Ocean Institute, Dana Pointe
The Ocean Institute has become nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental education, and maritime history programs. More than 110,000 K-12 students and 8,000 teachers annually participate in the Institute's 61 award-winning, immersion style programs.

Imagine sighting a majestic whale surfacing to breathe, exploring the mysteries of a drop of sea water filled with living plankton, hiking through the sun-drenched chaparral to take scientific measurements, or being transported back into the nineteenth century as a sailor aboard a cargo-carrying tallship. These are but a few of the adventures awaiting students at the Ocean Institute. On weekends, we open our doors to the public, providing access to our aquariums, exciting activity stations, and ongoing film and lecture series to inspire the life-long learner in all of us. We welcome you to come explore our world and plan your next visit to the Ocean Institute!
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About Ocean Institute seals

Spring & Summer Camp Registration

Sign your kids up for a summer of fun and let them explore the mysteries of the ocean world through our unique, hands-on programs. Campers can study marine wildlife in our labs, venture out to sea in search of whales aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, or even step back in time to the life of a tallship sailor in the 1800s.

Camps are suitable for kids/teens 5 to 17 years old and range from week-long day camps to single day programs and overnight adventures!
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About Ocean Institute seals

Marine Wildlife Cruises

Journey to sea with Ocean Institute scientists and they'll introduce you to the local marine wildlife; including an astounding variety of fish, microscopic plankton, and the animals that live in sediment retrieved from the ocean floor. Encounter a pod of playful dolphin or witness the majesty of a traveling whale. Discover the amazing, and sometimes bizarre life that lives just beneath the waves!
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About Ocean Institute seals

International Year of the Reef

The Ocean Institute public programs will be celebrating coral reefs and our own local rocky reefs April 2008 - September 2008. Join us on the weekends to discover these important and beautiful habitats and the creatures that thrive there. Activities include beach clean-ups, special speakers, art, crafts, hands-on labs and more.
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