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Online Reservations






Welcome to the Ocean Institute

Online Reservations

On weekends, we open our doors to the public for a sneak peek into how science, history, and literature are used to inspire life-long learners! We also offer a number of cruises and tall ship sails.

26th Annual Toshiba Tallships Festival
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This year, the Ocean Institute is celebrating its 26th year hosting the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival! Come and explore the majesty and wonder of tall ships through the smells, sounds and sights of real working tall ships.
Public Programs Public Programs
For upcoming activities please click here to view our calendar.

Spring and Summer Camps
Tall Ships and Sailing
R/V Sea Explorer and Cruising
Member's Only Events Artist by the Sea
Artist by the Sea - Kids
Exhibits and Visiting
Exhibits and Interactive Displays
Come and Visit
Hours:
Saturday& Sunday 10:00am - 3:30pm
Members are FREE, join today!
Fees & More>

1-hour Behind the Scene Tour:
Thursday & Friday at 3:30pm ($2/person; Members: Free).
Sea Lions Time for Snorkeling in Catalina - July - August
There's no better way to experience the underwater wonders off Catalina Island than with a trip on the R/V Sea Explorer. . Enjoy a full day packed with snorkeling, marine animal sightings, and a barbecue dinner onboard. Register Now>
Members: $70/person
Non-Members: $78/person
Sailing Adventures - Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines, and steer the ship, or simply sit-back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tallship. More>
Toshiba Tallships Festival - This year, the Ocean Institute is celebrating its 26th year hosting the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival! Come and explore the majesty and wonder of tall ships .More>
Blue Fluke It's Blue Whale Safari Season! July - August
Summer only - Join us on the open ocean searching for the elusive Blue Whale. Blue whales are not migratory, but follow food supplies around the world's oceans.

Members: $49/person
Non-Members: $55/person
Register Now>

Educational Programs Educational Field Trips for Schools and Small Groups

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

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


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
(Closed Monday - Friday)
Admission Rates:
Members: Free
Non-Members:
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.


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ocean institute programs
What is the Ocean Institute?
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programs ocean institute
Bob McKnight: CEO Quicksilver
Hear what Bob McKnight has to say about the programs at the Ocean Institute.
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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.
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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.
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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 >