Kids Sea Camp

Far beyond any imaginable expectation for a dive vacation

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The Arenui, Kids Sea Camp, Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Margo Peyton, Kids Scuba, Margo Peyton, Family Dive Adventures, group dive travel

The Amazing Arenui

Komodo, as a seasoned diver, traveler, and photographer, I expect any liveaboard I book to provide delicious food and the opportunity to dive into the best diving a destination has to offer. With Arenui, my experience far exceeded any imaginable expectations in the amazing adventure on the Komodo Islands.

The excitement was palpable as we transferred from the harbor dock to Arenui. All the guests were excited, as no one could have known how incredible the Arenui experience (Gallery link) would be. From the moment we boarded, everything felt so easy and accommodating.

A gallery on the ocean

Our cabins were ready and waiting for us to settle in and relax. A private tour of Arenui was offered and available on our individual schedule (See video). Walking around her, guests are surrounded by authentic works of art representing the wide and diverse styles from all over Indonesia.

While detailed and stylish wood carvings are found everywhere, be sure not to miss the amazing carvings in the staircase leading to the lower cabins. Many of these hand-carved wood wall panels feature intricate details and depict important stories from the Hindu faith.

The Arenui was built from 7 different types of wood (70% of which was recycled), and its natural beauty makes one feel relaxed and calm. No detail was spared, and splendor can be found in everything from the large handmade dining tables to the custom hinges and handles throughout. In the Sky Lounge area (upper deck), there is a stunning handmade support that resembles a typical Balinese entryway you might see in front of a home.

Each room is spacious and appointed with unique art representing the different provinces of Indonesia. In addition to unique storyboard wood carvings, each room is also adorned with elegant textiles and handicrafts. Each cabin has its own theme, which is reflected in the woven artwork and style of this magnificent private space for guests to relax. Whether in the dining room, the upper deck, or your stateroom, relaxation comes naturally as you drift away amid the Indonesian dreamscape.

Crew outnumber the guests

Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo PeytonA decadent ship deserves an even more impeccable crew, and team Arenui does not disappoint. To start with, the 22 serving crew members outnumber the 16 guests. If assistance is needed, whether in the dining room or on the dive deck, someone is always standing by. The crew consistently goes out of their way to ensure the guests are completely pampered and satisfied. All the crew feels like mind-readers, anticipating your needs and desires before you even realize them yourself.

Along with an excellent crew, there is a world-class kitchen ready to accommodate any dietary needs and lifestyle choices. Epic three- and four-course meals are served every day, accommodating all diets, including gluten-free, pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, and other restrictions. Each meal is custom-made as servers and chefs quickly come to understand each guest’s wishes. In line with their tradition of indulgence, the Arenui serves Michelin-grade meals that far exceed the most demanding culinary desires.

The best diving ever

Everyone knows Indonesia is among the most biologically diverse places on the planet to dive. Diving from Arenui reflects that superbly during the Komodo trip. As each guest came back from each dive to claim, “it was their best dive ever.” The itinerary contained everything from large schools of fish, huge mantas, a variety of sharks, the most vibrant corals, and crazy critters in the muck. The diversity of fish and coral is mind-bending, with sites like Crystal Rock and Castle Rock overwhelming even the most experienced diver. In addition, the dive guides are so in tune with the environment that they can predict animal behavior, ensuring manta ray sightings. The guides also seem to have “bionic eyes” as their ability to spot super small critters is uncanny. It’s not uncommon for each dive to easily include a hundred or more different types of corals, fish, and nudibranchs.

Dive pangas go out with a guide and a group of just four divers at a time, giving everyone plenty of room on the boat and in the water. On the short ride out, guests relax in comfort while a staff member dons their fins. Before getting into the Komodo water, the team helps each diver don their dive kit. After the dive, the team assists divers by removing their weights and gear. They remove your fins underwater, so an easy climb into the boat is all that is required.

The staff never quits serving

When you return from a dive, the boat crew helps you remove your wetsuit and wash your gear while you drink tea or hot chocolate. The gear is then hung to dry and “magically” reappears at your station when it’s time to suit up again.

As with everything on the Arenui, it seems the staff has thought of everything, creating an unparalleled diving experience. In my opinion, this is 5 Diamond service, as Margo and Tom Peyton say. A dive trip on the Arenui is an experience like no other. The food, staff, diving, and boats far exceed the most discerning dive traveler. The quality and authenticity of the experience will undoubtedly satisfy all divers.

I believe that before departing on this trip, each guest contacted Margo and Tom, the owners of Kids Sea Camp, and booked multiple return flights. Arenui was Tom’s find, and it was an amazing one. This was Arenui’s first Kids Sea Camp, and, for obvious reasons, it was for kids aged 14 and up who are certified divers. The coming itinerary with Family Dive Adventures includes Alor, Komodo, Raja Ampat, and the Forgotten Islands. Both empty-nest adult trips and more KSC trips are available.

Arenui is a sure-to-please experience like no other. It’s no wonder these trips are often booked up to two years in advance. I look forward to sharing another incredible Arenui Adventures with families soon.

By Josh Comay

Please go to the photo gallery to see more of the infinite critters and seascapes captured.

From SASY to Divemaster with Kids Sea Camp

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Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton

SASY — I was only six years old

For as long as I can remember, I have spent every summer traveling with Kids Sea Camp. I lived in Grand Cayman with my family for the first 10 years, when I started discovering the underwater world. My dad enrolled me in the Kids Sea Camp SASY program (surface-supplied air system) when I was six. I remember running around on the beach collecting giant hermit crabs for the crab races and spending the afternoons learning about marine life and the local Cayman blue iguanas through dot painting classes with Margo Peyton and Ron Rogest. They would have us all saying, “One dip per dot and no double dipping!”

My love for the ocean

Kids Sea Camp, Camp, Kids and diving, Margo Peyton

As I got older and became more involved and interested in diving with Kids Sea Camp, I fell more in love with exploring the underwater world through photography. Margo Peyton, owner of Kids Sea Camp, and my dad introduced me to diving and encouraged me to share my story. I loved taking photos and videos of many incredible adventures with my Sealife cameras. Becoming a PADI Jr. Open Water diver at ten on a Yap and Palau trip with my dad, Tom, and Margo Peyton. I don’t think I was as big as the tank I used back then. My open-water dive with Margo was with Manta Rays, sharks, and giant Napoleon Wrasses.

Tom and Margo often had to hold my hands in the big currents because I was so tiny. I thought that was so much fun then. I grew up diving in currents, so as a teenager, I had so much fun body surfing and playing in them as I continued diving and traveling around the world with Tom, Margo, and my family. (See more about us)

My KSC world

My mom, dad, and I have toured most of the KSC World, including the Galapagos, where I lost all fear of sharks and had so much fun playing with sea lions and seeing my first whale shark. Dad and I dove into the Cathedral under Darwin’s Arch and watched Bullsharks and hundreds of Hammerheads go by. In Fiji, I dove with my very first Tiger sharks and more bull and lemon sharks. My mom was not with us on that trip, but when she saw the photos I was posting on my FB, she suddenly realized they were mine, not Dad’s, and that he had me in the water with big sharks.

Experiencing all that Kids Sea Camp had to offer from such a young age inhibited my love for the ocean and diving and made me want to be more involved in this organization and the diving world. Not only has Kids Sea Camp allowed me to travel to excellent dive sites and experience such incredible things, but it has also allowed me to meet some amazing people.

My first Kids Sea Camp

I remember my first Kids Sea Camp: walking onto the pool deck in Grand Cayman and meeting another girl named Holly. We became best friends instantly and were inseparable throughout the whole two weeks. I longed for my Kids Sea Camp summers and for meeting up with Holly; we always wanted to make sure we were on all KSC trips together, and as we advanced in the diving world, our love for the ocean and our friendship grew. Holly became my dive buddy for nearly every dive I did over the years, thanks to Margo and Tom Peyton, who took us on trips. Many other kids did multiple internships with Kids Sea Camp.

As I became more involved with Kids Sea Camp, I learned a lot about SeaLife cameras from Margo and my dad. I hosted a few demonstrations, and Margo worked with me and directed me toward becoming a better underwater photographer. I have always wanted to be a part of the KSC dive team and help further its mission of teaching so many young people about the thrilling sport of scuba diving.

Becoming a PADI Pro

Margo and Tom offered me a chance to become a PADI DM Pro in 2022 at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire. They entirely sponsored my program; it was the best place for me to do my divemaster course. The Buddy Dive team was outstanding as they cheered on my attempt at lugging tanks up the dock, and the coral restoration projects there made my dives much more enjoyable.

What greatly added to my experience on every trip was, as always, my Kids Sea Camp instructors. I learned from them and was treated like family. They forever changed my scuba-diving experiences by creating moments I will cherish forever. Being able to not only grow my love of the underwater world and scuba diving but also build such strong bonds through it has been a fantastic experience. Without Kids Sea Camp, I would never have met or made all the incredible friends I still have today. Kids Sea Camp also made me want to keep expanding my diving knowledge and helped me gain a lot of confidence underwater. I hope to continue my adventure with Kids Sea Camp and become an instructor someday. Scuba diving has made me adventurous and courageous, and given me a global perspective.

By Sophie Purdon, I look forward to sharing all that I shared with the next generation.

Tips for planning your family dive vacation.

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St. Lucia, Kids Sea Camp, family vacations, kids and diving

What to bring, what to pack, where to go, and how to plan:

Planning a dive trip can be a lot of work, so having a family travel expert like Kids Sea Camp handle it makes the process fun and incredibly rewarding. Here are a few tips to help you plan a successful family dive trip:

  1. Start by planning early. The earlier you start planning, the more time you’ll have to research destinations, book flights, and accommodation, and get everyone’s dive gear needs together.
  2. Choose the right destination. When choosing a dive destination, consider factors such as the type of diving you want to do, the time of year, and your budget.
  3. Book your flights and accommodation early. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the best deal and the most direct flights.
  4. Get everyone’s gear together. Ensure you have a list of what is needed and what you have. If you’re going to rent dive gear, planning early ensures sizes and needs are met. Dive gear is a very personal item, and kids should at least have a wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkel. Kids Sea Camp is #1 in outfitting kids with scuba gear needs.
  5. To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, talk to your dive professional about dietary needs, special needs, concerns, and expectations. The more we know, the better we can meet your needs.
  6. Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to make changes if necessary.

Here are some additional tips that you may find helpful

  • Do your research. Before you book anything, take some time to research your destination. Read online reviews, talk to other divers, visit our website, and look at the Dive training and services offered, client comments, and the photo gallery. 
  • Get travel and dive insurance. This is always a good idea, but it’s especially important for dive trips. Travel insurance can cover you in a medical emergency, lost luggage, or other unexpected events. 
  • Pack light. Bring what you need and consider lighter bags, and more travel-friendly dive gear, such as the SCUBAPRO Lighthawk BCD or the Rebel, which are specifically made for compact and lightweight design.
  • Be prepared for the unexpected. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be ready for the unexpected. Bring 1 day’s worth of items in your carry-on in case of baggage delay.  Pack snacks and stay hydrated during travel days.  Have a second copy of your trip documents and passports in a separate carry-on. 
  • Have fun! Dive trips are a great way to see the world and connect with like-minded families. So relax, enjoy yourself, and allow us to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Additional Tips for Planning a Family Dive Vacation

When planning a family dive vacation, there are a few additional things to keep in mind:

  • Consider your family members’ ages and abilities. Not all dive sites are appropriate for all ages and abilities. Be sure to choose a destination suitable for everyone in your group. Give us a call and talk to any of our dive instructor team to answer your questions.
  • Not everyone is a certified diver. Before you book your trip, make sure everyone in your group has the proper training and certification. Kids aged 5-7 can do our SASY program, and Kids aged 8 and 9 can participate in Seal Team. Kids as young as 10 can become PADI-certified divers. 
  • Be aware of the risks involved in diving. Diving can be dangerous if safety protocols are not followed. Be sure to educate yourself about the kids’ depth limits and restrictions. Talk to your family doctor about any conditions or concerns before scuba diving. 
  • Call Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures today to start planning your next great family adventure vacation. We look forward to serving you: 25 years and over 8000 youth scuba certifications. We are #1 in the dive industry regarding kids, diving, and family dive vacations.
  • With some planning, you can easily organize a successful family dive vacation that everyone will enjoy.

By Margo Peyton (see link)

Creating a Coral Restoration Project

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Coral Rescue, Bonaire, Kids sea Camp

Some ideas for creating a coral restoration project this summer include:

  1. Identify a suitable site for coral restoration. The site should have good water quality, access to sunlight, and a variety of coral species.
  2. Collect coral fragments from healthy reefs. Divers can do this by using specialized equipment.
  3. Establish a coral nursery. The nursery should be located in a safe place where the coral fragments can grow and develop.
  4. Outplant the coral fragments on the reef. This should be done at the right time of year and in the right way to ensure the coral’s survival.
  5. Monitor the coral fragments and provide care as needed. This may include removing algae, predators, and other threats.

The current health of coral reefs worldwide is poor. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change are all major threats to coral reefs. As a result, many coral reefs are bleaching or in decline. Coral restoration is an important way to help protect coral reefs and the marine life that depends on them.

Example plan to get your coral rescue off the ground

  1. Identify the stakeholders. The first step is to identify all of the stakeholders who would be interested in or benefit from a coral restoration project. 
  2. Conduct research. Once you have identified the stakeholders, conduct research to understand the current state of coral reefs. 
  3. Develop a plan. Including a clear goal, a timeline, a budget, and a list of actions and how and when they will be carried out and monitored.
  4. Secure funding. You will need to secure funding to implement it. This funding can come from a variety of sources, such as government grants, private donations, corporate sponsorships, and social media.
  5. Implement the plan. Once you have secured funding, you can begin implementing the plan. This will involve carrying out the activities outlined in your proposed plan.
  6. Monitor the results. Monitoring the results of your coral restoration project to ensure that it is effective.
  7. Educate the public. It is also important to educate the public about the importance of coral reefs and the need for coral restoration. 

The current health of coral reefs worldwide is poor and in decline. Overfishing, Plastics and pollution, steroids and hormones entering marine environments through septic systems and farms, oil spills, storm damage, and climate change are all factors impacting the world’s coral reefs. Everyone can do something. Even if we choose one thing, anyone can make a difference.

For more information on monitoring the health of reefs around the world, International Coral Reef Initiative. The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a global partnership of nations and organizations that strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems worldwide.

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

KSC by the numbers

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13 years and 18 kids sea camps,(KSC) Ago, we arrived in Bonaire with two 5-year-olds.

As we molded them into young men, Margo, Tom, Woody, Josh, Patric, Tina, and many others created scuba divers. At 15, they survived Lars’ Rescue course and, during a pandemic, tackled the currents around the Galápagos.

As our boat pulled away from this dock 13 years ago, we nervously watched our 5-year-olds, with Tina, feeding parrot fish off this dock, and we didn’t know what an incredible gift Margo would give us year after year.

Soon, our SASY divers will go off to college, and again, we turn to Margo and ask, “What do you have planned for us?”

Patti S. Snyder (Hopkins) See story

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.

 

Diving and traveling with your kids

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Seal training, kids and diving, kids sea camp, St. Lucia, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving, Kids Sea Camp, Kids and scuba

The advice you should know when diving and traveling with kids 

I have spent the last 3 decades of my life diving and traveling with families worldwide. I created a company called Kids Sea Camp that takes families with kids aged 4-18 on mainly off-the-beaten-path vacations to experience and learn more about the underwater world. My business is personal, and I pride myself and my team on the level of friendliness, safety, and service we provide to each family. As I’ve been diving, traveling, and teaching kids and adults, I have picked up some good advice and tips along the way. I strive with each family to create memories that will last a lifetime, and that is my tagline because that’s what I’m told Kids Sea Camp does well.  

There is never a day when I don’t learn from the moms and dads who dive or learn to dive with Kids Sea Camp. I have enriched my knowledge and life from the children I meet. On each trip, I challenge myself and the fantastic dive pros I have the privilege of working with worldwide. I’m a humble person by nature, and I’m honored to be given the incredible faith and trust that parents and grandparents place in Kids Sea Camp.  I take tremendous pride in ensuring a fun-filled, safe day of learning in the ocean with their kids.

My greatest moments are turning frightened and anxious mothers’ faces into calm, confident smiles and seeing three generations of divers enjoying diving together as a family. Taking special needs kids out of the only world they have ever known and showing them the magical zero-gravity world of water for the first time. I take very seriously the lives I am entrusted with for the week and for the knowledge, skills, and education they take away with them to become the next generation of global thinkers and doers.  Each year, families ask me great questions, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share some of my wisdom about vacation planning.

What is your top destination choice for SASY and Seal Team kids?

I created Kids Sea Camp in the Cayman Islands because my son Robbie was born there. It’s a place I love, hold close to my heart, and know well because I lived there for many years. The calm seas, clear water, and climate are perfect for the little ones. I have been taking Kids Sae Camp to The Cayman’s 15 years this year. The islands have stunning white-sand beaches; there are multiple flights daily from the US. It’s not expensive to get too. The islands offer biking, snorkeling, skateboarding, fishing, hiking, windsurfing, museums, art galleries, and a plethora of food and spirits to enjoy.

I chose the Cayman Islands for their ease of diving and abundant marine life. SASY and Seal Team kids can dive into the ocean and enjoy learning about marine life in a confined space. Cayman Brac Reef Beach Resort has a 140,000-gallon pool sitting right on the ocean for the little ones to do their aqua missions. The hotel rooms are all one-bedroom, so I feel the double rooms are perfect for a family with one child. The resort also has four rooms that can connect to house larger families.

I would have to say Buddy Dive in Bonaire is the best for SASY and Seal Team. They do these programs every week of the year, and their team is well-trained. They have the best jump-off-the-dock marine life for the kids, and I would say they have hands-down the best dive team for the little ones. (See our KSC Calendar)

What is your favorite destination for large families?

Buddy Dive, Bonaire, offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas and is an excellent value for large families. The air is the most considerable expense; you can get a good deal if you book earlier. Bonaire is easy diving and caters to divers of all levels. If you’re willing to travel, my second choice would be the Philippines. Pura Vida Homes Resort in Dauin, Dumaguete, is spectacular! They also have one, two, and three-bedroom villas. And for your diving dollar, they offer the best, easiest, and most reasonably priced diving in the world.

What destination do you feel is best for families with older kids?

Galapagos would be my first thought. I’ve been taking kids to the Galapagos for nearly 14 years. Kids Sea Camp is the only company to do so because I charter the dive yachts with an additional crew to make it perfect for families. We dive from pangas so the kids and adults roll off the side, but it’s a big animal interaction, big turtles, wild dolphins, giant mantas, marine iguanas, and tons of sea lions.

We always travel in June or July, peak Whale Shark season. Honestly, this region is one of the last diving frontiers, and I feel like it’s a trip of a lifetime every time I go. If you want to share the rare and off-the-beaten-path with your children, take them to the Galapagos.

What is your top choice for families with non-divers 

St. Lucia at Anse Chastanet is my number one! We offer spa treatments, jungle biking, volcano hiking, paddle boarding, sailing, snorkeling, chocolate culinary classes, cupcake making, shopping, and local sugar plantation walks, as well as a jazzy sunset cruise. We spend lots of time together as a family and have many fun activities for non-divers to meet and become friends.  

Second would be Palau. Palau offers kayaking among the Rock Islands, World War I and II history tours, museums, shopping, a spa, and beautiful beaches. 

Is Kids Sea Camp accessible to people with special needs?

For the past six years, we have successfully taken special needs adults and kids diving around the world, meeting or exceeding their expectations. I have a team of dive instructors who are experienced in areas such as high-functioning Autism, deafness, handicap, ADD, ADHD, and even elderly divers who need a little more hand-holding and some Valet Diving Service to make everyday diving details easier and less stressful.  

Kids Sea Camp can provide private one-on-one instructors or dive masters for people who need more. We meet those needs for the most part, with partner tanks and BC’s for smaller adults and kids. Our destinations can accommodate dive platforms and wheelchairs. We can and do help people get in and out of the water. If families give me enough notice and tell me exactly what we need to have in place, we meet those needs for the most part. If I can’t, then I will say so and recommend another destination.

The most crucial factor is that the doctor treating the special needs participant has authorized that person to participate in scuba diving activities. I am not a doctor and cannot say if someone can or cannot dive. But, will go above and beyond to put in place what someone who can dive needs to do. I require at least 6 months’ notice and a few good in-depth conversations about the needs.

What is the most critical advice you give parents and grandparents of new divers?

Know your kids’ depth limits and profile restrictions. If you are not a PADI pro or another dive pro, and you are not an avid, up-to-date diver, make sure to always request a dive master or instructor when you dive with your kids. Many parents have enough on their plates taking care of themselves in the water, and when you add kids to that, it can become very stressful. Kids move around faster, and you can’t just talk or yell at them underwater.

So parents and Grandparents should make sure they have had a refresher course and know their signals and skills well so that they can assist young divers when needed. I also want to remind parents that your kids watch you and learn from you when you dive with them. So lead by example. Ensure your gear is streamlined, check your gauges early and often, and ascend and descend slowly.

Plan your dive with your kids, and dive your plan with them.

Always let someone else know you are going diving, and make sure you have a slate to write on. Things happen, currents come up, and you need to be able to communicate with each other. It’s fun for families to develop their own signs and signals. Kids should not assume that parents know the same signs or signals. Go over those before your dive. Make sure you do a weight check before diving and know the type of dive you’ll be doing. Make sure you are not forcing your child to dive. If he or she is scared or does not want to go, discuss what’s going on and make it ok not to dive. The worst thing you can do is force a child or adult to dive when they do not feel safe or well.  

Be a good dive buddy

Don’t try to impress your child or show off, I promise they will try to do what you do. Enjoy your time in the water and the zero-gravity as kids do. Remember, diving should not be like the military; you kids want to have fun! They enjoy playing with zero gravity, doing somersaults, and being upside down. Make some of that, okay, and teach them when it’s okay to have fun and when it’s not.  

I say this in capitals because if I had a dollar every time a child told me their parent loaded them with an antihistamine before a dive, I could go to a nice restaurant for dinner. That can be very dangerous to do. It can cause reverse blocks and also cause panic and anxiety, depending on what you gave them. The most common is dehydration. Diving is very dehydrating, so adding a decongestant before a dive can make it 10 times worse.

By Margo Peyton, PADI MSDT Instructor & owner of 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