Become an ACS-OC Certified Naturalist

Love whales? This is a great chance to learn more about whales, dolphins, and other cetaceans!  

2025 ACS-OC Naturalist Certification Course

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 American Cetacean Society-Orange County Marine Mammal Naturalist Certification Course dates!
The American Cetacean Society is the first non-profit conservation group anywhere devoted to cetaceans—whales, dolphins, and porpoises. By completing our certification course, naturalists can represent ACS-OC aboard SoCal whale-watching vessels, schools, special events, and other venues.
The 11-session class will be held on Thursdays from January 9th to March 20th, 2025, from 7 to 9 p.m. All courses will be held at Orange Coast College in the Lewis Center.
Interest Registration

Class dates:

  • January 4: Defining Our Whales
  • January 16: Cetacean Behaviors
  • January 23: General ACS Chapter Meeting (TBD in person/on ZOOM)
  • January 30: Baleen Whale Recognition
  • February 6: Toothed Whale Recognition
  • February 13: Gray Whales
  • February 20: Pinnipeds
  • February 27: General ACS Chapter Meeting (TBD in person/on ZOOM)
  • March 6: Seabirds and Coastal History
  • March 13: Humans & Whales
  • March 20: Becoming a Naturalist & Final Test
  • March 22/23: POSSIBLE graduation celebratory whale watch
group on ACS-OC certified Naturalists on a boat with the ocean and shore in the background
Help represent ACS-OC
Certified Naturalists can represent ACS-OC on board whale-watching vessels, at schools and at other venues.
Next sessions begin January 2024
  • 11 week hybrid course (alternating Zoom / in-person at Orange Coast College)
  • Thursday evenings @ 7 PM
  • Required national ACS membership fee: $35 (naturalist student price)
  • Course fee is waived for Orange Coast College students and discounted for whale watch company employees! Fee for current naturalists wishing to complete a refresher course is $50.
  • Course fee: $175 includes:
    • ACS-OC Marine Mammal Naturalist Certification after successful completion of final exam.
    • Official ACS-OC badge with name and naturalist title.
    • Unlimited access to lecture recordings and course materials.
    • Celebratory graduation whale watch trip with all your new ACS-OC friends! Free for you with option to bring friends and family!
Contact us below for more info and get started.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
group of ACS-OC naturalists on a boat next to dolphins

ACS-OC Graduating Classes

Congratulations to our Certified Naturalists!

Naturalist graduating class of 2024

Spring 2024

ACS-OC Fall/Winter 2023 Naturalist Program Graduates

Fall/Winter 2023

ACS-OC Fall/Winter 2023 Naturalist Program Graduates

Fall 2022

Group photo of ACS-OC Naturalist Graduates, Class of Fall 2021

Fall 2021

Group photo of ACS-OC Naturalist Graduates, Class of Fall 2019

Fall 2019

Group photo of ACS-OC Naturalist Graduates, Class of Spring 2019

Spring 2019

Group photo of ACS-OC Naturalist Graduates, Class of Spring 2018

Spring 2018

Group photo of ACS-OC Naturalist Graduates, Class of Summer 2017

Summer 2017

Group photo of the 2016 Spring class, ACS-OC Naturalists

Spring 2016

Join and support the mission of ACS-OC to protect cetaceans.

Join an elite organization that consists of marine biologists, conservationists, and citizens scientists that support the efforts of the world first cetacean conservation organization.

Become a MemberDonate to ACS-OC