Get a Close Look at the Migrating Gray Whale: Ocean Institute’s Marine Mammal Cruises
Dana Point, CALIF., November 26, 2008 – Gray whale migration season is beginning off Southern California’s coastline, and the Ocean Institute staff is pleased to introduce visitors to these gentle giants.
The Institute offers weekend Marine Mammal Cruises to provide participants with a ship-board view of whales, dolphins, sunfish, sea lions, and other creatures of the sea. Institute marine biologists lead the cruises onboard the Sea Explorer, which makes use of state-of-the-art equipment such as an acoustic array, plankton nets, video microscopes and a sediment sampler.
Trips last 2 ½ hours; trips in 2009 include:
January 11, 18 & 25; February 8, 15, 21, 22 & 28; March 1, 22 & 29, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
February 14; March 1, 8, 14 & 15, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
March 7, 8, 14 & 15, 1:30 – 4 p.m.
The cost of the Marine Mammal Cruises is $35 adults, $22 for children, ages 4-12 (for Institute members, $22 adults, $19 children). Cost includes admission to the Ocean Education Center. For more 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. Phone: (949) 496-2274.
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.
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