Florida Keys Spring Break
Limited Spots Available – Enroll Now!
If you’re passionate about the ocean, marine biology, and sea turtles, this is the spring break trip for you! Spend six days in the Florida Keys, where you’ll snorkel stunning coral reefs, explore mangrove forests, collect real scientific data, and meet rescued sea turtles up close—all while working alongside marine scientists and conservationists.
We’ll be based at MarineLab, a world-class marine science center in Key Largo. Every day, you’ll head out by boat to explore the coral reef, seagrass beds, and mangroves, all while participating in hands-on research. You’ll even get 10 community service hours for your work in conservation!
2025 Spring Break Camp Dates:
Trip Highlights
- Sea Turtle Hospital Tour & Feeding – Meet rescued sea turtles and learn how marine biologists care for them.
- Lionfish Dissection & Invasive Species Workshop – Learn why these fish have harmful impacts on the ecosystem, and even dissect one!
- Snorkeling in Coral Reefs, Seagrass Beds & Mangroves – Explore the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys and observe marine life up close.
- Hands-On Marine Science – Conduct research, test water quality, and study coral bleaching.
- Boat Trips & Wildlife Encounters – Cruise the ocean looking for sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine creatures.
- Marine Life Identification & Invertebrate Collection – Get hands-on with spiny lobsters, crabs, and other marine creatures in a lab setting.
- Community Service & Conservation Projects – Remove marine debris, analyze microplastics, and contribute to real research projects.
- Night Snorkel Adventure – Witness bioluminescence and nocturnal marine life in action!
Where You’ll Stay: MarineLab
MarineLab is one of the best marine science facilities in the country, dedicated to hands-on education and environmental conservation. Located right on the water in Key Largo, it gives us direct access to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary—one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world.
MarineLab features:
- Air-conditioned dorms with bunk beds.
- A private dock with research boats for daily excursions.
- State-of-the-art wet labs for marine life identification and experiments.
- A dining hall serving hot delicious meals.
- Classrooms with marine science exhibits and interactive learning spaces.
You’ll be immersed in marine science from the moment you wake up until the sun sets over the ocean!
Sample Itinerary: What You’ll Do Each Day
- Arrive at Miami International Airport (MIA) and meet your Sea Turtle Camp instructors.
- Travel together to MarineLab in Key Largo and get settled into your dorm.
- Orientation, swim test, and gear fitting—get ready for a lagoon snorkel adventure!
- Evening team-building activities and an introduction to marine ecology.
- Breakfast at MarineLab, then board the research boat for a mangrove and seagrass exploration trip.
- Learn about the importance of these ecosystems and how they support fish, sea turtles, and manatees.
- Hands-on activities: Identify fish species, collect invertebrates, and analyze water quality.
- Evening activity: Night snorkel! See glowing bioluminescent plankton and nocturnal marine life in action.
Day 3: Sea Turtle Hospital & Coral Conservation
- Morning trip to the Sea Turtle Hospital in Marathon for a behind-the-scenes tour.
- Meet rescued sea turtles and learn about common injuries.
- Afternoon snorkel at a coral reef—observe tropical fish and other marine life!
- Coral bleaching workshop: Learn how to identify and report stressed corals.
- Evening discussion on threats to sea turtles and conservation efforts.
Day 4: Marine Debris Cleanup & Reef Snorkeling
- Morning boat trip for a marine debris removal project—help remove trash from the ocean and analyze microplastics.
- Afternoon snorkel at Molasses Reef, one of the best coral reefs in the Florida Keys.
- Collect data on fish populations and reef health to submit to real marine science databases.
- Evening: Plankton Lab – examine tiny marine organisms under a microscope and learn how they affect ocean ecosystems.
Day 5: Lionfish Dissection & Advanced Research
- Visit Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) for an invasive species workshop.
- Dissect a lionfish and learn about its impact on native marine life.
- Conduct a seagrass survey and submit findings to MarineLab’s long-term research database.
- Evening: Interactive conservation challenge—simulate the real-world struggles that sea turtles face.
Day 6: Final Snorkel & Farewell
- Morning boat trip for a final snorkel in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
- Wrap-up discussion & reflections on the week’s experiences.
- Depart for Miami International Airport and head home with amazing memories!
What’s Included?
- Lodging & meals at MarineLab’s waterfront dorms.
- All snorkeling equipment & activity fees (no extra rentals needed!).
- Expert marine science instruction from our professional educators.
- Transportation from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Key Largo.
- 10 hours of community service in marine conservation.
- Sea Turtle Camp T-shirt & group photo
- Hands-on learning with real research projects that contribute to marine science.
Why This Adventure is Unique:
Unlike a typical vacation, this program combines adventure, education, and real-world conservation work. You won’t just be snorkeling for fun—you’ll be collecting data, identifying marine species, and working alongside marine scientists to protect Florida’s ecosystems.
- Snorkel some of the best coral reefs in the world
- Work with real conservation organizations
- Learn more in one week than you ever could in a classroom
If you love the ocean, want to study marine science, or just want an unforgettable spring break, this is the trip for you!
👉 Sign up today before spots fill up!
2025 Spring Break Camp Dates:
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this the best Sping Break trip??
This isn’t your typical spring break! The Sea Turtle Camp Florida Keys program is packed with wild adventure, unforgettable experiences, and a chance to make a real splash in marine conservation. Picture yourself snorkeling through the only living coral reef in the continental U.S., spotting sea turtles, and teaming up with marine biologists to protect these incredible creatures. You’ll adventure through mangroves, explore hidden islands, and dive into a world of excitement with new friends who share your passion for the ocean. It’s the ultimate mix of fun, learning, and giving back—all while soaking up the sun in paradise!
Will I get to see a real live sea turtle?
You bet! One of our coolest stops is the sea turtle hospital in Marathon, Florida, where we’ll meet their resident sea turtles up close and learn all about how they’re rescued, rehabilitated, and released. The best part? You’ll even get to feed some of them! Plus, we’ll be on the lookout for sea turtles in the wild while snorkeling or boating. Get ready for some unforgettable turtle encounters!
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 you cater to special diets or dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! We’re happy to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and more. The MarineLab food service director is amazing at making sure special meals match the regular menu, so everyone feels included. During orientation, we double-check food allergies and preferences to make sure everything’s covered. We’re here to make sure everyone enjoys their meals and stays safe!
How will I be helping with marine conservation?
At Sea Turtle Camp, giving back means diving into hands-on conservation. Whether you’re helping keep beaches clean or collecting real scientific data, you’ll play a key role in protecting sea turtles and their ocean home—all while having a blast! 🌱 Spring break campers will earn 10 hours of volunteer experience, making a real impact while exploring paradise.
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.
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.
Communication and contact during camp
Campers will check in with their parents upon arrival, but to encourage independence and full engagement in the experience, we limit direct communication during camp. Cell phones are collected at check-in and returned at departure to ensure campers can focus on hands-on learning and adventure. Parents will receive regular updates through email and plenty of photos posted on Facebook! In case of an emergency, an after-hours contact number will be provided to reach our office.
What time should my camper arrive & depart from Miami?
For this adventure, campers are required to arrive at Miami International Airport (MIA) between 8-11 am Sunday, 4/13 for pick up. Flights must take off on the final day of the adventure between 12-3 pm Friday, 4/18.
C.J. Eppard
“My daughter had a great experience. The staff was communicative, friendly & kept the kids busy with fun and educational activities. I think the two biggest compliments that came from my daughter were: 1) I did not miss my phone and being offline for a week. 🙂 2) I had a blast, made new friends and wish that Sea Turtle Camp was two weeks. :)”
R. Franklin
“Great 1st time experience for my 16 year old. I was unsure about the no phone policy, but the camp kept them busy and posted plenty of pictures daily. Very organized, very clean, staff had great communication with the parents. She had a great time. She said the food was delicious, she made new friends, received community service hours and has finally decided what she wants to do when she graduates! It’s been 2 weeks and she is still talking about it. Would definitely recommend and can’t wait til next year!”
S. Bethke
“My daughter has anxiety and has never attended a camp before joining the Sea Turtle Camp this summer. It was an amazing experience! She learned a lot and made some lifelong friends.”
A. Allen
“Incredible Camp your camper won’t be disappointed. My daughter has attended three of the camps and loved it each and every time.“
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