An Ocean of Inspiration is the true-life account of John Olguin (1921–2011), Director Emeritus of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro, California.

Although born into poverty and struggling with a speech impediment for many years, John refused to take “no” for an answer when people challenged his dreams. A natural-born leader and teacher, he connected his passion for education, nature and fantasy in order to help establish one of eco-tourism’s most successful endeavors: whale-watching.

Throughout his life, John experienced the world in ways well beyond the imagination of most, and he made sharing the glories of whalewatching, grunion runs and southern California’s stunning oceanscape his life’s mission.

This book serves as an enduring tribute to John, who was a founding member of the American Cetacean Society; founder of the Cabrillo Whalewatch naturalist-training program; a Silver Star-winning Army hero; revered mentor to countless lifeguards; godfather to multiple generations of scientists; and joyful teacher of millions of children.