Ocean Institute
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Join our programs, explore interactive exhibits, and help inspire a deep connection to our oceans. Ocean Institute is an educational facility specializing hands-on marine science and maritime history programs. Though not a museum nor an aquarium, you will find a collection of artifacts and animals on our campus. The Ocean Institute educates 250,000 visitors annually through our award winning educational programs.
06/02/2026
⚓ Step aboard history at the 10th Annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival!
Enjoy live music, gondola rides, family activities, food and drinks, and cast your vote for your favorite vessel all while exploring beautifully restored wooden boats including the historic Spirit of Dana Point. There is something for everyone whether you’re a boating enthusiast or simply looking for a fun filled day on the waterfront.
📅 June 13
⏰ 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
📍 Balboa Yacht Club
Come for the boats. Stay for the fun! 🌊⛵
Ahoy mateys! Step aboard the Spirit of Dana Point along with the pirate band, , for live sea shanties as we sing and sail together!⛵️
Dress like a pirate, bring your crew, and get ready for a night filled with music, adventure, and ocean air. Help the crew raise the sails, handle lines, and steer the ship, or simply relax and enjoy an unforgettable evening on the water as the sun sets over the Pacific.
🎶 Live sea shanties aboard the ship
⚓ Family friendly sailing adventure
🌅 Sunset views from the water
🏴☠️ Pirate attire encouraged
Tickets: $65
Must be 4 years or older to sail.
Click the link in our bio to book your tickets now!
🌎☀️ SUMMER CAMP GIVEAWAY ☀️🌎
Celebrate International Friendship Day (July 30th) with the ultimate summer adventure giveaway for YOU AND A FRIEND! We’re giving away a FREE WEEK of Ocean Institute Summer Camp during Session 6: July 27–31 🌊⚓🐋
This giveaway is open to Bucs camps and above only (ages 7+) and excludes CIT programs.
Give your child an unforgettable week filled with hands-on ocean exploration, teamwork, and outdoor fun alongside their best friend!
Campers will enjoy activities like:
🦈 Up-close shark encounters
🐳 Whale watching adventures
⚓ Sailing aboard a historic tall ship
🌊 Tide pool exploration
☀️ New ocean adventures every single day
Camps run Monday–Friday | 9 AM–4 PM
To enter:
1️⃣ Follow
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag the friend your camper would bring! (each tag = extra entry)
4️⃣ Share this post to your story for bonus entries
Winner will receive TWO FREE camp spots for their age group for Session 6: July 27–31 💙
Giveaway will close Friday, June 5th!
05/20/2026
Ocean Institute is open Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25 for whale watching, marine life encounters, tidepool hikes, and hands-on ocean adventures for the whole family!
In honor of Memorial Day, veterans and active service members can enjoy:
🐋 One FREE Whale & Marine Life Tour ticket
⚓ FREE General Admission
Use promo code MEMORIAL when reserving online. A valid military ID must be presented at check-in to redeem the offer.
Spend the holiday weekend exploring the ocean with us aboard the R/V Sea Explorer and throughout our campus! Click the link in bio!✨
Little hands, big ocean discoveries 🌊🐚
Tiny Tots Ocean Explorers is back! An 8 week series designed for curious young learners to explore the wonders of the ocean through play, movement, and hands on activities.
From tidepools and sea life to stories and sensory exploration, each session is designed to spark curiosity and build a connection to the natural world in a fun and engaging way. Recommended for children between ages 2 to 5 years old.
📅 Mondays and Thursdays
🗓 June 1 through July 23
⏰ 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Give your little one a chance to learn, explore, and fall in love with the ocean 💙
Reserve your spot at the summer happenings link in bio✨
05/16/2026
Sunny camp days just got even better!☀️
This summer, every Ocean Institute camper will receive sunscreen thanks to an incredible donation from . Their reef safe SPF products use non nano zinc oxide mineral protection and are free of chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, making them a thoughtful fit for young ocean explorers.
Mad Hippie’s skincare philosophy is all about using more active ingredients and fewer unnecessary additives while creating products designed to truly perform. Their vegan, non toxic formulas are made with ethically sourced ingredients and a commitment to limiting their impact on the planet, something that aligns perfectly with our love for the ocean and outdoor education.
We’re so grateful for partners who help keep our campers protected while caring for the environment they are learning to protect.✨
The ocean doesn’t sleep… and neither do the sharks 🦈🌊
Join us for Sharks After Dark and explore Ocean Institute after hours. Come face to face with sharks and rays, dive into hands on exhibits, and experience a live shark feeding to close out the night.
Make it a full evening with food trucks, live music, beer and wine, and cocktails as you take in the atmosphere of the ocean at night.
Tickets:
Adults: $16
Seniors/Military: $14
Kids (19mo. -13yrs.): $12
Infants/Toddlers (Under 18 mo.): free
🗓️ June 12 | July 10 | August 14
⏰ 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Bring the whole family or make it a night out you won’t forget.
Click the summer link in bio for more information 🌊✨
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Telephone
Website
Address
24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA
92629
Opening Hours
| Saturday | 9:30am - 3pm |
| Sunday | 9:30am - 3pm |
