Plan Your Experience
Welcome to Ocean Institute
All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.
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.
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)
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.
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!
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
Step aboard the Spirit of Dana Point and embark on a captivating behind-the-scenes tour of a historically accurate 1700's schooner!
General admission is included with tour ticket
General admission is included with tour ticket
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Girls in Ocean Science Conference connects influential female scientists with the next generation of ocean ambassadors. At the GIOS Conference, you’ll get the chance to hear from influential female 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 s cks will be provided as well as a GIOS 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. We have one day dedicated to middle school students and one day for high school students. Join us for a fun-filled day of science and leave with an interest to explore the ocean further!
Calling all Junior Naturalists! 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!
Participants can register for either a monthly pass and get 4 classes, or choose to do a daily drop-in class. Tuesday classes are from 4:30pm to 5:30pm, and Thursday classes are from 9:30am to 10:30am.
Participants can register for either a monthly pass and get 4 classes, or choose to do a daily drop-in class. Tuesday classes are from 4:30pm to 5:30pm, and Thursday classes are from 9:30am to 10:30am.