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Ocean Explorers Humpback Summer Camp

Build confidence in the ocean, learn basic paddling and surfing skills, experiential ocean learning, make new friends, become an ocean ambassador!

5 days of summer camp!
Great for kids ages 8-14 years old.

Reserve Your Spot Now

2023 Summer Sessions

Session 1: June 19-23
Session 2: June 26-30
Session 3: July 3-7
Session 4: July 10-14
Session 5: July 17-21
Session 6: July 24-28
Session 7: July 31- Aug 4
Session 8: Aug 7-11
Session 9: Aug 14-18 (limited numbers)

Days of the Week

Monday – Friday

Drop Off Time

8:45am

Pick Up Time

3:00pm

Ages

8-14 years old

Non Members

$399

PSC Members

$369

Reserve Your Spot Now

Overview

Santa Barbara’s favorite camp for over 10 years. A Save the Mermaids collaboration.

Join us for a five day ocean camp packed full of ocean sports and fun. Build confidence, learn new skills, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the ocean. Our mornings are designed to be explorative and instructional; taking campers on journeys that will teach them important ocean skills that will challenge and excite them within their skill level.

Our afternoons are party waves at Sandspit with all of the camp toys at their disposal to learn with the guidance of the counselors but the freedom to learn at his or her own pace.

The magic of Ocean Explorers Camp is that throughout all of the activities and fun, we blend conservation and ocean education into the theme of the day’s activities. Daily activities include kayaking, stand- up paddle boarding, boogie-boarding, surfing, body surfing, snorkeling, beach play, beach cleanups, art, and ocean education through the Santa Barbara Harbor from Sandspit to Leadbetter. We also will be able to connect with marine life above and below the water, fish, echinoderms, seals and sealions and even dolphins some mornings will join us in our play!

Activities Include:

  • Kayaking
  • Stand-up paddling
  • Surfing/boogie boarding
  • Snorkeling
  • Beach play
  • Ocean education learning projects
  • Sea Center Aquarium

We provide wetsuits and lifejackets.

Our Water Safety Policy – Humpback Age Group

We don’t expect kids to come to camp as excellent swimmers, this camp was designed to help kids improve on already existing swimming skills and help them build confidence in the water.

  • Campers will all be asked to do a swim test on day 1 so we can get an idea of where each kids is at with their swimming ability. They can do this with our without a PFD on.
  • We ask that campers have had previous swimming lessons and are at least comfortable floating in their life jacket.
  • Campers are only required to wear PFDs when on kayaks and paddleboards. Campers that struggle during the swim test will be asked to wear a PFD at all times. 

Campers will learn skills on kayaks, paddleboards, and in the surf zone. While PFDs are required to be worn by paddlers under 16 by USCG when on personal watercraft it is also good practice for young paddlers to become comfortable paddling with a PFD for future ocean paddling experiences when they are older.

What to Bring

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen, sun protection (hat, UV shirt), sunglasses (available at the shop)
  • Lunch or money for OTA

*Wetsuits are provided

Location

Drop Off – Paddle Sports Center in the Santa Barbara Harbor

Humpback Camp drop off and pick-up is in the alley behind the Fish Market and Paddle Sports Center.

Drop off is at 8:45am

The Paddle Sports retail store has:

  • Reef safe sunscreens
  • Lifeguard Hats
  • Sunglasses and straps
  • Sandals

Real Customer Feedback

reviewer

GREAT

We loved our kayaking trip with Ryan as our guide. The ferry ride was awesome, food was great and our kayaking through caves very exciting! Lots of swells.

-Karen R. | TripAdvisor

reviewer

AWESOME! GREAT FOR KIDS!

We contacted the Sports Centre late with a large group wanting to do a quick paddle arounf the harbour. Jordan looked after us, made sure we had everything we needed, and had a great time with the kids paddling around the harbour. Great for kids aged 5 up.

-Dean E. | TripAdvisor

reviewer

FABULOUS PADDLE BOARD EXPERIENCE

I was so glad to have gone there for paddle board lessons with my granddaughter. Terrific instruction and really nice people and facilities.

-Beryl K. | TripAdvisor

reviewer

KAYAK TOUR

We loved our kayak tour with Adam. He was really knowledgable and friendly and ensured that we had a great time (despite the rainy and cold weather).

-Heather S. | TripAdvisor