Orange County Marine Institute

DANA POINT. Hop on the Pilgrim and prepare to be amazed by the diversity of California's marine life! For a small fee, you can learn about life aboard a 19th-century sailing vessel, explore a real tidal pool, and take part in the marine lab's open house. If you want to experience something a little wilder, then make arrangements to take one of their cruises, which range from the Bioluminescence Night Cruise to the Marine Wildlife Cruise. Snorkeling excursions to Catalina or San Clemente are also available.