Main Store - Ocean Institute

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

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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: $16.00
Senior (55+ y.o)/Military Admission: $14.00
Child (19 months-13 y.o) Admission: $12.00
Toddler (0-18 months) Admission: Free!

Elevate your Experience!*
Sea Star Feeding Add-on: $10
Squid Dissection Add-on: $5

*Must also purchase a general admission ticket for all individuals.

General Admission Add-ons

Squid Dissection Add-on

Price: $5.00

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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

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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.

Gold Panning

Price: $5.00

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Step back in time and try your luck at the gold panning stream where you can go panning for gold and gems. While panning, learn all about the California Gold Rush that took place from 1848-1855.

Whale and Marine Life Tours

Join our crew for an experience you will never forget!

Whale and Marine Life Ticket includes access to Ocean Institute for General Admission.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your cruise to check in.There will be a brief presentation on local species and vessel safety before boarding.

Whale and Marine Life Tour Child/Adult

Price: $40.00

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3 and older

Whale and Marine Life Tour Infant/Toddler

Price: $10.00

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0-2 years old

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

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Adventure Sail - Child

Price: $40.00

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(19 months – 13 y.o)

Adventure Sail - Infant/Toddler

Price: $10.00

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0-18 months

Sunset Sails

Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the water! Must be four years old to sail.

Sail Ticket includes access to the Ocean Institute for General Admission.

Sunset Sail - Child/Adult

Price: $65.00

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4 and older

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

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Behind the Scenes - Toddler

Price: $10.00

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0-18 months

Behind the Scenes - Child

Price: $30.00

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(19 months – 13 y.o)

Guided Snorkel Tour

Join our semi-private guided snorkel tours and explore the stunning marine life of Shaw’s Cove! Meet at the beach where your expert guide will lead you on a 45-minute tour through Southern California’s beautiful kelp forests. All gear provided—just bring your sense of adventure!

The tour is recommended for ages six and up. All participants must be comfortable in the water and able to swim. Guests must secure their own transportation to the snorkel site.

Guided Snorkel Tour

Price: $64.00

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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

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19 months and up

Distinguished Speaker Series Student

Price: $0.00

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Please bring student ID

Distinguished Speaker Series Infant/Toddler

Price: $0.00

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0-18 months

Tidepool Hike

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: $18.00

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3 and older

Tiny Tots

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 and a new animal theme every month!

Tiny Tots Admission

Price: $20.00

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Recommended ages ~2-4 y.o. Ticket includes admission for one child and one adult.

25% off Bundle Discount! Enroll in 3 or more classes and get a 25% discount on each class.

Summer Camp

Give your child a summer of adventure! Week-long camps for ages 5–17 run Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM, June 15–August 14, 2026. Campers receive a FREE camp shirt and enjoy sailing, whale watching, tide pool exploration, and shark encounters—all while sparking curiosity and teamwork.

More details in the FAQ on our website (oceaninstitute.org/summer-camp/).

Early Member Registration will open for our Family, Senior, Sea Star, Captain’s Compass, Sea Life Sponsor, and Ocean Advocate members on February 12. Registration for the general public will open on February 26.

Sea Squirts

Price: $450.00

Ages: 5-6 years old

Half Day: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Non-member price: $450 / Members receive 10% discount.

Full Day: 9:00 am-4:00 pm (add full-day at checkout)
Non-member price $550 / Members receive 10% discount.

Must be 5 by Sept. 1, 2026

Neptune's Mysteries

Price: $615.00

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Ages: 6-7 years old

Must be 6 by Sept. 1, 2026

Buccaneer's Adventure

Price: $595.00

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Ages: 7-8 years old

Must be 7 by Sept. 1, 2026

Ocean Discovery

Price: $595.00

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Ages: 8-9 years old

Must be 8 by Sept. 1, 2026

Shipwreck Hunters

Price: $615.00

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Ages: 9-11 years old

Must be 9 by Sept. 1, 2026

Coastal Explorers

Price: $660.00

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Ages: 11-13 years old

Must be 11 by Sept. 1, 2026

Marine Science Career and Internship Academy

Price: $660.00

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Ages 14 – 17 years old

Must be 14 by Sept. 1, 2026

Homeschool Day

Child Admission

Price: $12.00

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3-13 years old

Adult Admission

Price: $11.00

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Family Four Pack

Price: $45.00

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Whale Watching Cruise

Price: $35.00

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Includes General Admission to Homeschool Day. Please arrive a half hour before the cruise to check-in.

Infant/Toddler Admission

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0-3 years

Long Boat Rowing Add-on

Price: $5.00

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Climb aboard one of our wooden long boats, and learn the art of rowing! Must be eight or older to participate. An adult must accompany children 15 and under.

Squid Dissection

Price: $5.00

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Donate Today

Giving to Ocean Institute

Other Amount: $

Make a charitable donation to Ocean Institute

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.

Teacher Workshop

Join us for an educational teacher workshop!

Teacher Workshop

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Join us for an educational teacher workshop! Lunch will be provided!

Annual Memberships

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 - Sunset Sail
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 - Sunset Sail
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 - Sunset Sail
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 /Corporate Partner Circle - Membership

Becoming a Community or Corporate 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

Corporate Partner - Trail Blazer

Price: $25,000.00

Concierge service for your team
Private tour for 10 guests
Advertisement space at the Maritime Festival (banner placement on our wharf fence line)
Recognition on our website, social media, digital signage, and a dedicated newsletter
Private sunset sail aboard Spirit of Dana Point for up to 40 guests (food and beverage not included)
Two Ocean Advocate memberships (value $2,000) for senior executives
Adopt-A-Class sponsorship covering field-trip costs for one Title I classroom (supports bringing up to 45 students for a half day field trip)
30 General Admission tickets for staff
20 Festival Adventure Passes
Plaque on the lobby donor wall for one year, upgraded placement

Gift Certificates - Memberships

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.

Gift Certificates - Experiences

Gift Certificate

Other:

Gift certificates fare good for admissions and tours.

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