Catalina Island is one of California’s hidden gems. The crystal clear beaches and diverse ecosystems make it the perfect spot for unique outdoor activities and adventures.
Catalina Sea Camp offers children the perfect opportunity to enjoy a summer camp while learning about marine biology, going on outdoor adventures and making friends.
An Adventure Beyond Vacation
Let your children take the Catalina Island ferry and experience a premier ocean adventure summer camp focused on marine science and conservation. At Catalina Sea Camp, we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of campers through unique opportunities for discovery.
Our summer programs welcome a diverse community of campers aged 8 to 17. Each activity is designed to empower campers to discover the ocean, the island and themselves. This combination of science, adventure and fun sets us apart from the typical beach vacation.
Signature Experiences
We offer one, two and three-week programs specially designed for your child’s age group. Each program at our exclusive location combines marine biology activities, water sports, social activities and events. The protected environment in the sheltered coves on the leeward side of Catalina Island allows for activities that are difficult to replicate in other areas.
Some of our signature experiences include:
- Marine biology activities: Get excited about hands-on learning with our marine biology programs, such as our Invertebrates and Ichthyology Lab. You’ll study fascinating marine creatures. You can also get up close with sharks in our touch tank and explore the depths of the ocean in our Oceanography Lab, gaining practical skills in scientific observation and data collection.
- Ocean adventures: Take advantage of the protected environment and enjoy water sports like stand-up paddle boards, kayaking, underwater photography and sailing camp for kids.
- Island adventures: Experience adventure, island style, with our 12-lane climbing wall, archery, giant swing and arts and crafts.
- Scuba diving: Our scuba diving summer camp is an immersive three-week course led by professional divers with specializations in youth development and diving risk management. The leeward side of Catalina Island provides some of the best diving conditions on the West Coast.
How We Prioritize Safety
At Catalina Sea Camp, all staff follow strict safety and supervision protocols to ensure your child learns in a secure environment. We have an ACA accreditation and undergo a thorough reaccreditation process every five years, which involves over 100 health and safety standards.
Our instructors provide unmatched teaching and supervision in all our classes and activities. They are trained in each program area and as waterfront lifeguards. This means they are knowledgeable about specific rescue techniques and decision-making processes.
Staff also guides campers through safety guidelines and provides relevant safety equipment. Our team utilizes two-way radios to ensure direct and constant contact across the island. A registered nurse is stationed at camp to manage medications and attend to medical needs around the clock during the program.
Benefits of the Catalina Sea Camp Experience
Throughout our decades of experience, we have witnessed the positive impact of the sea camp experience on thousands of campers. Our program benefits campers in many aspects of their lives, from learning about conservation ethics and building teamwork skills to gaining confidence in themselves.
Some of the key benefits of attending Catalina Sea Camp include:
- Personal growth: Studies have shown that even short-term summer camps enhance emotional self-control, improve positive emotions, and increase self-esteem and assertiveness.
- Opportunity for connection: Summer camp is the perfect place for children to build friendships — 93% of campers say that they get to know kids who were different from them, and 96% say that camp helped them make new friends.
- Build environmental awareness: Outdoor summer camps help children connect with nature and learn about its importance.
Enroll Your Children for an Enriching Ocean Adventure Today!
Catalina Sea Camp is committed to making a difference in the lives of campers through our unique programs. Search through our activities and enroll your children in their next ocean and island adventure.
