Accommodation: Little Cayman Beach Resort
Little Cayman Beach Resort with Reef Divers
Introduction
Individual Family Dive Vacations
Reflecting Little Cayman’s quaint charm and intimate warmth, Little Cayman Beach Resort is a secluded oceanfront oasis with a relaxed island ambiance, a boutique spa, Caribbean-inspired cuisine, and gracious personal service that offers an authentic island experience. It is perfect for a unique family vacation. (Check out what we have planned for Kids Sea Camp in 2027)
Little Cayman Beach Resort offers hotel-style rooms with similar ocean and beach views. Each room has a spacious bedroom, bathroom, and sitting area with a balcony overlooking the pool, beach, and ocean. This resort is an excellent getaway for a family dive vacation. There is paddle boarding, snorkeling, fly fishing, bike riding, caves to climb, and pristine reefs to dive.
Why is Little Cayman so relaxing? There are only about 170 full-time residents on the entire island, and they spend a lot of time under the water.
The island had been named a top dive site in the Caribbean for its iconic Bloody Bay Wall, year-round perfect diving conditions, pristine coral reefs, and spectacular marine life with our unique valet diving service, all aboard a fleet of custom Newton-built dive boats. The resort brings this magnificent experience beneath the sea directly onto the sand.
Family Dive Adventures packages are custom-designed to fit your family’s needs. They include seven nights, all meals, coffee, tea, and juices, and meals and snacks provided on dive boats. We offer all PADI courses with our packages and customize them to your kids’ needs. Private dive guides and instructors are available.
Rates, Prices & Specials
Here are the rates for Little Cayman Beach Resort in the Cayman Islands. Remember when booking with Family Dives Adventures, you always get the 5% loyality discount on retail rates.
Packages
Classic Cayman Diver 7-night package
Starting from $2,695 Pool view room
- Seven nights’ accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (dinner arrival day through breakfast departure day)
- Drink package – 21 included drinks**
- 6 X 2-tank AM + 5 x 1-tank PM boat dives (17 boat dives total for 7-night package)
- Morning dive trip to Little Cayman to dive Bloody Bay Marine Park included as one of the AM dives at no additional charge (weather permitting)
- Complimentary use of dive computer (we require them)
- Complimentary WiFi
- Welcome rum punch
- Manager’s cocktail reception
- Airport ground transfers
- Resort fees, taxes, & gratuities – except dive gratuities, which are not included
*Prices listed are per person based on double occupancy in standard (lowest priced) rooms. Rates for other resorts, room types, occupancy, dates, and packages may differ. All travel requires a Saturday arrival with a 7-night stay.
**Drink packages include a choice of menu cocktails and well drinks, single-serve beers and ciders, house wines by the glass, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Cayman Escape 7-Night Dive Package
Starting from $2,395 Pool view room
- Seven nights’ accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner daily (dinner arrival day through breakfast departure day)
- No drinks
- 6 X 2-tank AM (12 boat dives total for 7-night package)
- Morning dive trip to Cayman Brac included as one of the AM dives at no additional charge (weather permitting)
- Complimentary use of dive computer (we require them)
- Complimentary WiFi
- Welcome rum punch
- Manager’s cocktail reception
- Airport ground transfers
- Resort fees, taxes, & gratuities – except dive gratuities, which are not included
**Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy in a standard (lowest-priced) room. Rates for other resorts, room types, occupancy, dates, and packages may differ. All travel requires a Saturday arrival with a 7-night stay.
Accommodations
The beach and ocean is everywhere
The Cayman Islands Resort guest rooms include new furnishings inspired by tropical colors and textures, Caribbean themed artwork, newly decorated bathrooms, fixtures, and flooring. The resort has a total of 40 air-conditioned, spacious rooms situated in two-story ‘palm-tree height’ buildings and surrounded by lush tropical foliage.
Features of the 28 Pool view rooms that encircle the pool
- Two doubles or one king-size bed
- Individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fan
- Flat-screen television, DVD players, and alarm clock
- Refrigerator
- Coffee-maker complete with Wolfgang Puck brand coffee
- Beverage center
- Private bathroom with shower
- A hairdryer and deluxe bath amenity package
- Room safe
- Free Wifi
12 Oceanfront Rooms
These rooms are located directly on the beach with spectacular views of the turquoise water and reef.
Here are the additional amenities:
- Private balcony or patio with sun loungers
- Microwave
- Wet bar
- Seating area with couch and coffee table
- Housekeeping service is provided daily.
- Little Cayman Beach Resort offers oceanfront and pool view rooms with two doubles or one king bed. A maximum of four guests may stay in a room.
- The oceanfront rooms are slightly larger and have a microwave and a small lounge area.
Please Note: All rooms and buildings within our Cayman Islands resort are smoke-free.
Diving / Diving Site(s)
Valet Diving: Experience diving like never before
Almost too many to list, but we are gonna list them anyway
3 dives per day and 1 Three tank day over Cayman Brac
Barracuda Bight: This is the next to the last site in Bloody Bay. Little Cayman Dive Sites: We have fingers or outcroppings from the wall in this area. You will find the Sailfin Blenny and many other juveniles and small fish in the shallows. There are many crevices and overhangs to explore here. Lobster and Spider Crabs are often found here, along with Nurse Sharks, Green Moray, and Black and White Moray Eels.
Blacktop Boulevard: Named for the Blacktip sharks that have been seen on occasion, you are likely to see Caribbean Reef sharks and Eagle Rays. A Manta Ray has also been seen cruising the blue at this site. Look into the deep crevices and come face to face with big-eyed Squirrelfish, Lobsters, and various blennies and gobies. Giant barrel sponges dwarf divers as they glide by. In the sand, look out for the tiny garden eels that retreat into their sand burrows as you approach.
Bus Stop: Large barrel sponges, blue chromis, and other schooling fish make this site busy and colorful. A sand chute down into the deep also makes Bus Stop a great dive—keep your eyes open for passing Eagle rays, Turtles, and Stingrays, and check the Vase Sponges for Goby cleaner fish, Crinoids, and Arrow Crabs.
Cascades: This is the first and most northern point in the Jackson Point area. Once you’ve entered the water and started down, you will understand the meaning of Cascades. This is the area where it all cascades down to “La La Land”. You will find turtles, sharks, eagles, and Stingrays on this far-out site, as well as conch. The coral heads in this area look like small mountain ranges.
Coconut Walk: This spectacular site toward the west end of the Bloody Bay Wall is like a smaller main wall split in two – a mini-wall at a depth of 30ft and the main wall at 60ft. As you navigate the site – keep your eyes open for pillar coral and the turtles and stingrays that swim around them. Angelfish (Gray, Queen, and French) and Parrotfish are usually found on the mini-wall. Juveniles of all sorts (including Butterflyfish, Spotted drums) can be found. Occasionally, lemon (or yellow) rays can also be found here. Off the main wall is a favorite place to spot cruising reef sharks.
Cumber’s Caves: Definitely request this site if you like swim-throughs. There are two or three that will take you from the sandy boulevard and spit you out on the sheer wall at about 80-100ft. Aside from the exciting swim-throughs, you can also see a variety of juveniles on the mini wall. If you stick to the sandy area, look out for eagle rays feeding, Southern stingrays, and numerous garden eels.
Donna’s Delight: Donna’s Delight is much like Marilyn’s Cut. One thing that seems to be abundant on this site is Flamingo Tongue shells. Nurse Sharks are frequently seen along with these sites. You may find Flying Gurnards in the shallow areas, too. Sailfin Blenny is common, but you need a trained eye to see them. They are only about 1-1/4″ to 1-1/2″ long. They dance above their burrows and fleet back into them when approached.
Eagle Ray Roundup: This site is a large sandy area typical of Jackson Bay. Occasionally, we find more than one or two Eagle Rays here. The location is surrounded by extensive coral head formations bordered by the wall reef. You will find large parrotfish munching on the sand and Sting Rays and Hog Snapper. There are also friendly French Angels and Grouper here.
Great Wall East & West: There is only one word you can use to describe the Great Wall West & East dive sites – AWESOME! The majestic vertical wall is unbelievable, and in the shallows, you will find large coral heads teeming with life. Ensure you swim away from the wall to appreciate it in its full glory. Black coral, large sponges in yellow and red, and critters dot the wall, making a great photo, and if you look closely, you might see the occasional Seahorse or Lettuce-leaf Seaslug.
Jackson Reef: This site abounds with marine life. During the day, you will find some very friendly French Angels who will be more than willing to have their pictures taken. Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, Yellow Sting Rays, and Moray Eels (both green and black and white), are frequently seen here. In and around the rubble area, you will find many small fish, such as Yellow Headed Jaw Fish, Sand Tile Fish, Sand Divers, and a variety of juveniles. For the night diver, there are a lot of night dwellers to be seen – Octopus, Basket Starfish, and Orange Ball Anemones, to name a few.
Joy’s Joy: The last dive site in the Bloody Bay area, with coral fingers and a mini wall, is a great place to spot the Caribbean spiny lobster. Eagle rays and sharks can be seen cruising through on your dive and be sure to check all the nooks and crannies for huge Green moray eels and smaller Spotted morays. The schooling fish, such as Yellowtail Snapper and blue-striped Grunts, will keep you company throughout the dive.
Lea’s Lookout: Lobsters, Arrow Crabs, Yellowhead Jawfish, & Sailfin Blennies are among the critters that can be seen. Sailfin Blennies live in holes on the hardpan between the coral outcrops, and the Jawfish live in cylindrical burrows among the rubble and sand – hovering vertically above their homes. Sharks and Eagle Rays can be seen cruising the site along with Hawksbill & Green Turtles. Check cracks and crevices for green or spotted Moray Eels.
Marilyn’s Cut: This site has some excellent swim-throughs where two fairly deep canyons cut into the reef. Lots of yellow tube sponges, along with red rope sponges, dot the wall. The friendly resident Nassau grouper (Benji) and her friend will happily accompany you throughout your dive and even pose for a photo if you are lucky!
The Meadows: The Meadows is one of our favorite shallow dive sites. With sand at 35 feet total of Southern Stingrays, Conch, Garden Eels, Razorfish, and a maze of beautifully encrusted coral heads sitting right under the boat, you could spend your whole dive without straying far from the ship. For those who prefer deep dives, the wall is a few kicks away through short swim-throughs and out into the amphitheater, which is a large natural part of the wall.
Randy’s Gazebo: The chimney and archway are the greatest points of interest here. The entrance to the chimney is around 40 ft, and then it’s 40 ft straight down. An excellent opportunity to head west on the wall around 75ft where you can check out the large and plentiful barrel sponges. You will then encounter a great photo op – a striking archway that makes the perfect frame for divers or fish hovering in the blue water. There are also a few caves and a mini-chimney to be discovered. Look out for Black dragons, Butterflyfish, and turtles throughout the dive.
The Mixing Bowl: Named Mixing Bowl because this is where the Jackson’s Bight section meets the Bloody Bay section – which in turn makes for a great site with a sheer wall and rugged coral fingers. Swim through here is great and can pop you out on the wall to admire the purple, red, yellow, and orange sponges. Schools of blue Chromis, grunts, and snappers will be in the shallows, looking out for the huge barracuda under the boat.
Mike’s Mount: This dive site has many things to discover. As you move north of the Cascades site, you can look at some history. The first thing to be found is a small cannon on this site. Moving to the north, there are many anchors to be seen. You will have to look for these artifacts, which have been transformed to resemble their surroundings. There are tunnels through the wall (to “La La Land”) as well as a cannon in the shallows. We’ve seen sharks, turtles, Spotted Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, eels, etc. There are friendly Queen Trigger and French Angels, as well as Grouper.
Sarah’s Set: This site affords both deep and shallow diving. You can take the drop-off to “La La Land” or cruise through many canyons and sand flats. You will find friendly French Angels and Queen Triggers. Among the rubble areas, you will find Jaw Fish, Sand Tile Fish, and many other small dwellers on the reef. You may also see sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, and turtles swimming here occasionally. Some great tunnels open onto the wall.
Dive Training
- PADI SASY program: Six mornings of activities from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. SASY kids keep fins, masks, and snorkels.
- PADI SEAL TEAM: Six mornings of activities from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, including all 5 aqua missions. SEAL kids keep fins, masks, and snorkels.
- PADI Open Water: All dives needed for certification (eLearning is not included. For eLearning, you will have to pay PADI directly. The link will be sent to you 4 weeks before departure to be completed prior to arrival.)
- PADI Dive Master course: RSVP 14 DAYS REQUIRED $675 add-on to package price/Contact Margo 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning and Crew Pack included
- PADI Dive Rescue Diver: RSVP $175 add-on to package price. Contact Margo at 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning, and Crew Pack included.
See more about Kids Sea Camp dive training.
Dining / Restaurant(s)
Great food in a great location
The Bird of Paradise Dining: Staffed by an international team of trained Chefs, the Bird of Paradise appeals to the most discerning taste buds and serves a wide variety of gourmet international and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Choose to dine in our air-conditioned dining room, screened lanai, or al fresco on the patio with our resident iguanas! The Chef will happily accommodate those with special dietary or vegetarian needs.
Beach Nuts Bar: Beach Nuts is centrally located at the resort, adjacent to the pool, and overlooking the Caribbean Sea beyond. This is the hub of island activity, and you will find something for everyone. The menu includes many local and imported beers, fine wine, tropical cocktails, premium spirits, and Cuban cigars.
The week at Kids Sea Camp can include events such as a Manager’s Rum Punch reception, karaoke, trivia, and other theme nights. Beach Nuts Bar also features a pub-inspired menu of lighter fare.
For the artistically inclined, collect a piece of driftwood from the beach and use the selection of paints to add to Little Cayman Beach Resort’s ever-growing collection of Bar Art.
Dining hours are tailored to dive schedules, including extended hours to accommodate night dives.
Activities
There’s more than diving at Little Cayman
Little Cayman is not all about diving Bloody Bay Wall, it is but it isn’t. On the island, you can fish, get a massage, hiking in a national park, kayak, paddleboard, spend an afternoon in a unique island Museum, or get a wonderful massage.
Fishing: Little Cayman Beach Resort offers different fishing experiences for anglers of all levels and is a great way for people to experience the entire island. Little Cayman is an angler’s dream with Bonefish, Tarpon, and great Tuna fishing. Call Tom about booking an afternoon or a full-day charter at 803.419.2556.
Please note: Little Cayman Sport Fishing is closed seasonally between August 15th – October 31st.
Other water sports: The South Sound offers protected shallow waters for enjoying kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Single Kayak
- Double Kayak
- Paddleboard
All watersports are available during the dive shop opening hours, 7 am-5 pm.
Biking: Beach cruiser bicycles are available for guests during the day and with an elevation of only 40ft (12M), there are not too many hills to worry about on Little Cayman!
Hiking: The Salt Rocks Nature Trail is located on the Western end of Little Cayman. It is a historic site with abandoned phosphate mines and a railway track and is home to migratory birds, rock iguanas, butterflies, orchids, and tropical plants.
Tennis & Basketball: Feel free to exercise and have fun on the floodlit tennis and basketball court! Due to the heat, playing hoop and tennis at night is recommended.
Hammocks: Relax and unwind in the hammocks along the beach. This is the perfect spot to read or catch an afternoon nap.
Little Cayman Museum: Founded by Linton Tibbetts, this quaint museum displays over 150 years of historical information, artifacts, and an inside look at Island life. Mr. “T” was born on Cayman Brac in 1923 and has been a major contributor to preserving the island’s history. He has a great passion for the rich culture and heritage of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac and has established these museums to share with island visitors.
Little Cayman Marine Museum: Also founded by Linton Tibbetts, the museum pays tribute to the many sea captains who called the Cayman Islands their home and offers a glimpse of their colorful past.
National Trust House: The National Trust is dedicated to preserving and educating the public about the island’s natural environment. The National Trust Visitor’s Centre offers library services, local crafts, homemade ice cream, and viewing platforms for bird-watching.
The Nature Spa: Nature Spa offers a unique spa experience for both men and women. Carefully selected products ensure you are at one with nature. Each visit is a combined endeavor for you and your spa therapist. Whether your goal is to relax, rejuvenate, or renew, our experienced and licensed professional will help to take you on a journey that promotes a healthy mind, body, and skin.
Massages offered at the Nature Spa
- Swedish
- Deep Tissue
- Pregnancy massage
- Acupressure
- Reflexology
Know Before You Go
Grand Cayman then to Little Cayman
Getting to Grand Cayman is as easy as flying to any major city in the US. Almost every major US airport has a direct flight to Grand Cayman. Once you get to Grand Cayman, you must take a flight on Cayman Airways to get to Little Cayman.
The main airport in the Cayman Islands, Owen Roberts International Airport, is located on the largest Island, Grand Cayman. The sister island of Cayman Brac also has its airport, Charles Kirkconnell Airport. These two airports serve as the Cayman Islands’ main ports of entry for visitors. Daily inter-island flights serve Little Cayman.
There are approximately 116 weekly flights into the Cayman Islands, including 42 flights each week between Miami and Grand Cayman, with connections to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Cayman Airways and American Airlines provide non-stop service from Miami.
With eight airlines flying into Grand Cayman from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, booking your Cayman Islands experience is easier than ever!
Cayman Airways and Cayman Express provide inter-island service between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, making travel to the Cayman Islands quick and easy.
Little Cayman Beach Resort
Dates
Introduction
Escape to Little Cayman Beach Resort, a secluded oceanfront oasis perfect for families
Kids Sea Camp has created yet another magical family vacation for every member to enjoy. Remote, luxury in the Cayman Islands at this perfect little boutique-style resort, painted pink as it blends in with the color-filled sky at each spectacular sunset. A pool on the beach for families to enjoy at the end of the day, watching their kids enjoy some pool or beach volleyball. A relaxing cocktail while reminiscing about the day’s dives with each other. Snorkeling, paddle boarding, island hiking, and lazy hammocks await any family member. This island paradise is where you will find the white sand and blue hues you have dreamed about sharing with your family. The diving is some of the best the Caribbean offers, from tiny lettuce-leaf nudibranchs to sandy bottoms covered in conch and eagle rays that seem unaffected by the presence of young drivers. Garden Eels resemble tall grass in a distant prairie as they sway to the gentle surge that creates diving zen. Kids and parents can dive together anytime or enjoy diving with like-minded newfound friends.
Why Choose Little Cayman with Us?
- Unbeatable Diving: Explore the legendary Bloody Bay Wall and enjoy year-round perfect diving conditions. Our unique valet diving service whisks you away on custom Newton-built dive boats for up to 3 dives a day.
- Family Fun for Everyone: Beyond diving, enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, island biking, cave hiking, basketball, tennis, and relaxing on our beautiful white sand beach. Our resort boasts a beach bar and pool, all steps from your oceanfront room.
- Kids Sea Camp Experience: Join our special Kids Sea Camp event and create lifelong memories! We offer scuba diving certification training for adults and kids, making it easy for the whole family to explore the underwater world.
- Get Certified with Ease: Complete your PADI E-learning before arrival, and then just five training dives on days one and two get you diving with your family! Private guides/divemasters are available for added comfort and ease.
- Expertly Crafted Packages: We’ve been selling Cayman Islands vacations for 30 years and know it inside and out. We offer customized packages year-round for families, including stays at Little Cayman Beach Resort and Brac Beach Resort with Reef Divers.
- Unparalleled Kids Sea Camp Support: At our Kids Sea Camp events, we provide a boat captain and two dive pros on every boat. Kids enjoy private instructors and kid-friendly dive profiles (as PADI mandates require) for a safe and unforgettable experience.
- Time Together, Time Apart: Enjoy quality family time while also connecting with other like-minded families from around the world.
Ready to dive into your dream family vacation?
We have fantastic dive deals for Little Cayman Beach Resort this year. Call us at 803.419.2556 to speak with one of our dive travel experts and start planning your unforgettable getaway! We’ll help you create the perfect custom-designed family dive vacation.
Little Cayman sounds great, doesn’t it? Call us about your custom-designed family dive vacation at 803.419.2556
Welcome to our Kids Sea Camp weeks in Little Cayman
We chose Little Cayman because it’s one of those places where you feel grateful to be alive, with the ones you love most, and can sit back and feel blessed to be right there at that moment. The food is presented for every palate and every diet, from gluten-free to vegetarian, and even for those carnivorous eaters, the meats are prepared expertly to your taste. Kids’ menus are ready as they like and what they like. We know this will be another top memory of the chart that will last a lifetime. Reef Divers is the dive operation, and the service level is valet diving. You are welcome to do it yourself or sit back and let your dive gear be gently adorned, requiring only a giant stride to your place of peace and joy.
Rates & Prices
We are working on the rates for Little Cayman Beach Resort in the Cayman Islands in 2027.
| Room Types | Diver (Adult, Child, & JOW)(Per- person) | Non-Diver (Per-Person) |
|---|---|---|
| One bedroom Pool View DBL rate per person | $3,399 | $2,999 |
| One bedroom Ocean front double rate Per person | $3,699 | $3,199 |
| One bedroom Pool View (single rate adult) | $4,050 | $3,600 |
| One bedroom Ocean front (single rate adult) | $4,770 | $4,300 |
| Two bedrooms Pool View triple rate | $3,500 | $3,166 |
| Two bedrooms Ocean front triple rate | $4,000 | $3,645 |
| Three bedroom Luxury Ocean Front Condo "The Club" triple rate. | $4,199 | $3,820 |
| Three bedroom luxury condo "The Club" (quad rate) | $3,999 | $3,699 |
| Seal Team: In same room as adult | $2,999 | NA |
| SASY: In same room as adult | $2,325 | NA |
| Pay at resort gear rental for certified divers $290 per diver per week | Drinks Package add-on for adults 21 drinks $220 and $120 for child drink package- Must be pre booked for this rate. | |
| PADI courses available to add-on to adult and certified diver rate. E:learning, crew pack materials and training included. $450 | Nitrox course: E:learning required and included the add-on to certified diver package or adult diver package must be completed prior to arrival with unlimited FREE Nitrox tanks Pre booked rate is $250 per diver | PADI digital photo/video course add-on includes the use of underwater camera $350 |
| Advance Open Water Course add-on to adult diver package $400 Deep, Night, PPB, Fish ID, Boat dives includes E:learning | Rescue diver with E:learning include, crew pack, and training add-on to certified diver package or adult diver package $450 | Adventure diverCertification, age 10 or 11 includes e:learing and 3 adventure dives$250 |
Package Includes
A sample of a normal package
- 7 nights Little Cayman Beach Resort
- 5 days of diving, three boat dives daily (Sunday-Thursday)+2 dives on Friday
- Nitrox for Nitrox certified divers(C-card required)
- Three meals daily (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily)included starting with lunch on Sat and ending with breakfast on Sunday
- Soft drinks for kids aged 16 and under
- SASY 6 days (For kids 4-7): All rental gear, snorkeling, SASY unit, swimming, island exploring, treasure hunt, arts and crafts, beach games. Free Fins, mask, & snorkel
- PADI Seal Team 6 days (For kids 8-9): All rental gear of PADI Aqua Missions. Swimming, island exploring, treasure hunt, arts and crafts, beach games, ocean dives, Fins, masks & snorkel for them to KEEP
- Jr. Open Water (For kids 10-17): Private PADI instructor, rental dive gear, five confined dives & 4 open water dives. Private instructor dives three additional days with students on a dive boat, fins, mask, and snorkel for them to KEEP (This is a gift from KSC; it is only for Jr. Open
- Water students in children’s sizes. Adult sizes are not included for the giveaway.)
- Dive rental gear is free for kids aged 14 and under.
- One boat captain + 2 dive staff in water with certified divers
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Biking, Kayaking & Beach games
- Fly fishing is available upon request
- Marine presentations
- Island tour
- Treasure hunt for SASY and Seal Team kids- including fun prizes.
- Kids Sea Camp tote bags, T-shirts, and other giveaways (giveaways vary per sponsor)
- Kids Sea Camp Host
- Opening dinner and presentation
- Closing dinner and presentation and poetry with gifts.
- Pizza and Movie night
- Slide show and karaoke
- T-shirts
- Hats
Not included:
- Continuing Education courses: Additional courses are not included with Kids Sea Camp trips. Please request and if we have available instructors we will do our best to provide. Our priority is with keeping kids safe and our instructors are provided to dive with the kids.
- Nitrox course with E: Learning was completed before arrival. RSVP to Kids Sea Camp at the time of the booking (eLearning required but not included)
- e; learning for the JOW course is not included. Use the link we provide you for the course and pay PADI directly with our store code 22402.
- The drinks package (21 drinks package gratuity included $200) requires RSVP and pre-payment at the time of booking.
- gratuities for dive staff
- Round trip air to and from Little Cayman (LYB)
- Dive rental gear for anyone over the age of 14 is not included
- Soft drinks package for anyone over the age of 16 is not included
- Any additional nights, meals, or diving are not included but can be requested based on availability
Schedule
Once you arrive on the island
This is a general schedule that can change depending on the weather or other things beyond our control. Other activities such as lionfish hunting, photo dives, PPB dives, boat and drift dives for certified divers can be included in the normal schedule for activities.
- Saturday: Arrival day and orientation
- Sunday: 3 boat dives daily for all certified divers, and SASY, Seal, JOW daily programs
- Monday: 3 boat dives daily for all certified divers, and SASY Seal, JOW daily programs
- Tuesday: 3 boat dives daily for all certified divers, and SASY, Seal, JOW daily programs
- Wednesday: 3 boat dives daily for all certified divers, and SASY Seal, JOW daily programs, and Pizza Movie night
- Thursday (Thanksgiving day): 2 boat dives, Thanksgiving dinner party
- Friday: Family dive day and closing celebration
- Saturday: Travel day — back to reality!
Accommodations
The beach and ocean is everywhere
The Cayman Islands Resort guest rooms include new furnishings inspired by tropical colors and textures, Caribbean themed artwork, newly decorated bathrooms, fixtures, and flooring. The resort has a total of 40 air-conditioned, spacious rooms situated in two-story ‘palm-tree height’ buildings and surrounded by lush tropical foliage.
Features of the 28 Pool view rooms that encircle the pool
- Two doubles or one king-size bed
- Individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fan
- Flat-screen television, DVD players, and alarm clock
- Refrigerator
- Coffee-maker complete with Wolfgang Puck brand coffee
- Beverage center
- Private bathroom with shower
- A hairdryer and deluxe bath amenity package
- Room safe
- Free Wifi
12 Oceanfront Rooms
These rooms are located directly on the beach with spectacular views of the turquoise water and reef.
Here are the additional amenities:
- Private balcony or patio with sun loungers
- Microwave
- Wet bar
- Seating area with couch and coffee table
- Housekeeping service is provided daily.
- Little Cayman Beach Resort offers oceanfront and pool view rooms with two doubles or one king bed. A maximum of four guests may stay in a room.
- The oceanfront rooms are slightly larger and have a microwave and a small lounge area.
Please Note: All rooms and buildings within our Cayman Islands resort are smoke-free.
Diving / Diving Site(s)
Valet Diving: Experience diving like never before
Almost too many to list, but we are gonna list them anyway
3 dives per day and 1 Three tank day over Cayman Brac
Barracuda Bight: This is the next to the last site in Bloody Bay. Little Cayman Dive Sites: We have fingers or outcroppings from the wall in this area. You will find the Sailfin Blenny and many other juveniles and small fish in the shallows. There are many crevices and overhangs to explore here. Lobster and Spider Crabs are often found here, along with Nurse Sharks, Green Moray, and Black and White Moray Eels.
Blacktop Boulevard: Named for the Blacktip sharks that have been seen on occasion, you are likely to see Caribbean Reef sharks and Eagle Rays. A Manta Ray has also been seen cruising the blue at this site. Look into the deep crevices and come face to face with big-eyed Squirrelfish, Lobsters, and various blennies and gobies. Giant barrel sponges dwarf divers as they glide by. In the sand, look out for the tiny garden eels that retreat into their sand burrows as you approach.
Bus Stop: Large barrel sponges, blue chromis, and other schooling fish make this site busy and colorful. A sand chute down into the deep also makes Bus Stop a great dive—keep your eyes open for passing Eagle rays, Turtles, and Stingrays, and check the Vase Sponges for Goby cleaner fish, Crinoids, and Arrow Crabs.
Cascades: This is the first and most northern point in the Jackson Point area. Once you’ve entered the water and started down, you will understand the meaning of Cascades. This is the area where it all cascades down to “La La Land”. You will find turtles, sharks, eagles, and Stingrays on this far-out site, as well as conch. The coral heads in this area look like small mountain ranges.
Coconut Walk: This spectacular site toward the west end of the Bloody Bay Wall is like a smaller main wall split in two – a mini-wall at a depth of 30ft and the main wall at 60ft. As you navigate the site – keep your eyes open for pillar coral and the turtles and stingrays that swim around them. Angelfish (Gray, Queen, and French) and Parrotfish are usually found on the mini-wall. Juveniles of all sorts (including Butterflyfish, Spotted drums) can be found. Occasionally, lemon (or yellow) rays can also be found here. Off the main wall is a favorite place to spot cruising reef sharks.
Cumber’s Caves: Definitely request this site if you like swim-throughs. There are two or three that will take you from the sandy boulevard and spit you out on the sheer wall at about 80-100ft. Aside from the exciting swim-throughs, you can also see a variety of juveniles on the mini wall. If you stick to the sandy area, look out for eagle rays feeding, Southern stingrays, and numerous garden eels.
Donna’s Delight: Donna’s Delight is much like Marilyn’s Cut. One thing that seems to be abundant on this site is Flamingo Tongue shells. Nurse Sharks are frequently seen along with these sites. You may find Flying Gurnards in the shallow areas, too. Sailfin Blenny is common, but you need a trained eye to see them. They are only about 1-1/4″ to 1-1/2″ long. They dance above their burrows and fleet back into them when approached.
Eagle Ray Roundup: This site is a large sandy area typical of Jackson Bay. Occasionally, we find more than one or two Eagle Rays here. The location is surrounded by extensive coral head formations bordered by the wall reef. You will find large parrotfish munching on the sand and Sting Rays and Hog Snapper. There are also friendly French Angels and Grouper here.
Great Wall East & West: There is only one word you can use to describe the Great Wall West & East dive sites – AWESOME! The majestic vertical wall is unbelievable, and in the shallows, you will find large coral heads teeming with life. Ensure you swim away from the wall to appreciate it in its full glory. Black coral, large sponges in yellow and red, and critters dot the wall, making a great photo, and if you look closely, you might see the occasional Seahorse or Lettuce-leaf Seaslug.
Jackson Reef: This site abounds with marine life. During the day, you will find some very friendly French Angels who will be more than willing to have their pictures taken. Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, Yellow Sting Rays, and Moray Eels (both green and black and white), are frequently seen here. In and around the rubble area, you will find many small fish, such as Yellow Headed Jaw Fish, Sand Tile Fish, Sand Divers, and a variety of juveniles. For the night diver, there are a lot of night dwellers to be seen – Octopus, Basket Starfish, and Orange Ball Anemones, to name a few.
Joy’s Joy: The last dive site in the Bloody Bay area, with coral fingers and a mini wall, is a great place to spot the Caribbean spiny lobster. Eagle rays and sharks can be seen cruising through on your dive and be sure to check all the nooks and crannies for huge Green moray eels and smaller Spotted morays. The schooling fish, such as Yellowtail Snapper and blue-striped Grunts, will keep you company throughout the dive.
Lea’s Lookout: Lobsters, Arrow Crabs, Yellowhead Jawfish, & Sailfin Blennies are among the critters that can be seen. Sailfin Blennies live in holes on the hardpan between the coral outcrops, and the Jawfish live in cylindrical burrows among the rubble and sand – hovering vertically above their homes. Sharks and Eagle Rays can be seen cruising the site along with Hawksbill & Green Turtles. Check cracks and crevices for green or spotted Moray Eels.
Marilyn’s Cut: This site has some excellent swim-throughs where two fairly deep canyons cut into the reef. Lots of yellow tube sponges, along with red rope sponges, dot the wall. The friendly resident Nassau grouper (Benji) and her friend will happily accompany you throughout your dive and even pose for a photo if you are lucky!
The Meadows: The Meadows is one of our favorite shallow dive sites. With sand at 35 feet total of Southern Stingrays, Conch, Garden Eels, Razorfish, and a maze of beautifully encrusted coral heads sitting right under the boat, you could spend your whole dive without straying far from the ship. For those who prefer deep dives, the wall is a few kicks away through short swim-throughs and out into the amphitheater, which is a large natural part of the wall.
Randy’s Gazebo: The chimney and archway are the greatest points of interest here. The entrance to the chimney is around 40 ft, and then it’s 40 ft straight down. An excellent opportunity to head west on the wall around 75ft where you can check out the large and plentiful barrel sponges. You will then encounter a great photo op – a striking archway that makes the perfect frame for divers or fish hovering in the blue water. There are also a few caves and a mini-chimney to be discovered. Look out for Black dragons, Butterflyfish, and turtles throughout the dive.
The Mixing Bowl: Named Mixing Bowl because this is where the Jackson’s Bight section meets the Bloody Bay section – which in turn makes for a great site with a sheer wall and rugged coral fingers. Swim through here is great and can pop you out on the wall to admire the purple, red, yellow, and orange sponges. Schools of blue Chromis, grunts, and snappers will be in the shallows, looking out for the huge barracuda under the boat.
Mike’s Mount: This dive site has many things to discover. As you move north of the Cascades site, you can look at some history. The first thing to be found is a small cannon on this site. Moving to the north, there are many anchors to be seen. You will have to look for these artifacts, which have been transformed to resemble their surroundings. There are tunnels through the wall (to “La La Land”) as well as a cannon in the shallows. We’ve seen sharks, turtles, Spotted Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, eels, etc. There are friendly Queen Trigger and French Angels, as well as Grouper.
Sarah’s Set: This site affords both deep and shallow diving. You can take the drop-off to “La La Land” or cruise through many canyons and sand flats. You will find friendly French Angels and Queen Triggers. Among the rubble areas, you will find Jaw Fish, Sand Tile Fish, and many other small dwellers on the reef. You may also see sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, and turtles swimming here occasionally. Some great tunnels open onto the wall.
Dive Training
- PADI SASY program: Six mornings of activities from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. SASY kids keep fins, masks, and snorkels.
- PADI SEAL TEAM: Six mornings of activities from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, including all 5 aqua missions. SEAL kids keep fins, masks, and snorkels.
- PADI Open Water: All dives needed for certification (eLearning is not included. For eLearning, you will have to pay PADI directly. The link will be sent to you 4 weeks before departure to be completed prior to arrival.)
- PADI Dive Master course: RSVP 14 DAYS REQUIRED $675 add-on to package price/Contact Margo 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning and Crew Pack included
- PADI Dive Rescue Diver: RSVP $175 add-on to package price. Contact Margo at 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning, and Crew Pack included.
See more about Kids Sea Camp dive training.
Dining / Restaurant(s)
Great food in a great location
The Bird of Paradise Dining: Staffed by an international team of trained Chefs, the Bird of Paradise appeals to the most discerning taste buds and serves a wide variety of gourmet international and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Choose to dine in our air-conditioned dining room, screened lanai, or al fresco on the patio with our resident iguanas! The Chef will happily accommodate those with special dietary or vegetarian needs.
Beach Nuts Bar: Beach Nuts is centrally located at the resort, adjacent to the pool, and overlooking the Caribbean Sea beyond. This is the hub of island activity, and you will find something for everyone. The menu includes many local and imported beers, fine wine, tropical cocktails, premium spirits, and Cuban cigars.
The week at Kids Sea Camp can include events such as a Manager’s Rum Punch reception, karaoke, trivia, and other theme nights. Beach Nuts Bar also features a pub-inspired menu of lighter fare.
For the artistically inclined, collect a piece of driftwood from the beach and use the selection of paints to add to Little Cayman Beach Resort’s ever-growing collection of Bar Art.
Dining hours are tailored to dive schedules, including extended hours to accommodate night dives.
Activities
There’s more than diving at Little Cayman
Little Cayman is not all about diving Bloody Bay Wall, it is but it isn’t. On the island, you can fish, get a massage, hiking in a national park, kayak, paddleboard, spend an afternoon in a unique island Museum, or get a wonderful massage.
Fishing: Little Cayman Beach Resort offers different fishing experiences for anglers of all levels and is a great way for people to experience the entire island. Little Cayman is an angler’s dream with Bonefish, Tarpon, and great Tuna fishing. Call Tom about booking an afternoon or a full-day charter at 803.419.2556.
Please note: Little Cayman Sport Fishing is closed seasonally between August 15th – October 31st.
Other water sports: The South Sound offers protected shallow waters for enjoying kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Single Kayak
- Double Kayak
- Paddleboard
All watersports are available during the dive shop opening hours, 7 am-5 pm.
Biking: Beach cruiser bicycles are available for guests during the day and with an elevation of only 40ft (12M), there are not too many hills to worry about on Little Cayman!
Hiking: The Salt Rocks Nature Trail is located on the Western end of Little Cayman. It is a historic site with abandoned phosphate mines and a railway track and is home to migratory birds, rock iguanas, butterflies, orchids, and tropical plants.
Tennis & Basketball: Feel free to exercise and have fun on the floodlit tennis and basketball court! Due to the heat, playing hoop and tennis at night is recommended.
Hammocks: Relax and unwind in the hammocks along the beach. This is the perfect spot to read or catch an afternoon nap.
Little Cayman Museum: Founded by Linton Tibbetts, this quaint museum displays over 150 years of historical information, artifacts, and an inside look at Island life. Mr. “T” was born on Cayman Brac in 1923 and has been a major contributor to preserving the island’s history. He has a great passion for the rich culture and heritage of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac and has established these museums to share with island visitors.
Little Cayman Marine Museum: Also founded by Linton Tibbetts, the museum pays tribute to the many sea captains who called the Cayman Islands their home and offers a glimpse of their colorful past.
National Trust House: The National Trust is dedicated to preserving and educating the public about the island’s natural environment. The National Trust Visitor’s Centre offers library services, local crafts, homemade ice cream, and viewing platforms for bird-watching.
The Nature Spa: Nature Spa offers a unique spa experience for both men and women. Carefully selected products ensure you are at one with nature. Each visit is a combined endeavor for you and your spa therapist. Whether your goal is to relax, rejuvenate, or renew, our experienced and licensed professional will help to take you on a journey that promotes a healthy mind, body, and skin.
Massages offered at the Nature Spa
- Swedish
- Deep Tissue
- Pregnancy massage
- Acupressure
- Reflexology
Know Before You Go
Grand Cayman then to Little Cayman
Getting to Grand Cayman is as easy as flying to any major city in the US. Almost every major US airport has a direct flight to Grand Cayman. Once you get to Grand Cayman, you must take a flight on Cayman Airways to get to Little Cayman.
The main airport in the Cayman Islands, Owen Roberts International Airport, is located on the largest Island, Grand Cayman. The sister island of Cayman Brac also has its airport, Charles Kirkconnell Airport. These two airports serve as the Cayman Islands’ main ports of entry for visitors. Daily inter-island flights serve Little Cayman.
There are approximately 116 weekly flights into the Cayman Islands, including 42 flights each week between Miami and Grand Cayman, with connections to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Cayman Airways and American Airlines provide non-stop service from Miami.
With eight airlines flying into Grand Cayman from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, booking your Cayman Islands experience is easier than ever!
Cayman Airways and Cayman Express provide inter-island service between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, making travel to the Cayman Islands quick and easy.
Once your family is on the island
Kids Sea Camp will arrange all transfers to the Little Cayman Beach Resort upon arrival. After arriving on the island, the best way to get around is by foot or bike.
Margo’s favorite places to dive with kids
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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)
Kids Scuba Programs for all ages
Kids’ scuba programs at every destination
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.
By Margo Peyton
“From singing to Lip Dubs a family I never expected to be a part of”.
Our Family Under The Sea
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
The struggle of 2020Of 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.
By Jeff Sankoff
Kids Sea Camp is one giant family reunion
Kids Sea Camp is a family
After a few trips, our family made friends from all over the world. Now, it’s like attending a big family reunion with people I feel like I’ve always known. The resorts and dive staff make you feel special and offer jaw-dropping experiences.
Without the experience of traveling around the Kids Sea Camp (KSC) world over the last 5 years, I simply would not be the same person. Seeing the world through diving has taken me far beyond what I would learn in my own school or community. It has given me more life skills, introduced me to new places and different cultures, and allowed me to learn about the world above and below 1st hand. (The online catalog)
Our first few trips
My first trips were to Bonaire, Roatan, and Utila. They were a blur of blow-karting, zip-lining, zombies, and wild dolphins. Even though I was young then, I participated in so many amazing activities and made friends I still dive with today, like Kai Hunsicker and Max Lavinsky. (Our calendar of events)
When I was 9, my mom signed me up for the KSC PADI Seal Team program. She was worried the dive gear wouldn’t fit me because I was so little. KSC owner Margo Peyton told Mom she had plenty of small tanks and BCs available for all kids my size. I loved every minute underwater, experiencing zero gravity. I liked listening to the sounds of fish munching on the reef. The training course is on every KSC trip, so I can become a better diver. As of today, I have completed my PADI JOW and AOW courses and became a PADI Jr. Rescue Diver at Buddy Dive in Bonaire. I completed my Master Diver Certification in the Philippines with Sea Explorers last summer. Next year I turn 15, and I’m excited about taking my PADI Jr. Dive Master course in Dominica.
I am grateful for my Kids Sea Camp family
I have to say, I am very grateful that my parents, who are long-time scuba divers, wanted to keep diving and include me. We make KSC our annual family vacation. KSC is definitely not just for kids!
Sometimes, I think my parents (Beth and John Burkhard) have more fun than anyone. Margo and Tom Peyton (my aunt and uncle in this giant family) strive to make each vacation personal and focus on family fun for everyone. They even gave my parents and Kai’s parents some extra privacy on our trip to the Philippines, which meant Kai and I got our own room. It was awesome!
Tom usually sets up all the sporting activities on trips, like volleyball, soccer, and football, and he gets everyone going with basketball, too. He and Woody like to host Karaoke or ocean trivia after dinner.
Chasing critters with Tom
Tom is one of the best underwater guides ever. You will always see crazy little critters while following him around the reef. The big stuff, I’m better at finding, like the Giant Manta I spotted in Dauin and then in Oslob, I did a giant stride off the front of the Banka boat and landed right in front of 2 big whale sharks. Seeing whale sharks that close was a jaw-dropping experience! In case you can’t tell, the Philippines trip was my favorite KSC trip.
Some of the really important things I have learned include equalizing my ears. Margo took the time to show me multiple ways to do that. She taught me to slow down, descend, and dive at my own pace. Tom says, “When you dive slowly as he does, you will see so many more critters.”
Becoming a rescue diver
In my rescue course, I learned the importance of dive planning and being a prepared, observant diver. I have learned how to avoid and solve potential problems. The KSC instructors make learning fun by applying the theory to everyday scenarios. There is always a speaker or a presentation during our trip. My favorite talk was about ocean trash because I learned the impact of plastic and pollution and how bad it really is. Woody had us all do a beach cleanup for plastic as part of the Zombie Apocalypse diver program.
The trips also include local cultural activities, such as cooking, dancing, or visits to a village or school. We bring sneakers and school supplies for the local kids. That was one of the highlights for me because I got to help other kids and learn how kids in other countries live. We learn about their history, culture, and language, and that really inspires me.
Humbling experience in the Philippines
At the Mountain School in the Philippines, their dances told us a story of their life. The respect they have for their elders and the pride shown in their family and schools made me appreciate all the more what my school and family provide for me. I have met so many foreign people who are so humble and grateful to meet me. They are all so happy, despite having so little compared to what I have in the US. I don’t look at my life the same since I started traveling around the world with my family.
A new chapter in our lives as parents. Morgan is now 19, and we are off to the Galapagos in 2025 without him joining us this time. His diving career has taken a right turn to a driving career!
Who is Morgan Burkhard?
- Indianapolis, IN (December 14, 2024)
- Morgan Burkhard, one of motorsport’s brightest emerging talents, has officially signed a three-year contract with Czabok-Simpson Motorsport (CSM) to drive the Porsche Cayman Clubsport GT4 RS in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
- The 19-year-old driver has already made a name for himself with an impressive rookie campaign in the TCR class, piloting the Hyundai Elantra N for VGRT in 2024. CSM is committing to both developing and showcasing Burkhard’s immense potential on one of motorsport’s most competitive stages. CSM Co-Owner Stephen Simpson expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of Burkhard to their team:
“Morgan embodies the qualities we value most in a driver—raw talent, unrelenting drive, and a level of maturity that exceeds his years. He’s already proven himself capable of competing with the best, and we believe this is just the beginning of what he can achieve. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the CSM family and look forward to building something special together.”
He remains grounded and deeply appreciative. “To have this opportunity at 19 years old, and so early in my career, is truly a dream come true,” said Burkhard. “Driving a Porsche in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is something I’ve dreamed of since I first watched the 24 Hours of Daytona as a kid. Now, being part of a program with Czabok-Simpson Motorsport—a team that shares my passion for excellence and competition—feels surreal.
My KSC giant family holds a very special place in my heart. They have supported me, taught me so much, and given me the world to love.
Morgan Burkhard and Beth Burkhard
How Kids Sea Camp has forever changed my life
My life with Kids Sea Camp
Growing up at Kids Sea Camp. As a kid, diving with my family kept me far away from the TV and video games for most of my summers. I made friends in many countries around the world, and I’ve kept in touch with most of them. Kids Sea Camp (KSC) has shaped my life in so many ways. I’m close with my family; we all still dive together every year, and I hope to be a vital part of our company when I graduate from college.
Starting at six years old
Since I was six years old, I have experienced diving with marine animals in some of the world’s best dive destinations. I have learned to respect all marine life and that we need to take better care of our underwater world. I have learned firsthand how fragile our coral reefs are and how fast they can die if we don’t start paying attention and doing our part. There are some reefs I have been diving on for 20 years, and I can see the damage, the difference in the health of those corals, and the lack of fish life. I have also experienced the opposite in places like Bonaire, Roatan, and St. Lucia, where marine reserves have been created, and both human and environmental impacts have monitored and changed.
Through all my training and travels at Kids Sea Camp, I have not only learned that many endangered marine animals ingest plastic, which is a major cause of death because the plastic can’t be digested and causes them to starve, but I can now do my part to reduce plastic. People enjoy diving because we are guests in a foreign world full of aliens that are not on display in ours. There is quietness, no distractions, and limitless life to observe.
I was a sasy
I started as a PADI SASY with Kids Sea Camp. That was the first program my mom included because Jen was four, and I was 6. SASY was cool because, as the littlest members of a family, you can have your very own BC, tank, regulator, and a full set of dive gear like your mom and dad. You feel like a little person doing big things. We loved the water, and Mom had a harder time getting us out than putting us in.
A seal
By age eight, I was a PADI Master Seal diving Stingray City in the Cayman Islands, where I was born. A PADI Seal has a depth of 12 feet, but a Master Seal has a maximum depth of 20ft. I was the kind of kid who pushed limits, and my mom loved Seal Team in the Cayman Islands because many dive sites had sandy bottoms at 12 feet and others at 20. So mom did not have to stress managing my depth. She once threatened to put a leash on me underwater. Let’s just say I was not the most obedient child and leave it at that.
Learning to dive as a Seal Team diver gave me confidence in myself. I was taught through Aquamissions how to clear my mask, exchange my snorkel for a reg, navigate, and, best of all, learn to achieve great buoyancy before becoming an Open Water Diver. PADI Seal Team made me comfortable with a tank on my back and allowed me to get familiar with my dive gear. Seal Team also showed me how to be a good buddy with other 8 and 9-year-olds who were diving.
A JOW
My Jr. Open Water certification could not have come at a better time. My birthday is in October, so I had to tolerate 3 years of PADI Seal Team. I had logged more than 40 dives as a PADI Seal. To say I was mad that Mom wouldn’t let me get certified the summer before I turned 10 was an understatement. We were in Curacao in the summer of 2005, and Mom signed me up with Tom Peyton for my long-awaited PADI Open Water Certification course. Tom was nervous and uncertain. Mom thought it would bond us together and make us better buddies. She was right.
Our Thanksgiving trips started because so many kids turn 10 in the fall, and many want to get certified in the year of their 10th birthday. So, Mom put together the first Thanksgiving family scuba trip in 2006 because my sister Jen wasn’t turning 10 until the end of August. So spending Thanksgiving at awesome exotic destinations around the world has been our family tradition ever since. There are several families that travel with us every year, too.
Kids Sea Camp is never dull
The cool thing about traveling with my family is that each destination is a new adventure. I meet new people and get better at diving. Not to mention that traveling with other families is never dull. As I was growing up, my mom added new courses, activities, and sports to the trips. Kids Sea Camp creates more advanced itineraries to new destinations every year as we get older and demand more fun, more challenging training courses, and more fun.
There is so much more offered now, and our family has grown over the past 20 years at Kids Sea Camp. New things that mom has added and loves to do, like having spa days and advanced Pro courses, like DiveMaster and special needs training. I’ve included destinations such as jungle biking, black-water diving, Blow-Karting, and tec training. Jen likes destinations where she is with Woody, assisting with Zombie dive training, horseback riding, and beautiful beaches. Tom has added liveaboards and Citizen Science weeks as well as football, basketball, and fly fishing.
For 26 years, KSC has been teaching photography with Sea Life Cameras and Olympus, providing Micro HD video and still cameras along with in-depth photo classes. We document all the trips as I have grown up inside the Kids Sea Camp over the years.
A PADI Pro
My passion is diving, obviously inspired by my mom and childhood. I became a PADI OWSI instructor in 2014 with over 1,000 logged dives. I completed my MSDT, Tec 40, 45, and 50 at Buddy Dive Bonaire in 2016. At 22, I completed my Tec 65 training. My specific passion is Technical diving.
Technical diving means going beyond recreational scuba diving limits. But I say it’s really about the extreme challenges and the excitement of exploring places few people have ever seen. At Buddy Dive in Bonaire, we now offer PADI PRO and Tec courses, as I did. I am 25 now, in college, and I teach at Kids Sea Camps with my family during select summer trips. I enjoy teaching the next generation of divers.
People ask me which KSC destination is my favorite?
I can’t answer that question because they are all great. It’s the families who travel with us around the world that make each trip so unique and memorable. The Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau are a long way to travel for many families, but experiencing the people, food, history, culture, and diving makes it so worth the travel. Diving deep wrecks, encountering big sharks, mantas, and rarely diving pristine walls or reefs is living the dream.
My mom has been a dream maker for 30 years. She is in the Women Divers Hall of Fame for creating safe places for families to dive together. Kids Sea Camp has more than 8,100 PADI-certified kids and no dive accidents. That is due in part to my mom’s fantastic tenacity.
Kids Sea Camp was built with love
My mom could not have created KSC by herself. She has had a little help from her friends. Mom has been close friends with Paul and Michelle Coolen from Buddy Dive. When Carolyn Pascal was the publisher of Sport Diver Magazine, she loved her mom’s idea so much that she told the whole world about it. Mom practically grew up in the Cayman Islands, where I was born. She has strong personal relationships with all the resort owners and dive operators she works with. She says they are her extended family, and they always have each other’s backs.
My sister, Jen, is a PADI OWSI instructor. She is 23 years old now and in vet school. Jen and I have grown up traveling the world, and it’s kept our family closer. I hate to take all the credit, but I’m sure we were 100% the inspiration for Mom creating Kids Sea Camp. We have had the best life, growing up under the fins of so many amazing people.
One of my favorite parts of the trips is watching the talent presentation at the end. Listening to families share their experiences, and to parents, kids, and others reading poems, doing skits, or singing songs.
My favorite dives are blackwater night dives, shark dives, wreck dives, and Tec dives. I am very grateful for all the international friendships. I cherish the incredible opportunities those friendships have afforded me over the past 20 years.
A special thank you to PADI for sponsoring me, to Buddy Dive Bonaire, Paul Coolen, Mr. G., and most importantly, to my parents for always having my back and for putting such inspiring people and places in my path.
By Robert Peyton, PADI OWSI #340202
