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Ocean Institute

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-2274
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Ranked #6 of 20 attractions in Dana Point
Type: Educational Sites
Owner description: The Ocean Institute is open to visitors on weekends, 10 am - 3 pm. Enjoy hundreds of marine animals in aquaria, ocean-themed exhibits and take a tour... more » Owner description: The Ocean Institute is open to visitors on weekends, 10 am - 3 pm. Enjoy hundreds of marine animals in aquaria, ocean-themed exhibits and take a tour of a tall ship. Take a tall ship or marine mammal (whale watching) cruise. « less
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36 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Tujunga, California, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

One Sunday a month from April throughout the summer months, the Spirit of Dana Point Tall Ship will take you on exciting Pyrate Adventures. Sailings are from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Your crew is dressed in period costume and after you set sail, a couple of friendly pirates will appear on deck from below and entertain you will all... More

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Mission Viejo, California
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 March 2013

As you walk up to the institute you will pass a full size replica of Richard Henry Dana's ship the Pilgrim. You will have to pay $6.50 to go aboard the ship and another $6.50 to enter the inside of the institute. The institute itself has a full size skeleton of a whale and many helpful curators who love to... More

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Windsor VT
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2013

Have visited the Ocean Institute on every trip to Dana Point Harbor. There is always something going on. The gift shop is a treasure. Great place to show support for programs and head home with souvenirs or bring back gifts to the grandchildren.

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See 12 more reviews by babybatman8 for Dana Point
Los Angeles
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2013

This Ocean Museam is located at the far end of Dana Point Harbor. Next to the Museum is one of the OLD SAILING SHIPS, that's been preserved, and is available for tours and boarding. Along with the atmosphere of Dana Point Harbor, you have so many other attractions to enjoy, as well...

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See 3 more reviews by Kent S for Dana Point
Napa
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 January 2013

Limited to only Thursday and Friday at 3:30- a cool way to see what's in this place for only $2, The kids loved it!

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Irvine, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 November 2012

bring a fishing pole and hotdogs to catch some crabs!! the kids had a lot of fun, took some pictures and let go of the creatures. Great environment and weather, worth a visit.

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Sacramento, California
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 October 2012

Located on the end of the Marina this is a hidden gem to take the kids for a couple hours to learn about Marine life. This is a non-profit business which is deserving of every donation. I loved the large fish aquarium and the great selection of gift items and books for kids in the gift shop.

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See 4 more reviews by sactrav66 for Dana Point
Irvine, California
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 September 2012

The Ocean Institute is a great place for both adults and kids to enjoy learning about our oceans and sea creatures. It is located right on the shore of Dana Point (beach). There is a fee for admission and you can become a member too if you plan on visiting the institute multiple times. They have tanks full of fish... More

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Washington
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 August 2012

The whale watching ride on their research vessel was one of the highlights of our vacation. The crew is very helpful and knowledgable. I highly recommend adding a visit to this center, and the whale watching boat ride, to your vacation plans.

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See 5 more reviews by JPaulTraveler for Dana Point
Los Angeles, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 August 2012

Nice little place, but check their hours for opening times -- it's not open as much as you would think it would be. Closes at 3pm on weekends?

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See 2 more reviews by Classiccartraveler for Dana Point

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