Galapagos Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Family Dive Adventures

Kids Sea Camp is one giant family reunion

19 May 202622 October 2020 by Tom Peyton

Dive training, Philippines Kids Sea Camp, family vacations, kids and diving

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

Screws & Hammers in the Galapagos

13 May 202617 October 2018 by Tom Peyton

Kids Scuba diving, Galapagos, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, Family Scuba Diving Vacations, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving, diving with seals

A few screws and a heap of hammers diving after spinal surgery in the Galapagos

During the summer of 2017, I noticed that my back was curving, and the curve worsened quickly—I started to get shorter! Initially, we thought it would be fine, but as more people commented on my condition, we checked my spine. The diagnosis was severe: I had a 60-degree scoliosis and needed an operation urgently to prevent further deterioration. The procedure involved breaking my back, straightening it, and securing it with two titanium screws in each vertebra, along with two cobalt chrome rods to maintain the alignment. The removed bone fragments were processed into a pulp and then reinserted as a bone graft to fuse the spine at 10 levels. I thought, “Wow, that’s quite the operation!” But I wondered how I could continue diving with a fragile back like this.

Thanks to the incredible team at Boston Children’s Hospital, I successfully underwent a ten-hour surgery. During my post-operative visit, Dr. Hresko reassured me, saying, “You’re not fragile, Zeb—you are screwed together with titanium!” At that moment, I felt confident that I could dive again.

Margo is always right

As a regular participant in Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton was the most natural person to consult. She has taken numerous children and adults with special needs diving, so I was sure she would have a plan! Margo herself had undergone back surgery, but was still an outstanding diver, so I knew I was in good hands. She assured me that diving was still possible and implemented a few special handling instructions for my situation, which was highly beneficial (she’s always right!).

First, my dad suggested I learn to dive sidemount to reduce pressure on my spine. Honestly, I think he was also interested in advancing his diving skills into a more technical area! Margo arranged for my dad and me to go to Grand Cayman to take a PADI sidemount course with DiveTech. Although it felt unusual to dive this way, it was interesting, but I found the extra hassle of managing two tanks cumbersome. I appreciated learning the technique, but wanted to feel normal again.

Once I was comfortable with sidemount diving, we decided to book a trip to the Galapagos. Margo got the necessary approvals—this was essential since sidemount diving had been banned on the liveaboards. She communicated with the crew and management of Galapagos Sky, who were incredibly accommodating and made a notable exception for me. As the trip approached, I felt my back getting stronger, and I resumed my workouts at the gym. I reached a point where I was ready to try regular diving again. After a brief dive using a standard tank close to home, I was ecstatic to discover how magical it felt to be underwater again, as I had in the past, without the anxiety of navigating different systems.

Diving in the Galapagos

We were all set for the Galapagos, and I was thrilled to dive using a regular central cylinder. The crew of the Galapagos Sky catered to all my needs. Margo chartered the entire boat for my family and three others, which allowed her to customize everything for my success. We selected our dive sites, received assistance for easier entry and exit, and had our private guides.

I appreciated that the staff noticed my significant scar down my back; it was humbling for me—a fit young man with a six-pack—to have to ask for help. The crew helped me step down into the Panga without my gear, then passed my equipment to me and assisted in getting me ready. This arrangement meant I didn’t have to carry my gear or navigate steps while suited up. After a short ride to the dive site, everyone else back-rolled into the water, while I side-rolled to minimize stress on my back.

“I can’t see that turtle through the wall of hammerheads.”

And wow, was it worth it! The underwater life was beyond amazing. We encountered schools of hammerhead sharks on every dive—there were so many that at times I wanted to say, “Seriously, I can’t see that turtle through the wall of hammerheads; could you move aside a bit?” Then there were the majestic whale sharks, gracefully gliding through the water without a sound; these gentle giants seemed just as curious about us as we were about them. I also had the incredible experience of diving with large oceanic wild dolphins. Although I had seen them playing at the surface many times, I had never had the opportunity to swim underwater with them while diving.

Loving the seals

One of my all-time favorites was the seals. They appear so “clumsy” on land but are full of grace, fun, and frolicking underwater. They loved to play in my bubbles, do tricks around us, sneak up on us, and even try to get us to join in the fun. We also encountered marine iguanas, red-lipped batfish, huge bait balls of fish, and an astonishing variety of birds. There was a sense of peace every evening as we moored overlooking Darwin’s Arch and the surrounding islands. The orange glow of volcanoes on the horizon, the gentle lapping of the waves, and the delightful aroma of meals prepared by the crew created a wonderful atmosphere. There were so many photos to take and experiences to cherish. Sharks were plentiful and abundant; Galapagos sharks, silkies, hammerheads, and other reef sharks were present on every dive.

“The experience of a lifetime.”

As Margo always said, “The experience of a lifetime.” I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity, thanks to the collaboration of Margo Peyton, the owner of Kids Sea Camp, Fraser Purdon from Scubapro, my parents, and many others who worked together to ensure my safety during this trip. I am incredibly thankful to all of you for making this experience possible.

If anyone has similar experiences or concerns, please get in touch with me. Scoliosis is surprisingly common, and I’m happy to help. Kids Sea Camp is a wonderful place where families of all abilities and disabilities can dive together. I love them so much!

By Zebedee Wakely, Kids Sea Camp, PADI Master Diver

They think I’m fearless

14 May 202618 January 2018 by Tom Peyton

Diving with whale sharks is so amazing

Traveling with KSC has become my favorite family holiday, and it’s making me fearless. I was 4 years old when I attended my first Kids Sea Camp (KSC), my brother, Zebedee, was 5. My parents discovered KSC in Sport Diver magazine, reading a story just like this.

My mom and dad are both keen divers and were hoping my brother and I would like diving as well. Luckily for them, we absolutely love it, and diving is a regular part of our family lifestyle. KSC makes sure all programs and diving are safe, fun, and interactive for our entire family. Each year, our family picks 1 or 2 different trips to attend. I have been to Curacao, Utila, Roatan, St. Lucia, Bonaire, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, Dominica, Fiji, Yap, Palau, and the Philippines for a grand total of 24 dive weeks with KSC. (See our KSC calendar)

I have worked my way through the PADI certifications from SASY, Seal Team, JOW, Zebedee, and I am currently both a PADI Jr. Master Scuba Diver, all through KSC. Snorkeling is rarely as interesting as diving, but snorkeling with the whale sharks of Oslob with Sea Explorers last summer in the Philippines was so remarkable and far more exciting than diving.

Margo, this is the best day of my life!

The sharks came so close that I had to keep moving out of their way because they would not move out of mine. Zeb shouted, “Margo, this is the best day of my life!” I think we all agreed. Not everyone feels about diving the way I do; some are scared. The hardest part of overcoming fear is having the courage to jump in. Once you learn the facts about marine animals and face your fears, you can really enjoy diving and snorkeling in the ocean.

Last year in Roatan, my buddy Abby, who was 11, was too afraid to perform her mask-removal skill. Being a fellow kid diver, I demonstrated for her how easy it was and told her that everything would be “Ok”. She felt so much better. With our instructor, Woody Tinsley, she then jumped in and completed the skill perfectly. I was so happy to help because we had a great time diving together all week. That experience opened my eyes to the desire to help other kids overcome their fears about diving.

I am not afraid of sharks

Many kids fear sharks because they don’t know enough about them. Most sharks are actually rare to see on a dive. I am not afraid of sharks and look forward to seeing them.

One of my greatest moments was being in the water for Abby’s first shark. Because I was so excited to see one, she was keen to see a shark too. Luckily for her, we got to see a nurse shark diving in Roatan. I reflected on the first day she dove with me when she was terrified of everything underwater. It was very inspiring to experience and influence that kind of change in Abby as she conquered her fears.

Becoming a PADI divemaster

That experience makes me want to become a PADI divemaster. I want to help more people face their fears. I would love to encourage other kids to try scuba diving and explore the ocean. I want to educate people about the underwater world so that they won’t be afraid.

Last summer, my family took us back to Palau, where Zeb got certified. I was 9 years old then and a PADI Seal Team diver. We all got to dive and see dolphins, sharks, mantas, giant clams, and nautilus, and I even snorkeled at Jelly Fish Lake. It was so superb that I wanted to go back again and experience it as a diver, and it was 10 times better than I expected! The manta and sharks showed up, as did everything else.

Diving is my passion

Diving is a passion, and that means if you want a rare opportunity to dive with Thresher sharks, as I did in Malapascua, then waking up at 4 A.M. is the time to go diving. I’ll admit, I wasn’t thrilled about 4 A.M., but watching Threshers just above my head at sunrise was so worth it! If you don’t know what a Thresher shark is, look it up. Their tail is the same length as their body, and they use that huge tail to stun the fish they eat.

KSC has given me tons of unforgettable experiences. When I tell my friends that I dive with whale sharks and snorkel right next to them, they think I’m fearless. They can’t believe how large whale sharks are or that they don’t have teeth.

Going to KSC introduces great career possibilities for young divers, too. For example, my brother Zeb is very interested in photography. KSC gives away SeaLife underwater cameras and nurtures and encourages those with a passion for underwater photography. Zebedee’s picture of a ghost pipefish from our trip to the Philippines won the RSPCA Photographer of the Year award.

KSC is a global event

Meeting kids from around the world is also a special part of the trips. In the Philippines, a group of children would greet us each morning before and after our dives. We talked with them, took pictures with them, and just had fun together. We looked forward to seeing each other daily. We played basketball and visited villages and schools. On our final day, the children ran beside our van, crying and waving goodbye. I loved the father-daughter trip we took to Dominica for spring break, and I can’t wait for the Galapagos and Cayman Brac this summer.

Thank you, Margo, Tom, and the KSC crew, for some of the most memorable experiences of my life. I also thank the staff at the dive resorts we have visited for keeping us safe and being so much fun.

By Holly Wakely, age 14

Galapagos Turtles are everywhere at Kids Sea Camp

15 May 202623 March 2017 by Tom Peyton

Seems like a turtle on every dive

Turtles were everywhere; on every dive in the Galapagos, it seemed like we had sea turtles. Note, I said sea turtles; normally, there were at least two or three per dive. I also want to note that there were almost zero jellyfish on the dives. So were the waters too cold for the jellyfish, or were the sea turtles spending their days in the Galapagos eating jelly, I don’t know.

Here are some amazing sea turtle images Margo took, believe it or not, on a snorkel trip, at Vincent Roca Point on Isabela Island in the Galapagos. On the same snorkel trip, I saw the biggest sea turtles of my dive career resting on a sandy bottom in ten feet of water. There had to be around twenty just sleeping in the shallow, cold, and green-tinted water.

Come join us in 2027 and 2028 (See link): Kids Sea Camp has created a family-friendly dive vacation aboard the liveaboard The Tiburon Explorer in the Galapagos Islands. This unique, one-of-a-kind family dive adventure is custom-designed for divers of all levels. We have planned a milder, more family-friendly diving schedule and itinerary suited to recreational divers.

You can also see more images on our website gallery

A “Happy Kids Sea Camper” family

13 May 202622 March 2017 by Tom Peyton

Kids Sea Camp, Happy Campers, Kids and scuba

Margo is on a mission to keep families diving.

When people find out I am an avid scuba diver, I often hear that they used to dive but stopped when they had kids. How sad. Diving is the perfect family sport; you get to travel to beautiful places and meet interesting people while spending time together above and below the surface. Kids learn science, math, and environmental awareness while building confidence and self-esteem. Margo Peyton’s purpose is to keep families diving together by providing opportunities and community for parents and children, aiming to make every family a Happy Kids Sea Camper family.

Why we are a Kids Sea Camper family

We have been to 7 Kids Sea Camps in 6 different countries and have met people from all over the world, many of whom are now lifelong friends. My kids are safe, confident divers because dive instructors who know how to teach kids taught them. My daughters, who were 5 and 7 at our first Kids Sea Camp, are now 14 and 16, and are PADI-certified Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue, Nitrox, and several other specialty divers. Much to our relief, they love diving as much as we do. On dive trips, divemasters often comment on their great buoyancy control and respect for the reef and sea life.

Last year, at KSC Galapagos, we dove with our daughters in somewhat challenging conditions with whale sharks, hammerheads, sea lions, Mola Molas, and Galapagos sharks. They handled the conditions like pros.

The Margo Factor

Margo Peyton is well-known in the diving community and well-loved. When you go to Kids Sea Camp, the host resorts go out of their way to make it the trip of a lifetime because of their respect for Margo and her wonderful company. Margo’s main goal is safety; she carefully screens each Kids Sea Camp location and staff, so you know you and your kids will be well taken care of, both in and out of the water. Margo’s kids, Jen and Robbie, are integral parts of the camps, so Margo brings your kids to where she feels comfortable bringing her own. Actually, she considers every child who attends Kids Sea Camp “her” child. The first priority is safety, but the fun is a close second.

Our First Kid Sea Camp

On the first day of our first camp, I dropped off my 5-year-old and went diving with the other parents. When I returned to pick her up, she refused to leave because she was having so much fun. There are pirates and zombies, and don’t miss the donkey park in Bonaire. (My personal favorite side trip) It is a great trip for diving parents because you drop off your child with their instant new friends for a day full of fun activities, while you get to dive with your instant new friends, the other parents.

So, diving parents, make your reservations, get your kids in the water, and start something that you and your kids will share for the rest of your lives. I suspect we will someday go to Kids Sea Camp with our grandchildren. It’s easy to be a happy Sea Camper family.

By “Happy Kids Sea Campers”, Pat McGuire, MD, and Bob Sciortino, MD, St. Louis, Mo. USA

Galapagos Kids Sea Camp, the trip of a lifetime

6 May 202622 March 2017 by Tom Peyton

Top 5 dives for family, The Philippines, kids Sea Camp, kids and diving

Instructor loves her “Bucket List” Galapagos trip with Kids Sea Camp

I decided to hit one of my all-time “Bucket List” destinations. After 20 years as a diver, I was long overdue for a journey to the Galapagos Islands. Kids Sea Camp always uses top-notch locations and suppliers, so there was no one else to call but Margo Peyton. I’ve booked many dive group trips with her, but this one was a dream come true for me.

Kids Sea Camp Galapagos experience

Diving with whale sharks and schools of hammerheads is all part of the Kids Sea Camp Galapagos experience. So I knew booking through them would put my dive group and me on the best possible boats. I can say that the trip was magical from start to finish. Poor Margo had to have back surgery this summer. I was so honored to be asked to fill the group leader position – BONUS!! I got the most amazing kids as my dive buddies, and sharing this experience with them just added to the magic for me.

Arriving in San Cristobal, we were met at the airport by the dive guides for the Galapagos. We took the short ride to the harbor, where we actually had to step over lazing sea lions to get on the rib boat “Panga” and ride out to the motor yacht. We had some refreshments and a get-to-know-you orientation with the staff and boat. Then we headed out to an easy, shallow bay to complete the orientation dive. This dive made sure everyone was comfortable and that all equipment was in good condition and well-fitting.

Our dive buddy was a sea lion!

This was an amazing dive to kick off the week. Our dive buddy was a sea lion! He showed off in front of us for a full 40 minutes, twirling and swooping, whooshing by and then flopping onto the bottom, blowing bubbles and mouthing the tops of snorkels, investigating bubbles from the vents in hoods, and generally having a grand time with these silly-looking creatures with the metal tanks.

Back on the boat, we were treated to the first of many delicious meals before retiring to our comfortable and well-appointed cabins for the night.

Shark time at KSC

We had the chance to visit several islands during the week, the best of which, for me, were Darwin and Wolfe. Dive after dive, we were treated to schools of Hammerhead Sharks by the dozen. If we stayed still long enough, they would come closer, and we would get to see the details of their beautiful scalloped heads. Amongst the hammerheads, we would also see the different-shaped bodies of Galapagos Sharks, white-tip reef sharks, and sometimes even a Silky.

All these sharks made for the perfect location for the kids to earn their Project Aware – Shark Awareness Specialty. As well as learning about sharks, we learned about the threats to them, and we asked about every fishing vessel we saw: were they legal, and what fishing methods were they using? Fortunately, they all followed the strict regulations set out by the Marine Park. The Galapagos is a great place to be a shark!

Whale Shark sightings

The highlight of the week for us all was the Whale Shark sightings. These huge, beautiful creatures are quite something to experience up close, and there were several sightings for all divers during the week. As well as the sharks we were treated to many other sightings, a Manta Ray, many huge turtles and lots of Eagle Rays….. and the fish. Never before have I had poor visibility because I could barely see through the thousands of fish!

Of course, the Galapagos is famous for its unique wildlife, and we were lucky enough to see Marine Iguanas feeding on algae underwater and, on the same dive, Flightless Cormorants diving amongst us for fish. Tropical Fish and Penguins all on the same boat ride – this is rather like Alice’s Wonderland.

Kids Sea Camp, you run a tight ship

I made some great new friends amongst the Kids Sea Camp families on the trip. And we all enjoyed the excellent service from our friendly, helpful crew. I can honestly say that, in all my years of diving and across the many locations I have been to, this was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Thanks, Kids Sea Camp, you run a tight ship, and this was an incredible Galapagos family adventure.

And special thanks to Margo, KSC is truly the best when it comes to family travel.

By Lucy Dunbar, former owner of Columbia Scuba, in South Carolina