Ocean Institute

Ocean Institute Dive into discovery with us! Located in Dana Point, CA, Ocean Institute offers hands-on experiences in marine science, and maritime history.
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Join our programs, explore interactive exhibits, and help inspire a deep connection to our oceans. Ocean Institute is an educational facility specializing hands-on marine science and maritime history programs. Though not a museum nor an aquarium, you will find a collection of artifacts and animals on our campus. The Ocean Institute educates 250,000 visitors annually through our award winning educational programs.

SWIPE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH CAMP➡️☀️Make this summer one to remember at Ocean Institute Summer Camp☀️From sailing abo...
06/03/2026

SWIPE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH CAMP➡️

☀️Make this summer one to remember at Ocean Institute Summer Camp☀️

From sailing aboard a historic tall ship and whale watching at sea to exploring tide pools, meeting sharks, and diving into hands on science, every day is packed with adventure, discovery, and fun for campers ages 5 to 17.

Summer Camp Options:
🐠Sea Squirts (Ages 5-6)
🧜🏽‍♂️Neptune’s Mysteries (Ages 6-7)
🏴‍☠️Buccaneer’s Adventures (Ages 7-8)
🌊Ocean Discovery (Ages 8-9)
⛵️Shipwreck Hunters (Ages 9-11)
🧭Costal Explorers (Ages 11-13)
🔬Marine Science Careers and Internships Academy (Ages 14-17)
🪼Counselor-in-Training Program (9th - 12th Grade)

 
What to expect:
🌊 Week long camps
👕 Free Summer Camp Shirt
☀️ sunscreen for each camper
🐋 Whale watching adventures
⛵ Tall ship sailing experiences
🦈 Animal encounters and marine science activities
🔬 New themes and activities throughout the summer

Planning to join multiple sessions? Save more with our multi session discounts and enjoy a fresh experience each week with our alternating odd and even week curriculum.

Need lunch? We’ve partnered with Coffee Importers to offer convenient lunch options for just $11 per day🥪

Give your child a summer filled with exploration, friendship, and unforgettable ocean adventures. Register today!

Millennial Marketing Team vs. Gen Z Marketing Team🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊Summer at Ocean Institute is here! 🌊✨From paddling thro...
06/02/2026

Millennial Marketing Team vs. Gen Z Marketing Team
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

Summer at Ocean Institute is here! 🌊✨

From paddling through Dana Point Harbor to watching the ocean glow beneath the stars, summer is packed with unforgettable experiences for all ages.

🪼 Experience the wonder of bioluminescence on our Night Cruises
🦈 Explore the ocean after dark at Sharks After Dark with live feedings, music, food, and hands-on encounters
🤿 Dive into Southern California’s underwater world on a Guided Snorkel Tour
🚣 Paddle alongside expert naturalists on a Guided Kayak Tour
🐚 Spark a love for the ocean with our Summer Tiny Tots Ocean Explorers program

Explore our calendar for General Admission, Spirit of Dana Point sails, and Whale & Marine Life Tours ⛵️🐋

There is something for the whole family this summer...literally!

Click the link in our bio to book your summer experiences now!✨

⚓ Step aboard history at the 10th Annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival!Enjoy live music, gondola rides, family acti...
06/02/2026

⚓ Step aboard history at the 10th Annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival!

Enjoy live music, gondola rides, family activities, food and drinks, and cast your vote for your favorite vessel all while exploring beautifully restored wooden boats including the historic Spirit of Dana Point. There is something for everyone whether you’re a boating enthusiast or simply looking for a fun filled day on the waterfront.

📅 June 13
⏰ 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
📍 Balboa Yacht Club

Come for the boats. Stay for the fun! 🌊⛵

05/28/2026

Ahoy mateys! Step aboard the Spirit of Dana Point along with the pirate band, , for live sea shanties as we sing and sail together!⛵️

Dress like a pirate, bring your crew, and get ready for a night filled with music, adventure, and ocean air. Help the crew raise the sails, handle lines, and steer the ship, or simply relax and enjoy an unforgettable evening on the water as the sun sets over the Pacific.

🎶 Live sea shanties aboard the ship
⚓ Family friendly sailing adventure
🌅 Sunset views from the water
🏴‍☠️ Pirate attire encouraged

Tickets: $65
Must be 4 years or older to sail.

Click the link in our bio to book your tickets now!

05/27/2026

🌎☀️ SUMMER CAMP GIVEAWAY ☀️🌎

Celebrate International Friendship Day (July 30th) with the ultimate summer adventure giveaway for YOU AND A FRIEND! We’re giving away a FREE WEEK of Ocean Institute Summer Camp during Session 6: July 27–31 🌊⚓🐋

This giveaway is open to Bucs camps and above only (ages 7+) and excludes CIT programs.

Give your child an unforgettable week filled with hands-on ocean exploration, teamwork, and outdoor fun alongside their best friend!

Campers will enjoy activities like:
🦈 Up-close shark encounters
🐳 Whale watching adventures
⚓ Sailing aboard a historic tall ship
🌊 Tide pool exploration
☀️ New ocean adventures every single day

Camps run Monday–Friday | 9 AM–4 PM

To enter:
1️⃣ Follow
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag the friend your camper would bring! (each tag = extra entry)
4️⃣ Share this post to your story for bonus entries

Winner will receive TWO FREE camp spots for their age group for Session 6: July 27–31 💙

Giveaway will close Friday, June 5th!

Summer is here at Ocean Institute 🌊☀️🐋June is brining the summer fun with activities great for the whole family! Dive in...
05/26/2026

Summer is here at Ocean Institute 🌊☀️🐋

June is brining the summer fun with activities great for the whole family! Dive into hands on marine science experiences all summer long.

We will be hosting our first sessions of Summer Camp along with our discounted Holiday Week Summer Camp🌊

Seeking above or under water adventure? Our Guided Snorkel Tours and Kayak Tours are happening all month long🚣🏽🤿

Enjoy general admission after hours at Sharks After Dark on June 12th with live feedings, music, food, and ocean encounters🦈

June 11th to 14th we welcome back our Bioluminescence Night Cruises where you can experience the ocean glowing after dark ✨🪼

Our summer Tiny Tots are back with our Ocean Explorers sessions every Monday and Thursday morning at 9:30am🐠

Join us on Friday, June 5th for our Intern Showcase as our 2025–2026 Stan Cummings Scholars exhibit their incredible research projects and celebrate a year of innovation and growth!

Enjoy special events like our NEW Sea Shanty Sunset Sail aboard the Spirit of Dana Point on June 6th⛵️🎶

Explore our calendar for General Admission, more Spirit of Dana Point sails, and Whale & Marine Life Tours ⛵️🐋

Spots fill quickly for summer programs and cruises. Visit the link in our bio full details, times, and tickets! 🌊✨

We can’t wait to “SEA” you☀️

Ocean Institute is open Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25 for whale watching, marine life encounters, tidepool hikes, an...
05/20/2026

Ocean Institute is open Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25 for whale watching, marine life encounters, tidepool hikes, and hands-on ocean adventures for the whole family!

In honor of Memorial Day, veterans and active service members can enjoy:
🐋 One FREE Whale & Marine Life Tour ticket
⚓ FREE General Admission
Use promo code MEMORIAL when reserving online. A valid military ID must be presented at check-in to redeem the offer.

Spend the holiday weekend exploring the ocean with us aboard the R/V Sea Explorer and throughout our campus! Click the link in bio!✨

05/19/2026

Little hands, big ocean discoveries 🌊🐚

Tiny Tots Ocean Explorers is back! An 8 week series designed for curious young learners to explore the wonders of the ocean through play, movement, and hands on activities.

From tidepools and sea life to stories and sensory exploration, each session is designed to spark curiosity and build a connection to the natural world in a fun and engaging way. Recommended for children between ages 2 to 5 years old.

📅 Mondays and Thursdays
🗓 June 1 through July 23
⏰ 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Give your little one a chance to learn, explore, and fall in love with the ocean 💙

Reserve your spot at the summer happenings link in bio✨

Sunny camp days just got even better!☀️This summer, every Ocean Institute camper will receive sunscreen thanks to an inc...
05/16/2026

Sunny camp days just got even better!☀️

This summer, every Ocean Institute camper will receive sunscreen thanks to an incredible donation from . Their reef safe SPF products use non nano zinc oxide mineral protection and are free of chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, making them a thoughtful fit for young ocean explorers.

Mad Hippie’s skincare philosophy is all about using more active ingredients and fewer unnecessary additives while creating products designed to truly perform. Their vegan, non toxic formulas are made with ethically sourced ingredients and a commitment to limiting their impact on the planet, something that aligns perfectly with our love for the ocean and outdoor education.

We’re so grateful for partners who help keep our campers protected while caring for the environment they are learning to protect.✨

05/13/2026

The ocean doesn’t sleep… and neither do the sharks 🦈🌊

Join us for Sharks After Dark and explore Ocean Institute after hours. Come face to face with sharks and rays, dive into hands on exhibits, and experience a live shark feeding to close out the night.

Make it a full evening with food trucks, live music, beer and wine, and cocktails as you take in the atmosphere of the ocean at night.

Tickets:
Adults: $16
Seniors/Military: $14
Kids (19mo. -13yrs.): $12
Infants/Toddlers (Under 18 mo.): free

🗓️ June 12 | July 10 | August 14
⏰ 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Bring the whole family or make it a night out you won’t forget.

Click the summer link in bio for more information 🌊✨

Address

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA
92629

Opening Hours

Saturday 9:30am - 3pm
Sunday 9:30am - 3pm

Telephone

+19494962274

Website

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