Marine Camps

Kid’s Programs

JR. EXHIBIT DESIGN TEAM | Ages 6-14
Do you want to be a part of our Scientific Team? Join us as we build an exhibit from scratch to be displayed in our Marine Education Center. We will discuss everything that it takes to make a perfect display including Filtration, Theme Design, Animal Selection and Water Chemistry. At the end of the session you can invite all your friends and family as we hold an unveiling ceremony where you will be able to show off all of your hard work.

$59.99 plus tax | Six Week Course | Mondays 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

• Spring 2012 Session begins February 27, 2012
• Fall 2012 Session begins October 29, 2012

SEAL TEAM | Minimum Age 8
Join the Ripley’s Aquarium SCUBA team by participating in the Padi Seal Team program. The PADI Seal Team is an exciting underwater introduction to the world of diving. You will experience SCUBA by completeing aquamissions both on land and a local pool.

$199.99 plus tax | Six Week Course | Saturdays 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

• Spring 2012 Session begins April 14, 2012
• Fall 2012 Session begins Sept. 15, 2012

Two Day Adventures

• Days: Thursday-Friday Camps
• Schedule: Camp begins at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday and conclude at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.
• Overview: The campers will “Sleep with the Sharks” while camped out in the underwater tunnel at night. All of the two day camps are packed full of fun activities that revolve around Marine Science and conservation topics.
• Cost: $159.99 plus tax, which includes all food and supplies.

MERMAID MANIA
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a mermaid? Ripley’s aquarium has the perfect camp for you! During this 2 day adventure campers will create special mermaid crafts, learn to swim in a mermaids tail and how to do special mermaid tricks! You will also get to meet a real Ripley’s mermaid while you swim with the stingrays during a stingray experience, all while learning fun mermaid myths and stories! You will receive a certificate of mermaid authentication recognizing you as a real mermaid and receive an “I’m a Ripley’s Mermaid” t-shirt!

  DATES: June 14-15, July 5-6 , August 2-3

MARINE DISCOVERY
Are you ready to learn what it takes to work in an aquarium? During this fun filled camp designed for the marine biologists inspired teens will have the opportunity to work directly with our education staff, dive team, and husbandry members. Learn how to take care of tanks, prep food for the animals, how all the systems work, you will also swim with the stingrays and so much more!

  DATES: July 26-27

SOAKED
Summer is hot it’s time to cool down with Ripley’s 2-day soaked camp! During this fun filled adventure camp you will explore the world of scuba diving, swim with stingrays, beach trips, surf and boogie board, learn about different ocean animals and participate in fun water inspired crafts!

  DATES: June 28-29, July 19-20, August 16-17

BLIMEY BUCCANEERS
Ahoy mattes! Ever dream about pirates, sailing the seas, and adventures beyond your wildest imagination? Ripley’s pirate adventure camp is just that! In this two day camp you will learn navigational techniques, pirate survival on the ocean; you will also participate in activities that include kayaking, a ropes course, fishing, night time beach walks and so much more!

  Dates: June 21-22, July 12-13, August 9-10

Teen Programs

CRYSTAL RIVER MANATEE TRIP | Ages: 12-17
One of the most unusual of all the aquatic life out there is the manatee. You may also hear them called sea cows due to the resemblance they have to such land animals. They lead a very solitary life in the water unless they are mating or they are female with young to care for. They are plant eaters so they really don’t bother any other creatures in the water.

This program provides an introduction to the basic biology and ecology of the Manatee (Trichechus manatus). We will learn firsthand by having personal encounters with manatees as we travel to Crystal River Florida.

General Itinerary

• February 18 - Drive to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for an introduction to manatees
• February 19 – Morning: Snorkel in Crystal River | Afternoon: Snorkel at Rainbow River
• February 20 – Morning: one last swim with the Manatees | Afternoon: drive back to Myrtle Beach

  Dates: February 18 – 20, 2012 | Cost: $299.99 plus tax

FLORIDA KEYS ECOLOGY TRIP | Ages: 12-17
The Florida Keys holds the key to a unique national treasure – North America’s only living coral barrier reef and the third longest barrier reef in the world. Coral reefs contain more varieties of life than any other marine environment. They are part of a fragile ecosystem that includes mangroves and sea grasses on both the ocean and bay side of the Florida Keys. Travel with us to this unique ecosystem. We will go snorkeling and kayaking over the crystal blue waters of the keys all while being based at a real research facility.

  Dates: June 12 – 16, 2012 | Cost: $599.99 plus tax

EXTREME ADVENTURE – Tennessee Trip
Join us as we travel to see our sister Aquarium in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We will spend one night at the Aquarium and two nights tent camping. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, white water rafting, and rocking climbing are just a few of the activities planned. For more details call 1-800-734-8888, ext. 3226.

  Dates: July 11 – July 14, 2012 | Cost: $349.99 plus tax

SHARKEE’S ECO CLUB
The Eco Club is designed to for teens to help protect their environment. Each month the club will research and decide on a project to participate in to help save the planet. Some topics include:

• Sharkee’s Sort and Save
• Seafood Watch
• Ripley’s Aquarium Adopt a Beach Program
• “Only Rain Down the Drain” • Responsible Fishing

  Dates: 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month (January – May & September – December)