Upcoming Events – Ocean Institute https://oceaninstitute.org Experience is the Teacher Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:02:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://oceaninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fav.jpg Upcoming Events – Ocean Institute https://oceaninstitute.org 32 32 Tiny Tots https://oceaninstitute.org/event/tiny-tots/2025-10-23/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tiny-tots-2025-10-23 https://oceaninstitute.org/event/tiny-tots/2025-10-23/#respond Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:30:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2025-10-23#038;p=57449

Calling all ocean explorers! Join us for this “Mommy & Me” style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new activities each session and a new animal every month!

 

*Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with their child. This is a “Mommy & Me” style class. 

Fall Dates and Themes: 
October 2, 6, 9, and 13: Phenomenal Physics
October 16, 20, 23, and 27: Mad Science
October 30, November 3, 6, and 10: Deep Sea
November 13, 17, 20, and 24: Creepy Crawlies

Classes are offered on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 10:30am. Each class contains ~30-minutes of led activities & ~30-minutes of structured play time. There will be new activities every class!

Audience: Recommended ages ~2-4 years old.

Location: Ocean Institute

Price: $20 (Ticket includes one child and one adult)

Build a Bundle and get 25% off!

When enrolled in 3 classes or more! When you have 3 or more different class dates in your cart you will get each class for $15 (regular price $20!).

Discount will auto-apply in the cart. All classes must be booked all at once to receive the discount. Discounts will not be retro-applied for single drop-ins. Classes must be on different dates, not multiple enrollments for the same date.
TICKETS

Tiny Tots Refund & Rescheduling Policy

Please note that Tiny Tots tickets are non-refundable unless a doctor’s note is emailed to guestservices@oceaninstitute.org.

If you need to reschedule a Tiny Tots class, please send a rescheduling request with your new desired date to guestservices@oceaninstitute.org at least 24 hours before the start time of your class. We will do our best to accommodate your date request and send you an updated confirmation email. A 5% transfer fee will be added to all rescheduled tickets.

]]> https://oceaninstitute.org/event/tiny-tots/2025-10-23/feed/ 0 Harbor Hayrides https://oceaninstitute.org/event/harbor-hayrides/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=harbor-hayrides https://oceaninstitute.org/event/harbor-hayrides/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=37949

Join us for a family fun FALL event!

Enjoy apple cider, temporary tattoos, and trick or treating all while cruising the beautiful Dana Point Harbor on the R/V Sea Explorer! Harbor Hayrides are at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and a special Glow Cruise at 7:00pm. Cruises are 45 minutes long. Drinks will be available for purchase onboard. 

Double the fun! Harbor Hayride tickets also include access into Spooky Seas in the evening! Check out the event here. 

 

Pricing:

Tickets: $35

Infant/Toddler (0-18 months): $10

Tickets
]]> https://oceaninstitute.org/event/harbor-hayrides/feed/ 0 Spooky Seas https://oceaninstitute.org/event/spooky-seas-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spooky-seas-2025 https://oceaninstitute.org/event/spooky-seas-2025/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:30:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=57224

Celebrate the spooktacular season with Spooky Seas!

Back this year with new family friendly frights, from bioluminescence laser tag to the mad scientist laboratory, there’s something fun for the whole family to enjoy! Bats & ghouls – come in costume to participate in our costume contest and enjoy food, drinks, and alcoholic drinks available for purchase. 

Activities Include:

  • Bioluminescence Laser Tag
  • Biolum Room
  • Costume Contest
  • Mad Scientist Lab
  • Haunted Ship Tours
  • Aquarium Access
  • Photo Booth
  • Food, Beer and Wine for purchase
Pricing:
Adults – $20
Seniors/Military (55+ y.o, Veteran, Active Military) – $18.50
Children (19 months – 13 y.o) – $17
Toddlers (0 – 18 months) – Free!
Food and drinks available for purchase!
Tickets

Harbor Hayrides

Want to get even spookier? Hop aboard the R/V Sea Explorer for a haunting Harbor Hayride! Admission to Spooky Seas is included with your ticket.
Enjoy apple cider, temporary tattoos and trick or treating all while cruising the beautiful Dana Point Harbor! Harbor Hayrides are 45 minutes. The 7pm cruise will be a special Glow Cruise with a focus on bioluminescence!
Tickets
]]> https://oceaninstitute.org/event/spooky-seas-2025/feed/ 0 Harbor Hayrides https://oceaninstitute.org/event/harbor-hayrides-2025-10-25/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=harbor-hayrides-2025-10-25 https://oceaninstitute.org/event/harbor-hayrides-2025-10-25/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2025-10-25&eventSequence=2#038;p=37949

Join us for a family fun FALL event!

Enjoy apple cider, temporary tattoos, and trick or treating all while cruising the beautiful Dana Point Harbor on the R/V Sea Explorer! Harbor Hayrides are at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and a special Glow Cruise at 7:00pm. Cruises are 45 minutes long. Drinks will be available for purchase onboard. 

Double the fun! Harbor Hayride tickets also include access into Spooky Seas in the evening! Check out the event here. 

 

Pricing:

Tickets: $35

Infant/Toddler (0-18 months): $10

Tickets
]]> https://oceaninstitute.org/event/harbor-hayrides-2025-10-25/feed/ 0 Glow Cruise https://oceaninstitute.org/event/harbor-hayrides-2025-10-25-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=harbor-hayrides-2025-10-25-3 https://oceaninstitute.org/event/harbor-hayrides-2025-10-25-3/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2025-10-25&eventSequence=2#038;p=37949

Join us for a family fun FALL event!

Enjoy apple cider, temporary tattoos, and trick or treating all while cruising the beautiful Dana Point Harbor on the R/V Sea Explorer! Harbor Hayrides are at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and a special Glow Cruise at 7:00pm. Cruises are 45 minutes long. Drinks will be available for purchase onboard. 

Double the fun! Harbor Hayride tickets also include access into Spooky Seas in the evening! Check out the event here. 

 

Pricing:

Tickets: $35

Infant/Toddler (0-18 months): $10

Tickets
]]> https://oceaninstitute.org/event/harbor-hayrides-2025-10-25-3/feed/ 0 Guided Snorkel Tour https://oceaninstitute.org/event/guided-snorkel-tour/2025-10-26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guided-snorkel-tour-2025-10-26 Sun, 26 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2025-10-26#038;p=54536

Guided Snorkel Tour

Explore the ocean with us!

Join our semi-private guided snorkel tours and explore the stunning marine life of Shaw’s Cove! Meet at the beach where your expert guide will lead you through Southern California’s beautiful kelp forests. Enjoy 45 minutes in the water as our guide introduces you to the beauty of Southern California’s kelp forests and their marine life. All gear provided—just bring your sense of adventure!

Your tour includes:

  • Complete set of snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit)
  • Expert tour guide with knowledge of the cove, kelp forests, and marine species
  • All gear setup and breakdown handled by your guide

Pricing:

$64.00 per person. (2 person minimum)

Recommended for ages six and up. Guests must secure their own transportation to Shaw’s Cove.

Tickets
To show our appreciation, several Laguna Beach partners are offering exclusive promotions just for you. Simply show your ticket confirmation from your guided snorkel tour at the participating businesses to enjoy these special deals.

Enjoy the perks—and the memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour take place?

Tours take place at Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach, CA

Where do we meet?

Your guide will meet you by the bench at the top of the stairs at Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach.

Is there parking near the meeting point?

There is limited street parking available near Shaw’s Cove. You can park on Fariview, Cliff Drive, or other side streets. There is also metered parking along PCH. 

What should I bring/wear?

All snorkeling gear is provided! Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. Wetsuits are provided but are optional depending on the season. We also recommend bringing sunscreen and water.

You’ll also need to fill out and bring a copy of our Water-Based Recreation Waiver for each member of the group.

Is the water cold?
Southern California’s waters can be a bit chilly depending on the season, but the wetsuit should keep you nice and comfortable for the duration of the dive! And the hot cocoa afterwards will certainly help you warm up!
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, you should be comfortable swimming to enjoy this snorkeling experience. Our guides will have boogie boards available should you get tired, so you can rest and enjoy the sights from the board!
Do I need previous snorkeling experience?
Our guides are trained to support all snorkeling experience levels, including beginners!
What if the weather conditions are bad?
Safety comes first. If conditions aren’t suitable, we’ll notify you and offer rescheduling or a full refund.
How many people are on each tour?

Tours are semi-private with a small group size to ensure personal attention and safety—we have a maximum of 5 guests per guide.

Can I bring a camera or GoPro?
Yes! Waterproof cameras are welcome, but please ensure they’re secure. Guides may also take photos during the tour.
How do I book a tour?
You can reserve your spot online by clicking the Tickets button above, or by contacting our Guest Services team at (949) 496-2274 ext. 111 or at guestservices@oceaninstitute.org.
What happens after the tour?
After exploring the ocean, our guides handle the gear cleanup! We can also recommend some amazing local restaurants to enjoy – swimming can often make you hungry!

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

]]> General Admission https://oceaninstitute.org/event/general-admission-6/2025-10-26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=general-admission-6-2025-10-26 Sun, 26 Oct 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2025-10-26#038;p=55047

General Admission

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Ocean Institute’s general admission invites the public to engage with our immersive, hands-on exhibits and rotating themes!
Our rotating themes allow visitors to keep coming back to discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity.
Explore marine mammal artifacts, interactive exhibits, and local aquaria. Interact with a shark and ray touch and an intertidal touch tank.
Bring history to life and step back in time with a Sailor’s Life Tour onboard the deck of Spirit of Dana Point and a visit to our Maritime Village.

Pricing:

Adult: $16
Child (19 months – 13 y.o): $12
Senior (55+) or Military: $14
Infant/Toddler (0-18 months): Free!
Elevate your experience! Select add-ons at checkout:
Squid Dissection: $5
Sea Star Feeding: $10
Tickets must be purchased for all individuals. Ocean Institute Members receive complimentary year-round general admission! Not a member? Click here to join today!
Get Tickets

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

]]> Squid Dissections https://oceaninstitute.org/event/squid-dissections-2-2024-09-29-2024-11-03/2025-10-26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=squid-dissections-2-2024-09-29-2024-11-03-2025-10-26 https://oceaninstitute.org/event/squid-dissections-2-2024-09-29-2024-11-03/2025-10-26/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 17:30:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2025-10-26#038;eventDate=2024-11-03#038;p=48211

Squid Dissections

Squid Dissections

Add-on experience for General Admission!

Dive into a hands-on experience suitable for all levels of curiosity with our squid dissections! Join our expert guides who will lead you through an exploration of anatomy and adaptations. Each dissection is 30 minutes long.

Every dissector requires their own ticket and may be accompanied by 1 additional person. Each dissector will receive their own squid to dissect. Note: Children under 18 months do not require their own ticket to accompany a dissector.

Dissections will occur at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, and 1:30 pm.

Add-on Price: $5

Must have a General Admission ticket to participate. Add on experience ticket during check out.

Tickets

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

]]> https://oceaninstitute.org/event/squid-dissections-2-2024-09-29-2024-11-03/2025-10-26/feed/ 0 Sea Star Feeding https://oceaninstitute.org/event/sea-star-feeding/2025-10-26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sea-star-feeding-2025-10-26 https://oceaninstitute.org/event/sea-star-feeding/2025-10-26/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2025-10-26#038;p=57134

Sea Star Feeding

Sea Star Feeding

General Admission add-on experience!

Have you ever wanted to hand-feed a sea star? Join us for this interactive feeding experience where you can prepare their food alongside our staff and hand feed a sea star with this up-close encounter you won’t forget!

Every feeder requires their own ticket and may be accompanied by 1 additional person. Children under 18 months do not require their own ticket to accompany a feeder.

Add-on Price: $10

General Admission ticket purchase is required. Add experience to your cart at checkout!

Tickets

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

]]> https://oceaninstitute.org/event/sea-star-feeding/2025-10-26/feed/ 0 Sea Shanty Sunday https://oceaninstitute.org/event/sea-shanty-sunday/2025-10-26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sea-shanty-sunday-2025-10-26 Sun, 26 Oct 2025 19:30:00 +0000 https://oceaninstitute.org/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2025-10-26#038;p=54864

Sea Shanty Sundays

Ahoy mateys! You are invited to sing sea shanties with the pirate band, Queen Anne’s Blouse, on the Spirit of Dana Point docked at Ocean Institute’s Maritime Village!

This is your opportunity to dress, talk, and sing like a pirate. Bring your family and friends and enjoy singing along to classic and original sea shanties based on our fascinating maritime history.  Get an introduction to the life of a sailor on a tall ship.  Learn nautical terms and phrases.  Hear stories about the legendary sea cave, Richard Henry Dana Jr., and the real pirate who attacked San Juan Capistrano in 1818.
Costumes are welcome, but not required!
Included with General Admission!
Tickets
About the Spirit of Dana Point

The Spirit of Dana Point is a traditionally built replica of a 1770s privateer schooner used during the American Revolution. These ships were known for their speed and were used for smuggling. The ship is 118 feet long with a rig height of 100 feet… and 5,000 square feet of sail!

It was Dennis Holland’s dream to build an accurate replica from the period when America fought for independence. Armed with talent, determination, little money and plans he purchased from the Smithsonian Institution, he laid the keel in his Orange County yard on May 2, 1970. Thirteen years later, this fast privateer was launched and continues to sail the ocean. Everywhere you look on board is the craftsmanship and pride of early America.

Formerly the Pilgrim of Newport, the re-named Spirit of Dana Point is an excellent teaching platform where students directly experience life at sea as it has been for hundreds of years.  The 118-ft. schooner is used for living history and at-sea maritime programs throughout the year.

The Spirit of Dana Point is also available for public and private charters, coastal sails, corporate team building, and filming opportunities.

For private charters, events or wedding onboard the Spirit of Dana Point please e-mail: events@oceaninstitute.org

Click here for our Refund and Ticket Transfer Policy.

]]>