Selena Anderson, Ocean Institute – Dana Point

The Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization which seeks to demystify the world of science, empower children to become tomorrow’s scientific leaders, and deepen society’s appreciation of how the ocean and science impact our lives. We’re located in Dana Point Harbor alongside the tide pools of a Marine Protected Area.

Website http://www.ocean-institute.org/

The 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 the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Life Conservation Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth Marine Science, Maritime History and Outdoor Education programs.

The Institute includes state-of-the-art teaching labs, the spectacular Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, two historic tall ships, and an oceanographic research vessel. Immersion-based field trips range from one-hour science labs to multi-day programs at sea and at the Lazy W Ranch, in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.

We invite you to explore the ocean’s underwater world and California’s fascinating maritime history through fun, interactive programs and family activities that indulge your ocean curiosity. We are open to the public seven days a week and offer our new exhibit the Headlands and Beyond as well as a site-wide journey through the campus. Throughout the year we offer family programs, summer camps, cruises, tall ship sails, and public events including the annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival and Festival of Whales.