Ocean Institute Offers
Blue Whale Safari Cruises
Dana Point, CALIF., March 2009 – The Ocean Institute is offering Blue Whale Safari cruises during the summer; the first cruise is Saturday, June 27, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Safari trip often takes participants out past Catalina Island, the feeding grounds of the great blues, the world’s largest animal.
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.
Other upcoming trips are July 18 & 25, August 8 & 22. The cost of the whale watching cruises is $55 ($49 Ocean Institute members). Participants must be age 4 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. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org.
2008 Business of the Year – The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce has selected the Ocean Institute as Dana Point’s “Business of the Year.” The award recognizes the positive contribution the Ocean Institute has made to the Dana Point community.
Submitted by Jim Graves
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