Featured Events

January Kids' Watershed Conf. Jazz in January	February Girls in Ocean Science	March Festival of Whales	May Boat Show
September Tall Ships Festival RHD Charity Regatta	On-Going Weekend Exhibits

Annual Events

Jazz in January
January 29th & 30th, 2010
The Ocean Institute is pleased to announce the 8th Annual Jazz in January event, being held on January 29 & 30. Jonathan Butler, a gifted singer, two-time Grammy nominated songwriter, guitarist, and producer, will entertain jazz enthusiasts for two unforgettable evenings. Opening night features a wine reception and concert performance. Saturday evening features an intimate performance for 200 guests, cocktail reception, silent & live auctions, and an award-winning, four-course dinner prepared by chefs from The St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach, The Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, The Montage Resort & Spa, Laguna Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

To learn more about the 8th Annual Jazz in January event or to purchase tickets,
please visit www.ocjazzfestival.com

Kids' Conference on Watersheds
January
The Ocean Institute launched its annual watershed program to teach 5th grade students from southern California about the science of the watersheds, an area of land which runs into a body of water such as a river, lake or the ocean. Over 2,500 students per year participate in the program which provides them with the opportunity to present the findings of their studies among their peers, local elected officials, and professionals in the field.

The Watershed program is made possible through the generous support of Miocean, the Toyota USA Foundation, SIMA, Orange County Community Foundation, and the Kenneth and Eileen Norris Foundation.

Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference
February
The Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference, presented by SDG&E, is a day-long conference is designed for enthusiastic 8th -12th grade girls who have an interest in science. The goal of the conference is to inspire and excite young women to pursue degrees and careers in the sciences. Eight prominent female ocean scientists from around the country interact with the girls on the research vessel Sea Explorer and in the Ocean Institute's teaching labs. Girls explore careers in areas such as engineering, ocean conservation, marine biology and education. Click here for more information about the Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference.

Festival of Whales
First two weekends of March
Join the community in celebrating the annual migration of the California Gray Whale. During the first two weekends of March, Dana Point offers a variety of festivities including a parade, street faires, art exhibits, concerts, environmental activities, educational opportunities, crafts, and marine mammal cruises.

Throughout the festival the Ocean Institute's learning labs focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allows visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to the magnificent whale. Families have the opportunity to listen to underwater whale sounds to discover how whales communicate, enjoy hands-on activities, listen to guest speakers, and create fun children's crafts. For additional information about the Festival of Whales, please visit www.festivalofwhales.org.

Dana Point Harbor Boat Show
End of May - Early June
Dana Point Harbor is one of the most spectacular marinas along the California coast, from San Francisco to the Mexican border. Always full with the highest-quality of boats, Dana Point Harbor is home to thousands of watercraft and enthusiasts who enjoy all types of water sports activities throughout the year.

New and Used Boats and Products will be on display both in and out of the water at the boat show. A great selection of power and sail vessels will be on display, including Albemarle, Baja, Cenczi, East Bay, Egg Harbor, Formula, Grand Banks, Island Packet, Mediterranean, Mikelson, Mustang, Nordhavn, Ocean,Pacific Sea Craft, Pursuit, Riviera, Tiara, Viking, with more being added each week. For more imformation visit www.dphboatshow.com.

Toshiba Tall Ships Festival
September 10 - 12, 2010
For over 20 years the Ocean Institute has hosted the annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, the largest annual gathering of tall ships on the West Coast. The festival features a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live sea-faring music, art shows, interactive living-history encampments, and a variety of tasty food.

The festival begins on Friday evening as the tall ships parade into Dana Point Harbor. On the weekend, visitors can enjoy maritime displays and demonstrations, music concerts, Polynesian dancing, pirates, and dramatic sunset cannon battles. Visitors can also explore the historic tall ships and listen to the crew share tales of adventure and life at sea. Inside the Ocean Institute guests can experience live parrot shows, pirate games, music, wood carving, ship models and special presentations. Join us for a weekend of fun and adventure as we celebrate the area's rich maritime history.

Participating tall ships typically include the brig Pilgrim, Spirit of Dana Point, Californian, Curlew, Exy Johnson, Irving Johnson, and the American Pride. Visiting ships are subject to change. For complete information about the festival visit www.tallshipsfestival.com.

September 9 - 12, 2010

This premier event, sponsored by the Dana Point Yacht Club, will benefit the Ocean Institute.

2010 Audi Cup J24 Regatta Sponsored by:	Featured Live Aucion Item: LASIK Eye Surgery By renowned eye surgeon Dr. Tooma & optometrist Dr. Henslick

Rotating Exhibits

On weekends, we open our doors to the public for a sneak peek into how ocean science, history, and literature are used to inspire life-long learners!

Monday through Friday we are closed to the public for school programs.

Public Hours:
Saturday & Sunday - 10:00am to 3:00pm

Admission Fee*:
Adult - $6.50
Child (age 3-12) - $4.50
Members - FREE
Teacher Club Members - FREE
*Admission fee includes Pilgrim Tour when applicable.