Public Visitation

Hours Today: Closed

Laurena G. Chambers Gift Shop

Hours Today: Open 7:00am - 4:30pm

Bioluminescence Night Cruise

BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE Summer months only (2 hours) Bioluminescence Night Cruises are only offered during summer months. There’s a luminous underwater world just waiting to shine! Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and...

Distinguished Speaker Series: John O’Sullivan

The Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, brings interesting innovations, real-world research, exotic experiences, and delightful discoveries to the surface through powerful presentations from an ocean of experts....

Founders Day – General Admission

Founders Day Saturday, August 20th 11:00am – 3:00pm Ocean Institute’s annual Founders Day celebrating our Founder, Stan Cummings!  Learn about him here: https://oceaninstitute.org/stan-cummings-scholars/.  Ocean Institute staff and volunteers stand ready to...

Distinguished Speaker Series: Chugey Sepulveda

The Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, brings interesting innovations, real-world research, exotic experiences, and delightful discoveries to the surface through powerful presentations from an ocean of experts....

Spirit of Dana Point Presentation + Coin Ceremony

Spirit of Dana Point Presentation and Coin Ceremony 3:45pm – Doors open- Join us for light snacks before presentation 4:30pm – Presentation begins Captain John Kraus, the project manager of the Spirit restoration and Master Captain, will walk us through the...

Distinguished Speaker Series: Carlos Gauna

The Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, brings interesting innovations, real-world research, exotic experiences, and delightful discoveries to the surface through powerful presentations from an ocean of experts....

Cannon Battles

SET SAIL FOR HIGH SEA ADVENTURES! Cannon Battles Friday, Saturday and Sunday Night 4:00pm – 8:00pm (4:00pm – 4:30pm load ships) Join in the celebration of all things maritime. Step aboard a historic tall ship and set sail off the coast of Dana Point. While on board...

Sails N’ Ales – Kick Off Party!

Craft Beer, Music, and Tall Ships! Friday, September 9th 6:00pm – 9:00pm  Kick off the Maritime Festival with our Sails N’ Ales event! Enjoy craft beer tasting from eight different local brewers as well as live music by The Trip, mermaid encounters, food vendor, and a...

Mermaid Breakfast

DINE WITH MERMAIDS! Join us for breakfast where you will dine with mermaids. After you will experience a dazzling swim show and story time with mermaids from Sheros Entertainment. An experience you and your family will not want to miss! Festival General Admission...