Plan Your Experience
Welcome to Ocean Institute
All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.
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!
At the Stoked on Science (S.O.S.) Conference, you’ll get the chance to hear from influential ocean scientists about their career journey and how they became experts in their field. You will also be engaging in exclusive hands-on activities reflecting each scientist’s line of work. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided as well as a S.O.S. t-shirt and goodie bag. You will rotate around the facilities with the chance to hear from each scientist both in our lab and on the boat. Join us for a fun-filled day of science and leave with an interest in exploring the ocean further!
June 17th - August 16th
Member Registration: Monday, March 11th*
General Public Registration: Monday, March 18th
Our week-long camps promise an immersive journey into the wonders of marine science and maritime history! Whether sailing on a historic tall ship or exploring tide pools in a marine protected area, our camps encourage life-long learning for your camper!
Register your camper for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, learning, and lasting friendships.
Take advantage of our early registration and 10% member discount on Summer Camp!
*Family, Senior, Sea Star, Captains Compass, Sea Life Sponsor, and Ocean Advocate Members. Click here to Become a Member!
A $10 registration fee (convenience fee) will be added at checkout for each camper registered. Before registering please familiarize yourself with our cancellation, transfer, and refund policy located on our Summer Camp Website.
Member Registration: Monday, March 11th*
General Public Registration: Monday, March 18th
Our week-long camps promise an immersive journey into the wonders of marine science and maritime history! Whether sailing on a historic tall ship or exploring tide pools in a marine protected area, our camps encourage life-long learning for your camper!
Register your camper for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, learning, and lasting friendships.
Take advantage of our early registration and 10% member discount on Summer Camp!
*Family, Senior, Sea Star, Captains Compass, Sea Life Sponsor, and Ocean Advocate Members. Click here to Become a Member!
A $10 registration fee (convenience fee) will be added at checkout for each camper registered. Before registering please familiarize yourself with our cancellation, transfer, and refund policy located on our Summer Camp Website.
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).
Take a deep dive and explore our local sharks and their surrounding environments at Sharks After Dark!
Our sharks are very active at night, making it a great time to observe them; however, touching will not be permitted.
Our sharks are very active at night, making it a great time to observe them; however, touching will not be permitted.
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.
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.
Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.
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)