Ocean Institute

The Ocean Institute, located in Dana Point Harbor, runs educational programs about marine life and California maritime history. They do everything from oceanography classes to cruises with various themes to birthday parties.

Weekends

The Ocean Institute is open to the public from 10:00 – 3:00 on weekends. You can wander through the facility and see the exhibits, including marine life touch tanks.

Cruises are available too. Here are some of the cruises available:

  • Marine Wildlife Cruise
  • Morning Breeze Music Cruise
  • Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise (Jan-Mar)
  • Bioluminescence Night Cruise (Spring – Summer)
  • “Pyrate” Adventure Sail
  • Passage to the Pacific
  • Tall Ship Cannon Battle Cruises

 

Check their website for special cruises and events like the Fourth of July Cruise and the Father’s Day Catch and Release Fishing Trip.

Tide Pools

Just to the north of the Marine Institute are the tide pools. Whether or not the Marine Institute is open, you can explore the tide pools. Kids can find and touch sea anemones, hermit crabs and more. You want to go at low tide, or at least not at high tide! Here’s an online tide chart, or you can find the info in the weather section of your newspaper.

Spring and Summer Camps

The Ocean Institute offers singe day, week long and overnight adventures this Spring and Summer centered around boating and marine life.

Group Programs

They also offer scout programs, field trips and birthday parties.

Ages: 5-17

Location: Dana Point

Contact: Ocean Institute

AnimalsBirthday PartiesDaycampsEducationalFamily ActivitiesGroupsScienceSummer Camps