The Ocean Institute runs week-long marine-science day camps on its Dana Point harbour campus for ages 5-17, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm. Camps are banded tightly by age - Sea Squirts (5-6), Neptune's Mysteries (6-7), Buccaneer Adventures (7-8), Ocean Discovery (8-9), Shipwreck Hunters (9-11), Coastal Explorers (11-13) and a Marine Science Careers and Internship Academy (14-17) - and older campers get the water-based activities, including sailing the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point, research cruises aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, harbour kayaking and tide-pooling in the Dana Point Marine Protected Area. Curriculum alternates between odd and even weeks so campers attending several sessions do different activities. The 2026 season runs 15 June to 14 August at $450-$660 depending on camp, with a half-day option for Sea Squirts, an optional $11/day lunch, and a three-week Counselor-in-Training programme for high-school students at $400.
Camps
| Camp | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Discovery — Session 19:00am – 4:00pmRegister → | Jun 15 – Jun 19, 2026 | 8–9 | $595 | Past season |
| Counselor-In-Training — Session 19:00am – 4:00pmRegister → | Jun 15 – Jul 2, 2026 | 14–17 | $400 | Past season |
| Sea Squirts Half Day — Session 19:00am – 12:00pmRegister → | Jun 15 – Jun 19, 2026 | 5–6 | $450 | Past season |
Availability shown as of Aug 7, 2026.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Ocean Institute directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★joanie m.Love here always bring my own fresh lunch coffee water. Being prepared saves money and not deal with I'll trained restaurant staff selling low quality food items. Bad service. Institute great and best access to beach front.
★★★★★Rosabell M.Great field trip destination for middle schoolers and even elementary students. We participated in the lab, nature and whale watching tours and each experience was fun and informative. Every group had a dedicated guide who made the information engaging, easy to understand and enjoyable for the kids. We were able to see dolphins and a whale on our boat tour! They have a cafe on site where you can grab lunch or a coffee! Had an amazing time coming here!
★★★★★Natalie EnglertHighly recommend the Adventure Sails tour! The crew were very friendly and my family had a great time on the ship
★★★★CaliboyThis location is excellent for a family outing, providing children with a hands-on experience to interact with marine life and learn critical lessons about ocean cleanliness and conservation. The fascinating tour of the historic ship further enhances the visit, though the cost of admission is a significant drawback.
★★★★★Doug Farrell GodardEnjoyable and educational. Kid friendly, but much of interest for the serious adult too. Absolutely beautiful location near the harbor in Dana Point, CA. There is also a beautiful beach and jetty just outside. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.