Ocean Institute Offers Summer Catalina Snorkeling Cruises
Dana Point, CALIF., The Ocean Institute is offering a Catalina Island Snorkeling Cruise on Saturday, July 14, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. The cruise is a day-long trip onboard the R/V Sea Explorer featuring snorkeling with Ocean Institute scientists leading you on an aquatic adventure through the island kelp forests and reef communities. Includes continental breakfast and BBQ dinner; bring your own lunch and snorkeling gear. Additional Catalina Island Snorkeling Cruises will be offered on August 4 & 25.
Cost $78 (Ocean Institute members $70). For ages 9+, children must be accompanied by an adult. Cruise information and reservations: (949) 496-2274, dial “0” for the operator or visit www.ocean-institute.org.
Ocean Institute to Offer Blue Whale Safari Cruises
Blue whale watching season is coming to Southern California; join Ocean Institute scientists for the search for the world’s largest animal! The Ocean Institute is offering Blue Whale Safari cruises which take participants to the feeding grounds of the great blues. Cruise dates: June 30, July 7 & 28, August 11 & 18 and September 1, 8 a.m. – 1 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.
The cost of the whale watching cruises is $55 ($49 Ocean Institute members). Participants must be age 8 or older, under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A continental breakfast will be served; participants should bring a sack lunch. For more information, call (949) 496-2274.
Ocean Education Center Open on Weekends – The Ocean Institute welcomes visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., to enjoy ocean-themed exhibits, view hundreds of living ocean animals, and witness shark and jellyfish feedings.
Cost is $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Or, with the purchase of a membership, a family can enjoy year-round free admission, benefit from member-only events and receive discounts on all other programs.
The Institute also offers many exciting programs for children. For information, visit www.ocean-institute.org or 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. Phone: (949) 496-2274.
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Jim Graves
