Featured Events

January Kids' Watershed Conf.	February Jazz 2012 Girls in Ocean Science	March Festival of Whales	May Boat Show
September Tall Ships Festival RHD Charity Regatta	On-Going Weekend Exhibits

Annual Events

Celebrating 10 Years of Jazz at the Ocean Institute
Friday & Saturday, February 3rd & 4th
The Ocean Institute's popular Jazz Event fundraiser combines renowned jazz artists with an elegant evening of dinner, cocktails and auctions. This year's event will feature Rick Braun and Friends, featuring Mindi Abair and David Benoit.

Opening night will begin with a complimentary reception featuring wine from Pear Valley Vineyards and appetizers provided by Il Fornaio followed by a concert performance for 270 guests. The premier evening on Saturday will include a cocktail reception and silent auction with passed canapés prepared by The Balboa Bay Club & Resort and the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort followed by a live auction and an award-winning, four-course dinner presented by chefs from the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Montage Laguna Beach, and the The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The evening will culminate with an intimate concert performance for 200 guests.

To learn more about Celebrating 10 Years of Jazz at the Ocean Institute event, please visit www.ocjazzfestival.com To buy tickets now click here or contact Eileen Hayden at ehayden@ocean-institute.org or (949) 496-2274 ext. 413.

Kids' Conference on Watersheds
January
The Ocean Institute launched its annual watershed program to teach 5th grade students from southern California about the science of the watersheds, an area of land which runs into a body of water such as a river, lake or the ocean. Over 2,500 students per year participate in the program which provides them with the opportunity to present the findings of their studies among their peers, local elected officials, and professionals in the field.

The Watershed program is made possible through the generous support of Miocean, the Toyota USA Foundation, SIMA, Orange County Community Foundation, and the Kenneth and Eileen Norris Foundation.

Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference
February
This exciting conference is dedicated to inspiring young women to pursue degrees and careers in the sciences. Eight prominent female scientists from around the country will interact with the girls in a series of interactive workshops aboard our research vessel, R/V Sea Explorer, and in the Ocean Institute's teaching labs. The day-long conference is designed for enthusiastic 7th to 12th grade girls who have an interest in science. Girls will explore careers in areas such as ocean conservation, marine biology and ecology, marine paleontology, oceanography, and environmental law. Click here for more information about the Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference.

Festival of Whales
First two weekends of March
Join the community in celebrating the annual migration of the California Gray Whale. During the first two weekends of March, Dana Point offers a variety of festivities including a parade, street faires, art exhibits, concerts, environmental activities, educational opportunities, crafts, and marine mammal cruises.

Throughout the festival the Ocean Institute's learning labs focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allows visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to the magnificent whale. Families have the opportunity to listen to underwater whale sounds to discover how whales communicate, enjoy hands-on activities, listen to guest speakers, and create fun children's crafts. For additional information about the Festival of Whales, please visit www.festivalofwhales.org.

Dana Point Harbor Boat Show
End of May - Early June
Dana Point Harbor is one of the most spectacular marinas along the California coast, from San Francisco to the Mexican border. Always full with the highest-quality of boats, Dana Point Harbor is home to thousands of watercraft and enthusiasts who enjoy all types of water sports activities throughout the year.

New and Used Boats and Products will be on display both in and out of the water at the boat show. A great selection of power and sail vessels will be on display, including Albemarle, Baja, Cenczi, East Bay, Egg Harbor, Formula, Grand Banks, Island Packet, Mediterranean, Mikelson, Mustang, Nordhavn, Ocean,Pacific Sea Craft, Pursuit, Riviera, Tiara, Viking, with more being added each week. For more imformation visit www.dphboatshow.com.

Toshiba Tall Ships Festival
September
For over 20 years the Ocean Institute has hosted the annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, the largest annual gathering of tall ships on the West Coast. The festival features a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live sea-faring music, art shows, interactive living-history encampments, and a variety of tasty food.

The festival begins on Friday evening as the tall ships parade into Dana Point Harbor. On the weekend, visitors can enjoy maritime displays and demonstrations, music concerts, Polynesian dancing, pirates, and dramatic sunset cannon battles. Visitors can also explore the historic tall ships and listen to the crew share tales of adventure and life at sea. Inside the Ocean Institute guests can experience live parrot shows, pirate games, music, wood carving, ship models and special presentations. Join us for a weekend of fun and adventure as we celebrate the area's rich maritime history.

Participating tall ships typically include the brig Pilgrim, Spirit of Dana Point, Californian, Curlew, Exy Johnson, Irving Johnson, and the American Pride. Visiting ships are subject to change. For complete information about the festival visit www.tallshipsfestival.com.

September

This premier event, sponsored by the Dana Point Yacht Club, will benefit the Ocean Institute.

Rotating Exhibits

On weekends, we open our doors to the public for a sneak peek into how ocean science, history, and literature are used to inspire life-long learners!

Monday through Friday we are closed to the public for school programs.

Public Hours:
Saturday & Sunday - 10:00am to 3:00pm

Admission Fee*:
Adult - $6.50
Child (age 3-12) - $4.50
Members - FREE
Teacher Club Members - FREE
*Admission fee includes Pilgrim Tour when applicable.