If you’re interested in marine science and want to explore it beyond the classroom, a camp in marine science is the best way to do so. Various universities and organizations across the country host camps each year that dive into field-based, lab-intensive, and research-driven learning experiences.
How are marine science camps different from summer programs and pre-college programs in marine science?
Unlike semester-long research programs, marine science camps are typically short-term, highly focused, and immersive. They often combine hands-on fieldwork with data analysis, ecological monitoring, and species identification, giving students a strong foundation in marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science.
In this list, we’ve compiled 12 marine science camps for high school students, including both in-person and virtual options. Whether you’re interested in marine conservation, ocean engineering, or the chemistry of seawater, these programs are structured to help you develop critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills that are central to marine research.
1. New College of Florida Summer Scholars
Location: New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22 – June 27
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th graders
The New College of Florida Summer Scholars Program offers a week-long immersive experience where you can explore various subjects like marine biology, AI, creative writing, and music performance. You’ll join seminar-style classes, work on hands-on projects, and collaborate closely with faculty mentors. Living on campus gives you a taste of college life while connecting with other motivated students. If you stand out, you could even qualify for merit-based scholarships, and your project might be considered for publication or formal recognition. While structured more as an academic enrichment program than a camp, the Summer Scholars experience includes hands-on learning and mentorship similar to field-based study programs.
2. Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: Florida Atlantic University SeaTech Campus, Dania Beach, FL
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 9 – June 12
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High schoolers ages 14 – 17
At the Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop, you’ll spend four days exploring how science and technology come together to solve real marine challenges. You’ll dive into topics like fluid mechanics, naval architecture, and programming, then apply what you learn by designing and coding robotic carts and drones. Throughout the week, you’ll work alongside researchers at FAU’s SeaTech campus and see how ocean engineers design systems that withstand ocean conditions. Although framed as a short workshop rather than a camp, this program’s intensive, project-based format delivers the same level of immersion and hands-on experimentation.
3. Marine Biology Camp – Roger Williams University
Location: Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
Cost: $1,995 (includes lodging, meals, instruction, materials, lab use, and field trips); $500 deposit refundable through April 1; 50% of the registration fee due by June 1
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in July and August
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–17
At the Marine Biology Camp by Roger Williams University, you’ll explore the New England coastline through fieldwork, lab experiments, and open-water activities. You’ll collect plankton samples, study invasive species, learn about marine mammal conservation, and get hands-on experience with aquaculture techniques. Between kayaking, snorkeling, and whale watching, you’ll also conduct research in the university’s Marine and Natural Sciences Building, where you’ll work directly with laboratory equipment and live marine specimens.
4. Advanced Marine Science Camp – Acadia Institute
Location: Seal Harbor, Mount Desert, ME
Cost: $3,200 (standard); $3,300 (with college credit)
Program Dates: July 6 – 18; July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until seats are full
Eligibility: Ages 15–19; at least one year of high school science (lab experience preferred)
The Advanced Marine Science Camp at the Acadia Institute gives you the chance to explore marine ecosystems through rigorous field studies and lab research. You’ll investigate tide pools, study marine biodiversity, and set up saltwater tanks to observe species behavior. Lab sessions include projects on sand dollar development, organism classification, and field data analysis, helping you strengthen your observation and research skills. Along with hands-on science, you’ll also go whale watching, collect water samples, and visit nearby colleges to explore potential pathways for studying marine science at the university level.
5. Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Advanced Marine Biology Summer Camp
Location: Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, FL
Cost: $480 (General); $435 (Active CMA Members); Need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: Each camp runs for 5 days between June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 (varies by camp type)
The Advanced Marine Biology Summer Camp, hosted by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, combines classroom learning with immersive field activities to study key marine biology concepts. You’ll kayak and snorkel through estuarine environments, take part in hands-on experiments, and even participate in a supervised scuba session designed to introduce basic diving techniques in a controlled setting. The experience also includes guided visits to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and nearby nature parks, where you’ll observe marine species and learn how conservationists are protecting coastal ecosystems.
6. Caribbean Marine Biology Voyage
Location: Caribbean (multi-island sailing program)
Cost: $6,880
Program Dates: June 14 – 30; July 3 – 19; July 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12
The Caribbean Marine Biology Voyage offers a mix of marine research and adventure. You’ll live aboard a sailboat, traveling between six Caribbean islands while conducting field studies on coral reef biology, marine ecology, and oceanography. Each day blends academics with exploration — from scuba diving and reef mapping to studying the behavior of local marine species. You’ll also learn essential sailing and navigation skills, gaining firsthand experience in marine conservation and teamwork at sea. Upon completion, you can earn two natural science credits through Lesley University, along with field research experience.
7. Environment, Climate, and Ocean (ECO) Camp
Location: Newark & Lewes, DE
Cost: Varies by program — day camp (Technology in the Environment) is tuition-based; residential camp (Marine Science) includes tuition, meals, and lodging (amount not specified)
Program Dates: July 21 – 25 (Technology in the Environment); July 28 – August 1 (Marine Science)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–12
At the Environment, Climate, and Ocean (ECO) Camp, you’ll explore how biological, physical, and chemical systems interact within Delaware’s Bay and watershed. The Technology in the Environment track lets you design and test underwater ROVs, operate drones for environmental monitoring, and use GIS tools to map ecological changes. In the Marine Science track, you’ll head outdoors to kayak, trawl, and explore marsh ecosystems while studying species adaptation, coastal processes, and habitat restoration. Both tracks emphasize field-based learning and data-driven research, giving you practical experience in environmental measurement and conservation science.
8. STREAMS – Improving Minority Participation in Education and Training in the Underwater Sciences
Location: Multiple sites, including Andros Island, Bahamas (for capstone)
Cost: Partially funded by sponsors; contact the program for current tuition and scholarship details
Program Dates: Varies by cohort, typically in summer; includes a capstone expedition at Forfar Field Station, Andros Island
Application Deadline: Rolling; requires teacher and counselor recommendations, swim evaluation, and interview
Eligibility: Middle and high school girls, with a focus on underrepresented youth in STEM
The STREAMS Program is an intensive STEM and marine science experience designed to empower underrepresented students through hands-on training in underwater research and technology. You’ll xplore the convergence of science, engineering, and environmental stewardship by acquiring SCUBA certification and mastering scientific diving, ROV design, drone operation, photogrammetry, and 3D mapping techniques. Each module blends theory with application, giving you digital badges in underwater communication, robotics, and ecology. The program culminates in a capstone expedition in the Bahamas, where you’ll design a social impact project that connects marine science with community-based conservation.
9. Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center – Environmental Science Camp
Location: Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI
Cost: $849 (early registration) / $949 (after June 1); includes meals, lodging, and field trips
Program Dates: July 20 – 26
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
At the Environmental Science Camp hosted by the Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center, you’ll dive into the diverse ecosystems and natural resources of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through field research and applied environmental studies. You’ll work on hands-on projects like watershed conservation, invasive species removal, and dune grass planting, all while learning about sustainable development and ecological monitoring. Daily excursions take you to geological landmarks and Lake Superior’s coastal habitats, where you’ll collect samples and analyze data. In faculty-led workshops, you’ll use GIS tools and environmental sensors to interpret your findings, culminating in a final student showcase where you present your research to peers, families, and faculty mentors.
10. Camp Orkila
Location: Camp Orkila, Orcas Island, WA (San Juan Islands)
Cost: Varies by length and type; financial aid available
Program Dates: Varies by program (June – August)
Application Deadline: Varies; leadership and counselor-in-training programs require an application and interview
Eligibility: Students entering grades 3–12 (environmental and leadership tracks open to grades 6–12)
At Camp Orkila, you’ll experience an immersive mix of outdoor adventure and environmental learning in the stunning coastal ecosystem of Washington’s San Juan Islands. Teen programs focus on marine biology, ecological observation, and kayaking navigation, giving you the chance to study marine species up close while exploring tide pools and coastal habitats. Leadership-focused tracks go a step further, helping you develop communication, teamwork, and environmental stewardship skills. The island setting serves as a living classroom, where every activity — from marine surveys to outdoor expeditions — connects science with sustainability.
11. Marine Biology SCUBA Camps for Teens
Location: North Carolina coast
Cost: $2,740 (6-day program) or $4,910 (11-day program)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions offered between June 1 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students; no prior SCUBA experience required for Open Water track
The Marine Biology SCUBA Camps for Teens program offers an immersive learning experience in marine biology, emphasizing underwater exploration as the primary mode of study. You’ll earn your PADI Open Water SCUBA certification while studying ocean ecology and participating in conservation-focused community projects. Advanced and Rescue tracks expand your expertise with certifications in advanced diving, CPR/First Aid, and underwater problem-solving, integrating these skills with marine research dives. You’ll also work alongside marine biologists and visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, where you’ll observe sea turtle rehabilitation and explore how marine science supports wildlife conservation in action.
12. UC San Diego Research Scholars – Marine Science Track
Location: Online and Hybrid options (UC San Diego, California)
Cost: Starts at $2,000 (with scholarships available)
Program Dates: Varies by tier and course
Application Deadline: Varies by tier and course
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12, at least 14 years old (prerequisites vary)
In the Marine Science track of UCSD’s Research Scholars program, students explore the biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape marine environments. Tier 1 courses introduce core topics such as marine ecology, ocean chemistry, and physical processes in the ocean. In Tier 2/3, participants can engage in guided research experiences with mentors from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The program’s tiered structure supports growth in scientific reasoning, data literacy, and field awareness. While not a camp in the traditional sense, the program’s hybrid format combines coursework and mentored research that replicates the exploratory nature of marine field experiences.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like biology, ecology, and environmental science, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – UC San Diego