Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Marine Biome Visit
Observe ocean animals, sea plants, and deep sea fish in their natural habitats.
 We are only open to the public from 10am-3pm most Saturdays and Sundays. The weekend program is self-guided, however we do have scheduled activities that you can participate in every 25 minutes. The Pilgrim is open for interactive tours most Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm.; and is included with your paid admission. Space is limited, offered on first come, first served basis. Click here for more details. The natural tide pools located behind our facility are open to the public and are accessible without an admission fee. Please be aware that this area is a protected site. Periodically we do offer guided tide pool walks; please visit our calendar for upcoming dates and times.
Admission Fees
Members: free General Admission (13yrs +): $6.50
Youth (3yrs - 12yrs): $4.50
Kids (2yrs and under): free
FAQ's
A coffee cart, featuring Coffee Importers products, is open on the weekends providing coffee, drinks and light snacks. Restaurants and other shops are located at the other end of the harbor.
The closest ATM is located near the main entrance to the harbor.
Parking is free, but limited.
Cruises and Special Programs
Cruises and other special programs are also only offered on the weekends. It is recommended to reserve tickets for any cruise you are planning to attend and reservations can be made online. Please be aware that children must be 4 years or older to attend. If you have purchased tickets for one of our cruises, you are admitted into the OEC Weekend Program for FREE that day only. Please click here for the calendar of events.
Weekdays
Please note: Our facility is closed to the public Monday through Friday due to school field trips, however we do offer a Behind the Scenes Tour on Thursday & Friday at 3:30 PM. (length: 45 min. approx.) $2.00 per person, members are free. There is only one tour per day and it will begin promptly at 3:30 pm.
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LIVE OI
Dana Point Harbor Web Cam
Spirit of Dana Point & R/V Sea Explorer Dock - Dana Point Harbor Image refreshes every 8 seconds. (Daytime hours only)
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California Travel Expert
View video clip of the Ocean Institute as seen on California Travel Expert with Veronica Hill.
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California Travel Expert
View video clip of the tallship Pilgrim as seen on California Travel Expert with Veronica Hill.
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California Travel Expert
View video clip of the R/V Sea Explorer as seen on California Travel Expert with Veronica Hill.
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