Ocean Institute

A marine-science education center on Dana Point Harbor with aquariums, tall-ship programs and weekend public hours that include behind-the-scenes aquarium tours.

Coming up at Ocean Institute

26 dated

Recurring shows are placed on their next date. Every listing was read off the venue's own page by a person; prices are the printed ones.

Oct24Harbor HayridesSaturday, 5:00 PMA 45-minute Halloween cruise through Dana Point Harbor aboard the research vessel R/V Sea Explorer, with apple cider, temporary tattoos and trick-or-treating. Departures are at 5pm and 6pm from the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, and a hayride ticket also gets you into that night's Spooky Seas event. The calendar does not publish a hayride price.See listing
Oct24Spooky SeasSaturday, 5:30 PMAdults $20 · Seniors (55+) & Military $18.50 · Children (19 mo.–13 yr.) $17 · Infants/Toddlers free
Oct26Tiny TotsMONDAYS & THURSDAYS · 9:30 AM · next Mon, Oct 26, 9:30 AMA parent-and-little-one class at the Ocean Institute built on songs, movement and sensory play, with a different sea animal featured each month. Sessions run Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30am at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr in Dana Point. The calendar does not publish a price on the listing.See listing
Oct31Kayak TourSaturday, 9:00 AMAdults (14+) $36 · Children (3–13) $25
Oct31Whale and Marine Life TourSaturday, 9:30 AMAdults and Children: $40 · Infants/Toddlers (0-18 months): $10
Oct31Adventure SailSaturday, 10:00 AMA two-hour family sail where passengers pitch in to raise sail, navigate and steer, capped by a cannon demonstration. It departs from the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, from 10am to noon. The calendar does not publish a price on the listing. Another Adventure Sail follows on November 28.See listing
Nov4Distinguished Speaker Series: Amber Sparks and Emily HazelwoodWednesday, 6:00 PM$10 General · FREE Members · FREE Students (with valid ID)
Nov7Whale and Marine Life TourSaturday, 9:30 AMAdults and Children: $40 · Infants/Toddlers (0-18 months): $10
Nov7Tidepool HikeSaturday, 1:00 PMA naturalist leads a moderate hike of about 1 to 1.5 miles into the rocky Marine Protected Area behind the Ocean Institute to find snails, crabs, sea stars and other tidepool animals. Meet at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, for the 1-3pm walk; sturdy closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are required and it is not recommended for children under four. The hike costs $18 per person. More hikes are scheduled November 21 and 27.$18 per person
Nov7Sunset SailNov 7 – Nov 7An afternoon sail on the Spirit of Dana Point, a replica 1770s privateer schooner, where guests can raise sail, handle lines and take the helm, or simply ride along. It runs 2:30 to 5pm from the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point. Tickets are $65, and sailors must be at least four. Further sails are set for November 21 and December 19.$65
Nov14Whale and Marine Life TourSaturday, 9:30 AMAdults and Children: $40 · Infants/Toddlers (0-18 months): $10
Nov14Sea Shanty SailSaturday, 10:00 AMA pirate-flavored morning sail aboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point, with passengers singing sea shanties on the water. It runs 10am to noon from the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point. The calendar does not publish a price on the listing. Shanty singers can also join the dockside Sea Shanty Sunday on November 22 or December 27.See listing
Nov21Tidepool HikeSaturday, 12:00 PMA guided low-tide walk over the slick, uneven rocks behind the Ocean Institute in search of crabs, snails and sea stars, led by one of the Institute's naturalists. It runs noon to 2pm from 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point; wear sturdy closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. The listing gives the price as $18 per person on its other dates; confirm on the event page.See listing
Nov21Sunset SailNov 21 – Nov 21A 2.5-hour sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point, with the option to help work the ship or just relax on deck. Departs from the Ocean Institute at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, from 2:30 to 5pm. Tickets are $65; minimum age is four.$65
Nov22Sea Shanty SundaySunday, 12:30 PMA dockside sea shanty singalong aboard the Spirit of Dana Point in the Ocean Institute's Maritime Village, with a pirate theme. It runs 12:30 to 2pm at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point. The calendar does not publish a price on the listing; the next one is December 27.See listing
Nov27Tidepool HikeNov 27 – Nov 27A day-after-Thanksgiving tidepool hike into the Marine Protected Area behind the Ocean Institute, roughly 1 to 1.5 miles over rocky ground with a naturalist. It runs 2 to 4pm from 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point; closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are required. The listing gives the price as $18 per person on its other dates; confirm on the event page.See listing
Nov28Adventure SailSaturday, 10:00 AMThanksgiving-weekend family sail: kids and adults help with the sails and the steering, and the crew demonstrates the cannon. The sail runs 10am to noon from the Ocean Institute at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr in Dana Point. The listing does not publish a price.See listing
Dec2Homeschool DayWednesday, 10:00 AMKids: $12 / Adults: $11 / Family Four Pack: $45
Dec6Community Beach Cleanup – Stand Up to TrashSunday, 9:00 AMA volunteer beach cleanup hosted by the Ocean Institute, with a guest speaker and a monthly theme, followed by a free lunch-and-learn. It runs 9 to 11am starting from 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point. The listing does not publish a price for the cleanup itself.See listing
Dec11R/V Sea Explorer Parade of Lights CruiseFriday, 6:00 PMChildren and Adults: $65 · Infant/Toddler (0-18 mo.): $10
Dec11Parade of Lights Viewing PartyFriday, 6:00 PMAdult $20 · Senior (55+)/Military $18.50 · Child (19 mo.–13 yr.) $17 · Infant/Toddler (0-18 mo.) Free
Dec12R/V Sea Explorer Parade of Lights CruiseSaturday, 6:00 PMA Saturday parade cruise on R/V Sea Explorer, circling Dana Point Harbor while the lighted boats pass, with desserts on board. Departs 6pm from the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, returning 8:30pm. The listing prices the December 11 cruise at $65 for children and adults; confirm this date on the event page.See listing
Dec12Parade of Lights Viewing PartySaturday, 6:00 PMThe second night of the Ocean Institute's viewing party for the Dana Point Harbor Parade of Lights, with holiday activities, cookie decorating, touch tanks and live entertainment on the grounds. It runs 6 to 9pm at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point. The listing gives $20 adult, $18.50 senior/military, $17 child and free infant pricing for the December 11 party; confirm this night on the event page.See listing
Dec13R/V Sea Explorer Parade of Lights CruiseSunday, 6:00 PMThe last of three Parade of Lights cruises on the Ocean Institute's research vessel, watching the holiday boat parade from inside Dana Point Harbor with desserts included. It runs 6 to 8:30pm from 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point. The listing prices the December 11 cruise at $65 for children and adults; confirm this date on the event page.See listing
Dec19Sunset SailDec 19 – Dec 19A December afternoon aboard the Ocean Institute's replica privateer schooner, Spirit of Dana Point, from 2:30 to 5pm, where passengers can lend a hand with lines and sails. It leaves from 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point. The calendar lists $65 per sailor for this sail on its other dates; confirm the price for this date on the event page.See listing
Dec27Sea Shanty SundaySunday, 12:30 PMPirate-themed shanty singing on board the Spirit of Dana Point while it sits at the Ocean Institute's Maritime Village. Join in from 12:30 to 2pm at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point. No price is published on the listing.See listing

Other venues in Laguna & South County

All of Laguna & South County →

Every listing on this page was checked by a person against the venue's own site. How we verify

Help keep this right

Know something we don’t about Ocean Institute?

Locals and regulars know things no website prints. Tell us — a person reads every note, checks it, and fixes the page.