Blue Whale Watching Cruises at the Ocean Institute

Blue whale watching season is coming to Southern California; join Ocean Institute scientists in the search for the world’s largest animal!  The Ocean Institute will offer Blue Whale Watching Discovery Cruises which takes participants to the feeding grounds of the great blues.  For ages 8+, under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  Upcoming dates: July 26, 27, August 2, 3, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31 and September 6, 7, 21 & 28, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Institute marine biologists lead the cruises aboard the Sea Explorer, which makes use of equipment such as an acoustic array, plankton nets, video microscopes and a sediment sampler.

Cost: $35 adults, $22 child (age 4-12).  For more information, call (949) 496-2274.

Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean.  The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Cost:  $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free.  Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point.  Website: www.ocean-institute.org.