VISIT

Ages: 5-6 years old 

Are you ready to explore the ocean? This camp explores different ocean habitats and the animals that live there! Each day a song introduces the theme for the day’s activities with highlights including meeting animals, daily crafts and games, and a treasure hunt! Join us for a fun-filled week in this half-day or full-day camp! Ages: 5-6 years old

Half Day: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Non-member price: $410 / Members receive 10% discount.

Full Day: 9:00 am-4:00 pm (add full-day at checkout)
Non-member price $520 / Members receive 10% discount.

Must be 5 by Sept. 1, 2024

Ages: 6-7 years old

Become a scientific investigator to unravel the mysteries of the ecosystems right here in Dana Point! Using scientific tools and techniques, you will study a new case each day: Who ate Mickey the mussel? How can we find Becky Blue Whale’s family? To more closely examine our clues, we will embark on a marine mammal cruise aboard the RVSE and hike through the Dana Point MPA. Come join us for a fun-filled week of puzzles, ocean-themed crafts, and learn about our local marine plants and animals!

Must be 6 by Sept. 1, 2024

Ages: 7-8 years old

Set a course for adventure to discover the life of pirates! Learn the ropes to survive at sea with dockside activities on our historic tall ship, The Spirit of Dana Point, before venturing out to the open ocean aboard the R/V Sea Explorer in search of sea creatures. Program highlights include learning lost mariner arts like sail handling, rowing, storytelling, and “Dress like a Pirate Day”. 

Must be 7 by Sept. 1, 2024

Ages: 8-9 years old

What adaptations help animals survive in their habitats? What does it take to care for sea creatures? What does the inside of a fish look like? Find out the answers to these questions and more in a summer camp all about the ocean. Explore animal habitats and ecosystems through hands-on science labs, a two-hour whale watching trip aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, and tide pooling exploration in the Dana Point Marine Protected Area. 

Must be 8 by Sept. 1, 2024

Ages: 9-11 years old

What happens to ships lost out at sea? If you like to problem-solve and uncover mysteries, challenge yourself this summer as a maritime archaeologist and discover more about the shipwrecks off our coast! Each day explores a different shipwreck, making observations, and testing questions. Highlights of the week include building your own ship, learning nautical navigation, piloting Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to discover the ocean floor, and explore the high seas aboard two of our vessels; our historic tall ship, Spirit of Dana Point, and our Research Vessel Sea Explorer.

Must be 9 by Sept. 1, 2024

Ages: 11-13 years old

Discover the unique coastline of Dana Point in this activity-packed camp! Study the physical science of the ocean and coast in our hands-on labs and aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Learn about the history behind Dana Point Harbor. Explore techniques marine scientists use to conduct research. This camp includes a day cruising along the coastline searching for Blue Whales and collecting samples, catch-and-release fishing, kayaking in Dana Point Harbor, and exploring the tide pools in the Marine Conservation Area. 

Must be 11 by Sept. 1, 2024

Incoming Freshman - Seniors in High School

Our Counselor-In-Training Summer Program is designed for high school students to gain leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. During the Counselor-In-Training Program, participants will work alongside our summer camp counselors and assist with check-in, check-out, daily activities, and camper care.

Must be a freshman or Senior in HS by Sept. 1, 2024

Ages 14 – 17 years old

“I want to be a Marine Biologist! Now what?”
This week-long program introduces you to intertidal ecology, animal husbandry, laboratory investigations, and shipboard research to spark interest in careers and internships in marine science. Program highlights include a sail on the Spirit of Dana Point, 4-hour research cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, creating and conducting a research project in the Dana Point Marine Conservation Area. This week long camp will also guide participants through resume building, internship or career applications, writing a cover letter and engaging in leadership and team building activities. Participants are welcome to continue their learning by applying for our internship program or volunteering at Ocean Institute post summer camp! 

Must be 14 by Sept. 1, 2024