If you’re a high school student fascinated by ocean life, marine ecosystems, or coastal conservation, Florida offers some of the most hands-on marine biology summer programs in the country. With its extensive coastline, access to coral reefs, and proximity to renowned research institutions, the state is a natural hub for immersive field-based learning.
These marine biology summer programs for high school students in Florida provide opportunities to collect data in the field, work alongside marine scientists, and develop advanced skills in ecology, species identification, environmental monitoring, and laboratory analysis. Whether you’re snorkeling in seagrass beds, examining plankton under a microscope, or analyzing water quality, these experiences can deepen your understanding of marine science and prepare you for future research or study in the field.
Here’s a list of 15 marine biology summer programs for high school students in Florida!
15 Marine Biology Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program for high school students that provides extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas. You will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor, who will work closely with you on an independent research project. You can choose a topic from fields like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. By the end of the program, you will have developed an independent research paper!
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. Pre-College Marine Science Program at Eckerd College
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $2,100; Limited need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 8 – 13 or June 15 – 20
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
In this weeklong program, you’ll work directly along the Gulf Coast to explore marine biology, chemistry, and geology through field sampling and lab analysis. You’ll practice species identification while observing dolphins and shorebirds, and use tools like seine nets, hydrophones, and microscopes to study fish, plankton, and sediments. Activities focus on ecological monitoring and data collection in marine habitats. You can expect to gain familiarity with field protocols, biodiversity assessment, and observational logging used in marine research.
4. FCE Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS)
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students with a focus on underrepresented groups
Through this research assistantship, you’ll contribute to long-term ecological studies of the Florida Coastal Everglades under the guidance of FIU faculty and graduate researchers. Depending on your project, you may conduct water sampling, analyze ecosystem data, or examine human-environment interactions using GIS and statistical tools. You’ll also be expected to present your work through class talks, science fairs, or community presentations. The program offers sustained mentorship in both ecological field methods and science communication.
5. NSLC Marine Biology Program – University of Miami
Location: University of Miami, Miami, Florida
Cost: $4,295; Scholarships available
Dates: June 17 – 25; June 29 – July 7
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
This 9-day program combines lab-based training with field excursions to help you explore foundational topics in marine biology, including oceanography, marine ecosystems, and conservation. You’ll work with marine scientists and gain exposure to techniques in water quality testing, species sampling, and lab-based analysis of marine organisms. You’ll also go on site visits to research labs and aquariums and attend lectures on current topics like climate change impact and marine biodiversity. While the focus is introductory, you’ll begin developing skills relevant to more advanced coastal research settings.
6. Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls – University of South Florida
Location: USF College of Marine Science, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 9 – 27
Application Deadline: December – February 15 (camper applications)
Eligibility: Girls who have completed 8th grade and reside in Pinellas County, FL
Over three weeks, you will engage in interdisciplinary oceanography that’s centered around authentic field and lab experiences. You’ll collect data aboard a research vessel, conduct coastal sampling at Fort De Soto and Caladesi Island, perform sediment coring and plankton microscopy in labs, and analyze ecological and geological datasets. Activities also include career interviews with ocean scientists and communication-focused project presentations. Mentors include USF graduate students, marine scientists, and alumni peer counselors who model and guide technical methods and data interpretation.
7. Marine Science Summer Camp – Jacksonville University MSRI
Location: Marine Science Research Institute, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: $425 (day camp); extended care +$100 for early/late pickup; Scholarships available
Dates: June 23 – 27; Optional extended hours
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13-18
As a participant, you will engage in a week‑long, hands‑on investigation of coastal and riverine marine systems, from sampling methodology to data visualization. You’ll choose field sites on the St. Johns River and nearby coastal areas and perform water chemistry assays, species sampling, and enumeration of fish and invertebrates using standard marine science gear. In labs, you’ll process specimens and construct graphical summaries of your collected data. The curriculum emphasizes the use of protocols (e.g., nets, titration, microscopes), taxonomy, sampling design, and fundamental data analysis techniques.
8. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Placements available across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico (within 45 minutes of your home)
Stipend: $3,000
Dates: 8 weeks during summer (flexible schedule)
Application Deadline: November 22 – January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+)
This 8-week full-time internship pairs you with a local fisheries biologist to assist in real-world aquatic science projects. Depending on your placement, you might conduct fish population surveys, assist with habitat restoration, collect water quality data, or support lab-based analysis. Most interns work 32 hours per week, with schedules coordinated directly with mentors. You’re responsible for logging work hours and submitting brief written reflections. The internship emphasizes data collection, field techniques, ecological monitoring, and science communication.
9. Everglades EcoExplorers Internship
Location: Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 40-hour summer training + year-long internship
Application Deadline: August 29 (tentative)
Eligibility: Students entering 10th-12th grade at eligible Broward County public high schools
This internship combines ecology fieldwork with a year-long experience in science communication and environmental education. In the summer, you’ll complete 40 hours of hands-on training, which includes water sampling, species ID using dip and seine nets, water quality testing, and ecosystem monitoring. You’ll practice using field guides to identify native flora and fauna while examining resilience issues in South Florida habitats. During the academic year, you’ll complete 135 hours at MODS, leading Everglades-focused tours, supporting STEM outreach via the STEMobile, and engaging museum visitors.
10. Dolphin Research Center Internships
Location: Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, FL
Stipend: Unpaid; Housing assistance available
Dates: 16-18 weeks
- Winter: January – April
- Summer: May – August
- Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: October 1 (winter); February 1 (summer); June 1 (fall)
Eligibility: Open to all (including high schoolers); Must meet physical requirements and be fluent in English
This full-time internship offers an immersive experience across departments at a working marine mammal facility. You’ll spend four days per week in a focus area such as Animal Care and Training, Education, Research, Medical, or IT, assisting with operational tasks like behavioral data logging, enrichment prep, educational programming, or media production. One day per week is spent in a rotational support role via the Volunteer Resources Pool. Training emphasizes practical skills in marine mammal husbandry, research protocols, and environmental education.
11. MarineLab High School Internship
Location: MarineLab, Key Largo, FL
Stipend: $15/hour
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who live in Monroe County; Must be strong swimmers and interested in marine science and youth education.
This internship places you in a support role for MarineLab’s summer marine science programs, with a focus on field-based education and informal teaching. You’ll assist instructors during snorkeling trips, prepare lab stations, and help run marine-themed camp activities for visiting students. The role includes maintaining equipment, facilitating educational games, and contributing to overall program logistics. You’ll also gain exposure to tropical marine ecosystems while working alongside experienced science educators.
12. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) – Steidinger Scholars Program
Location: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), FL
Stipend: $15/hour
Dates: May – August; Some fall/winter positions may be available
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Recent or expected high school graduates or early college students (1-2 years); Must be 18+ by program start; Women and students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups encouraged to apply
As an intern, you will be placed in active research teams at FWRI, where you’ll assist with conservation-focused projects involving fish, wildlife, and ecosystem management. Depending on your assignment, you may contribute to species monitoring, ecological sampling, lab-based data processing, or GIS-supported habitat analysis. You’ll work across field, lab, and office settings while participating in career development workshops and mentorship sessions with FWRI scientists. You’ll also present your work to peers and professionals at the program’s conclusion.
13. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science – Your Shores Program
Location: South Florida (Biscayne Bay, Miami beaches, Florida’s Coral Reef)
Stipend: $1,000
Dates: September 23 – May 25 (Saturdays only)
Application Deadline: September 4 (tentative)
Eligibility: Miami-Dade County Public Schools students (grades 9-12); Must be 16+ and enrolled in or willing to join the Frost Science Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program
This year-long, field-based program trains you in reef and shoreline restoration techniques while building foundational skills in marine science. You’ll assist in coral nursery work, reef fish surveys, native plant restoration, and scientific wildlife photography across sites like Biscayne Bay and Florida’s Coral Reef. The curriculum integrates ecological monitoring with SCUBA-based fieldwork, culminating in a free PADI Open Water certification. You’ll also receive mentorship from museum staff and structured college prep, including support with test prep, applications, and essays.
14. Seacamp Marine Science Program
Location: Seacamp, Big Pine Key, FL
Cost: Tuition varies; Scholarships available
Dates: 1-2 week summer sessions
Application Deadline: Opens December 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
In the Seacamp Marine Science Program, you’ll participate in 21-hour academic modules alongside field-based labs, snorkeling excursions, and ecological surveys in the Florida Keys. You’ll also participate in fieldwork that includes species ID, behavioral observations, and basic research on coral, algae, and fish communities across multiple habitats. Boat-based field trips and small-group snorkel labs are core to the program’s design.
15. University of Miami Summer Scholars Program – Exploration Sciences Track
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Starts at $8,144; Limited scholarships available
Dates: June 30 – July 17
Application Deadline: December 1 – December 31 (early), March 1 (scholarships & international); April 1 (regular)
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th grade students
This three-week credit-bearing program lets you explore marine science through college-level coursework and field-based labs. As part of the Exploration Sciences track, you’ll take two courses such as Tropical Marine Biology, Oceanography, or Marine Animal Biology and Conservation, combining lectures with lab sessions and coastal fieldwork. You’ll study marine ecosystems, analyze specimens, and work directly with marine organisms while learning core principles of oceanography and environmental science. Faculty include researchers affiliated with the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science.
Image Source – Florida International University logo