Ocean Institute
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As a VENUE: Host your event…
Ocean Institute is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Site fees for all private events helps Ocean Institute sustain its year-round calendar of education programs for the community.
WHERE EVENTS BECOME UNFORGETTABLE… Set along the harbor-front, Ocean Institute combines a naturally romantic setting with a collection of indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you prefer candlelit dinners or cocktails on the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Wharf, we can transform the event of your dreams into a beautiful reality. An evening on our tall ship will wow guests before the first hors d’oeuvre is served. With spectacular views of the beautiful Pacific, award-winning architecture, and our historic vessel the Spirit of Dana Point, Ocean Institute provides the perfect venue for: * weddings * private events * meetings, and * more.
Every moment at Ocean Institute will leave you and your guests with a memory that will last a lifetime. Rental Packages include: * Holiday Parties * Birthday Parties * Graduation Parties & School Events, and * Celebration of Life & Bereavements. Offered are seven distinctive spaces:
- Samueli Lecture Hall & Conference Center: This space transforms into an extravagant * dining room * wedding hall or * banquet, and includes an outside courtyard overlooking the Dana Point harbor. This picturesque venue offers up incredible photo opportunities.
- Ideal for: * weddings * receptions * seminars * conferences * meetings * team-building seminars, and * more.
- Approximately 3,000 square feet: 180 persons seated at tables / up to 220 people in theater style seating / up to 250 people standing.
- Spectacular view of Dana Point Harbor and the Headlands
- Single-story space with vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling windows
- Audio visual system capable of accommodating any medium
- Home of “Gray-Sea,” a majestic 25 foot Gray-Whale Skeleton
- Outside Courtyard:
- Adjacent outdoor space is included in the rental of the conference center
- Approximately 2,000 square feet
- Gas-powered fire-pit and seating
- Tidepool tank with local marine life
- Seats up to 100 additional guests
- Surf Deck: The Surf Deck comfortably seats up to 60 people at round tables or up to 80 persons standing.
- Executive Boardroom: Accommodates up to 12 around the conference table and 18 with additional seating.
- Maddie James Maritime Wharf: The wharf comfortably seats up to 60 people or accommodates up to 80 persons standing.
- Private Charters: Our 65-foot research vessel, the Sea Explorer, is available for private charters and whale watching cruises. Our tall ship, the Spirit of Dana Point, is also available for private charter and dockside use.
Support Ocean Institute… by simply booking your next special occasion here:
https://oceaninstitute.org/venue-rental/
As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…
Laurena G. Chambers Gallery Gift Shop: Carries ocean-themed items and the latest educational products. Proceeds benefit Ocean Institute programs. Visit the store to find a variety of: * maritime books * puzzles * jewelry * home decor, and * apparel.
Support Ocean Institute… by simply purchasing your speciality merchandise here:
Be a DONOR: Show that you care…
Membership
Donation
Please Support our mission: Using the Ocean as Our Classroom, We Inspire Children to Learn.
Make a lasting impact on marine education and conservation by becoming a valued donor of the Ocean Institute. Your support empowers us to inspire future generations and protect our precious coastal environment. Join us in fostering a deeper connection to the ocean and its wonders while leaving a meaningful legacy of stewardship.
- Donations at specified amounts are designated or you may customize your gifts. You may donate on behalf of a business, organization, or in memory, honor, or tribute to a special person or occasion. Recurring gifts are greatly appreciated. Employer matched gifts are welcomed.
- Donate Stock: Select Ocean Institute as your charity.
- Donate your Vehicle or Boat: CARS Vehicle Donation Program. Do you have a vehicle you longer need? You can donate your car to Ocean Institute and receive a tax deduction for the value of your vehicle! Your donation of a car, truck, or boat will raise awareness and appreciation for our ocean environment to over 100,000 students and visitors annually.
- Naming Opportunities: Create your own landmark at Ocean Institute!
- Sea of Stars: A permanent installation showcasing your philanthropy!
- Community Support: Partner with the Ocean Institute as a Business or Organization. Sponsorship Levels Include: * Ground Breaker * Foundation Builder * Corporate Partner Circle * Foundation Builder * Change Agent * Maritime Champion * Impact Leader * Trail Blazer, and * Dream Maker
- The LegaSea Society: A celebration of those who have decided to include Ocean Institute as part of their estate planning. Planned Giving Opportunities include:
- Testamentary Bequest: This is the most straight forward, cost effective planning arrangement
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan Assets
- Charitable Remainder Trust
- Charitable Lead Trust
- Appreciated Asset
- Artifact Donation: The Ocean Institute is a 501c(3) organization committed to expanding awareness and understanding of marine environments of the guests who visit. Using labs, aquaria, offshore experiences, and artifacts, the Ocean Institute works to inspire actions of learning, sustainability, and conservation. Our collections are reflective of these ideas and support the educational opportunities we provide for schools and the community. We are interested in learning about potential donation items that will positively promote our organization’s mission. If you have an item you would like to donate, please read the online conditions and fill out the form page. Understanding the policies we have and the ones we must conform to as a scientific-educational facility will help make the donation process as smooth as possible.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Learn something new, Share what you know, and Do what you love! Are you interested in making a difference? Our dedicated team of volunteers helps the Ocean Institute teach through hands on experiences every day! With a variety of specialized Volunteer Roles, we are sure to have an opportunity that is just right for you. A complete list of descriptions and minimum qualifications are outlined online.
Support Ocean Institute… by simply joining, donating, and volunteering here: