ocean institute
Home About Us Events Teachers Visitor Programs Get Involved Membership Login Home Raffle
ocean institute
    dots Register for Spring/Summer Camp dots Learn More About Our Home Raffle dots
ocean institute programs
Online Reservations






Welcome to the Ocean Institute

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! On weekdays, students participate in our innovative and award-winning educational programs.
Learn More About Our Public Programs >
Summer camp registraion now open for members!

Programs at the Ocean Institute

Featured Event

Ocean Institute Lecture Series

An Evening with Bob McKnight and Greg MacGillivray - SOLD OUT

Artist by the SeaArtist by the Sea

Join us Thursday, March 18th for an illuminating evening as we dive into the surf culture with two pioneers who helped introduce the sport to new audiences throughout the world. Bob McKnight, co-founder of Quiksilver, Inc., and IMAX filmmaker Greg MacGillivray, co-founder of MacGillivray Freeman Films, will take us on a journey from their early days of filming surf movies to the multi-billion dollar sport it has become.

Join Bob and Greg as they talk about their passion for surfing, show image and film clips, and discuss how they successfully drew international attention to a sport that was mainly limited to coastal regions.
Click here to register and for more information>

Public Programs Public Programs
Spring/Summer Camps
Tall Ships/Sails
R/V Sea Explorer/Cruises
Weekend Programs
Arts and Lectures

Online Reservations

Educational Programs Educational Field Trips

On weekdays, students participate in our innovative and award-winning educational programs.

Ocean Institute Representatives will come to your school and meet with you.

Samueli Center Exhibit
Featuring James Selkin
Post Sunset Water Moods
Open weekends, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm cost included with paid admission to our OEC weekend program.
James Selkin works as a professional photographer, videographer and designer on assignments world wide. In addition, he has been an advertising art director in New York and LA. He has taught photography privately as well as on many educational levels, and serves as a judge for professional photo associations. A portion of the proceeds generated during this exhibit will be donated back to the Ocean Institute's Artist by the Sea program series.

General Information

Contact Information

Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629
Phone:(949) 496-2274
Fax: (949) 496-4296
email: oi@ocean-institute.org

Office and Registration Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm
(open for summer camps and school programs; exhibits closed)
Saturday and Sunday:
10:00am-3:00pm

Gift Shop Hours

9:00am to 5:00pm

Public Hours

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am-3:00pm

Admission

Members Free
General Admission
Adult (13yrs +): $6.50
Youth (3yrs - 12yrs): $4.50
Kids (2yrs and under): Free

Behind the Scenes Tour Hours

Thursday & Friday: 3:30pm 45 min.
$2.00 per person, members are free.


programs ocean institute
ocean institute programs
What is the Ocean Institute?
View Video Presentation >
programs ocean institute
Bob McKnight: CEO Quicksilver
Hear what Bob McKnight has to say about the programs at the Ocean Institute.
View Video Clip >
programs ocean institute
ocean institute programs
California Travel Expert
View video clip of the Ocean Institute as seen on California Travel Expert with Veronica Hill.
View Now >
programs ocean institute
ocean institute programs
California Travel Expert
View video clip of the tallship Pilgrim as seen on California Travel Expert with Veronica Hill.
View Now >
programs ocean institute
ocean institute programs
California Travel Expert
View video clip of Marine Wildlife Cruise as seen on California Travel Expert with Veronica Hill
View Now >