Marine Science Explorers Camp in Belmar, NJ
A Boat-Based Ocean Adventure for Kids Ages 6–12 Aboard the Jersey Girl
Give your child a summer experience they will never forget. The Marine Science Explorers Club from Jersey Shore Whale Watch is a unique marine science camp in Belmar, New Jersey where kids learn about the ocean by actually being out on the water aboard the Jersey Girl.
Campers start in the river and, when weather and ocean conditions allow, head out into the Atlantic Ocean to explore marine life, dolphins, whales, seabirds, ocean safety, and the incredible wildlife found along the Jersey Shore.
Limited spots are available for Summer 2026. Once each week fills, registration will close.
Register for Marine Explorers Camp
Available Marine Science Camp Weeks
- Week 1: June 22 — Limited introductory spots available
- Week 2: July 6 — Sold out / unavailable
- Week 3: July 13 — Now booking
What Is Marine Science Explorers Club?
Marine Science Explorers Club is a boat-based marine science camp for kids ages 6–12. Instead of only learning from a classroom, campers learn by being on the water, observing local marine life, and experiencing the Jersey Shore ecosystem up close.
This program is designed to be educational, safe, confidence-building, and unforgettable. Campers learn about dolphins, whales, ocean conditions, local wildlife, boat safety, and what makes the waters off New Jersey such a special place.
Camp Location
Camp meets aboard the Jersey Girl at:
Belmar Marina
905 Route 35 S
Belmar, NJ
Easy access tip: You can enter the marina from 7th Avenue & Main Street and go under the Route 35 bridge, so you do not have to cross Route 35. The Jersey Girl is very close to the big bridge.
Daily Camp Schedule
- Recommended drop-off: 8:45 AM
- Camp runs: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Pick-up: 12:00 noon
If you are running late, we will provide a phone number so you can contact the Head Camp Counselor.
What Campers Will Experience
- Marine science activities aboard a real whale-watching boat
- Learning about dolphins, whales, sea turtles, sharks, seabirds, and local marine life
- Time in the river and, weather permitting, out in the ocean
- Ocean safety and boat safety lessons
- Hands-on learning about the Jersey Shore ecosystem
- A confidence-building summer experience on the water
What’s Included?
- Camp T-shirt
- Bottled water
- Boat-based marine science activities
- Time on the river and ocean when conditions allow
- Dolphin sightings guaranteed during the camp week
Campers may also bring a small snack.
Dolphin Guarantee
We guarantee campers will see dolphins during the camp week. If dolphins are not seen during the week, we will provide a return pass for the camper and one guardian, both free.
Whales are possible, and we sometimes see sea turtles and sharks, but nature always has the final say.
Family Friday
The first four days are campers-only. On Friday, each camper may bring one parent or guardian for free on the scheduled dolphin tour so they can share the experience.
Friday is designed as a capstone bonus day. Your child gets to show you what they learned and enjoy the boat experience with you.
Important: Friday is a regular scheduled dolphin tour, not an instruction day. Your child is supervised by you, their guardian, on Friday. Camp staff will be onboard, but Friday is an open boat tour where there may also be other families aboard.
Camp Pricing
- $325 introductory price for the first 12 campers in the June 22 week
- $425 per camper, per week for all other spots and weeks
- $125 deposit option available
This is designed to be more than just a camp. It is a memorable, confidence-building Jersey Shore experience your child will talk about for years.
Marine Explorers Camp FAQ
What ages is the camp for?
Marine Science Explorers Club is for kids ages 6–12.
Is there swimming?
No. There is no swimming during camp.
Are bathrooms available?
Yes. The Jersey Girl has men’s and ladies’ bathrooms onboard.
What should my child bring?
- Sunscreen
- A baseball hat
- A water bottle, optional because water is provided
- Motion sickness medication if needed
- A small snack, optional
What footwear is required?
Sneakers are required. No sandals.
Can my child ride a bike to camp?
Yes. There is a secure place for campers to lock bikes.
Is the camp safe?
Yes. Safety is our top priority. Life jackets are available for everyone, staff are CPR/safety trained, and our target staffing is approximately 8 campers to 1 staff member.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Camp runs rain or shine. The Jersey Girl has plenty of room inside and covered areas outside.
If the Captain determines the ocean is too rough, we will not go into the ocean. We will stay in the river. The Captain has final say on conditions.
What if my child misses a day?
If your child misses a day, they miss that day. There are no make-up days.
What is the refund policy?
There are no refunds. However, you may switch to a different camp week if there is availability, or you may transfer your child’s spot to another camper, such as a friend or family member.
What if the Friday trip is canceled due to weather?
If the Friday trip is canceled, we will give the parent/guardian and camper a voucher to come on a different day during Summer 2026.
Who runs the camp?
We have staff with teaching backgrounds, students majoring in marine science, and working scientists involved. The program is designed to be educational, safe, and unforgettable.
Photography and social media
By participating, you allow Jersey Shore Whale Watch to use general camp photography for social media and marketing. We are not focused on photographing individual children. We keep it general and respectful.
Register for Marine Science Explorers Club
Spots are limited for this summer’s Marine Science Explorers Camp aboard the Jersey Girl in Belmar, NJ. Once a week fills, registration will close.
Call 732-592-6400
or book online at WhaleWatchNJ.com
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