Ocean Institute

School and youth programs and public learning experience: Ocean Institute provides hands-on field-trip programs that engage students in learning experiences in our labs, on the water, and in the local environment. Programs take place on campus in our learning labs, on the water on the r/v sea explorer and tall ship spirit, and in our local coastal environment that includes unique geological features, tidepools, and the Ocean Institute native plant garden. Our "Ocean in motion" visiting van and virtual field trips reach students who are unable to visit our campus, including children with special needs, children's hospitals, and homeless shelters. Additionally, Ocean Institute believes in lifelong learning and our experiential educationis also offered to individuals, families, private groups (from scouts to seniors), through our general admission and special events. Visitors can spend a day visiting our exhibits and touch tanks, search for marine mammals on the r/v sea explorer cruise, sail on the tall ship spirit, or join our kayak, tidepool, and geology tours. Special events, including maritime fest, girls on Ocean science, the marine & environmental science college fair, intern research symposium, coastal cleanups, and distinguished speaker presentations provide multiple pathways to learning for the general public.