Family vacations

Kids Sea Camp the Perfect Choice for your Family Dive Vacations.

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Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, family scuba diving

Join us on unique scuba diving adventures to incredible destinations.

Kids Sea Camp offers a variety of trips for all ages and interests, from beginner-friendly to more challenging family adventures. Family Dive Adventures is a division of Kids Sea Camp Inc., offering a series of customized family-friendly group trips or scuba diving vacations in specific locations worldwide on specific dates. These group family diving events are an excellent way for kids to learn to scuba dive and make new friends worldwide. Families can meet other like-minded families from around the world.

The Lavinsky family was always looking for new and exciting adventures to share with their three young children, ages 4, 8, and 11. When they heard about Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures, they were immediately intrigued. They had always wanted to learn to scuba dive and thought it would be a great way to explore the underwater world with their kids.

Scuba diving as a family

The Lavinsky family booked a trip to Bonaire with Family Dive Adventures. They were so excited to finally experience the wonders of scuba diving as a family. The kids loved learning how to breathe underwater and exploring the colorful coral reefs and schools of fish. The littlest one participated in the SASY program while the other two became Jr. PADI Open Water divers. The parents were amazed by the beauty of the sea and the ease of learning how to dive. Their kids had a new sense of accomplishment, knowing they could dive with other kids worldwide.

After becoming PADI-certified scuba divers at Kids Sea Camp, the Lavinsky family continued diving and traveling as their kids grew. Mr. Lavinsky was so confident in Kids Sea Camp that he decided to go on a father-son trip to the Galapagos aboard a live-aboard. This impacted his young son so much that he fell in love with marine science and wanted to learn about the world’s oceans and travel more with his dad. They had such an incredible, memorable time on their liveaboard scuba diving adventures with Kids Sea Camp that they decided to book the Caribbean Pearl in Utila to dive with whale sharks and wild dolphins. This time, Mr. Lavinsky brought his then-12-year-old daughter and his 15-year-old son. They did their first kids’ night dive and met other kids from around the world who became lifelong friends.

Kids Sea Camp is UnBelizable

The Lavinsky family went to Belize to get their youngest child certified to dive into the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The kids loved seeing all the different animals, including Loggerhead turtles, Eagle Rays, and Reef Sharks. Each trip they went on was better than the last! They traveled to the Turks and Caicos, dove with wild dolphins, and enjoyed diving together as a family. Palau, Yap, and the Philippines were all incredible trips that created memories to last a lifetime. Last summer, their son, now in college, traveled with Mr. Lavinsky to Indonesia, Komodo. Margo Peyton arranged for Max to spend the remainder of his summer in Lembeh and Manado as an intern with Murex Divers.

Max falls in love with diving

The family is always fascinated by the unique wildlife, stunning scenery, and excursions they take on each adventure. Max fell in love with the Philippines when he went with Kids Sea Camp to dive with thresher sharks at Monad Shoal and with whale sharks in Oslob. His mom loved watching the kids enjoy St. Lucia as she enjoyed jungle biking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling the fantastic pitons and walls. They have traveled each year, creating everlasting memories and watching their children grow to be confident ambassadors of the underwater world.

Over 20 trips with KSC

The Lavinsky family has been on over 20 scuba diving adventures with Kids Sea Camp, and they have provided their kids with a living classroom with a global view. If you think about it, you only have 17 summers with your kids. Families love that Kids Sea Camp caters specifically to them, and they appreciate the experienced, knowledgeable staff on each trip.

The Lavinsky family has made lifelong friendships on each trip and continues to nurture those friendships today. The kids are grown and in college, and the Lavinsky family can now enjoy the empty-nest trips created by Family Dive Adventures. Parents can continue to travel and enjoy the other parents they have met along the way. Some of the kids are now PADI scuba instructors. During the summer months, when not in college, they work with Kids Sea Camp, teaching the next generation of divers.

Family Dive Adventures has been rated #1 in family dive travel for 25 years. Kids Sea Camp has a reputation for providing excellent service and safety. They offer a variety of trips to suit all ages and interests. Family Dive Adventures is the perfect choice if you are looking for a family-friendly scuba diving adventure.

The Perfection of The Arenui

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Komodo, Kids Sea Camp, Family Vacations, Sharks, Bucket list, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving, The Arenui

Diving vacation perfection

“Perfection” would be the word if I had to summarize my 10-day trip to Komodo on board The Arenui in a single word. The word “perfection” is not to be used lightly. It means a lot. Let me try to explain. I’ve been diving for over 12 years with my wife, Kim, and, for the past 6 years, as a family with Kids Sea Camp. During this time, we have been fortunate to dive and visit some fantastic places with Kids Sea Camp, the Turks & Caicos, Bonaire, the Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, the Maldives, Fiji, and many more. I’m not a big Liveaboard fan. The trip to Komodo on The Arenui was only my second live-aboard trip.

Our first time was with Tom and Margo Peyton in the Maldives. My wife Kim and I avoided Liveaboards due to the kids’ young age and the great service that has spoiled us, the food, and the attention to detail that the land-based resort’s Kids Sea Camp offers. (Plan your next trip)

Margo and Tom have taken our family of 4 to some fantastic places over the years. But I digress. Let’s go back to the Arenui. After a flight from Detroit to San Francisco, we boarded a flight to Singapore: short layover, another flight to Bali. My first good impression was when I had to call the owner, Luigi, from the luggage desk. Yes, the airline lost our luggage. No problem. Come to the boat, where we will return your luggage. Luigi did just that! A short ride from the airport to the dock. As we boarded the tender, my wife, Kim, pointed out our first view of the Arenui. It looked special. Our kids, Andrew and Alessandra, thought it looked like something from a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

The Arenui

As we approached, we began to recognize the intricate details. The Arenui looked brand new. The wood detail was unbelievable. As you board the ship, you realize that you are somewhere uniquely special. The crew was fantastic from the moment we boarded until we left. They made us feel appreciated and welcome in everything they do. It was like being a part of their family. Smiles were genuine and constant. They knew us by our first name. We went to see our rooms after greetings and hugs to a few of our familiar Kids Sea Camp dive buddies. These are not ordinary liveaboard rooms. You feel like you are in an art gallery. Like the rest of the boat, woodcarvings and traditional Indonesian art are everywhere. The ship was built in 2008 from repurposed wood. No efforts were spared to make this ship. It is fantastic. I’ve never seen a boat with so many windows. Our room had 8! Spacious, comfortable, well-appointed, beautiful cabins. I’m not exaggerating. The pictures don’t do justice.

The Arenui is a hand-carved work of art. The common areas are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated with a historic Indonesian feel. The sundeck is a utopia, a slice of zen. We watched the sunsets and sunrises from there. (See Arenui Gallery)

Food Perfection

After a short briefing, it was time for the first meal. It was a little bit different than other trips. That brings me to the next point — the food. The owner, Luigi, is a fantastic cook who used to own high-end restaurants. That reflects the culinary experience on board The Arenui. We did not have a single bad meal. Most meals were excellent. The meals were fantastic a couple of times, specifically with butter squash ravioli and pesto pasta! They could be from a five-star Michelin restaurant in any major capital of the world. The fish was fresh and included tuna, swordfish, and barramundi. The beef, pork, and sausage were terrific.

Our 12-year-old daughter Alessandra is a vegetarian. It was no problem. Every meal made explicitly for her was also extremely good. I felt that I needed to be careful with a special request. Because they would fulfill them, I was afraid they would send somebody swimming somewhere to get something they didn’t have on board! The wine list was incredible. By the way, Luigi is also a wine expert and owns a high-end Italian wine distribution center in Asia. Every day, they take orders for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They made this simple, easy, and rushed detail. We were never rushed to do anything. They kept telling us you’re “on holiday.” The alfresco dinners were decent and completely satisfying, leaving you wanting for nothing.

Mind-blowing Diving

The diving, after all, that’s what we’re there for. We had between three and four times a day. The dive crew was out of this world. I have experienced excellent dive service over the years, but this is out of the ballpark, from putting our fins on the tender to taking our booties and wetsuits off once back on the boat. They were washed, dried, and folded again. Unbelievable. Our gear, including my underwater camera, was handled immaculately. They would rinse, clean, and power-dry it every day — I’ve never seen that before. The crew made moving to the main ship to the tenders effortless. You walked with nothing other than your wetsuit on. They would bring everything you needed, put it on, and take it off. Just surrender and allow yourself to be served and experience perfection.

Diving in Indonesia is out of this world

Lembeh dive trips, Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo PeytonThis is my third time in Indonesia, and I am impressed again. The reefs are absolutely immaculate. The amount of fish life is tremendous, from pygmy seahorses, Mantas, and sharks to vast schools of fish. The dives are all incredible! The dive briefings were also executed with perfection. The dive maps, dive descriptions, and current checks were spot on. They would send a tender out from the dive site 15 minutes before the briefing to check the current conditions and disability. And that was rechecking on-site immediately before we dove.

Although the crew made it seem effortless, there was constant attention to safety. Everything I just described went on for 10 days. There were no glitches. The owners, Luigi and Mei, were on board traveling with us. They were diving and enjoying the experience. They let their crew do their own thing. I do not doubt that the experience would be the same if they weren’t there. They have an incredible hand-picked staff.

So, back to my initial statement. Perfection! I’m not exaggerating. Margo and Tom have created a perfect family-diving legacy company, and their care, attention, and choices were up to par for yet another perfect Curvelo family vacation.

This ship, the culinary experience, the staff, and the diving are out of this world! I’ve experienced excellent diving, great food, perfect service, and accommodations before, but never all at once on the same trip!

The Arenui has spoiled us

I can honestly state that the Arenui has spoiled any further dive trip for our family. We have already contacted Margo and Tom and have booked four more trips. I’m going to keep coming back to Kids Sea Camp and again to Arenui to be reminded of what true perfection feels like.

We have enjoyed traveling with Kids Sea Camp and meeting like-minded families worldwide. Andrew and Alessandra completed their PADI Rescue Diver certifications this year, and we are now looking forward to bigger adventures, like Raja Ampat next year, to experience the perfection of the Arenui.

By Marcio Curvelo

We Didn’t Start the Fire

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Palau, sharks, scuba and kids, family dive vacations, kids sea camp, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving

We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo since the year 2000!
We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo out in Curacao!

Firewalkers, Kava Root, Soft Corals, Shark School
South Pacific, Rocky Island, Bequa Lagoon
Uncle Frasier, Had a Mission, The Cathedral Expedition
Bubblemaker, Fiji Islands, First KSC
Buddy Dive, Bonaire, Shore Diving, Low on Air
Woody, The Milkshake King, At the Surface Interval
Himahooker, Wreck Dive, Donkey Farm and Ice Cream
Scuba Diving, Caribbean, Barracuda, Goodbye!

Chorus
We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo since the year 2000!
We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo out in Curacao!
Sea Explorers, Spider Boats, Dumaguete, Philippines
Pura Vida, World Class Diving, Dive with a smile
Oslob, Whale sharks, Pigmy Seahorses, Deep Dive
Giant Frogfish, Down in Cabilao
Shark Man, House Reef, Cayman Islands, Cobalt Coast
Stingray City, Master Seal, Kittiwake, Moray Eel
Turtles, Crystal Caves, Karaoke, Hot Tub
Sunset Cruise, Peyton’s Place Diving in the Ocean!

Chorus
We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo since the year 2000!
We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo out in Curacao!
Volleyball, Bungalows, Horseback Riding, Playing Pool
Subway, Water Sports, Bay Islands Roatan
Monkey Tour, Eco Tour, Zip Line
Bearded Toadfish, Sitting on the ocean Floor
Mark and Holly Night Dives, Fly Fishing Mafia
Eagle Rays, Wreck Dives, Seahorses Everywhere
Trunkfish, Spotted Drums, Diving with the family Master Diver
Peter, Navigation.

Chorus
We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo since the year 2000!
We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo out in Curacao!
The Mermaid, Margo, Diving in a strange Land
PADI, Photos, Lots of Conservation
PADI Diver Hall of Fame, Lots of Conversation
SCUBAPRO Deep Elite, KSC sure to repeat
Ole Tom, The man, Coral Restoration
Diving with his family deep within the ocean
Ocean Wishes, Help save the fishes
KSC, Blown away! What Else would I have to say?

Chorus
We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo since the year 2000!
We didn’t start the fire, It was always Margo out in Curacao!
Reef Divers, Cayman Brac
Sister Island, Back again
Squid Squad, Flounder
Feeding rays, Pip hours
Ragnar spearing lionfish
Russian-warship wreck dive
Nassau-Groupers on the reef
Cleaning station all around
Island Dream Crew is the best
Spanish Omelet Specialty test
Turtles-eating, Lobster feeding
Coral Sister has our Kids
Now they’re Under Maritime Law
Kids Sea Camp is such a draw!
We love Kids Sea Camp nothing else to say.
We can take this any day

The Karenburg Family

Kids can dive with sharks in Fiji at Jean Michele Cousteau Resort

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Fiji, Kids Sea Camp, Kids and scuba diving, family vacation, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving

Fiji is one of the world’s best places to scuba dive with your kids. 

If you’re looking for a luxury family holiday without compromising on quality, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort at Savusavu Bay awaits. In a tranquil setting surrounded by a marine sanctuary, secluded beaches, and mountainous scenery. The resort offers you and your kids the perfect balance between relaxation, recreation, and an interactive, authentic experience with Fijian culture.

Easy diving for kids

Fiji is one of my favorite places to take kids scuba diving. It has shallow, safe areas to dive in, with calm, clear, easy-to-train marine environments that are ideal for kids. We offer SASY for kids aged 4-7 to learn to swim and snorkel, as well as PADI Seal Team for kids aged 8-9 to begin learning about scuba diving in 12 feet of water through Aqua Missions. We use 1 instructor per 2 kids in the water for these programs. Fiji is perfect for families to scuba dive together, learn to dive, and learn about the ocean.

Famous shark diving

Fiji dive trips, Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo PeytonJean-Michel has been involved with the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji, an environmentally and culturally oriented family resort, conceived as a model to prove to the business community the economic benefits of environmental concern and design. To expand the impact of ecological tourism, he created the Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Centre, a flagship dive operation at the eco-friendly resort in Fiji. He is currently forming an action partnership to expand this ecologically responsible model to other sites. We offer the Ocean Futures program for kids, along with underwater photography, Shark Aware, and night diving. Kids Sea Camp takes kids diving with sharks worldwide, and Fiji is famous for its shark diving.

At Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, we take families out to the World Heritage sites to dive and enjoy reefs teeming with soft and hard corals, along with the white tip, black tip, and reef sharks. Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures have been bringing families on dive vacations to Fiji for 15 years. With over 7,800 certified youth divers, we are ranked the world’s #1 for family scuba diving vacations. Fiji is one of our top 5 destinations to take kids scuba diving with Fiji sharks. 

Bula club for younger kids

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, kids aged 9 and under will have access to our award-winning Bula Club, where they can dive into a range of fun and educational activities while you enjoy a little dive time. Located a short walk from the center of the resort, facilities include a family and junior pool with a water slide, a nursery bure, toddler mushroom cascading pool, trampoline, jungle gym, and flying fox, not to mention a fabulous treehouse on the grounds. In addition, the Bula Club offers a range of activities tailored toward different age groups. This means children can look forward to spending their days learning about Fijian culture or arts and crafts, exploring coral reefs, helping with mangrove replantation projects, or baking with a sun oven.

Our Bula Club reflects the resort’s commitment to children as the future caretakers of the earth and its oceans. Each day offers unforgettable adventures and enriching activities that teach our younger guests about Fijian Culture and the island environment. Unlike other resorts, we cater to babies and toddlers, as well as older children. Each child under 6 will be assigned their own personal nanny from 9 am-9 pm, while children 6-12 years will be assigned a Fiji buddy. Bula Club is complimentary for all families staying at the resort. Fiji photo gallery 

More than just diving

For families who want to explore a little more of Fiji, we offer a number of excursions to sites of interest around the resort, from a trip to the local market to a traditional Fijian village experience at Nukubalavu. Some of our popular offsite activities for older children include daily diving, kayaking, a rainforest and waterfall walk, a mangrove tour, and a sword carving demonstration, as well as visits to the local village and schools. If the kids still have energy to burn off, they can participate in photography classes or sea life presentations, while parents laze by the pool or visit our spa for a relaxing massage.

At Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, there is so much to do for families. Scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, village tours, medicine walk, culinary classes, pearl diving, island hopping, and spa services. The resort has a water park, a tree house, a private white-sand beach, and a Bulla club. 

Everyone sings in Fiji

If you love music, then Fiji is the place that will soothe your soul from the moment you arrive. You will be welcomed with big smiles and soft voices as you are sung to, and throughout your stay, you will enjoy children from the village dancing and singing for you, along with many of the Fijian villagers. You can enjoy some cava with the Ratu and learn about this beautiful culture.   

Getting to Fiji

Fiji is for families. A direct nonstop flight out of LAX to NAD on Fiji Air is approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes.  The flights generally depart from LAX at 10 pm or so and arrive in Fiji early morning, around 5 am.  Kids sleep on the flight and wake up ready to go.  Let us guide you on your next best family dive vacation to Fiji. When it comes to your kids, deep down you want the best! That’s Kids Sea Camp.

 

Kids Sea Camp is one giant family reunion

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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)

Kids Sea Camp, Kids and diving

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

Nemo, Clownfish, Kids and diving, Kids Sea Camp

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

Oh, the places we will go. . . diving. . . with Kids Sea Camp.

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St. lucia, Family vacations, diving, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving

By David Head

Big diving news from our household. Jake gained his Junior Open Water Certification two weekends ago. We knew Jake had an amazing time at Kids Sea Camp in St Lucia with Callistus Jackson and Keither Prospere, participating instructors for Kids Sea Camp PADI Seal Team, but when birthday gifts were on the line, would he choose certification training or the latest video game?

Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo PeytonEven in the unpredictable times we are living through, he chose, thanks to Kids Sea Camp, to pursue a PADI diving certification. Birthday gifts in the form of gift cards to our local dive shop, Undersea Divers in Danvers, MA, came in from friends and family. Being in early May, we were unsure when the shop could offer certification classes again, but we had hope. Come July, classes started back up, and Jake signed up for mid-August pool and ocean dives. The week before the pool sessions, Jake tackled the PADI e-learning head-on, most of it refreshed from his Seal Teamwork the prior year.

Wonderful Dive Training

Ke’s dive instructor from Undersea Divers was Larry Bettencourt, who was also my pool instructor the year before (I was also fortunate enough to do my ocean checkout dives with Kids Sea Camp in St. Lucia, with Errol Lebrun), so I knew I was in capable hands. Every time Jake suited up, there was a certain glow, and he seemed to wear a perpetual smile. I’m shocked his jaw didn’t hurt afterward. Then again, I don’t blame him for me being poolside thinking, “It’s only the pool… but I’d love to suit up too.”

After the successful pool dives, the ocean dives were the following weekend. Even with a 5:30 A.M. wake-up, Jake’s smile would not waver. The dives took place at Back Beach in Rockport, MA, in low tide, calm seas, and “warm” water (warmth is relative in New England). All participants completed their dives, with many proud parents in attendance (five participants were no older than their mid-teens). As Jake exited the water, beaming with pride as a newly certified Junior Open Water Diver, I placed a towel on his shoulders and gave him a huge hug. All I could think was that age-old Dr. Seuss classic, “Oh the Places You’ll Go. . . Diving”.

Please feel free to share with the crew at Scuba St. Lucia (I assume you have personal work email addresses for some of them). We hope they and everyone in the Kids Sea Camp family are doing well. We shall meet underwater soon enough.

Also, Liam is preparing to take his diving certification in two years. Thank you for the Kids Sea Camp birthday postcard; it made him smile. I look forward to diving with you in the future.

Family diving in the Philippines; Malapascua, Cabilao & Dauin

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Thresher sharks, Philippines, kids and scuba scuba diving children, family dive vacations, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving

The owner’s favorite destination to dive

The Philippines is hands down my favorite place for diving over the past 30 years. I personally feel it’s perfect for kids of all ages. We work only with Sea Explorers, as I feel they are the only kid-friendly, safest operator for kids in the Philippines. Most of their Philippines staff are parents, and they just really get the concepts of Kids Sea Camp. 

Malapascua is Thresher’s heaven

This destination is an add-on pre-trip to our Kids Sea Camp main week. We are here specifically to dive with the Thresher sharks that come up from the deep each morning to a cleaning station at 70ft. It’s one of the most humbling and majestic dives I have ever done. Watching these beautiful sharks with tails as long as their bodies, shimmer through the water as they pass overhead. This dive is a WOW for anyone who loves sharks. 

Diving in Malapascua is not for little kids to dive. Having said that, we can and do arrange for younger kids to be watched while parents are diving. We offer Malapascua for 3 nights, with a 2-day add-on. The resorts are located in a beautiful village on an amazing white-sand beach. Pura Vida Resort and Buena Vida Resort are the two resorts we use. Buena Vida Resort is a luxury Spa and offers vegan and Paleo foods, yoga, etc. and is located in the Village and a 3 min walk to the beach. Ocean Vida Malapascua Resort in the Philippines is oceanfront and features the Sea Explorers dive show on-site, with 1 restaurant. 

Kids can be accommodated with child care at either resort while parents are diving. Diving here starts at 5 AM in the morning. We put Malapascua first because jet lag is a bonus here, as most people are waking up around 4 am.  So, diving for kids age 12+ and adults starts at 5 A.M., out to Monad Shoal for 2 dives, and back by 9 A.M. for breakfast. The rest of the day is spent enjoying the beach and village, etc. There is no pool at this resort.

Amun ini is in Ando on the island of Bohol 

This is a beautiful boutique resort with a large beach and an infinity pool. It is a 5-star resort about 2 hours from Cabilao, and TAG is the airport to fly into for both this property and Cabilao.  Amun ini mostly features macro diving. The rarest of nudibranchs, octopus, and pygmy seahorses are the norm to see on dives.

Dauin Pura Vida Homes and Pura Vida Resort with Sea Explorers

We will include a trip to Oslob to snorkel and dive with whale sharks. Little kids will be supervised and allowed to come and snorkel. We also have a dive excursion to Apo Island and a tour to the Mountain Village School. Dauin is our main Kids Sea Camp event, and we have a lot going on there from SASY to Seal Team (in the ocean), Jr. Open Water courses, specialty courses, Whale Shark Aware, and even a Dive Master program. Families from all around the world attend, bringing kids ages 5 to 18. The younger kids’ programs here are heavily supervised with 1 instructor to every 2 kids in the water. The rooms offered are 1,2- or 3-bedroom villas with ocean and garden views at Pura Vida Homes. These are the luxury rooms in a private area we have chartered, featuring private pools, a swim-up bar, and beach access. 

Some guests can also choose to stay at the sister property just next door, attached to Pura Vida Homes, called Pura Vida Resort. This resort offers lower-priced hotel rooms. Guests can stay longer, arrive earlier, or even visit Dauin Kids Sea Camp. There are lots of options. We can also arrange individual trips outside our Kids Sea Camp events year-round and create a custom family trip for you on other dates that better fit your schedule.

I hope this information helps you decide whether to travel with us to the Philippines this year.
Margo Peyton

Perfection is easily desired but rarely achieved on vacation

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Perfect dive trip, Palau, Kids Sea Camp

I rarely write letters of recommendation

Dear Margo, I rarely write letters of recommendation, I hate the constant solicitation from Amazon to write reviews, but it is with great pleasure that I write this note to you. First, thank you for sharing your wonderful husband with us here at our first Pacific Kids Sea Camp trip, especially at this time. Tom Peyton is warm and generous and made our first days at Kids’ Sea Camp Palau a very pleasant affair.

Making the effort to be perfect in Palau

Rarely have I seen so many people work so hard to make a vacation work well for my family. I know that some look for perfection in such vacations; I do not. I look for effort. Perfection is easily desired but rarely achieved. Sincere effort is rarely made and is usually driven by rules, not the heart. Only one can be achieved, and it takes a lot of hard work. Your choice of resorts around the world is, in my opinion, excellent. I can’t turn around without finding one of your staff waiting to see what I want and to try to make my vacation better. Your people are good at what they do and are sincere in their friendships. It is great just being around them.

Josh is wonderful

This brings me to Josh Comay. The number of fun and sometimes serious conversations my family has shared with these two warm and funny people will leave an impact that we will take home with us. Their concern for our stay isn’t lip service; it is from the heart. I know that I’ve already written this, but I can’t state it firmly enough. Tom may have told you that I have an overboard sense of humor. It takes stamina and patience to deal with it at times. Josh took it in and gave back in equal measure, something that takes courage and a great sense of humor. I am grateful for that and their friendship. That brings us to time spent. I came on this trip with the notion that I would learn a bit about underwater photography. (See KSC gallery)

Instead, I learned a great deal, including a good bit about my above-water photography. I am a practiced amateur at above-water shooting. The conversations I’ve had with Josh have given me great insight into shooting at depth, but they’ve also made me rethink a number of things about my picture-taking in general. His effort there was quite high and is much appreciated. In fact, the time he spent teaching me was extensive and pleasant. I will forever carry a warm spot for Nudibranchs in my heart due to conversations with Tom.

Teaching my children

The kids I have coached and refereed in youth soccer. Finding staff, people who understand children and teaching, and getting good outcomes, is tough. In my opinion, American culture has forgotten that teachers are a valuable asset in the emotional and external development of our children. We only want kids to learn what we want them to learn, forgetting that other thinking and opinion is good for them. I have been impressed by the efforts to teach my kids about the oceans, about being in the marine environment, and about our obligations to take care of that resource. Most of all, your staff’s efforts to teach my kids to behave carefully while scuba diving are greatly appreciated.

My brother-in-law is a huge WWII fan. In part, we came to Palau so he could visit and experience the WWII history here. The recognition by your folks was important to him, and it has led to numerous discussions on how to make that part of his vacation as fulfilling as possible. I will end by thanking you for your efforts on behalf of my family and for making my holiday most enjoyable.

With Regards, Lyle O. Ross, Husband of Alice Chen and father of Auden and Emerson Chen

Dive Vacation checklist for Kids Sea Camp

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Black divers, Asain divers, family dive vacations, kids sea camp

It’s time to prepare for vacation.

Here’s a great dive travel checklist—a detailed “know before you go” reminder for your next Kids Sea Camp adventure.

Trip planning 

  • Check the KSC calendar

  • Weather and clothing needs

  • Currency exchange or credit cards accepted

  • Call your credit card company and tell them you are out of the country

  • Valid passports

  • Medical treatments available

  • Check airline reservations

  • Distribute your international vacation plans to a friend or family member who needs to know

  • Travel insurance

  • Emergency phone number

Kids Sea Camp, diving with Kids, diving with family

Must-haves for your carry-on bag

  • Snacks

  • Reg and dive computer

  • Swim shorts

  • 2 extra shirts

  • Passports

  • Dive cards

Dive Travel Checklist  

  • Check all your equipment

  • Suppose your diving equipment has not been serviced in two years. Get it serviced!

  • Certification cards (for the whole family)

  • Dive computer batteries (make sure they work!)

  • Logbook

  • Bring an extra mask fog

  • Bring a spare mask

  • Prepare your new mask (use the overnight toothpaste process)

  • Super Glue

  • Bring a small first-aid kit, or ensure the dive shop has one on each boat and at the resort. (All Kids Sea Camp resorts do, by the way)

  • Extra sunscreen

  • Motion sickness pills

  • Aspirin

  • Nasal Decongestant

  • Meat Tenderizer

  • Dive lights

  • Gloves (If allowed)

The vacation is over list

  • Double-check all your family’s dive gear, including BCs, fins, masks, snorkels, and wetsuits. This is a no-brainer, but it assumes you will lose something if you don’t double-check all the gear.

  • Airline tickets: Check in online the day before

  • Check out all the new photos in the KSC gallery.

At home

  • Thoroughly rinse all gear and allow for proper drying

  • Repeat gear double-check

  • Put dive gear in an organized space (This makes the next dive trip easier to prepare for)

  • Replace used items with spare parts and medical supplies

  • Write a thank-you email to Kids Sea Camp for such a great vacation.

Creating Tomorrow’s Memories at Kids Sea Camp

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Grandmother, kids and diving family diving

Publisher, a mother, and now a grandmother, reflects on generations of her family growing up in Kids Sea Camp

I felt compelled to come up with a good reason for my grandson Austin, now 14, to be Ok with posing for yet another picture with his ‘mimi’.  So I explained that when I am 90, he will be 45, and I want to be able to look back on us diving, hiking, zip lining, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and marvel at how we did all that together in just one very special week at Kids Sea Camp, Costa Rica!

Over the past 14 years, I have experienced dozens of Kids Sea Camp adventures with my daughter Melissa, my husband, my brother and his family, various old and new friends, and my grandson Austin. He started traveling with me to Kids Sea Camps when he was 8 and joined the Seal Team program. He was PADI Jr. open water certified at age 10 and received his advanced certification at 13. It is no longer a matter of if we will make the time to do it again, but where we will go and what we will do next.

In Costa Rica, I was reminded that we are not alone in our special family tradition. We were surrounded by other families who also cracked the Kids Sea Camp Code for keeping their growing kids close. Not only are they learning to love diving and the underwater world, but they are absorbing so many life lessons in nature, protecting the environment, being safe and having fun at the very same time. They hang with kids from all over the world, on boats, underwater, at the pool, and at their very own group table at mealtime. But at the end of an action-packed day, families retreat together, exhausted and happy, with electronic devices firmly set to OFF.

Our days were numbered

I used to think that our days were numbered, with teens being way too cool to want to travel with us for very much longer. Now I realize that since they have literally grown up with these Kids Sea Camp memories forming an important part of who they are, the age barriers disappear and the experience prevails. One day, I do believe that my daughter Melissa, now a summer counselor for Kids Sea Camp and a PADI Dive Master, will be planning my dive adventures rather than the other way around.

The younger kids are enrolled in PADI SASY and Seal Team programs that engage them with learning the important scuba skills they will enjoy for decades to come. Once they earn their PADI Jr. Open Water certification at around age 10, they follow up with specialty certifications that cover everything from underwater photography to fish identification, navigation, and an Advanced Open Water Certification.

Something for everyone

Adult divers depart on the morning dives, confident that their kids are in great hands and that they will reconnect with great stories to share. Non-divers use the opportunity to do exactly as they please. At the El Ocotal Dive Resort in Costa Rica, that entailed earning a dip in the Cliffside pool after hiking up the stunning property from the beach. The natural beauty is intoxicating, and the relaxed conversation always turns to what other kids’ Sea Camp trips we have done and what’s next. I dodge the question on what my favorite one might be, as I love the tried and true destinations as much as I am tempted by the new ones that are added every year.

Diving with Buddy

Year after year, Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire continues to serve up a magic combination of top-notch PADI dive training in the perfect environment for all age groups, with exceptionally easy boat and shore diving. The most comfortable, casual, and welcoming atmosphere makes you want to return year after year.

Also in the tried-and-true category, Cobalt Coast and Dive Tech in Grand Cayman never cease to deliver exceptional dive training and legendary dive experiences with stingrays, turtles, tarpon, and more. Here we experience the thrill of scooter diving and can explore other specialties such as deep diving and even free diving.

On to Palau

When it comes to the search for the world’s ultimate diving, Kids Sea Camp nailed it by offering Yap with Manta Ray Bay Resort. The expectations are very high when you ask American families to travel halfway around the world for any reason at all, but between the amazing giant mantas, the diversity of wild shark experiences, and incredible WW11 wreck dives, all set among the incomparable rock islands, I promise it is well worth the journey.

Utila’s Laguna Beach Resort is definitely on my ‘Must Do’ list. Judging by the rave reviews of eagle rays, pods of dolphins, whale sharks, seahorses, and an idyllic beach setting, I can understand why this little piece of heaven has been added to the Kids Sea Camp schedule, but of course, I must judge for myself!

I have enjoyed the ‘undiscovered’ nature of St. Vincent and its exciting diving opportunities many times in the past, but not yet with Indigo Divers and Buccament Bay Resort, the Caribbean’s newest 5-star all-inclusive hotel. The combination of ‘off the beaten path’ great diving and a luxury Kids Sea Camp experience is just too much to resist!

Amazing Galapagos

Limited space may still be available for just one more season in the legendary Galapagos Islands aboard the luxury Buddy dive live-aboard. This once-in-a-lifetime trip makes it possible to access whale sharks, historic reptiles, birds, and 300 species of fish in a truly elegant adventure.

And other grand options are being added in 2014. The famous walls of Little Cayman are now accessible from the charm and comfort of The Southern Cross Club. Long weekend getaways in the Florida Keys are also something that owners Margo and Tom Peyton have been working on for the coming season. Always committed to keeping it interesting for both repeat visitors and newcomers, they deliver the kind of experiences they themselves want to enjoy with their growing family.

Before Austin’s 15th birthday, I will have to make the tough decision on where it will be in 2014. But wherever we go, I know we will connect with the familiar from years past, with a new twist that ensures we will continue to ‘give them a week they will remember forever’. Visit familydivers.com or call 803-419-2556.

By Carolyn Pascal Guarino