KSC is a win, like how near a nurse shark came to my fin. We saw many fish on the reef, and a few sharks in the deep, but I really love the water, which I can enter without wearing a glove
So much better than cold Monterey, where you can’t go a day without being warm.
I’m in Belize at Blackbird Caye, running our Thanksgiving Kids Sea Camp, where we provide ocean education for families of all ages. Tom and I arrived a day early, and yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking for TASA during their regular presentations at this resort. I love what they are doing for this community and for Belize, so I’m giving them a big shout-out.
One question several adults asked really stood out: “Why doesn’t TASA just completely ban shark fishing or ban fishing certain species that need more protection?”
I appreciated the question. My upbringing in a fishing village gives me perspective: Belizean fishing communities rely on the sea to feed their families, and this way of life has endured for generations. They are also the voters who shape legislation—they will not vote against their own livelihoods.
TASA teaches sustainable practices
That’s why TASA works with the fishing community rather than against them. Through education, TASA teaches sustainable practices: closed seasons, quotas, site rotation, and full protection of spawning and aggregation areas during critical times. That’s why TASA works with the fishing community to promote sustainable fishing, not to eliminate fishing entirely. By building relationships, TASA teaches sustainable practices—like closed seasons, quotas, and the protection of critical sites—explaining how these methods benefit everyone over time. They have banned shark finning and longlining, while promoting responsible traditional fishing through education and science. TASA’s work in local schools ensures the next generation values protecting fragile marine ecosystems. Respect happens through compassion and shared knowledge. (See Ocean Wishes to make a donation)
Proud support of sharks
Blackbird Caye Resort is proud to be a financial supporter of TASA. And to include their education programs in every Kids Sea Camp we host here. I’m honored to speak on their behalf and introduce families from around the world to this important work.
The Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) is a Belizean non-profit NGO established in 2013. It and serves as the official co-manager of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve—the largest marine reserve in Belize. For more information, please visit: https://www.turneffeatoll.org or the Belize Fisheries Department website.From Belize with a very grateful heart—Happy Thanksgiving.
Welcome to Blackbird Caye Resort – Your Perfect Family Dive Adventure in Belize
Discover the pristine beauty of diving in Belize. With so much to offer for families, kids, couples, or solo adventurers. Imagine a secluded tropical paradise where crystal-clear waters meet the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and the stress of everyday life melts away as you submerge below the surface to explore this new world.
Welcome to Blackbird Caye Resort, a hidden gem nestled on the windward side of Turneffe Atoll. At Family Dive Adventures, we’ve been partnering with Blackbird Caye for many years. Margo and Tom Peyton have personally vetted this resort and its team, and we wholeheartedly approve it for our clients — Margo has worked hard to get Blackbird approved for in-ocean kids’ activities like PADI Seal Team. The staff is genuinely kid-friendly, and the calm, shallow sites make it ideal for introducing children to the underwater world.
Why Blackbird Caye is Ideal for Families and Customized Trips
This intimate resort accommodates small groups of up to about 30 people, creating a quiet, private feel that’s perfect for family reunions, multi-generational trips, romantic getaways, weddings, special occasions, or photo workshops. Whether you’re traveling as a family with kids, a couple seeking romance, or a solo diver, we specialize in creating fully customized packages tailored to your needs — including special requirements or dietary preferences, photo workshops, special dives, private boats and guides, or private parties, Romantic dinners, culinary classes, and spa treatments.
Unparalleled Proximity to World-Class Diving
Blackbird Caye stands out for its unbeatable access to some of Belize’s best dive sites. The famous Wit Concrete Wreck is just 3 minutes from the dock — perfect for quick, exciting dives. The thrilling Elbow, known for reef sharks and big marine life, is only a 10-minute boat ride away. And the legendary Great Blue Hole is just a 1-hour boat trip. With over 70 spectacular sites nearby, you’ll enjoy convenient diving with short travel times. Divers can enjoy wild dolphins, loggerhead turtles, Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, eels, and Lionfish hunting, schools of spadefish and Turquoise Parrotfish, lobster, seahorses, frogfish, and even Manatee.
The resort’s 4 state-of-the-art dive boats are spacious, fast, and equipped with bathrooms on some vessels. Each boat is staffed with 1 captain and 2 in-water crew for maximum safety and support — ideal for families and all experience levels.
Top-Quality Gear and Training
All dive gear is premium SCUBAPRO, with tanks available in various sizes and Nitrox on hand. As a PADI Five-Star Dive Resort, Blackbird Caye offers world-class instruction and training for beginners through advanced divers — including kid-friendly programs. With Kids Sea Camp trips, we include free dive gear rental for all kids, along with free Nitrox for adults.
Outstanding Food and Accommodations
Dining is a highlight, with up to two executive chefs preparing outstanding meals that can accommodate almost any dietary need. After a day of adventure, relax in large, spacious oceanfront rooms and villas featuring screened-in porches with hammocks, air conditioning, and breathtaking Caribbean views. The accommodations are dotted across the island, giving everyone privacy while keeping the resort feeling intimate.
Family Fun Beyond Diving
Enjoy a beautiful beach for swimming and beach volleyball, plus complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, and incredible sunrises and sunsets. The big, pristine beach and calm waters provide plenty of safe, fun options for non-divers and kids alike.
Easy Access
Blackbird Caye offers free round-trip boat transfers from Belize City (about a 2-hour scenic ride), or you can fly in just 15–20 minutes via the private airstrip on the island. Airlines like Maya Air, Tropic Air, Caribee make arrivals effortless (approx. $250 each way, depending on the airline and group size).
Unwind in Luxury and allow us to Create Lasting Memories for you
Unwind in your oceanfront cabana or villa, relax by the pool or on the pristine beach, and indulge in a variety of water sports. Every moment at Blackbird Caye is a chance to connect with nature — and with each other.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver exploring the depths of the Blue Hole or a beginner making your first underwater memories with the kids, our experienced team at Family Dive Adventures will create a personalized itinerary that fits your family’s interests, pace, and goals.
Blackbird Caye is the perfect place for small, meaningful group trips where everyone feels cared for.
Ready to book your dream family dive vacation? Let us handle the details and customize the perfect trip for you. Call Family Dive Adventures today at 803-419-2556.
Luxury Beach Villa rooms 1-4 & 14: 7-night, double diver rates from: $2,100 Aug-Oct, $2,700- May-July, and $2,950 Nov-March
Packages
Scuba Packages
Scuba or snorkel packages
7 nights Oceanfront accommodations
Roundtrip airport boat transfers(charter flight available at additional cost)
Roundtrip boat transfers from Belize City to the resort on Saturdays
Air-conditioned, oceanfront cabanas
3 meals per day
3 scheduled dives per day
Weight belts and tanks
1 night dive
Great Blue Hole Excursion (weather permitting)
Half Moon Caye National Monument
The Witconcrete Wreck Dive
The Elbow Dive (weather permitting)
Free kayaks and paddleboards
Tanks, weights, and belts
Snorkeling package (Deduct $300 off above rates per non-diver)
Strap on your fins and grab your mask — this Belize dive package puts you in the thick of a thriving reef.
This package includes:
Round-trip boat transfers from Belize City to the resort on Saturdays
Air-conditioned, oceanfront cabanas
Three meals per day
Two snorkeling trips per day
Free kayak usage
“Great Blue Hole” Excursion (weather permitting)
Half Moon Caye National Monument
The Witconcrete Wreck Dive
The Elbow Dive (weather permitting)
Accommodations
The Best Cabanas in Belize
You came to Blackbird Caye to dive. But after a day spent exploring some of the world’s greatest seascapes, you need a place to rest your head. Each of our guesthouses has been recently renovated, and sport straightforward amenities to help you rest for your next adventure. And with only 20 accommodations onsite, no other Belize cabana resort takes you closer to the reef — and further from stress. Most rooms have a coffee pot, mini-fridge, in-room safe, and sitting area.
Beach Villa's
Live on Island time in our newest Villa. Our beach villa offers a beautifully detailed modern room featuring a more comfortable and spacious design. All villas are beachfront and have full views of the stunning Caribbean sea.
Air conditioning
Private porch, chairs, and hammock
King-sized bed or two queen beds
Bathroom with shower
Deluxe Cabana
Set within foliage and flowers, steps away from the Caribbean Sea, these residences offer a beautiful break after a day on the water.
Air conditioning
Private porch and hammock
King-sized mattress
Two closets
In-room safe
Bathroom with shower
Living room with coffee table and dinette
Superior Cabana
A healthy coral reef, just yards offshore — we could think of worse sights to wake up to. Welcome the day with a pot of coffee and go for a swim.
Air conditioning
Two queen beds or one king-sized mattress
Private porch and hammock
Private bath with shower
Triplex Cabana
Conversation when you want it, peace when you don’t; these expanded residences feature private rooms that open onto a roomy shared porch.
Large front porch
Air conditioning
Private bedrooms
Nightstands
Ceiling fans
Private bathrooms with showers
Closet areas
Diving / Diving Site(s)
It’s not all about the Blue Hole; maybe it is
Some divers are fascinated by the Great Blue Hole. Others are drawn to Turneffe Atoll’s shallow reefs. At Blackbird Caye Dive Resort, you aren’t far from either — or from 70 other scenic spots. From Blackbird’s dock, 20 are less than 35 minutes away by boat. It should be a fantastic week of ocean encounters for every diver and even snorkeler.
No gear? No problem. Blackbird Caye Resort’s on-island equipment center lets you rent wetsuits, regulators, dive computers, and more. And when it’s time to hit the water, you’ll be in good hands: From the 37-foot Queen Angel to the 50-foot Big Bird, their fleet of four vessels will get you to your dive site quickly and safely.
A whole lot of facts (get it)
The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 43 miles from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, 1,043 feet across and 407 feet deep. It has a surface area of 760,500 square feet. It was formed during several episodes of quaternary glaciation when sea levels were much lower. Analysis of stalactites found in the Great Blue Hole shows that formation occurred 153,000, 66,000, 60,000, and 15,000 years ago. As the ocean began to rise again, the cave was flooded.
The Great Blue Hole, Belize, Kids Sea Camp, family vacations, kids and divingThe Great Blue Hole is a part of the more extensive Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a FLOHA World Heritage Site
The site was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the world’s top five scuba diving sites. In 1971, he brought his ship, the Calypso, to the hole to chart its depths. Investigations by this expedition confirmed the hole’s origin as typical karst limestone formations formed before rises in sea level in at least four stages, leaving ledges at depths of 69 feet, 161 feet, and 299 feet. Stalactites were retrieved from submerged caves, confirming their previous formation above sea level.
Some of these stalactites were also off-vertical by 5 degrees in a consistent orientation, indicating that there had also been some past geological shift and tilting of the underlying plateau, followed by a long period in the current plane. The tilt indicates that this was a movement of the land rather than a rise in sea level alone. The initially measured depth of the Great Blue Hole was about 410 feet, which is the most often cited depth to this day.
In the summer of 1997, an expedition was conducted to collect core samples from the Blue Hole’s floor and document the cave system. To accomplish these tasks, all divers had to be certified in cave diving and mixed gases.
In December 2018, two submarines descended into the Blue Hole in an attempt to map its interior. Using sonar scanning, the team nearly completed a 3-D map of the 1,000-foot wide hole. One of their discoveries was a layer of hydrogen sulfide at a depth of approximately 300 feet. The water at that depth and below becomes dark, anoxic, and devoid of life. Blue hole facts from Source Wikipedia.
Dining / Restaurant(s)
Island eats
There’s no need to bring your snacks—just come with your appetite! At the Blackbird Restaurant, we give international flavors a local twist by incorporating freshly caught seafood and Belizean produce into every meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you find yourself hungry between meals, head over to the water; our two tropical bars offer snacks and drinks alongside the largest reef in the Caribbean.
Activities
Fly Fishing kayaking, snorkeling and nature walks, and more
There’s kayaking, snorkeling, dozing on the beach, and great bird watching. It’s all possible in Belize, and it’s all easy on Blackbird Caye. Complimentary rentals and guided tours let you experience Turneffe Atoll on your terms. And when it’s time to dock for the day, the resort’s natural beauty will keep the whole family fascinated until sundown.
Fly fishing
The flats and Cayes off the Turneffe Atoll, are considered some of the best waters in the world to catch a grand slam in one day. What is a Grand Slam you ask? A Grand Slam is 1 Bonefish, 1 Permit, and 1 Tarpon in one day. After an amazing flyfishing adventure on the flat of Turneffe, returning to the comfort and luxury of your 2-bedroom air-conditioned premium beachfront suite sounds like a great idea.
Bonefish (See Link)
Permit (See Link)
Tarpon (see Chasing Tarpon)
Fishing Costs
Fly fishing half day from: $300
Fly fishing full day from: $600
Discover fly fishing from: $300
General Fishing times (can change depending on the tides)
Full day: 7am-4pm
Morning: 7am-12pm
Afternoon: 1pm-5pm
Know Before You Go
Flying to Belize
How can I get to the resort?
Blackbird Caye offers free round-trip boat transfers from Belize City (about a 2-hour scenic ride), or you can fly in just 15–20 minutes via the private airstrip on the island. Airlines like Maya Air, Tropic Air, Caribee make arrivals effortless (approx. $250 each way, depending on the airline and group size).
Flights to the resort take 10-15 minutes for a one-way additional cost. Five-, seven-, nine-, and 12-seat charters are also available. To take the charter flight, you must arrive no later than 2:00 pm at Belize City’s Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), and on departure day, your flight leaves no earlier than 12:30 pm from BZE. Kids Sea Camp will be working with Blackbird Caye to help arrange the charter flights to the resort. There is also a helicopter from the mainland airport to the resort. For the Kids Sea Camp weeks guest must arrive into BZE before 1:30 pm on Saturday arrivals and depart out of BZE on Saturday no earlier than 12:30 pm, anything outside of those times are booked for an additional charter cost. You must travel before and after those times to meet the charter times included in the package.
What time should I be in Belize City for the boat transfer?
Arrive at Belize City’s Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) at 1:30 p.m. local time. You will be greeted by a Blackbird Caye representative, who will shuttle you to Old Belize (https://www.oldbelize.com/). You can enjoy your day awaiting our transfer boat, departing at 3 pm.
If your flight is delayed or canceled and our complimentary charter is missed, a private flight charter can be scheduled daily, leaving no later than 5:00 p.m. for an additional cost.
Kids Sea Camp Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Family Diving
Columbia, SC – January 23, 2025
Kids Sea Camp, the premier provider of family-friendly dive vacations, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Founded in 2000 by Margo Peyton, Kids Sea Camp has become the leader in ocean education and family dive vacations. Margo has traveled the world searching for the most family-friendly PADI 5-star resorts and operators with whom she partners for her custom-created diving events, offered in 13 countries and spanning 29 trips. These trips bring together like-minded families from around the globe to experience scuba diving, dive training, local culture, and family-friendly accommodations and activities.
Bonaire and the Philippines
With over 8,100 PADI certifications for youth divers and countless incredible adventures. Kids Sea Camp is celebrating its 25th anniversary with special events. The festivities will kick off at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire in August. During trips to the Philippines with Sea Explorers Dauin and Amun ini and in Belize at Blackbird Cay we will continue to celebrate.
Each event will feature a multi-night stay, diving, PADI dive training courses, Treasure hunts, three meals daily, live music and entertainment, special presenters, activities, and swag. Kids Sea Camp also invites families to join them for a series of educational workshops and presentations on marine conservation, underwater photography, and dive safety.
“We are so excited to celebrate our 25th anniversary with our incredible community of divers,” said Tom Peyton, Vice President of Kids Sea Camp. “It’s been a long journey since our first trip in 2000. We are proud to be a leader in providing families with unique and unforgettable dive experiences.”
Kids Sea Camp is a leading provider of family-friendly dive vacations. Kids Sea Camp offers a variety of programs for divers of all ages and experience levels. The company is committed to providing its customers with safe, fun, and educational dive experiences.
Media Contact
Tom Peyton Vice President, Kids Sea Camp
The Kids Sea Camp gallery has over 200,000 aqua-based images
Finding My Favorite Dive Destination? It’s Impossible!
For 26 years, clients have asked me, “Margo, what is your favorite dive destination?” As a mother, and now a grandmother, a PADI scuba instructor, and a lifelong ocean lover (I was born in Provincetown, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod!), my response has always been, “All of them!” Each destination I’ve personally chosen for Kids Sea Camp holds a special place in my heart.
Cayman Islands: Perfect for First-Time Family Dive Trips
As a young mother, I fell in love with the Cayman Islands as my son, Robbie, was born in Grand Cayman! I know the islands well, having worked both as a divemaster and a travel agent for many years while living there. With its easy access from the US (multiple daily, direct, nonstop flights!), strong safety record, and family-friendly resorts like Little Cayman Beach Resort and Cayman Brac Beach Resort, it had to be at the top of my list for young divers.
The diving is easy for all levels, with picture-perfect turquoise waters and sugar-white sand beaches you dream about on a cold winter’s day. The picturesque beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, playing volleyball, and relaxing!
Underwater, you’ll find turtles, tarpon, dolphins, and sharks, along with dramatic walls, fascinating wrecks like Captain Keith Tibbetts, and shallow reefs perfect for new divers. The resorts offer spacious guest rooms that give parents privacy while keeping kids close. And don’t forget the exciting land adventures like exploring pirate caves or hiking the bluffs!
The best Caribbean bar food
The food and service at both resorts are excellent, with plenty of family-friendly choices. The chefs create amazing made-from-scratch cakes, pies, and cookies, and there’s even a make-your-own sundae bar! The restaurants serve everything from steaks and lobster to fresh fish and vegetarian delights.
Getting around is easy, whether you rent a car or explore by bike. There’s a spa on each property, and believe it or not, tennis and basketball courts! Relax by the large oceanfront pools, swing in a hammock on the beach, or join in the fun with treasure hunts, pizza and movie nights, and pool games. I enjoy photographing and feeding the giant iguanas, collecting coconuts, and enjoying those lazy afternoons on the beach. There are quaint shops and other restaurants to explore, as well as exceptional flora and birdlife to learn about. The Cayman Islands are known for their history and culture as well as their diving.
Bonaire: Buddy Dive Resort Kids Sea Camp
Bonaire stole my heart with its laid-back charm, friendly donkeys roaming freely, flocks of pink flamingos, and incredible marine life – from wild dolphins and manta rays (yes, manta rays in Bonaire!) to massive tarpon and countless octopus.
My favorite part of the day? Jumping off the dock with my kids when they were young divers to explore the calm, shallow reefs. The white sandy bottom, just 15-20 feet below, felt like a natural guardrail, allowing kids to gain confidence and independence in a safe environment. Bonaire is one of my top picks for large families, with 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas at reasonable prices and easy access from the States.
Buddy Dive Resort is family-owned and extremely kid-friendly, with an in-ocean training area that minimizes pool time. Besides diving, my favorite activity is Blow Karting (land sailing) – a total blast for adults and kids! There’s also a sunset cruise, walking the plank, karaoke, and live music. Buddy Dive sits right on the oceanfront, offering some of the most effortless diving for families. There are guided shore dives and boat dives just minutes away. And that jump-off-the-dock diving is the best!
When my kids were older, they both had instructor training with Buddy Dive. That was an amazing gift for me to witness and be a part of. Buddy Dive offers internship programs, Reef Renewal, and tech diver training for older kids and divers who want to further their dive training for future careers or fun. Our Buddy Dive Kids Sea Camp offers a variety of training courses during the week for adults and kids. SASY, Seal Team, JOW, AOW, Rescue, Jr. Divemaster, Divemaster, and Instructor courses have all been incorporated into our program.
St. Lucia: Kids Sea Camp Luxury and Adventure
St. Lucia is pure magic! It is one of the most romantic places in the Caribbean. Tom and I love to return to St. Lucia every year. We look forward to being pampered, enjoying some couples’ time, and bringing Kids Sea Camp to a luxurious, romantic place like Anse Chastanet. It’s a dream come true!
When Mrs. Karolin and Nick Troubetzkoy invited me to bring Kids Sea Camp to their world-famous resort, I felt like Dorothy clicking her ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz! We have the entire resort to ourselves! Some families with older kids ages 15+ also stay at Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet. That is just another level of romance and one of my favorite places on Earth to stay with Tom.
Imagine exploring vibrant reefs, encountering seahorses, and baby turtles hatching right on the beach. The dinner options let you indulge in world-class cuisine at four incredible restaurants. There’s Emeralds (a vegan restaurant), Balawoo (a treehouse restaurant with breathtaking views), the Jungle Grill, and Apsara Indian restaurant, all featuring Creole and Caribbean flavors.
The accommodations are breathtaking
This resort wowed me from the moment I stepped into my room. The accommodations are breathtaking, with options of one- or two-bedroom units overlooking the magical Pitons and the spectacular ocean, or beachfront bungalows surrounded by lush gardens. Each room is exquisitely decorated at this 4 Diamond resort. The service is out-of-this-world, exceeding expectations at every turn. It’s a constant stream of happy moments in St. Lucia because you are served beyond your expectations at every turn.
Being able to have the kids make and decorate cupcakes with the head pastry chef, as well as the chocolate tasting with the chocolatier! OMG, if you love chocolate, you have arrived in heaven. The chocolate lab, chocolate hands, and foot massage, etc, are beyond enjoyable.
The diving is simply spectacular. From awesome wrecks, local house reef or night dives exploring beautiful walls to the vibrant soft coral gardens, Scuba St. Lucia offers something for everyone. Oh, and you do not need to touch your gear because this is 4-diamond diving, and everything is done for you. It’s called Valet Diving. Then there is the jazzy sunset cruise and live steel drum band, the karaoke and beach BBQ, and I can go on and on and on. This family week in St. Lucia is truly decadent. Every member of the family is pampered and spoiled, and the kids never want to leave!
Belize: Island Paradise and Marine Conservation
Blackbird Caye Resort in Belize, our newest gem (added in 2023), is a private island paradise. We’ve been taking families to Belize since 2011. This perfect location, with its proximity to incredible dive sites, was a game-changer. Imagine being just a 3-minute boat ride from the Wit Concrete Wreck (which can even be done as a shore dive!). The resort is only 6 minutes from the famous Elbow dive site! The Blue Hole, a must-do for any diver, is just an hour away.
My favorite here is the incredible number of eagle ray encounters, along with a big favorite of mine: the loggerhead turtles, which are not shy! Others like to hunt lionfish or go topside; my husband loves to go fly-fishing while I’m off enjoying dives with the kids. The boats are big, spacious, and comfy.
With its pristine white-sand beaches dotted with charming seaside bungalows, its incredible diving, and a focus on marine conservation, Blackbird Caye has become a favorite! Thanks to the owners Garen and Simonyan’s passion for kids and the ocean, it’s a dream come true for eco-conscious families. Garen, a newer dad himself, has integrated educational experiences from the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association into the kids’ activities. There is marine life learning and excursions as well as presentations throughout the week. The food is delicious, and all meals are made from scratch. Family-style meals are served in the beach restaurant. The sunsets are well spent at the beach bar and pool, reminiscing about the day and resting up for the next day’s adventures.
Belize has so much to offer both non-divers and divers. We can book both pre- and post-trips to the jungle or ruins.
The Philippines diving with whale sharks
The Philippines holds a special place in my heart. I was greeted with a hug and a flower necklace at the airport in Manila. I knew I was in for something special. A quick hop flight over to Dumaguete, and we are in Dauin. This resort has 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, black-sand beaches, multiple pools, and the most fantastic dive boats I have ever seen. They look like giant water spiders! These boats are made of bamboo, spacious, and offer valet diving, which basically means you do nothing. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, biscuits, and cookies are served after every dive. Each dive group of 4 people has its own dive guide. The Filipinos are so much fun and love kids.
We get a very special dive that not many in the world get to do: the Whale Sharks of Oslob, which we do on our own private boat and with our own staff. We have a very special Kids Sea Camp Whale Shark Day. It’s one of the few times I can say that we guarantee you will dive or snorkel with a whale shark in Oslob. It’s just a huge wow. I’ve experienced 5 at a time.
Welcome to Apo Island
At Apo Island, the reefs are so beautiful that I actually cried underwater. At 18, the first time I saw reefs this healthy, it was overwhelming. There is a mountain school, a village tour, the Chocolate Hills, zip lining, and many top-side cultural activities planned for the Kids Sea Camp trip. I have packed it with local culinary delights, music, and fun for the entire family.
Planning ahead for the Philippines
We’re planning our Philippines vacation further in advance. The trip has multiple locations, since families travel so far; we maximize their stay with a few trip options. This year, I’ve arranged 6 nights at Pura Vida Homes with Sea Explorers, and 6 nights on Bohol Island at Amun Ini. Both offer opportunities to see whalesharks, macro, and topside fun. From Amun Ini, families can see the world’s smallest monkey, the Tarsier. A cute little furry critter with eyes that look like large AI-generated orbs. For 2026, we are off to Dauin and Cabilao. You can give me a call. I will happily spend as much time as you want telling you about the Philippines. The rooms are beautiful and spacious, and each resort offers incredible cuisine. (See our calendar events)
Indonesia: Luxury Liveaboards and Unforgettable Experiences
For the ultimate dive adventure, Indonesia is a must. Our luxurious liveaboard trips aboard the Arenui offer unparalleled service and exquisite cuisine, all while having access to some of the world’s most pristine dive sites, including Komodo, Raja Ampat, and the Forgotten Islands. The Arenui is truly “perfection,” as described by one of our long-time clients, Marcio Curvelo. With its stunning hand-carved interiors, fine linens, and state-of-the-art dive equipment, the ship redefines luxury dive travel. We offer land excursions, diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and pre- and post-Bali add-ons to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Why I Choose Each Destination
I hand-pick each Kids Sea Camp location with families in mind. We work closely with each resort and dive operator to create unique experiences. The destinations have their own appeal and unique experiences. All the KSC weeks create a magical family diving experience that gives the kids memories to last a lifetime.
Ready to plan your family dive adventure?
Check out KSC weeks (see link) or read heartwarming stories from our families. (see link)
PADI Seal Team is an excellent program for kids aged 8-10. Kids Sea Camp Inc. offers one of the few 6-day scuba programs in the world that is conducted in the ocean. Our ratio of instructors to kids is one instructor for every two kids. The PADI Seal Team is an enjoyable program PADI created in 2001, based on fun, educational Aqua Missions in the pool. At Kids Sea Camp, we provide SeaLife Cameras for Photo Missions, fun ocean dives for Fish ID Missions, and night pool missions.
We dive everywhere
There are select locations: St. Lucia Kids Sea Camp Inc. with Scuba St. Lucia and Anse Chastanet; Buddy Dive Bonaire; Sea Explorers in the Philippines; and Reef Divers in the Cayman Islands. We take Seal Team kids scuba diving in the ocean and experience the underwater world with mom and dad. Over the past 25 years, we have taught over 4,000 Seals.
As a mom, I wanted a safe and fun way to introduce my kids to a world I loved and wanted to share with them. Kids’ Sea Camp is a great way to teach your children about the underwater world. Many local dive shops offer PADI Seal Team dives and classes, so ask your local dive shop about getting your little ones in the water. Kids have to be 8 years of age to start the scuba programs.
Scuba Rangers
There is also SSI Scuba Rangers, which I know is another excellent kids’ scuba program, although I have not taught it. What’s important for parents to know: Ask good questions. In my opinion, the ratio of instructors to kids in the water should be 1 instructor to 2 kids. Each operator has mandates and guidelines to follow, but you can always ask for a private class if you like my more conservative ratios.
Demand assurance
Ensure your kids want to participate; they should be excited and eager to learn. Discuss clear diving activities with your child’s doctor and ensure they are both mentally and physically fit to participate. Ensure the instructor you pair with your child is kid-friendly. The instructor needs a comfortable level of kid-teaching experience. Ask them how much experience they have. If your child falls in love with the program, keep encouraging them and continue to the PADI Master Seal Program.
Our seals and sassy
PADI seals can dive a max depth of 12 ft with an instructor. Master Seals have a max depth of 12ft with an Instructor. Experienced instructors can acquire waivers to take kids into the ocean. There are a lot of hoops to jump through to make this happen.
Kids Sea Camp has created a bunny slope for the dive industry. It’s been incredible to see how many of them have grown up to love the ocean and further their careers in diving. We have certified over 50 divemasters and contributed to 36+ instructors who started as little SASY or Seals. Many get into environmental sciences, Marine biology, dive law, and other marine careers that make a difference.
I first fell in love with the undersea world when I was seven. OK, I am fudging that a little bit because I can’t remember exactly how young I was, only that I was very young and that it was in that kindergarten- or elementary-school-age window that I saw, on television, my first-ever Jacques Cousteau Undersea Special. I was immediately hooked on the idea of becoming a diver. From that moment on, I knew that somehow, someway, I would get certified to dive and that it would become a big part of my life.
Fast forward to 1994, when I finished medical school and, for the first time in my life, had a real income. I finally took the first step toward that long-held dream and became a certified open-water diver. A few years later, I got my girlfriend, Saundra, hooked on the sport. We became lifelong buddies when I proposed underwater during a dive trip in Guanaja, Honduras (we even had goldfish bowls as centerpieces instead of flowers at our wedding!).
Married to the sea
Saundra and I dove worldwide whenever we could, and like many other couples, the undersea world became one of the most important things we did together.
In 2005, our diving careers had to pause with the arrival of our firstborn child, Sam. Then, in 2009, twins Adam and Lauren showed up, and we became a family of five. We still managed to dive every once in a while, but nowhere near as often as we had or as we wished, and we had to leave the kids at home.
Sasy and Seals
When Sam was 8, we learned about an SCUBA program for children offered by our local dive shop, and I don’t think you could have contained my excitement when I learned that kids could get certified at age 10! We immediately signed her up, and she took to it with more exuberance than I could have hoped. We later learned from Margo Peyton that Kids Sea Camp and many dive shops also offer the SASY snorkel program for kids ages 4-7 and the PADI Seal Team for kids ages 8 & 9.
However, Kids Sea Camp is one of the few in the world to take those kids to the ocean. Most dive shops offer those programs daily and in a pool. Margo has made an entire week of fun out of them for youngsters, so moms and dads can go diving while younger kids are having a blast in the undersea world.
Needless to say, as soon as Sam was 10, we got her certified, but like so many others, we quickly found that diving with kids is not as easy as getting them certified. Few operators were willing to accept the liability of diving with children, and those who did often lacked the experience or skills to make parents feel completely comfortable.
Finding Margo
And so it was in 2018 that, like so many others who came before us, Saundra and I found ourselves one evening entering that fateful combination of words into the Google search bar: ‘diving with children’. Of course, we landed immediately on the one and only Margo Peyton, and our lives were forever changed for the better.
Kids Sea Camp immediately appealed to us, but with our kids attending a private school whose holiday calendar seemed to be offset by every other school system in the country, none of the dates aligned well with our availability. Margo was undeterred. She set us up for a week at Buddy Dive in Bonaire, a location Saundra and I knew well. And so, in April of 2018, we found ourselves on our first-ever Family Dive Adventure. Sam dove with us and our private guide, arranged by Margo, while the twins took their first Seal course and took to the sport as enthusiastically as their big sister had.
More than friends
The next year, we found a KSC week that worked with our school schedule, so we jumped at the chance to attend a Cayman Islands Kids Sea Camp. There, we met three people who have become some of our closest friends: Tom, Margo, and Olivia. (See gallery)
Over the years, we have been on seven more KSC trips to the Galapagos, Cayman Islands, Bonaire, St. Lucia, Roatan, the Philippines, and the Turks & Caicos. All have been extraordinary. Over that time, our children have become exceptional divers. When we took them to the Galapagos, the dive boat staff commented privately to me on how impressed they were with Adam and Lauren, two fourteen-year-olds of small stature who could dive as well as any adult in challenging conditions. I replied that it is entirely attributable to the incredible program that Margo and Tom have developed. Without the two of them guiding and hosting us, I would never have felt comfortable letting my children dive on a liveaboard or anywhere else!
The struggle of 2020
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing with beautiful sunsets, and the year 2020 brought not only the COVID-19 pandemic. But 2020 also brought us a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for Lauren at the worst possible time. The love and friendship of Margo, Tom, and Olivia during those difficult months meant the world to us and is a shining example of how they view their relationships with their customers as more than just business interactions but as real investments in people and long-lasting connections.
What makes it so personal? Tom’s KSC karaoke, singing with Sam, and encouraging her and me to share our voices with the world. Then, the entire KSC team helped me create a surprise Lip Dub in St. Lucia for my wife on our anniversary. What a fantastic memory they left us with. We have made many new friends and enjoy reconnecting with them and meeting others on each trip. Kids Sea Camp and the undersea world have become a part of a family that was never expected.
Empty Nesters, here we come
We continue to travel with Kids Sea Camp as a family, Sandra and I. We also enjoyed an Empty Nester trip to Indonesia with Margo and Tom, a photo-intensive journey we both enjoyed. I’ve been exploring underwater photography, and that trip to Lembeh gave me a glimpse of our future. It will be a little while before we are empty nesters, but when we are, Margo and Tom have given us a glimpse into what it could look like. We have already booked a 2029 “Why Not” trip aboard the Arenui with them. (See Calendar)
Kids Sea Camp is very much like an extended family. “Give them a week, and they will remember forever.” Give yourself an experience you will cherish, and open your family to limitless possibilities in the undersea world.
Fast forward to 1994, when I finished medical school and, for the first time in my life, had a real income. I finally took the first step toward that long-held dream and became a certified open-water diver. A few years later, I got my girlfriend, Saundra, hooked on the sport. We became lifelong buddies when I proposed underwater during a dive trip in Guanaja, Honduras (we even had goldfish bowls as centerpieces instead of flowers at our wedding!). 
The struggle of 2020