On Monday, Clearwater Marine Aquarium had the pleasure of hosting some special guests for a sneak peek of our upcoming Marine Science Summer Camps! Local families from Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, This Little Wandering, AdventurousLittleThinkers, and Odien Adventures, joined us to dive headfirst into a day of sunshine and marine science.
While our guests enjoyed a special one-day itinerary, their experience featured several of the signature activities that make our week-long camps so unforgettable. Here is a look at the kind of discovery your camper can expect when our programs officially kick off on June 1.
Classroom Activity
The day began in our classroom with a creative blend of art and science. Campers crafted their very own sea urchins while learning about the vital role these “pincushions of the sea” play in our local ecosystem. This hands-on approach is a staple of our younger camp activities, where interactive projects help make marine biology accessible and engaging for every age group.
Dolphin Greetings
The campers took their handmade creations to the aquarium windows to “show and tell” with our resident dolphins. Not only is this is an excellent photo op, but the crafts also serve as Environmental Enrichment Devices (EEDs) for the dolphins. By presenting new shapes and colors to the dolphins, our students help stimulate their natural curiosity and senses.
Setting Sail for the Lagoon
After the classroom session, we boarded our vessel for a scenic tour through the beautiful Clearwater Beach lagoon. This boat ride offers a unique perspective on our local ecosystem, and is led by educators and crew who share insights about the birds and marine life that call the gulf coast home. To ensure safety, all boats are supervised by U.S. Coast Guard-certified captains, and all educators are certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
Snorkeling & Island Exploration
We dropped anchor at a local island for the highlight of the day. Families geared up for a hands-on snorkeling experience in the crystal-clear, shallow waters of the lagoon. It was an incredible opportunity for kids to observe marine life in their natural habitat, including:
- Native Shells
- Sea Urchins (just like the ones they made in class!)
- Crabs & Sea Stars
- Marine Snails
Note: While no prior snorkeling experience is required and all snorkeling occurs in water shallow enough for campers to stand, all campers must be able to swim to enroll in Clearwater Marine Aquarium Camps. Closed-toe water shoes are required for these excursions to protect feet from shells and rocks.
Booking is Now Open!
Our Summer Camps officially run from June 1 through August 7, 2026. This is the perfect opportunity for budding scientists and explorers near the Tampa Bay area to learn about our incredible marine ecosystem. We offer personalized, age-appropriate activities for the following groups:
- Ages 5-7
- Ages 8-9
- Ages 10-11
- Ages 12-14
- Ages 15-18
Campers will explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems through activities that may include snorkeling in seagrass beds, kayaking through estuaries, and discovering marine life in its natural habitat. Campers will also get to know our resident animals while learning about marine biology, conservation, and animal care.
Ready to ‘Dive In’?
Spaces for Marine Science Summer Camp fill up fast! Learn more and register here: https://www.cmaquarium.org/experience/educational-kids-camps/
© 2026 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization