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Ocean Institute
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The Ocean Institute has become nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental and ocean education and maritime history programs. More than 115,000 K-12 students and 8,000 teachers annually participate in the Institute's 61 award-winning, immersion style programs. To learn about ocean facts, sea creatures, oceanography, science, and California history, students voyage onto the ocean, study in labs and live aboard tall ships or in the chaparral, where they can feel and taste the salty sea spray, sort through live specimens, observe migrating whales on our Dana Point whale watch cruises, collect scientific data and investigate the culture and world around them. 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! We welcome you to come explore our world and plan your next visit to the Institute.
 

2013 Spring & Summer Camps
Get Wrapped Up in Summer Fun!

Download Summer Camp Catalog >>

Join us for a summer to remember! Young scientists and buccaneers will love our fun, unique camps, as they are immersed in our educational and exciting programming.

Summer Camp registration now open!
 Click here to sign up!




Introducing the new Maddie James Seaside Learning Center

On May 18, the Ocean Institute officially introduced the new Maddie James Seaside Learning Center. The facility is built on the water and features new educational facilities that will introduce thousands of K-12 students and visitors from Orange County and beyond to current and emerging issues in oceanography, environmental science and maritime history. Click here to learn more about the new center



KABC TV story on the opening of the new Maddie James Seaside Learning Center
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NEW
We now have two live cams streaming the new Maddie James Seaside Learning Center.

Cam One Cam Two


 

Whale Watching & Marine Mammal Cruises

Join us for a 2.5 hour cruise on the R/V Sea Explorer as Captain Mike Bursk and our team of naturalists head out to sea in search of marine mammals. Whale sightings have been strong this year, with numerous sightings of gray whales and humpbacks. Witness these majestic creatures in our local waters! Click here to learn more and register for a Dana Point Whale Watch Cruise.
Spotted May 20th:

Mola molas can grow to be the largest of all bony fish: up to 2,200 lbs! They mostly feed on jellies.



Featured Events & Updates

Public Visiting Hours
Saturday and Sunday 10 AM - 3:00 PM
Members are FREE
Click here for Fees and More Info

View Full Calendar of Events >

Spring Flyer >



Wednesdays, April 3 – May 22
It’s Your Estate Financial Workshops
More Info

Monday, May 27
The Ocean Institute will be closed for Memorial Day.

Saturday, June 8
World Oceans Day
More Info

Sunday, June 16
Father's Day Cruises and Sails
More Info

Thurs. & Fri., June 20 & 21
Single-Day Camps - Jr. Neptunes,
Jr. Oceanographer, & Jr. Seahawks; 9am - 4pm
More Info

Saturday, June 29
Blue Whale Safari
More Info

 

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Field Trips at the Ocean Institute

It’s time to let us do the teaching!

Whether it’s investigating the digestive system of a mackerel, hiking through a new ecosystem, setting sail on the high seas, traveling through California history or becoming marine biologist onboard a research vessel, the Ocean Institute has a program for YOU!

More Info


2013 Ocean Institute | 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr. Dana Point, CA 92629
Tel: (949) 496-2274