Ocean Institute’s Summer Camp

Ocean Institute Summer Camps include activities such as sailing a historic tall ship, whale watching, exploring tide pools, and getting up close with sharks. Camps are offered as week-long sessions and include a free Summer Camp Shirt for campers. Some activities, such as sailing, are limited to older campers only.

• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: Week-long camps, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, with half-day options for the Sea Squirts camp (ages 5–6)
• Price: Lunch add-on available for $11 per day. Multi-session discount: $25 off per camp when registering for two or more sessions; $30 off per camp when registering for three or more sessions. A transfer fee of $40 is charged for each camper being transferred between camps or sessions.

The Ocean Institute was founded in 1977 and is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission statement is, “Using the ocean as our classroom, we inspire children to learn.” Ocean Institute is nationally known for its award winning, hands-on marine science, environmental education and maritime history programs, and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Maritime Education quote is associated with Ocean Institute programs. Certified staff members with an Administration of Medication Certificate are responsible for administering medication to campers who require it during the day.

Ocean Institute Summer Camps use alternating weekly curriculums based on odd or even weeks. Early registration and a 10% discount are available for specific Ocean Institute membership levels. Families can pre-purchase lunch from Coffee Importers for $11 a day, or campers can bring a packed lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat; meals are not provided, and campers should bring their own lunch and snacks each day. All medications must be in their original container with dosage and schedule indicated; prescription medications require a physician’s note, over-the-counter medications require a signed note from a legal guardian, and an Administration of Medication Form must be submitted on the first day of camp.

Ocean Institute programs have been recognized by the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Maritime Education, which stated, “Ocean Institute programs have succeeded brilliantly in the most important mission: reaching and actively engaging the imagination of American youth.” The Ocean Institute is involved in community efforts such as partnering with RIFFE International to spread awareness of ocean safety, celebrating the First International SCUBA Day with Lost Winds Dive Shop through an MPA cleanup, and collaborating with Music Preserves on the Summer Jams Concert Series. The Ocean Institute also recognizes generous individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

Last updated March 12, 2026.