10 Marine Biology Summer Camps for Middle School Students
Summer camps offer middle school students more than just a break from the classroom—they provide unique opportunities for hands-on learning, personal growth, and the chance to explore new interests. For students interested in marine biology, specialized summer camps open up a world of discovery, allowing you to dive into topics like ocean conservation, marine ecosystems, and aquatic wildlife.
These camps are designed to engage curious minds and foster a deeper understanding of the environment, helping you build a foundation in science while cultivating important life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. In this article, we’ll explore 10 marine biology summer camps for middle school students. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
1. Broadreach
The Broadreach Marine Biology Summer Camp offers programs in marine science for middle school students that combine hands-on learning with the adventure of sailing and scuba diving. These camps take place aboard a catamaran in the Caribbean, where you can explore marine ecosystems, take lessons, and learn basic sailing and diving skills. Some programs even certify you in scuba diving and/or sailing!
With small cohort sizes, the program ensures personalized attention from instructors. Led by marine scientists, you will encounter coral reefs and marine wildlife while building connections with peers passionate about the ocean. The camp offers a unique mentorship component, where you can learn directly from professionals, gaining a deeper understanding of marine conservation efforts and ecosystems.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 12 years old
Location: Various locations throughout the Caribbean
Program Dates: Varies by program
Cost: $4,880 – $7,680, depending on program
Deadline: Rolling admissions
The Carolina Ocean Odyssey is a 6-day residential summer camp for students in grades 5-8, set on North Carolina’s Topsail Island. This camp offers hands-on exploration of marine ecosystems, focusing on local ocean wildlife and environmental conservation. You will participate in sea turtle nest patrols, field visits to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, and other marine biology activities. With small cohorts and a dedicated staff, you will receive personalized attention and mentorship.
Eligibility: Students in 5-8th grade
Location: Topsail Island, NC
Program Dates: Multiple one-week sessions between June – August
Cost: $2,680
Deadline: Rolling
3. Camp SEA Lab
Camp SEA Lab offers two marine science camps: Day Camp and Overnight Camp, both designed to immerse middle school students in hands-on ocean exploration in Northern California.
The Day Camp, located around Monterey Bay, introduces students (ages 8-15) to marine science through activities like snorkeling, kayaking, boogie boarding, and beach exploration. This camp emphasizes outdoor education while fostering stewardship of the marine environment through engaging lessons about ocean habitats and wildlife. You will also participate in fun, educational projects under the guidance of experienced instructors.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Overnight Camp (ages 10-15) is based at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach and features three program options. You can participate in activities like tide pool monitoring, snorkeling in kelp forests, kayaking, squid dissections, and even meet local scientists and marine conservationists.
Eligibility: Students aged 8-15 (Day Camp); Students aged 10-15 (Overnight Camp)
Location: Monterey, CA
Program Dates: TBA. Multiple week-long sessions were offered in June and July
Cost: $595 (Day Camp); $1,425 (Overnight Camp)
Deadline: Rolling
The Marine Science Institute’s Summer Marine Science Camp offers hands-on experiences for middle school students who want to explore the rich marine life of the San Francisco Bay Area. In small cohorts, you will participate in activities such as live animal interactions, using scientific collection equipment, and conducting field studies on local marine habitats. The camp also includes boat trips aboard research vessels, where you can apply what you've learned in real-world settings. Daily lessons are designed to inspire stewardship of the environment, encouraging you to connect with marine science through interactive games, crafts, and themed activities.
Ages: Students in grades K-8
Location: Redwood City, CA
Program Dates: June 9 – August 8
Cost: $860 – $865 depending on program (Scholarships available)
Deadline: Registration opens on February 4
Catalina Sea Camp offers an experience for middle school students passionate about the ocean through 1-week, 2-week, and 3-week summer camps. Located in the private cove of Toyon Bay on Catalina Island, the camp features state-of-the-art marine biology labs and dorm-style housing. You will get to explore marine ecosystems through activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and oceanography, with the opportunity to earn NAUI scuba certification. With small cohort sizes and access to the Catalina Island Marine Institute’s resources, you will engage in activities from studying plankton and invertebrates to enjoying recreational water sports like sailing and kayaking.
Eligibility: Students aged 8-13 (1-week), 10-15 (2-week), or 12-17 (3-week)
Location: Catalina Island, CA
Program Dates: Multiple sessions offered throughout June and July
Cost: $3,100 (1-week), $5,050 (2-week), or $6,650 (3-week)
Deadline: Rolling admissions, early bird deadline is January 31
6. Whale Camp
The Whale Camp offers a marine science program on Grand Manan Island, nestled in the ecologically rich Bay of Fundy. Designed for students aged 10–17, the camp emphasizes hands-on learning with a focus on marine mammal observation, avian species like puffins, and the island's unique geological features. You will engage in field research, whale watching, kayaking, and tidepool exploration. Small group sizes ensure individualized attention from educators, while daily field trips and boat excursions allow you to experience the region’s diverse marine life up close. The program nurtures both scientific curiosity and environmental stewardship.
Eligibility: Students who are aged 10-17
Location: Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, CA
Program Dates: Multiple sessions throughout June, July, and August
Cost: $1,950 (1-week); $3,500 (2-week); $4,900 (3-week)
Deadline: Rolling
Port Townsend Marine Science Center’s Summer Camps offer a unique opportunity for middle school students to explore the biodiverse beaches of Fort Worden State Park in Washington State. Their Marine Biology Afoot & Afloat camp offers a chance for middle schoolers to gain experience in marine biology. You will have the chance to engage in scientific investigations aboard Northwest Maritime Center vessels, including intertidal surveys.
Eligibility: Students aged 11-14
Location: Port Townsend, WA
Program Dates:
July 8 – 12
July 29 – August 2
Cost: $495. Scholarships available
Deadline: Rolling
The MarineQuest Summer Enrichment Program at UNCW provides an engaging marine science experience for middle school students, with cohorts of up to 20 participants. You will dive into projects like water quality testing, species identification, and habitat exploration, learning teamwork and critical thinking. Mentorship from marine educators will enrich your learning, while field trips to local ecosystems offer real-world insights into marine life.
Eligibility: Students aged 10-14 (intermediate programs)
Location: Wilmington, NC
Program Dates: Varies by program, multiple sessions in the summer
Cost: Varies by program, but typically consists of an academic fee and an optional overnight fee. Scholarships available
Deadline: Registration will open in November
The Oregon Sea Grant Marine Education Day Camps offer a great opportunity to young marine enthusiasts. You will participate in hands-on activities like tide pool explorations and marine habitat studies, all designed to help you connect with the coastal environment. You will also have the chance to learn from researchers and marine science experts. Performing investigations in the field and in the wetlands, you will gain useful skills for future endeavors.
Eligibility: Students aged 11-12
Location: Newport, OR
Program Dates: Two camps are open to middle school students:
July 21 – 24
August 4 – 5
Cost: $195
Deadline: Registration will open in January
Explore marine life at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Educational Kids Camps, designed for students ages 5-18. You will engage in hands-on activities like animal care, beach clean-ups, and habitat design. Led by aquarium educators, you will participate in projects that promote environmental stewardship and conservation. Field trips to the aquarium and coastal areas provide real-world experiences. You’ll also get to go snorkeling, boating, and kayaking.
Ages: Varies by program, but there are programs geared toward middle school students
Location: Clearwater, FL
Program Dates: Varies by program
Cost: $220 (members); $240 (non-members)
Deadline: Rolling
One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.