About Us

Who We Are

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 30 marine science and maritime history programs. We are located on 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Protected Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth Marine Science and Maritime History programs.

Learn More

Our Mission

Thank you for your interest in hosting a special event at the Ocean Institute.

When you host an event here, you are directly supporting our mission to educate students as well as the general public about the ocean.

We are open to the public on weekends and select holidays from 10 am to 3 pm. Monday through Friday, we host school groups for both day and overnight field trip programs.

Due to the educational mission of our site, private events are typically only available after-hours. In addition, spaces cannot be accessed outside of your designated rental time, including access for setup by yourself or by vendors.

What to Expect

  • We are a waterfront location. The weather here can be cooler and windier than it is inland.

 

  • We are near a public beach. Because of this, members of the public will likely be in the area, including our parking lot. Our parking lot is a free, first-come, first-serve lot and cannot be reserved for special events.

Catering Kitchen

Rentals (excluding vessel charters) include access to our catering kitchen for caterers. The kitchen features an ice maker, fridge, two warming ovens, and a three-compartment sink.

Policies & Guidelines

Payment & Refunds
  • A non-refundable 15% deposit is due within 48 hours of booking.
  • The remaining balance is due 45 days before your event date.
  • If an event is cancelled over 45 days ahead of the event date, any payment amount over the deposit will be returned. If an event is cancelled under 45 days out, the full payment of the event is NON-REFUNDABLE.
Alcohol
  • All service of alcoholic beverages is limited to caterers or bartenders who carry liquor liability insurance only.
  • No taking open alcohol containers off-site.
  • O.I., in accordance with law, forbids the service of alcohol to minors.
  • Any violation of applicable liquor laws will result in immediate termination of the event and no rental fees shall be refunded.
  • The sobriety of all guests is the responsibility of the client.
  • Alcohol will not be served 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.
  • Shot style drinking will not be permitted.
Music
  • Music is permitted, but due to the proximity to a residential area, no music of any kind may be played after 10:00PM outside. 
  • Music is permitted inside until 10:45pm or 15 minutes prior to the end of the event. 
  • You must inform Ocean Institute if you plan to have a DJ, utilize the rooms AV equipment, or bring a speaker/personal AV equipment.
Catering
  • Access to the space is only permitted during your official rental time. This includes access by caterers and other vendors and storage of materials. You will be charged at the full hourly rate for any access outside of your rental time. 
  • We do not have in-house catering. You must coordinate your own catering and other vendors. You can check out our Preferred Vendors page for our recommendations.
Other
  • Access to the space is only permitted during your official rental time. This includes access by caterers and other vendors and storage of materials. You will be charged at the full hourly rate for any access outside of your rental time. 
  • O.I. is a nonsmoking, vapor, and drug-free facility. All guests and vendors shall observe this policy. 
  • If you are utilizing the firepit as part of your rental package, you are agreeing to the following limitations: you may not use the firepit to roast marshmallows, hot dogs, any kind of food or other product. You may not burn ashes in the firepit. You may not pour liquids or dispose of food or trash in the firepit.  
  • All cleanup is the responsibility client. All spaces must be returned to the same state they were found in. If additional cleaning is required, you will be charged a cleaning fee.