Teen Camps

Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp

Explore, dive, learn: adventure awaits with top researchers at CCMI’s Research Centre.

Experience the marine world like never before, spend a week of your summer holidays scuba diving and snorkelling at one of the world’s most stunning coral reefs. High school students (13-17 years old) will learn about tropical marine ecology and conservation. Learning from CCMI scientists and educators, no two days are the same as campers dive, snorkel, and explore a pristine reef system. Students stay at the Little Cayman Research Centre, a remote field station, and learn first-hand about CCMI’s cutting-edge research from our expert team. Students take their classroom learning into the ocean as they follow CCMI’s research methods by conducting fish and coral surveys and conduct laboratory experiments. Campers earn a certificate of completion for attending the CMEC to add to their CVs, as well as a real insight into the industry. The programme also includes all the fun activities of a camp with beach games, kayaking, biking, beach bonfires, and exploring Little Cayman’s environment. Divers and non-divers welcome.

What participants are saying:

“I could write an essay on how much this camp has increased my love for the ocean. Being a marine science student who enjoys ecology this was an invaluable experience. Thank you so much to the staff!!!”  – Sage F (2023 Half-Term CMEC)

“The past 7 days I spent at CCMI really gave me a better understanding of the marine life that surrounds my home. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I will never forget it. Thank you CCMI I had an amazing week!!!” – Rosie Dixon (2023 Half-Term CMEC)

“This programme has taught me many new things about marine life, it has also absolutely made me fall in love with coral and seagrass.” -Jason Ricketts (2023 Half-Term CMEC)

“Thank you so much for allowing me to have this wonderful opportunity of letting us travel to Little Cayman to snorkel, bike ride, walk the nature trail, and learn a lot about the corals and fishes, it was a really amazing program and I loved it, would love to come back in the future.” -Dejounae Maxwell (2023 Half-Term CMEC)

“It was an exciting and informative trip that I suggest every young person take. The least polluted reefs I have seen and the huge creatures that I usually don’t get to see. The staff was very informative and understanding and was very happy to talk about their jobs.”
Danica Birriel (CMEC 2023)

“It was fun and inspiring; it made me excited for my future as a marine biologist and the staff were super helpful and willing to answer questions, as well as being fun and cool.”
Kaitlyn Cumings (CMEC 2023)

“CCMI is a place they you can meet new people, learn new things, and have fun exploring new interests. I would love to come back!”
George (CMEC 2022)

“My oldest son attended this camp four years in a row. Now that he is in college, my youngest son wanted to join to see what it was all about. He was NOT disappointed! He came home with the new career goal of wanting to become a marine biologist and already wants to return in 2023!”
Christina (mother of 2 CMEC alumni)

“The experience she had under your guidance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on her future. The trip she took was not only an opportunity for her to explore and self-reflect but also a chance to determine if she truly wishes to pursue a career in this field. Your dedication to providing such enriching experiences for young minds is truly commendable. Your passion and commitment to your work are evident in the positive influence you’ve had on our daughter. Once again, we extend our sincerest gratitude to you and the staff for making this journey so meaningful for her.”
Walter Birrel (parent of CMEC participant 2023)

“My favorite experiences each year during CCMI’s camp is getting to swim with the incredible animals and fish in the sea. This year we saw lots of eagle rays and even got to watch a relationship called ‘nuclear hunting’ which is when other fish join the ray to eat leftover food it’s done with while swimming alongside it.”
Anna Symens – United States of America (CMEC 2017, 2018, 2019)

“I really enjoyed the whole week of diving and conducting research, but one of my favorite things throughout the week was going out and planting staghorn coral on the reef. I know this kind of restoration will be a great benefit to the our local economy in a few years time and I just can’t wait to come back to CCMI in the future to see how the outplanted corals are doing. I hope to leave Cayman to get a higher education so that I can come back and do more diving and research on all of our corals and help cull the lionfish.”
Jesse Jackson – Cayman Islands (CMEC 2015, 2016, 2017)

“Aside from the great knowledge I gained by attending CCMI’s week long CMEC, I also gained unforgettable experiences from the warm-hearted staff, who felt like more than just instructors…they are really cool role models and definitely now my friends to say the least!”
Jacob Whewell – Cayman Islands (CMEC 2017)

“Thank you once again for another great reef study experience for our daughter, Amanda.”
Karen Weissman – USA (Mother of CMEC 2018 & 2019 Camper)