Welcome to the Ocean Institute Learning Section

OCEAN INSTITUTE - is an ocean education organization located in Dana Point, California. Founded as the Marine Institute in 1977, it offers ocean science and maritime history programs for K-12 students and their teachers. Over 100,000 students and 8,000 teachers from Orange County and the surrounding counties participate yearly in immersion-style programs in the Institute's oceanfront labs and abroad.

The Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; visitors can see marine animals and ocean-themed exhibits.

Moored at the Institute is its 70-foot marine science research vessel, the R/V Sea Explorer, used for student programs and to take visitors on trips to see marine wildlife, including whale watching. The Institute also partners with the Lazy-W Ranch, a camp located in the Cleveland National Forest where students study the ecosystem and California history. It provides outreach programs via a mobile laboratory provided by the "Ocean in Motion" van and distance learning via video conference.

We ask you to please donate to the Big MaMa Earth Learning Academy an environmental solution based non-profit. Your donations will be utilized for continuing “Children's Environmental Education” and other important issues.

Please click the Icon’s below to view “Video’s” & “Photos”, review “Scientific Information” and be part of the “Solution”. “Your Future is NOW!”