Come enjoy the best part of your vacation, and perhaps one of the best experiences you've ever had!
Day Courses Paused Until November
Our day courses will resume in November. Register now for November courses below. In the meantime, explore our similar offerings: Homeschool at Sea and our After School Programs. We look forward to seeing you in November!
Day Courses (Ages 6-13)
Half-day courses are thrilling 3-hour marine science adventures with Sanibel Sea School, where hands-on exploration meets interactive learning. Dive into over 30 captivating marine topics, from dolphins and seahorses to mangroves, engaging in games, experiments, and shoreline explorations. Our field-based approach transforms the ocean into a natural classroom, fostering a deep connection with marine life. Designed to be both educational and incredibly fun, this immersive experience promises a memorable journey of discovery that leaves participants with a profound love for the sea.
Day courses have space for up to 10 students. On rare occasions, we add resources to accommodate 20 students. Interns and volunteers sometimes assist educators in the classroom and in the field. At the end of each course, every student receives a Certificate of Mastery that outlines what we accomplished. If both a morning and afternoon class are offered on the same day, students are welcome to stay a full day.
Sea Squirts: Ocean Education for Little Ones (Ages 4-6)
Children must be bathroom independent.
Sanibel Sea School offers ocean education classes for our youngest ocean explorers. Just like our classes for the big kids, we’ll have a different theme each week to explore — there will be crabbing, rock flipping, and traipsing through mangrove muck. We’re going to learn about our favorite sea creatures, like sharks and sea turtles, and, of course, go on field trips during each class.
Sea Squirts courses have space for up to 6 students. On rare occasions, we add resources to accommodate 12 students. Interns and volunteers sometimes assist educators in the classroom and in the field. At the end of each course, every student receives a Certificate of Mastery that outlines what we accomplished.
Fees
Ages 6-13: $60/session
Ages 4-6: $40/session
- Refund policy: Please click here to view our Day Program Cancellation Policy.
- Click here to download a PDF of our course descriptions.
- Looking for learning opportunities the whole family can enjoy? Click here to learn more.
Please note: our course calendars are published one month in advance.
How to Prepare for Your Ocean Adventure
Please arrive dressed in a swimsuit and cover-up and slathered with sunscreen. If you are staying a full day, please bring extra sunscreen so we can re-apply mid-day. We ask that you do not bring sunblock in a spray bottle - it gets in your eyes, can ruin equipment and clothing, and isn't great for the environment.
Water shoes are strongly recommended. Due to Hurricane Ian, there is an increased risk of debris buried in the sand and the water. Flip-flops are unsuitable for walking in the water and will not work as water shoes. We suggest old sneakers, water shoes with stiff soles, wetsuit booties, or sporty sandals like Teva's and Chaco's.
Our campus does not allow disposable drink bottles. Please help us protect our oceans and do not bring them! Instead, please bring a reusable water bottle. If you don't have one, you're welcome to borrow ours, but please don't bring a disposable plastic bottle.
A towel, change of clothes, and hat are also suggested if desired.
Electronics do not mix well with the ocean. No cell phones, iPods, laptops, or other games. We know this may be hard, but our staff will have their phones in case of emergency. We want our students to be away from screens and enjoy the company of others and nature.