Camps
Explore our exciting camp options below! For Spring Break, we have both day-long and week-long spots available, each featuring a unique marine theme every day. Our Summer Camp runs throughout the season and promises engaging marine science activities that will create unforgettable experiences for your child. We also offer a festive Winter Break camp and a variety of singe-day Bay Day camps on school holidays!
Estuary Quest Summer Camp: June 1 - August 7, 2026
***Limited Spots Left!***
Two locations, one summer camp adventure to remember! Estuary Quest is all about diving into the amazing world of Tampa Bay in a fun, hands-on way. Each week has its own animal theme, but no matter when you come, you can always count on snorkeling, science experiments, games, boat rides, eco-friendly art, and tons of exciting activities.
Our Auer Marine Education Center in Tierra Verde, Florida, is the perfect spot for water lovers. Want to get muddy in the mangroves or paddle a kayak through the bay? This is your place!
Over at the Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier, you’ll explore Tampa Bay Watch’s interactive exhibits, enjoy creature meet and greets, and cool off at Spa Beach or the Splash Pad.
No matter which location you choose, Estuary Quest is all about making lasting memories, connecting with nature, and learning something new every step of the way!
Registration is Open!
Summer Camp 2026 Parent Info Packet: Click here to download
Cost: $375 per week (members receive 10% off, please call (727) 867-8166 ext. 240 for more information)
Ages: 6 - 12, we also offer a Counselor in Training Leadership Program for ages 13-18
Time: M-F 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Questions? Please send an email to education@tampabaywatch.org – we’re happy to help!
“Tampa Bay Watch is the camp my child looks forward to most every year. We attend not only during the summer, but also on school days off and over spring break because of how much he loves it. The staff are consistently caring and friendly, and I always feel confident that he is safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. He comes home excited to share what he learned about various animals and conservation, which makes it so special to see him having fun while learning at the same time.”
Spring Break Camp
March 16 - 20, 2026
March into the Mangroves!
Get ready to splash into spring with an unforgettable adventure through Tampa Bay’s magical mangrove forests! These twisty trees are home to some of the coolest creatures around - from roseate spoonbills flying overhead to bonnethead sharks cruising through secret underwater channels.
This spring break, we’re marching into the mangroves to uncover the wild wonders of this coastal jungle! Campers will become nature explorers, marine scientists, and eco-artists as they dive into hands-on science labs, cruise the bay on thrilling boat trips, discover hidden habitats and the animals that live there, create awesome art inspired by the sea, and so much more!
Whether you join us for a day or stay for the whole week, you’ll leave with new friends, cool creations, and a deeper love for the ocean. And guess what? Both of our locations will feature the same daily themes, so no matter where you jump in, there will be plenty of fun in store.
Registration is Open!
View our Spring Break 2026 Information Packet to learn more.
Cost: $80 per day
Ages: 6 - 10
Time: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Location:
Discovery Center: 700 2nd Ave NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
or
Auer Marine Education Center: 3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Questions? Email: education@tampabaywatch.org
Camp Schedule
Monday
Horseshoe Crab
What has 10 eyes, 10 legs, and looks like it came from the time of dinosaurs? Horseshoe crabs! We’ll dig into the sand and meet these ancient armored creatures up close, learn how they use mangroves for protection, and maybe even spot one scuttling by!
Tuesday
Diamondback Terrapin
Is it a turtle? A tortoise? Nope, it’s a terrapin! These brackish water-loving reptiles are right at home in our mangrove forests. We’ll shell-ebrate their superpowers and meet Tampa Bay Watch’s beloved mascots, Ruby, Bertha, and Palm.
Wednesday
Black Drum
One fish, two fish, black drum, fishy fun! Mangroves are like underwater cities, buzzing with hundreds of fishy residents - including the native black drum. These cool creatures make underwater music using their bodies! Come explore how they got their name, listen for their rhythmic rumbles, and dive into the science of sound and movement in the estuary.
Thursday
Bonnethead Shark
A shark snacking on seagrass? You bet! Bonnethead sharks are omnivores, meaning they prey on both plants and animals. Let's grab our fins and discover how the presence of this species is a sign of a balanced ecosystem.
Friday
Roseate Spoonbill
I spy, with my little eye, something pink peeking out of the mangroves. It’s a roseate spoonbill! Flap on by and we’ll discover how this nutrient-rich habitat provides the perfect feeding ground for these brightly colored birds.
REGISTER
NEW! Bay Futures Counselor in Training Leadership Program
Teens ages 13-18 with a passion for marine science, leadership, and working with kids are invited to apply for our Bay Futures Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Leadership Program. Gain hands-on experience guiding younger campers while honing key skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—plus, earn volunteer hours! This exciting opportunity is available at both Tampa Bay Watch locations. Click here to learn more - your teen can apply today through our website and take the first step toward becoming a future leader!
The cost to participate is $180 per week, due at time of acceptance, which supports the supplies and dedicated staff time necessary to deliver a high quality learning experience.
NEW! Bay-Day Camps
No school? No problem!
Our Bay‑Day Camps turn days off into hands‑on fun filled with boat trips, outdoor exploration, creative crafts, and engaging activities and science labs. Kids stay active, curious, and fully immersed in the magic of our ecosystem — they won’t even realize how much they’re learning along the way.
View our Bay-Day Camp Information Packet to learn more.
Cost: $80 per day
Ages: 6 - 10
Time: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Location: Discovery Center: 700 2nd Ave NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
Questions? Email: education@tampabaywatch.org
Register for spring 2026 now!
Holi-Bay Camp
December 2026
A Wild Winter Adventure!
Looking for a meaningful way to keep kids curious and active during winter break? At Holi-Bay Camp, we’ll swap screen time for salt air, sunshine, and the magic of Tampa Bay. Hands-on science activities, boat trips, and outdoor adventures will help us discover how local animals adapt to the colder months in their own unique ways.
Each day spotlights a different Bay resident and its habitat, and in true Tampa Bay Watch style, we’ll blend exploration with creativity through nature-inspired crafts, music, and movement. Whether they drop in for a day or stay for several, campers will learn to spot the signs of winter around us. From migrating manatees to visiting birds, it’s all part of nature’s seasonal rhythm.
There may not be snow in the forecast, but there’s plenty of warmth, wonder, and festive fun ahead!
Holi-Bay Camp will return in 2026! Please visit this page for more information in late summer/ early fall.
View our 2025 Holi-Bay Camp Information Packet to learn more.
Cost: $75 per day
Ages: 6 - 10
Time: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Location: Discovery Center: 700 2nd Ave NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
Questions? Email: education@tampabaywatch.org
Camp Schedule
Dolphins
Make a splash this season as we discover how dolphins rely on their blubber to stay warm during the cooler months. Keep your eyes peeled aboard the boat and along the pier, you never know when one might leap through the chilly waves to spread a little holiday cheer!
Snakes
Shhh… our sssnakes are sssnoozing! Like mammals who hibernate, snakes brumate during winter to save energy and stay cozy. Come see for yourssself how these cold-blooded creatures slow down and chill out when the temperatures drop.
Pelicans
As the seasons change, so do our feathered friends! White Pelicans soar into Tampa Bay for winter, while Brown Pelicans shuffle aside to make room. Flap along with us as we discover how these travelers find their way, and why our Bay is the perfect winter pit stop!
Sharks
No winter break for sharks! These sleek predators roam Tampa Bay year-round, helping keep our ecosystem in balance. Dive in to discover how they stay active and alert even as the waters cool.
Manatees
Our gentle giants are on the move! When temperatures drop, manatees migrate to warm freshwater springs to stay cozy throughout the season. Find out how we can help protect these lovable sea cows in their winter refuge.
