Ocean Connectors
Ocean Connectors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering bilingual TK-7th grade marine science education to underserved students in San Diego County, USA and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, with revenue from grants, fee-based Eco Tours, and merchandise supporting free youth programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Ocean Connectors does
Ocean Connectors is a 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofit founded in 2007 and headquartered in San Diego, California, operating as a fiscal sponsorship project of The Ocean Foundation. The organization delivers a TK-7th grade marine science and environmental education curriculum to underserved students in San Diego County, USA and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, with bilingual (English/Spanish) instruction that is aligned to Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and Ocean and Climate Literacy Principles. Its core technology is a place-based, scaffolded curriculum built around case studies of migratory marine life (sea turtles, whales, birds, sharks) along the Pacific migratory corridor, supplemented by a binational Knowledge Exchange that connects students across the U.S.-Mexico border via artwork, letters, and video, plus digital extensions including the Migration Quest board game (2021) and virtual education materials. The portfolio also includes a Crochet with Porpoise workshop and downloadable teacher resources aligned to academic standards.
Ocean Connectors reaches customers through three distribution channels: direct school district partnerships (with National School District serving as the primary anchor), fee-based Eco Tours (wildlife kayaking, birding & brews, whale watching, and tide pool exploration priced $20-$100 per person), and free community events including kayak cleanups, restoration days, and engagement activities. Revenue is generated through three streams: donations and grants from foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners; Eco Tour ticket sales functioning as a social enterprise; and merchandise sales (stickers, apparel, educational board games). The customer base is segmented into TK-7th grade students in underserved communities (primary), individual Eco Tour participants (secondary), and volunteers/community supporters (secondary), with 45+ school partnerships and 30+ institutional funders providing the operational substrate.
The organization operates with 18 staff and an Advisory Board of approximately 15 domain experts, and is led by Executive Director Janaira Quigley, who succeeded founder Frances Lang in March 2022. Strategic posture is mission-driven rather than growth-equity driven: founder transitioned to The Ocean Foundation in 2022, and the organization has progressively added programmatic surface area (Eco Tour social enterprise in 2016, virtual delivery in 2021, DEIJ Accelerator participation in 2023) while maintaining a tightly defined binational geography.
Ocean Connectors firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ocean Connectors
- Legal name
- Ocean Connectors
- Website
- https://oceanconnectors.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Ocean Connectors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering bilingual TK-7th grade marine science education to underserved students in San Diego County, USA and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, with revenue from grants, fee-based Eco Tours, and merchandise supporting free youth programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ocean Connectors industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental and Marine Science Education Services
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine Wildlife & Coastal Nature Tours (Whale/Dolphin Watching, Sea Kayaking) (THAAAEAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH), Water & Marine Guiding Services (Kayak, Canoe, Raft, SUP, Sailing) (THAAALAB), Educational Cruises & Shipboard Learning Programs (THAKAGAM)
Keywords
Where Ocean Connectors is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Ocean Connectors business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Grants: Ocean Connectors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donations, grants from foundations, and government funding to support free youth education programs. Fiscal sponsor is The Ocean Foundation.
- Eco Tours: Fee-based wildlife kayaking, birding, whale watching, and other eco tours. Ticket proceeds directly support youth education programs. Pricing ranges from $20-$100 per person depending on tour type.
- Merchandise Sales: Online store selling branded merchandise including stickers, t-shirts, the Migration Quest board game, and Chelonia board game. Proceeds support the Ocean Connectors mission.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wildlife Kayaking Eco Tour |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Birding & Brews Eco Tour |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Whale Watching Eco Tour |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Tide Pool Exploration Eco Tour |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Crochet with Porpoise Workshop |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Kayak Cleanup Events |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Restoration Days |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Merchandise Store |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Ocean Connectors product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ocean Connectors is a 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofit that provides free, scaffolded marine science and environmental education to TK-7th grade students in underserved communities of San Diego County, USA and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, using migratory marine life (sea turtles, whales, birds, sharks) as the unifying theme. The organization supplements its free youth education programs with a fee-based Eco Tour social enterprise (wildlife kayaking, birding & brews, whale watching, tide pool exploration) and merchandise sales, both of which directly fund the educational mission. Programs are delivered in bilingual English/Spanish formats aligned with Common Core and NGSS standards.
Product overview
Ocean Connectors is a conservation nonprofit that operates a portfolio of interconnected educational programs and community engagement offerings. The core consists of TK-7th grade marine science curriculum delivered in schools in San Diego County and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, supplemented by fee-based Eco Tours (wildlife kayaking, birding & brews, tide pool exploration) that fund the free youth programs. Additional offerings include Community Events (kayak cleanups, restoration days, crochet workshops) and educational products (Migration Quest board game, Chelonia card game). The Knowledge Exchange program connects students across borders through artwork and letters about migratory species.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Youth Education Programs (TK-7th Grade Curriculum) Scaffolded marine science and conservation curriculum delivered free to TK-7th grade students in underserved communities of San Diego County and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Grade-specific modules include 3rd Grade Creek to Coast, 4th Grade Sea Turtle Discovery, 5th Grade Whale Exploration, 6th Grade Bird & Habitat Study, and 7th Grade Shark Investigation Unit, aligned with Common Core and NGSS standards and delivered bilingually.
- Eco Tours Fee-based outdoor adventure experiences including Wildlife Kayaking Eco Tour ($70-$100 per adult) on Mission Bay wetlands, Birding & Brews Eco Tour ($20 child, $35 adult including brew tasting), Whale Watching Eco Tour ($36 child, $62 adult, three-hour aboard Flagship's Marietta), and Tide Pool Exploration Eco Tour ($20 child, $25 adult, December-April). Proceeds directly fund the youth education mission.
- Community Events Free public volunteer and engagement events including Kayak Cleanups, Restoration Days (native plant installation), Engagement Days, and Crochet with Porpoise workshops. Combines conservation action with community outreach and fundraising.
- Crochet with Porpoise Workshop Two-hour craft workshop at $30 per person that teaches crochet skills while creating marine animal toys (Ocean Pals). Includes supplies, instruction, and complimentary drink; Ocean Pals serve as prizes for students in Ocean Connectors education programs.
- Teacher Resources and Curriculum Materials Downloadable lesson plans, activity guides, field trip instructions, and academic standards alignment documents (Common Core, NGSS) provided to teachers in partner districts to support classroom implementation of Ocean Connectors curriculum.
- Binational Knowledge Exchange Cross-border peer-to-peer educational dialogue program connecting students in San Diego County, USA with students in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico through artwork, letters, and videos about migratory marine life traveling over 1,000 miles along the Pacific migratory corridor.
- Migration Quest Board Game Educational board game sold online for $10 that teaches students about migration patterns of marine life and ocean conservation.
- Chelonia: Return of the Sea Turtle Educational game sold online for $18 focused on sea turtle conservation and the threats facing marine turtles in Pacific ecosystems.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% average increase in ocean science knowledge among student participants
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Ocean Connectors
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ocean Connectors technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature4 records
Ocean Connectors partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- The Ocean FoundationcoreThe Ocean Foundation serves as the fiscal sponsor of Ocean Connectors, providing vital operational support including project oversight, financial management, accounting, legal compliance, and grant administration. This is a foundational relationship for the organization's operations.
- Flagship Cruises & EventscoreSan Diego's premier fleet since 1915 provides Ocean Connectors students with whale watching field trip opportunities aboard the Marietta. Students and Eco Tour guests get up-close views of migrating gray whales, sea lions, and dolphins with experienced crew.
- Port of San DiegocoreOne of the original partners providing initial funding to help Ocean Connectors grow. The Port's award-winning Environmental Education Program helps educate students about pollution prevention, environmental championship, healthy ecosystems, and natural resources connected with San Diego Bay.
- NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science CentercoreSea turtle scientists from NOAA were integral to establishing the original Ocean Connectors program focused on green sea turtles of San Diego Bay. Students received special access to the NOAA sea turtle research site and marine life experts.
- Living Coast Discovery CentercoreThis nonprofit living museum located on San Diego Bay has been a close partner since the founding year, serving as an ideal field trip destination for students to observe sea turtles, interact with native plants and wildlife, and explore Sweetwater Marsh Wildlife Refuge.
- National School DistrictcoreProvides school bus transportation for Ocean Connectors field trips, educational supplies and materials, professional development opportunities for staff, and a dedicated workspace inside District headquarters in National City.
- Action Sport RentalsmajorPartnership allows Ocean Connectors to provide action-oriented eco tours on Mission Bay with kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboard rentals. Located at resorts throughout Mission Bay, they enable adventurous group tours.
- Chula Vista WatersportsmajorProvides equipment for the Eco Tour program. Founded in 2018 with a mission to provide recreational watersports and educate the local community about marine life of San Diego Bay.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServicecoreThe premier government agency dedicated to conservation of fish, wildlife and plants. Has supported Ocean Connectors every year since founding with habitat expertise, student mentorship, funding, and equipment for youth-led habitat restoration programs.
- AmaziliasmajorA collective of over 100 women bird watchers in 23 Mexican states, formed in 2019. Supports Ocean Connectors with birding expertise and educational programs for students in Nayarit, Mexico.
- Grupo de Investigación de Mamíferos Marinos (GRIMMA)majorMexican nonprofit of professionals focused on study and conservation of marine mammals. Shares expertise to support development of Ocean Connectors programs and education of students in Nayarit, Mexico.
- NaukamajorLuxury resort in Riviera Nayarit integrating nature and luxury. Primary field trip destination for Ocean Connectors students in Mexico, offering sea turtle camp, aviary, and native plant nursery for coastal education.
- Red TortugueramajorMexican nonprofit network of sea turtle camps from Jalisco and Nayarit working together to protect sea turtles. Provides access to sea turtle educational activities and data for Ocean Connectors youth programs in Mexico.
- San Pancho Bird ObservatorymajorFormed in 2014 to promote conservation of wild birds and their habitats in Bahía de Banderas region. Supports Ocean Connectors with local knowledge and birding expertise.
- Paradise Creek Educational ParkmajorNonprofit formed in National City in 1999 committed to habitat restoration and water quality improvement. Works with Ocean Connectors on restoration of Paradise Creek and creation of environmental education programs.
- Olivewood Gardens & Learning CentermajorInspires youth and adults to be healthy and active citizens through organic gardening, environmental stewardship, and nutrition education. Works with Ocean Connectors to provide holistic educational experience in National City.
- Novo Brazil Brewing CompanyminorAward-winning brewery in Imperial Beach embodies 'Fun by Nature' motto. Provides beer, kombucha, and non-alcoholic beverages to Eco Tour guests during Birding & Brews events.
- Trident CoffeeminorCoffee company with mission to connect people and ideas. Eco Tour partner in Imperial Beach providing brewery tours and tastings with transparent, organic, and sustainable sourcing.
- Saving Ocean WildlifemajorFormed to protect ocean wildlife along the Pacific coast of North America. Partnering with Ocean Connectors to engage audiences in citizen science through marine mammal data collection provided to NOAA.
- San Diego Futures FoundationminorCommitted to environmental sustainability and community welfare, improving lives through technology and digital literacy programs that assist individuals and communities.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Ocean Connectors competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ocean Connectors social profiles
Digital presenceOcean Connectors financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ocean Connectors leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Ocean Connectors funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ocean Connectors M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ocean Connectors
What does Ocean Connectors do?
Ocean Connectors is a 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofit that provides free, scaffolded marine science and environmental education to TK-7th grade students in underserved communities of San Diego County, USA and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, using migratory marine life (sea turtles, whales, birds, sharks) as the unifying theme. The organization supplements its free youth education programs with a fee-based Eco Tour social enterprise (wildlife kayaking, birding & brews, whale watching, tide pool exploration) and merchandise sales, both of which directly fund the educational mission. Programs are delivered in bilingual English/Spanish formats aligned with Common Core and NGSS standards.
Is Ocean Connectors a public or private company?
Ocean Connectors is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Ocean Connectors founded?
Ocean Connectors was founded in 2007. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Ocean Connectors based?
Ocean Connectors is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ocean Connectors make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Grants are the primary driver. The others are eco Tours and merchandise Sales.
Does Ocean Connectors have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ocean Connectors.
What industry is Ocean Connectors in?
Ocean Connectors's product category is Environmental and Marine Science Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAEAD, Marine Wildlife & Coastal Nature Tours (Whale/Dolphin Watching, Sea Kayaking), with a secondary code of THAAAIAH, Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks). Its NAICS code is 611620 and its SIC code is 7900.