We are located in Dana Point, California which is half-way between Los Angeles and San Diego. Our facility is perfectly situated at the end of Dana Point Harbor, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and the serene harbor. The unique setting allows for quick access to sea for cruises and sails, close proximity to public tidepools, and a pleasant harbor atmosphere.

Our mission is to inspire all generations, through education, to become responsible stewards of our oceans. We believe that “Experience is the Teacher” and we incorporate that into all of our programs by designing hands-on, inquiry-based activities. Our programs provide once-in-a-lifetime learning experiences such learning to sail a tallship, conducting a squid dissection, or standing at the bow of a research vessel witnessing the biggest mammal on earth – the blue whale.

Our camps specialize in marine science and maritime history. We mix educational components from our school field-trip programs with fun crafts and activities that keep the campers active and engaged.

Each program provides age-appropriate activities ranging from tidepool walks, marine animal touch tanks, ocean cruises & sails, dissections, maritime training, kayaking, husbandry training, off-site field trips… and the list continues! Full descriptions are available on our website www.ocean-institute.org

Most camps are Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. We also offer several one-day, half-day, and multi-day overnight camps. Most camps range from $250 – $300 for the week.

The Ocean Institute has over 100 employees and over 400 volunteers. Most of our camp instructors are year-round educators at the Ocean Institute, who have a college degree in science, history, or theatre (for maritime roles).

Our programs provide a safe, educational, and fun experience that give campers will never forget. Whether they’re touching a sea creature for the first time, seeing a majestic blue whale at sea, or learning how to walk & talk like a pirate – kids get a unique experience that they typically can’t get anywhere else.

Registration opens March 1st for Members and March 15th for Non-Members. Enrollment is open throughout Spring and Summer, but a lot of camps sell-out by late-June. We always encourage participants to register early!

Complete information is available on our website at www.ocean-institute.org. You may download a catalog or call (949) 496-2274 to have one mailed to you. Our Visitor Services Department is happy to answer any questions about the programs, our staff, and our policies & procedures.

Registration is available online 24/7 at www.ocean-institute.org. Parents can also call in to register during normal business hours.