Orange County Marine Institue

The Orange County Marine Institute, situated at the west end of Dana Point Harbor, is a unique educational facility helping children and adults alike explore our ever-changing ocean environment. Their new 70-foot research vessel, R/V Sea Explorer, is fully equipped as a floating laboratory offering a rare glimpse into hidden undersea treasures that lie a few hundred yards oof-shore. The Institutes wet-lab offers visitors "hands-on" experiences and the opportunity to study marine life.

The brig "Pilgrim" is a full-sized replica of the square-rigged vessel on which Richard Henry Dana sailed into this cove. It lies docked near the Orange County Marine Institute and offers school children the extraordinary experience of life at sea during the 19th century. The "Pilgrim" is also the stage for community concerts, weddings and summer theatrical performances.

Not to be missed at the west end of the Harbor are the captivating tidepools, a sandy stillwater beach, an area for sailboarding, and the Dana Point Youth & Group Facility which provides anchorage for the Boy and Girl Scouts sailing activities, various classes for all ages, meeting rooms and a multipurpose room to be rented for special events.