If you have a child who loves spending time in the water or into science, a scuba diving summer camp is the perfect opportunity for them to learn about a new passion.
Whether they’re curious about diving and have yet to actually take the leap or are already fairly experienced, you can find a diving camp out there that will provide kids with unforgettable adventures.
All across the globe, from gorgeous lakes in the United States to the stunning coral reefs of Fiji, these diving summer programs offer something special and unique to campers. The whole family can even join in on the fun with some family programs.
Sail Caribbean
The Sail Caribbean experiences are open to kids of all levels and ages 12 to 18 years old. Each of their programs is held on a catamaran in the Caribbean Sea in the British Virgin Islands. Campers from all over the United States and other countries come and spend two or three weeks on board the boat and get to explore the beautiful islands.
The two-week programs feature 4 to 8 dives while three-week programs have 8 to 12, all led by experienced scuba instructors. The maximum group size for each session is 18 participants, as safety is a top priority with Sail Caribbean.
Campers are able to dive into the crystal clear waters of the BVI’s to observe shipwrecks and marine life like sea turtles, octopi, sea horses, lobsters and more! While there is always ample opportunity to dive, there are also plenty of other activities on board. Kids can combine their diving with sailing, kayaking, hiking on land, and marine biology lessons.
As part of all of the Sail Caribbean programs, kids will do a small number of service hours. There is also the opportunity for them to earn certifications like their PADI Open Water Diver Certification and more.
Sea Camp
Sea Camp is based in the Florida Keys and gives campers the opportunity to dive at one of the few living coral reefs in the United States. The camp sessions run for 18 days, and while there are one-week sessions available, these don’t include any scuba diving. The camps are coed and open to kids ages 12-17.
During camp, kids can learn basic snorkeling skills and diving techniques while working towards earning certifications such as the Master SCUBA Diver certification. All dives are conducted off of the camp’s pontoon cruisers, and all scuba equipment is provided by Sea Camp.
In addition to diving, there are other water activities such as sailing, kayaking, and marine science campers can participate in. On dry land, students can enjoy sports such as volleyball and fishing. There are also fun camp events like movie nights, talent shows, and dances. Accommodation is in cabins with private bathrooms.
Sea Turtle Camp
Sea Turtle Camps are open to girls and boys in high school grades 9th through 12th. While there are other water sports and conservation programs, only the SCUBA option gives children the opportunity to dive.
You don’t need any experience to enroll in their diving camps, and there are three choices. The Open Water SCUBA, Advanced Open Water SCUBA, and Rescue Diver SCUBA, with sessions running for 6 or 11 days.
Professional divers coach students throughout the entirety of the camp ensuring they are safe and comfortable and always learning. The mission of Sea Turtle Camp is to help kids learn about marine biology through first-hand immersion experiences.
This is an excellent science program for any students interested or wanting to pursue a career in marine biology or conservation. Sea Turtles Camps are located in Topsail Beach, North Carolina, which is considered to be one of the top dive spots in all of North America.
Family Divers
Family Divers runs its all-inclusive family camps in 13 countries around the world which includes amazing destinations like the Cayman Islands, Philippines, Galapagos Islands, and the Maldives.
Each of them is open to kids between the ages of 5 and 17 along with their whole families. Both kids and adults are able to dive.
The exact schedule and accommodation depend on the destination, with housing on everything from aboard a ship, in a resort, or in private villas. Additional activities can include fly fishing, zip-lining, basketball, and even yoga.
Most itineraries include multiple dives daily with plenty of time spent in the water! Their 14-day Indonesia tour includes up to 42 dives, and almost every place lets kids work towards PADI certifications. The Family Divers organization always takes safety seriously as it’s number one priority.
Trilogy Dive Center
Trilogy Dive Center in Tampa, Florida, offers an open water program for campers who want to get their SDI Open Water Diver Certification. Then there is an advanced open water for campers who are already certified. There is also an adventure camp that offers snorkeling and other water sports.
The Trilogy Dive Center day camps run 5 days from Monday through Friday. Campers just need to bring their own lunch since all equipment and transportation to the dive sites are included.
Throughout the week kids ages 10 to 17 will learn in the classroom as well as in the pool and the open water. Students will always be with trained staff supervising and teaching them how to safely scuba dive. One thing that makes The Trilogy Dive Center stand out is its 28′ Hyperbaric Chamber, which makes their scuba training even more effective.
Just Add Water
Just Add Water runs programs at school locations around northern Ohio to help students 10+ years and older prepare for part one of their scuba certification. These day programs occur each weekday from early morning to afternoon.
Each offers classroom and pool training and can help with open water preparation as 5 pool dives take place. During the sessions, campers learn about the equipment needed for diving, safety issues, and more about the underwater world and how to protect it.
Families can also join their year-round snorkeling and scuba classes. You should also look at what group trips they have planned for this upcoming year if you want to go on one of their group scuba diving vacations.
Scuba Marco
Scuba Marco helps teenagers prepare for and complete their PADI Open water certification. Over the course of four days, students will start by training in the classroom, then the pool, before finally going to the open water.
Across days three and four campers will complete a total of four open water dives, with two per day. By the end of the course, all campers who have successfully completed their dives will receive PADI certificates.
This day camp is open to campers aged 10-14. All snorkeling equipment must be provided by you, but you can also rent it from them, and the diving equipment is included in the camp cost.
It takes place on Marco Island with two dives off the shore in Tarpon Bay and the final two off their 32-foot Twin Vee dive boat.
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