Aquariums
Ocean Institute
📍 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–3 PM |
Quick Facts
- Type
- Marine Science & Maritime Education Center
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Whale and marine life cruises, ocean science labs, historic ship experiences, undersea robot building
- Hours
- Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Programs
- Field trips, overnight programs, summer camps, virtual learning
💡 Did You Know?
- The Ocean Institute offers whale watching and dolphin tours on their R/V Sea Explorer for $40 per person, an exceptionally affordable price that includes both the marine life tour and museum entry
- The venue features a gray whale skeleton as a notable exhibit, mentioned prominently in visitor reviews
- The Ocean Institute operates an interactive estuary walk exhibit that visitors specifically praised as beautiful and informative
- The attraction offers overnight programs and summer camps in addition to day visits, providing immersive educational experiences for multiple age groups
- Staff actively supervise touch tanks during operating hours to ensure proper marine animal care and visitor safety
💬 What Visitors Say
- Book the Adventure Sails whale watching and dolphin tour ($40 per person includes museum entry and 2.5-hour tour) - it's an exceptional value that combines admission with a guided marine life experience, and crew are highly knowledgeable and friendly
- Start with the touch tanks and interactive exhibits - staff are actively present to ensure proper animal handling and provide direct education, making this a standout hands-on learning experience compared to passive observation-only exhibits
- Visit on a weekend morning right at opening (10 AM Saturday or Sunday) when the small venue is less crowded, allowing more time for meaningful interaction with the touch tanks and one-on-one conversations with knowledgeable volunteers
- Combine your visit with lunch at the highly-rated coffeehouse/bakery next door to maximize your time in this beautiful Dana Point location and create a full day experience without needing to travel elsewhere
- Lock in current admission prices by purchasing tickets before July 1, 2025 - pricing increases take effect for select programs after this date, so advance planning saves money
About Ocean Institute
Maritime science & history exhibits. Coastal visitor center with marine wildlife, school programs & interactive exhibits on oceanography.
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