Padre Island
Enrollment Open Now!
Join us for an unforgettable marine biology adventure on South Padre Island, a stunning destination known for its pristine beaches and diverse wildlife. Located just five minutes from the beach, our Padre Island Program offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to engage in sea turtle conservation efforts alongside the passionate team at Sea Turtle Inc. Campers will not only learn about sea turtle biology and rehabilitation but will also participate in a variety of conservation activities aimed at protecting these endangered creatures.
In addition to daily turtle care and rehabilitation tasks, campers will embark on sunrise beach surveys to protect nesting sites, assist with medical care, and participate in public education initiatives. Beyond turtle-focused activities, this program also offers exciting outdoor adventures, including beach cleanups, kayak tours, and marsh explorations. These activities provide campers with a well-rounded understanding of coastal ecosystems, environmental challenges, and the vital role each individual can play in conservation. From kayaking through the salt marshes to engaging in community-driven conservation efforts, the Padre Island Program provides an immersive experience in marine and coastal ecology, inspiring participants to become lifelong advocates for the oceans and its inhabitants.
2025 Padre Island Camp Dates:
Work Alongside Sea Turtle Inc
Campers will take an active role in the rehabilitation, care, and conservation of endangered sea turtles. Under the guidance of Sea Turtle Inc., participants will assist with critical responsibilities, including:
- Preparing and weighing food for sea turtles.
- Cleaning and maintaining tanks and facility areas.
- Conducting sunrise beach patrols to locate and protect nests.
- Assisting with medical care for injured turtles.
- Educating visitors through tours and outreach events.
From tank maintenance to public education, you’ll contribute to meaningful conservation efforts and gain valuable experience in marine science.
Program Highlights
- Hands-on sea turtle conservation: Work with five species, including loggerhead, green, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles.
- Beach patrols and nest walks: Conduct early-morning surveys to protect nesting sites.
-
Interactive learning: Participate in activities at the Coastal Studies Lab.
-
Kayak Tours: Explore the coastal ecosystems
-
Beach Aventure: Enjoy the beautiful beach and crystal clear waters of South Padre Island
- Public engagement: Educate visitors on marine conservation through tours and community events.
- Community service: Earn hours by participating in conservation work and beach cleanups.
Small Groups, Big Impact
With a low camper-to-staff ratio, this program ensures every participant receives personal attention. Sessions are limited to 12 campers creating an intimate, impactful experience.
All-Inclusive Camp Experience
- Lodging on South Padre Island.
- All meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day.
- 24-hour supervision by trained camp staff.
- Transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off at Valley International Airport (VIA).
- Admission to all activities and excursions.
- A donation to Sea Turtle Inc.
- A community service certificate.
- A Sea Turtle Camp t-shirt and group photo.
- Round-trip airfare to Valley International Airport or transportation to South Padre Island.
- Spending money for souvenirs or personal items.
Explore & Learn
- Participate in sunrise beach patrols and nest walks.
- Engage in hands-on programs at the Coastal Studies Lab.
- Learn how marine debris impacts ocean ecosystems and take part in cleanup efforts to protect sea turtles and other wildlife.
Join Us In Making A Difference
Discover the incredible world of sea turtles while contributing to their survival. This program combines adventure, education, and conservation to inspire the next generation of marine stewards. Together, we can protect our oceans and create a lasting impact for sea turtles worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get to see a real live sea turtle?
Yes! We will be volunteering at Sea Turtle Inc! Here we will learn about their resident sea turtles and all the rehabilitation and research that is conducted throughout Padre Island. At the end of the tour, we will get to feed some of the resident sea turtles! We will also see them at the aquarium and hopefully in the wild!
What kind of community service will I be doing?
Community service is one of the most rewarding aspects of this camp. All of our programs include service learning, such as beach cleanups to keep our sands sparkling because we see first hand the damage that human trash causes to turtles. Padre island campers will receive 20 hours of community service through citizen science data collection as well.
Does my child need to know how to swim to be able to attend this program?
Yes. Due to the nature of this program, all campers must be able to swim and have a basic level of comfort in the water.
I am a finicky eater. Can you cater to special diets?
We can accommodate many varieties of food preferences. If you require a special diet, we are happy to work with you to ensure your dietary needs are met. However, for travel programs this can be a bit harder due to the nature of the program and moving around – we are not in our confined cafeteria like our North Carolina Residential program in Topsail.
What do I need to bring?
A complete packing list will be included with your camp forms, once you’ve completed the enrollment process. Please pack in a soft sided suitcase (duffel bag) to fit in our vans!
Can I call home during camp?
We have all campers check in with their parents upon arrival, but we have limited parental contact for the duration of the camp. Sea Turtle Camp is a growing experience, and we find that young people do best and gain confidence through independence. Campers are NOT allowed to carry cell phones at any time during camp. Any cell phones brought to camp will be collected upon arrival and returned upon departure. Parents will be updated through emails and the many pictures we’ll be posting on Facebook throughout the trip! We will provide an after-hours number to reach the office in the event of an emergency.
Is my camper allowed to bring electronic devices?
At Sea Turtle Camp, we promote immersive, hands-on learning experiences that are free from electronic distractions. While campers are allowed to bring cell phones and electronic devices for their arrival and departure days, once they have checked in with their parents/guardians and settled into camp, all electronic devices must be surrendered to our camp staff. These devices will be securely stored throughout the duration of the trip. It’s important to note that if any electronic device is discovered in a camper’s possession after the initial handover, it will be confiscated, and appropriate measures will be taken. However, we do permit campers to bring MP3 players and e-books. Please be aware that any device capable of connecting to Wi-Fi is not allowed.
Marine Bio
SCUBA
Travel
School Groups
Sign Up
CONTACT
CAMPS
ABOUT