our haunted tall ship tour on the Spirit of Dana Point!
Join us for a family fun FALL event! Enjoy live music, apple cider, temporary tattoos and trick or treating all while cruising the beautiful Dana Point Harbor on the R/V Sea Explorer! Harbor Hayrides are 45-minutes. The 7pm cruise will be a special Glow Cruise with a focus on bioluminesence!
Skip the crowd with this premier viewing location of the 49th 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. Food available for purchase. Beer, wine, and access to main party included in ticket price.
Some things just get better with age!
Come enjoy the sophisticated side of ocean exploration with special hours for seniors-only.
Come enjoy the sophisticated side of ocean exploration with special hours for seniors-only.
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
General admission is included with tour ticket
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 & expand into a new animal every month! (Formerly known as Junior Naturalists).
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.
Light snacks & Refreshments available for purchase at event.
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.
Sail Ticket includes access into Ocean Institute for General Admisson.
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 Ticket includes access into Ocean Institute for General Admisson.
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 development@oceaninstitute.org.
For payments over $1,000, payment can be made via check. To arrange your membership, please email development@oceaninstitute.org.
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)