WHO WE ARE
Mission
Using the ocean as our classroom, we inspire children to learn.
AboutUs
Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization that educates 100,000 children, teachers, parents, and visitors annually through over 60 marine science and maritime history programs. We are located on 2.4 acres in Dana Point Harbor, adjacent to a Marine Protected Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth marine science and maritime history programs
Anadventure studentswillNEVERforget!
Why Ocean Institute
During our maritime history programs, students climb aboard the historic tall ship, Spirit of Dana Point Living history turns social‐science standards into vivid memories
DeepConnectionto SupportsaMissionT
With our science programs, activities like tidepool walks, cruises on our research vessel, and sleeping a few yards from the Pacific build a sense of stewardship for California’s ocean ecosystems.
DanaPointandBeyond
We offer overnight programs, featuring visits to local destinations like Catalina Island and Shaw’s Cove, exploring the California coast in ways that few students have experienced before Program fees help fund the OceanInstitute’s year‐round education and conservation work, multiplying the impact of every overnight stay.
Every program is designed to meet California education standards. We provide prep and post material for teachers to use in class.
Overnight Programs Matter
Unforgettable Overnight Adventures Await
ankton tows, and data
e Research Vessel Sea our science programs
d meet NGSS science ngineering standards
uable teamwork skills small groups on tasks g cargo and rowing to nd watershed models bunks on the Spirit of t during our maritime g your sleeping bag to science overnight and nd of crashing waves.
nces, such as being on hins and whales in the create memories that tudents for a lifetime
curiosity, which grows which shapes the next scientists, engineers, d responsible citizens
Our science overnight programs give students the chance to spend the night at Ocean Institute! Students will do lab rotations in the evening, sleep in our open-air Surf Deck, and go on an earlymorning boat cruise. Dinner and breakfast are included.
4
- 5 th th
Watershed Overnight
In this program, students explore the science of watersheds In the lab, students perform a fish dissection, conduct water chemistry tests, take and analyze soil samples, and use an aquifer model to discover potential sources of pollution. On the Research Vessel Sea Explorer, they will analyze a benthic mud sample, collect and view a plankton sample, and build their own watershed model.
5
- 6 th th
Life in the Abyss Overnight
This overnight program features activities from our popular Living Systems Lab, including a fish dissection, water testing, habitat exploration, and the moon jelly life cycle. Students will also perform a cow eye dissection and study the food chains of the deep sea, hydrothermal vents, and bioluminescence On the Research Vessel Sea Explorer, they will search for marine life, analyze a benthic mud grab, collect a plankton sample, and participate in a hands-on demonstration of pressure and depth
6 - 8 th th
Sea Floor Explorer Overnight
In this program, students study the sea floor through the investigation of sediment cores, underwater archeology, and seismology. They will get the chance to drive our real ROV and build their own ROV models. On the Research Vessel Sea Explorer, they will use side scan sonar to map the sea floor, collect a sediment core, and learn about hydrothermal vents.
7 - 12 th th
Engineers Wanted: Renewable Energy
This overnight highlights the usage of renewable energy sources, such as wind, sun, and water. Students will learn about tidal energy and the pros and cons of different energy sources. They will design and engineer their own wind turbine, solarpowered car, and wave energy buoy. In the morning, they will learn about wind power firsthand, sailing on our tall ship, Spirit of Dana Point.
4 - 12 th th
Catalina Island Ecology Safari
Students will journey to nearby Catalina Island and back on the Fury! On the island, they will explore the coastal mudflats and snorkel in one of the many coves, then eat dinner and perform experiments onboard the ship before lights out. In the morning, they will have breakfast onboard, then participate in catch-and-release fishing. On the journey back to Dana Point, they will perform mackerel and squid dissections and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, and more. After packing up and eating lunch, they will dock at Ocean Institute and head home.
- 12th
California Coastal Ecology Overnight
me explore our local coastline with our California stal Ecology Program! Students will explore what es this area so unique during a snorkeling enture at Shaw's Cove, fishing on board the earch Vessel Sea Explorer in Wheeler Reef North, whale watching. This educational program offers icipants an opportunity to explore our local stal habitats and the animals that call them home.
Sleeping Arrangements
Forourovernightprograms, studentsandadultssleepina privatesectionofourfacility calledtheSurfDeck.Allstudents andadultssleepinthisroom. Studentssleeponthegroundwith sleepingbagsorblankets(wedo notprovide)onsurfboard-shaped paddedmats.Adultssleeponthe liftedplatformbeds(atotalofsix; anyadditionaladultswillsleepon thefloorwithapaddedmat). An OceanInstituteinstructorwill sleepintheadjoiningroom.The curtaininthemiddlegetslowered todividegirlsandboysonseparate sidesoftheroom.
Food Provided
Duringanovernightprogram,all participantswillbeprovidedwith dinnerandbreakfast.We encouragestudentstobring snacks.Somedietaryandallergy accommodationscanbediscussed onacase-by-casebasis.Please contactusformoreinformation.
MARITIMEHISTORYOVERNIGHTPROGRAMS
These amazing overnight history programs are a local tradition and will be the most memorable field trip of students' lives! They will get the chance to sleep belowdecks on Spirit of Dana Point, stand dog watch during the night, and even help cook their own hearty sailor's dinner and breakfast.
EXPERIENCE THE LIFE OF A MARITIME SAI
4 -5 BeforetheMast th th 5 RevolutionaryVoyage th GRADE | PROGRAMNAME
Before the Mast: 4th - 5th
In this program, students climb aboard as greenhands for a two-year voyage from Boston to Alta California in the 1830s, recreating Richard Henry Dana, Jr ’s experience in his book, Two Years Before the Mast. In this hands-on living history program, students are immersed in California history while developing critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Students participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including rowing long boats, working the sails, rigging, moving cargo, collecting hides, taking a turn in the bosun’s chair, cooking, night watch, singing sea shanties, and swabbing the decks. It’s an experience not soon forgotten!
Revolutionary Voyage - 5th
Step back in time to 1777 and climb aboard as privateers to deliver supplies to General Washington at Valley Forge. In this handson living history program, students get a taste of what life was like during the American Revolution from different perspectives. As part of their training, students participate in a battle drill against the British, as well as a variety of interactive activities including rowing long
3-day, 2-night camp Sahm Naturalist academy program
ADeepDiveintoEnvironmentalStewardship
This overnight immersive camp is designed to inspire young minds to build meaningful, lasting connections with the natural world around them. Through hands-on exploration, studentswon’tjustlearnabouttheenvironment—theywillexperienceit.
Guided by expert educators, participants will move through a series of interactive learning stations that blend scientific methodology with real-world observation. From studying marine ecosystems and local wildlife, to investigating the delicate balance of habitats, students will practice the skills of scientists while fostering a sense of personal responsibilityfortheplanet.
Evenings bring time for reflection, team building, and storytelling under the stars, giving campers the chance to process their discoveries and connect them to their own role as environmentalstewards Bytheendoftheprogram,eachstudentleavesnotonlywitha deeper understanding of science and nature, but also with a renewed sense of empowermenttoprotectandcarefortheworldaroundthem.
3-DayProgram (2Nights)
DayOne
Studentsarriveat6PMtoOceanInstitute Gearwillbestowedinsleepingquarters Dinner
Gettoknowyourgroupactivity
Pre-programsurveyandjournaling OceanInstitutefacilitytourand touchtanks
DayTwo
Breakfastwillbeservedaround7AM NativePlantGardenexplorationandplant identification
Snackbreak
DanaPointhistoryandgeologyhike Lunch
TidepoolHike
Snackbreak
Whale and Marine Life Cruise on board ResearchVesselSeaExplorer Dinner
Eveningrotations:fishdissection, biofoulingpates,andseismology journalingandfiresidereflectiontime
DayThree
Breakfastwillbeservedaround7:30AM Maritime rotations: rowing in Dana Point Harbor,cargochallenge, theyard snack break, and prepare to go on Spirit ofDanaPoint
SailingonSpiritofDanaPoint
Closing reflections, post program survey, andlunch
Goodbyeandprogramendsat1pm
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to visit the Ocean Institute. The students absolutely loved stepping aboard a historical tall ship! I have one student who said she had never seen the ocean before, so it was extra special for us.”
“Your program is awesome Thank you for giving our children this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“The hands-on experiences on the marine mammal cruise and the tide pool hike transfer directly into my classroom work and left the students with experiences that they will be talking about for the rest of the year and beyond.”
“My students left the Ocean Institute inspired by the all of the experiences they had that day!”
Teacher Testimonials
STUDENT Testimonials
"I've never really took into account how nature benefits humans. So I've gain a greater appreciation for the animals of nature."
- 11th grade student from USC Hybrid High School
"I want to let you know I had an amazing experience overall. I believe this was the best field trip so far and it would be cool to come back."
-9th grade student from USC Hybrid High School
"Before I really didn't care because I didn't know much, but now that I know more my view has changed and I have a greater appreciation towards nature."
- 11th grade student from Esperanza College Prep
The Adopt-A-Class program provides funding to ensure students, particularly from Title I and under-resourced schools, have access to Ocean Institute’s hands-on marine science, environmental education, and maritime history programs. Through Adopt-A-Class support, schools receive financial assistance to cover the costs of field trip programs, removing the financial barrier that might otherwise prevent participation.
Each year, hundreds of classes apply for Adopt-A-Class support, with demand consistently exceeding available funding. The program enables students to experience unique learning opportunities, such as tall ship sails, marine science labs, and immersive coastal and ocean exploration. These experiences are aligned with California state standards, promoting STEM education while fostering environmental stewardship and curiosity.
Adopt-A-Class has grown steadily, with record numbers of applications and fulfilled requests in recent years, reflecting both the rising costs of education and the increasing need for equitable access. The program continues to play a critical role in ensuring that all students, regardless of economic background, can benefit from Ocean Institute’s educational offerings.
