Summer
MARINE
SCIENCE
CAMP
Mon - Fri
June 9 - August 8, 2025
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Grades K - 8th
Price varies per camp
Summer is the time to explore and enjoy the outdoors!
Marine Science Camp for K-8th grades includes interactions with live marine animals and themed science activities. Lead by our experienced science instructors, camp participants discover local habitats and animals at our Redwood City site and while aboard our 90-foot research vessel, the Robert G. Brownlee. Make science come alive this summer!
Read the Summer Marine Science Camp FAQs to learn more about field trips, extended care, what to expect at camp, drop-off and pick-up procedures and much more.
Summer 2025 Registration Dates:
Early Bird Registration opens for current Ocean Advocate and Bay Steward Members on Wednesday January 29 at 9:00 am.
Early Bird Registration opens for current Family Members on Friday January 31 at 9:00 am.
Click here to become a Member and secure your first-choice camp session before the rush.
Registration opens to the community on Tuesday February 4 at 9:00 am.
SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE
.jpg)
Plankton Pioneers
Entering K - 1st Grade
Cost:
$690 (*$555 for June 30-July 3)
Structure:
1 day aboard ship, 4 days at MSI
Embark on a marine adventure with Plankton Pioneers! Designed for entering K-1st graders, this hands-on camp explores marine life of the Pacific coast, habitats, and ecosystems through interactive stations, creative crafts, live animal touching and a Discovery Voyage aboard our research ship.
.jpg)
Off-Site Explorers
Entering 3rd - 5th Grade
Cost:
$860
Structure:
1 day aboard ship, 4 days field trips
Inspire the next generation of ocean adventurers with Off-Site Explorers camp! Tailored for entering 3rd-5th graders, this action-packed camp offers an exclusive experience featuring four days of immersive field trips and a Discovery Voyage aboard our research ship. Campers will explore stunning coastal habitats, encounter and learn about fascinating marine life, and gain valuable insights into the wonders of the ocean.
Marine Explorers
Entering 2nd - 3rd Grade
Cost:
$755 (*$605 for June 30-July 3)
Structure:
1 day aboard ship, 1 day field trip, 3 days at MSI
Dive into marine science with Marine Explorers! Designed for entering 2nd-3rd graders, this camp fosters environmental stewardship through hands-on stations, field trips, and a Discovery Voyage aboard our research ship. Campers will explore marine animal adaptations to changing ocean conditions, and how to take positive actions to protect the ocean.
%20-%20Copy_JPG.jpg)
Off-Site Explorers
Entering 6th - 8th Grade
Cost:
$860
Structure:
1 day aboard ship, 4 days field trips
Inspire the next generation of ocean adventurers with Off-Site Explorers camp! Tailored for entering 6th-8th graders, this action-packed camp offers an exclusive experience featuring four days of immersive field trips and a Discovery Voyage aboard our research ship. Campers will explore stunning coastal habitats, encounter and learn about fascinating marine life, and gain valuable insights into the wonders of the ocean.
Naturalists
Entering 4th - 5th Grade
Cost:
$785
Structure:
1 day aboard ship, 2 days field trip, 2 days at MSI
Step into the shoes of a young marine biologist at the Naturalists camp! Perfect for entering 4th-5th graders, this camp explores the concept of biomimicry and the fascinating relationship between form and function in marine life through hands-on stations, field trips, and a Discovery Voyage aboard our research ship.
Underwater Investigators
Entering 6th - 8th Grade
Cost:
$865
Structure:
1 day aboard ship, 1 day field trip, 1 day canoes, 2 days at MSI
Embark on an exciting adventure with Underwater Investigators camp for entering 6th-8th graders! Dive into the exciting world of biomimicry, where campers explore how nature’s designs inspire innovation. Highlights include a Discovery Voyage aboard our research ship, field trips, canoe expeditions, live animal encounters and interactive stations. A perfect blend of outdoor adventure and scientific discovery!
Marine Science Camp Scholarships:
The Marine Science Camp Scholarship Fund was created to give as many kids as possible the opportunity to experience the benefits of camp. Apply for financial support with the Marine Science Camp Scholarship Fund. Camp spots are held in select sessions for qualified scholarship recipients.
Marine Science Camp cancellation and refund policy:
For cancellations requested more than 60 days prior to camp start date, 90% of program fees are refundable. For cancellations requested between 60 days and 14 days prior to camp start date, 75% of program fees are refundable. No refunds for cancellations requested within 14 days of the camp start date. The processing fee is non-refundable for cancellations made at any time. Scholarship donations are non-refundable.
MSI will fully refund fees if the session is cancelled*.
*If the Marine Science Institute facilities are rendered unsuitable for the operation of Marine Science Institute programs by reason of Force Majeure such as natural events (fire, earthquake, flooding, etc.), political events (war, strike, massive protests, etc.), governmental action (pandemic response, etc.), or any other causes beyond the reasonable control of Marine Science Institute, then a credit transfer to a future program will be issued.
Summer Marine Science Camp session transfer policy:
A $25 transfer fee is applied to camp session transfers within the same season (for each child). Camp session transfers can be accommodated only if there is space in the desired session.