Margo Peyton

Margo Peyton’s Journey to becoming a diving pioneer

by
Kids Sea Camp, diving with Kids, diving with family, Margo Peyton

Her father started it all

Margo Peyton grew up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a coastal haven with one of the most diverse marine environments in the US. Her father, Eddie Salvador, was a diver from the 1950s who poured his own lead weights and used an old Deco regulator with a J-valve and a homemade horse-collar BCD—back when gauges weren’t commonplace. Margo recalls her dad telling her that when breathing became labored, it was time to pull the wire on the J-valve and ascend to the surface using the 300 psi reserve in his tank. “What about your safety stop, Dad?” she’d ask. “There was no knowledge of that sort of thing back then,” he’d reply.

Kids Sea Camp is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing unique, off-the-beaten-path diving experiences for families worldwide. This year marks a truly unforgettable milestone: Margo Peyton, the heart and soul of Kids Sea Camp, was inducted into the International Scuba Divers Hall of Fame on September 28, 2024. This prestigious honor recognizes Margo’s 36 years of diving, traveling, and advocating for our underwater world.

He tried to deter her passion for diving, fearing the many things that could go wrong in the 1980s when she began. Nevertheless, he bought her a Deco regulator with a J-valve in 1988, along with an SPG and octopus, which were becoming popular at the time. Margo loved the ocean and learning about marine animals. She spent every summer as a child on the boat with her dad and brother, who hunted for giant bluefin tuna and fished for bluefish, bass, and cod. Encountering massive pods of bluefin tuna, dolphins, orcas, and humpback whales was the norm for Margo.

She learned to love and respect the sea, becoming familiar with basking sharks, great whites, mako sharks, and blue sharks, among others. Her dad instilled in her an adventurous spirit, while her mom nurtured her compassionate heart for saving and protecting animals. Margo worked at the Provincetown Sea Aquarium, where she cared for rescued sea lions, loggerhead turtles, and even a pair of orphaned coyote pups. The aquarium became a second home, and it was there that Margo’s passion for animal rescue blossomed. Over the years, this has included seagulls, kittens, puppies, snakes, pigeons, horses, whales, crabs, rays, octopuses, turtles, and countless others.

Sink or swim

When Margo was just a young child, her father threw her overboard into a school of wild dolphins to teach her how to swim. His philosophy was “sink or swim.” Margo has been a pioneer in the dive industry, encouraging everyone to embrace the family market. Her efforts have resulted in over 8,000 children becoming certified divers without a single diving accident. Her tenacity, courage, strength, and passion for her own kids and the ocean have always been her driving force.

Margo’s dedication to safety alone would merit her prestigious awards. However, her true impact lies in the countless individuals who started as junior divers and have become PADI professionals. Margo’s passion for the “living classroom” she created has resonated with like-minded families around the globe. Her love for diving has shown thousands of couples that having children doesn’t have to mean the end of their diving days. In fact, it’s just the beginning of creating amazing family memories.

Margo’s mission

The concept of bringing together like-minded families who love the ocean, adventure, and travel was unprecedented in the dive industry. Margo had to prove to dive operators in a male-dominated industry that kids had value and that educating and training them was essential. She had to convince major equipment manufacturers that making kids’ dive gear—tiny tanks and wetsuits—was not only financially beneficial but also crucial for the future of diving. She saw a need and was on a mission to fulfill it.

I have personally witnessed Margo’s hard work throughout her 35-year career, whether in the office, at a trade show, or on the island. Margo takes on multiple roles during a typical week at Kids Sea Camp: underwater photographer, artist, MC, mediator, mentor, activities director, hotel consultant, dive team organizer, advisor, events planner, celebration coordinator, presenter, and even shuttle bus driver. As a PADI professional, she often oversees kids and adults in the water.

Daily check-ins

During lunch, Margo takes the time to follow up on daily events, such as cupcake decorating, go-karting, Seal Team demonstration dives, graduation dives, birthday cakes, poetry contests, and treasure-hunt prizes. Her favorite time is spent with the kids, discussing their day, their dreams, and their diving adventures, making sure they are having fun. Margo Peyton spends most of her days in the ocean, photographing the Seal Team or SASY program. In the evenings, she ensures everyone is happy with their day in the ocean and at the beach. During dinner, she loves to walk around and listen to families sharing stories about their day.

For Margo, one indicator of a job well done is the absence of cell phones at the dinner table, with unplugged kids happily chatting and adults enjoying each other’s company. She ends each day dedicating herself to sorting through the day’s images until nearly midnight. The images ensure that all families have a visual record of the incredible day’s events. Treasure hunts, horseback riding, sunset sailing—it’s all captured for the end-of-week slideshow.

Margo’s passion

Margo’s passion, courage, and determination to establish a kid- and family-friendly dive company in a male-dominated industry are remarkable. She didn’t achieve this alone; numerous courageous and visionary women. As well as the wise men, who also played crucial roles in bringing the company to life 25 years ago. Their contributions are integral to Margo’s journey. The support has been instrumental in her success. This is a celebration of their collective efforts and the progress they have made in the industry.

Today, Kids Sea Camp is a beacon of excellence in dive safety, old-fashioned family fun, and personalized service. Margo’s moment is a tribute to all the vendors and families who believed in her vision. The beauty of her moment continues to be built upon all the moments that families have shared with Margo.

By Tom Peyton, husband and KSC Vice President

Scuba diving was definitely not on my list.

by
Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving, empty nester travelers

Kids Sea Camp mom learns to dive at age 61 and logs 90 dives in 6 countries in two years

By Betsy Meade

Scuba Diving, no way! My husband, Doug, and I recently retired after raising our four children. We both enjoy traveling, so we started to think about what the next stage of our lives together should look like. Doug is an active sportsperson who loves adventure, biking, and scuba diving. My travel habits favor sightseeing, beaches, and relaxing. I am willing to try new things, but scuba diving was not on my list.

I am not fond of swimming in the ocean at all. As a child, I was content to sit in the sun and play in the sand. As an adult, I occasionally ventured out into the waves, but I feared all the “creatures” I suspected would be waiting to torment me. On several trips, I attempted to snorkel but never quite got the hang of blowing water out of the snorkel and keeping water out of my mask. As an adult, I was still not interested in encountering any sea life. Scuba diving was not on my list of things to do.

Doug, on the other hand, has been scuba diving for over fifteen years. I spent many vacations happily sitting on beaches, while he scuba-dived during the day. He returned with great stories and pictures of his dives, and I was entertained by learning about his time underwater. Doug enjoyed diving but had mixed emotions, always leaving our family and me behind while on vacation. He often suggested that we get certified and join him, but I didn’t think the kids could do that. I certainly had no interest. So we remained content sitting on the beach until now.

I believed I could not enjoy scuba diving for many reasons; I am claustrophobic, and being underwater would scare me. My fear of not having immediate access to fresh air, and could not wrap my head around the idea that all I needed would be provided in a small metal capsule on my back. I was not a strong swimmer, so I thought currents and waves could be a problem, and the most significant piece of the pie was that I am afraid of sharks, fish, eels, or anything else that moves, stings, or bites.

My mentor, Margo Peyton

Margo Peyton, my neighbor and close friend, is the founder and owner of Kids Sea Camp. Mrs. Peyton would talk to me with so much passion, understanding, and determination about diving. Her beautiful pictures helped me debunk all my fears with her knowledge and experience. And she explained that having well-fitting, comfortable dive gear can make a huge difference in comfort, confidence, and the overall diving experience. She gave me a soft Scubapro mask called a Synergy TrueFit, sized just right for my small face.

Even the mask strap was necessary. She added a sports band that ensured the mask was easy to slip on, remove, and adjust—even underwater. She provided me with a smaller mouthpiece that was more comfortable. Then she outfitted me with comfortable, longer fins that prevented leg cramps and let me move through the water with scuba gear. I had no idea what a difference a fin could make. I was provided a comfy two-piece wetsuit that was easy to get in and out of, stylish, kept me warm, and protected me from stings and sunburn. The BCD was the key to my ultimate comfort. The fit was perfect and easy to use, and it supported my back as needed in the water. Having dependable, comfortable equipment I learned to use gave me so much confidence while I was scuba diving.

Facing my scuba fears

I booked my PADI Open Water class for July 2023 in Roatan, Honduras. I was still terrified of marine life when I arrived in Roatan. The night before my first class, I had tried to convince myself that scuba diving was not for me; all my troublesome thoughts, concerns, and excuses came rushing back. I didn’t want to disappoint Doug or Margo, so I got into the pool. It was my first class. Margo personally hand-picked my dive instructor to fit my needs and fears. I had the most patient, kind, and just wonderful instructor, Kiley Thueson, she was perfect for me.

Some skills were more challenging than others, but Kiley was patient, and I completed the requirements of my confined-water dives. I was excited but extremely nervous for my first open-water dive, as I would see fish. I took a giant stride into the ocean.

There was so much to think about—equalizing my ears, not holding my breath, monitoring my air, the dreaded mask removal skill, and swimming with fish. As I descended, the beauty of the corals and the blue hues of the ocean water amazed and calmed me. I was not afraid of those fish! They also seemed entirely uninterested in me.

Upon completing my first day of scuba diving, I was so proud of myself and started looking forward to the next day. However, after dinner, doubt and fear crept in again. I had to keep reminding myself, “I can do this!” Each day, I again forced myself to return to my class, determined to succeed and overcome more of my fears.

It took three days to become a PADI-certified open-water scuba diver at age 61. I was proud of myself for pushing through and enjoyed diving with Kiley and Doug for the rest of the trip. I enjoyed diving so much that five months later, we called Family Dive Adventures and went back to Roatan, this time to complete my Advanced Open Water certification with another Kids Sea Camp Instructor whom Margo hand-picked, Peter Kockisch. He is from Germany and worked with me on buoyancy, weight placement, fish identification, boat diving, navigation, and a deep dive.

Doug, my diving buddy

Then Doug and I went to St. Eustatius, and after that, we felt prepared for Indonesia. So we went to Lembeh Resort in Indonesia and then to Komodo aboard the Arenui with Margo and Tom. Again, we had private guides and learned so much. We did our first muck dives in Lembeh. Doug and I had to practice keeping our fins up, not stirring up the bottom, and destroying all visibility. And there certainly was a lot to see! We both started taking photos and having fun. In Komodo, we saw dragons on land and had private dives with whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, and even some reef sharks. Going on a few night dives required me to overcome a few more fears. Again, with proper equipment and planning, these were fun, too.

How’s that for overcoming fears? I am so very proud of myself. Doug and I are really enjoying this big blue new world we are exploring together. After Komodo, we went to Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia, dove wrecks, and learned to drift dive. Next, we are taking our daughter to Belize with Family Dive Adventures this spring to Blackbird Caye. I’m very excited for our daughter and looking forward to more new experiences, and I now love scuba diving.

Structure and attention to detail—particularly safety—are most important on Margo and Tom’s trips. This was a huge part of my success. Being part of that group and realizing that the instruction specifically addressed many of my concerns played a considerable role in building my comfort, confidence, and enjoyment of diving. Margo uses the same philosophy with her children’s programs.

Becoming certified scuba divers has changed our lives in so many ways. Doug and I explore the underwater world together as buddies. We have fun, travel, and meet new people.

Constantly blowing bubbles — now.

Experiencing this new world with my eyes was much better than looking at Doug’s pictures and listening to his stories. In the past year, I logged 90 dives in 6 countries and experienced a wide variety of sea life, including endless types of corals, sponges, and critters.

I am obsessed with diving now. With every dive, I am becoming a better, more confident diver. With each trip and each new experience, I learn more and overcome more fears. Having Doug as my dive buddy gives me more confidence because he always has my back.

Our calendars for 2025 and 2026 are already filling up with more Kids Sea Camp / Family Dive Adventure trips. We are off to Belize with Tom and Margo in the spring and then getting excited to be back on the Arenui with their Forgotten Islands Trip. While we regret missing out on 15 years of diving together, the last year has been so much fun, and we plan to continue to create new memories on future trips with Margo and Tom. In addition, we look forward to introducing our children and grandchildren to scuba diving with Kids Sea Camp.

I am so grateful to Margo for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I never thought that at age 61, I could learn to scuba dive or that I would enjoy it so much.

Worlds Best Family Dive Adventure Vacations

by
Peyton family, Kids Sea Camp, diving with Kids, diving with family

Kids Sea Camp an award-winning company

Margo Peyton created this multi-award-winning family adventure travel program, which has contributed to well over 8,100 kids’ and adults’ PADI scuba diving certifications. (see link)

Kids Sea Camp’s (KSC) motto is “Give them a week they will remember forever.” Based on the hundreds of testimonials from kids, teens, and parents who have participated in Kids Sea Camp trips. The company has created dive vacations that are memorable and magical: “Kids Sea Camp has changed my life, and I know it has done the same for others.”

“KSC holds a special place in my heart. It was my true catapult into the diving world.”

“The Kids Sea Camp team went out of their way to create memorable moments that will most certainly last a lifetime.”

Tom & Margo are great owners

Tom Peyton and Margo Peyton have hand-chosen PADI resorts and liveaboards in the Cayman Islands, Indonesia, Bonaire, Roatan, Galapagos, Red Sea, The Philippines, Fiji, Palau, Yap, St. Lucia, Dominica, Belize, Indonesia, Maldives, and more, to host their trips, while ensuring the highest level of standards and safety. Over the past 25 years, KSC has certified over 8,100 divers and has not had a single dive accident.

Staffed by highly qualified professionals. KSC is dedicated to introducing scuba diving, family vacations, and the ocean to kids, teenagers, and their parents. Depending on their age and experience, kids work on various certifications and skills, from snorkeling and SASY to Bubblemaker, SEAL Team, Junior Open Water, Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and PADI specialty and pro certifications.

KSC scuba-diving family vacations include unique activities at each destination. The program includes meals, diving, and other water and land activities such as blow-karting, jungle biking, paddle boarding, culinary classes, cultural presentations, marine presentations, and photography. Like-minded multigenerational families migrate every summer from around the globe to Kids Sea Camp Family dive vacations. These families enjoy making new friends, unplugging from everyday life, and reconnecting with each other.

A KSC dive vacation is the perfect adventure for families who love the ocean and enjoy meeting like-minded people worldwide.

Hassle-Free Trip Planning

Let Family Dive Adventures handle the logistics for your private group or family vacation. They will custom-design the vacation to meet your specific needs and trip type. The trips can include reunions, family holiday celebrations, and memorable romantic dive getaways. (See our KSC events)

The Kids Are Gone—Now What?

Have your kids flown the coop? Why not try an “Empty Nester Travel” vacation? In 2019, Margo and Tom Peyton started living their dreams out loud and put together these thrilling adult group trips. They offer high-end luxury at sumptuous resorts and luxurious liveaboards, like the Arenui. Margo and Tom take adult guests to Africa, Egypt, the Red Sea, Lembeh, Raja Ampat, the Forgotten Islands, Borneo, Komodo, Manado, Bangka, St. Eustatius, Belize, and many more advanced adult trips that tempt their travel palette. 

Contact Info: (803) 419-2556, familydivers.com, dive@familydivers.com

2024 International Scuba Diving Hall Of Fame Award. Margo Peyton (See link) will be inducted into the ISDH this September. The award is for her contributions to the future of diving through the education and dive training of over 8,100 youth divers. And for Margo’s continued commitment to safety for kids and their families.

Tips for planning your family dive vacation.

by
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)

Take Time To Savor Life’s Treats

by
Kids Sea Camp, Kids and diving, family diving vacations

I never thought a company like Kids Sea Camp could exist

Taking time to savor life’s treats is not something I did on a blazing summer day in Santa Monica, at a house party with a pool, and I was a thirteen-year-old boy who had assembled my own gear. That’s how I experienced my very first dive. As I was sitting at the bottom of a pool on a J-valve tank, with a twin-hose reg that I thought I had figured out poolside, adults started jumping into the water to ‘rescue’ me. This was not the way I had planned for my own kids to learn to dive, now more than forty years and 2000 dives later.

A lifetime of diving

(From left to right) Adam and Ellie Summers prepared for a night dive at Anse Chastanet Resort, St. Lucia.

Finding a very different kind of diving has revitalized my love of blowing bubbles: diving as a family with Kids Sea Camp. Officially, I learned to dive properly while an undergraduate and progressed through the ranks to PASI OWSI at the PADI College in Sydney, Australia. After working as an instructor in Australia for several years, I returned home to the USA to become a marine biologist. Along the way, there have been many memorable dives. But those dives pale in significance to the life changes I have experienced along the way. Sharalyn and I were married in Belize. We have two children, and we moved to a small island north of Seattle to a marine station. 

A little moment, a shared sense of wonder, and an instant rapport gave me an unusual opportunity to gain a completely new and transformative perspective on diving. With my good friend Dr. Bob Rubin, I voyaged on the Quino El Guardian (Booking the trip with Family Dive Adventures) to the manta ray soup of the Revillagigedo Islands. They dropped me, Tom Peyton, and 14 other dive fanatics into the water surrounding four little volcanic specks. Steep-sided, battered by the swell, with a constant current, this dive site was not for the faint of heart. But when we dropped over the side the first time, there was a whale shark, six giant ocean mantas, a pod of dolphins, and more than 40 silky sharks, well, you get the idea.

Meeting Tom Peyton

 It was a Scuba diving paradise. I loved it, and I was getting interesting data on the mantas’ wing movements. As I stripped out of my too-thin wetsuit, I realized the guy standing next to me had paused, a silly grin on his face, wetsuit around his ankles, and his heel straps between his toes, eyes twinkling. This bearded, blissed-out guy was just dumbstruck by that dive and was taking a few moments to let it sink in. I don’t meet many people who take time to savor life’s treats as much as I do, and I was immediately drawn to this awesome dive character.  Tom Peyton is the co-owner of Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures. We developed a friendship; these dives touched him as deeply as they touched me. We shared many awesome dives, like-minded concepts about life, and a few good stories. 

Tom and I were both missing our families and wished we could share those daily adventures with them. Tom’s wish was more realistic than mine. Since his wife, Margo, is a PADI instructor and mermaid in the Women Divers Hall of Fame, and both their kids, Rob and Jen Peyton, are PADI dive instructors. This was a very doable adventure for them. At that time, my kids were five and ten. My wife was a PADI Rescue diver with 150 dives, but none since our son was born. The logistics were too crazy to figure out, diving with tiny kids, or so I thought. That’s when Tom lit up with delight and schooled me on his wife’s brilliant idea, which turned into a family business.

It really is the only family diving camp

Kids Sea Camp Inc. is the only family camp I would consider sending my kids to. Kids Sea Camp is for families who love the ocean, travel, and scuba diving. I started a family late. And I have no desire to have them hare off to neat places without me. I want to join them while experiencing the things we love. Sharing new places with my kids in entirely different ways and providing them with a unique perspective on the world through their eyes. Kids Sea Camp is designed to allow just that.

Tom explained that the kids learn about the ocean and how to dive. The older ones (age 10+) get honest with PADI dive certifications. The younger ones, ages 5-9, gain experience through fun scuba games called Aqua Missions that introduce them to the basics of the sport. Age 5-7 follows a SASY program geared toward swimming and snorkeling. Then there is the PADI Seal Team curriculum, which sets them up for certification the moment they hit that magic decade mark. 

Thanksgiving and diving?

This sounded like a fabulous idea, and a set of fortuitous circumstances combined to open up our Thanksgiving holiday and leave us with close friends looking for an adventure. Margo and Tom said they would serve a traditional turkey dinner at Buddy Dive Bonaire and all the diving we could want. So, three adults, one of whom had never put her face into saltwater, and four kids (seven, eight, twelve, and twelve) took the plunge and headed to Kids Sea Camp Bonaire to dive. My son Abel was a SASY, and his friend Henry was a SEAL. Henry’s brother, Ollie, and my daughter, Ellie, were in the PADI Jr. Open Water course. Our friend Libby completed an open-water course, and Sharalyn and I just signed up to dive. Together. What a concept. 

Kids Sea Camp idea is revolutionizing

As it turned out, the Kids Sea Camp idea revolutionized our understanding of family dive vacations. The drill is simple; the diving kids meet their friends and instructors each morning after breakfast. The diving adults are free to head off to dive with the other adults. And dive at outstanding dive sites, with top-notch guides, lovely fellow divers, and a wonderfully competent and entertaining dive boat crew. When two tanks have been sucked as dry as PADI allows, we return to the resort to eat more good food than should be legal.

Our offspring are happy to learn and play in the ocean with their friends. We don’t see the younger set until mid-afternoon; a little scheduling magic with big implications for bonding with other adults, and allowing kids to own their newfound skills. Then, tired and victorious, we get our kids back, damp and bursting with tales, in time to rest up for a siege of the dinner buffet. After dinner, there are often some presentations – a couple of times, I talked about marine research, which is my day job. Then everyone passes out in preparation for doing it all again.

Buddies at Buddy Dive

It is difficult to overstate how pleasantly unusual this family dive vacation was relative to all my other vacations. The diving was fantastic. Buddy Dive in Bonaire was a joy, but the difference here was the structure and quality of the experience that I could share with my family. I watched my daughter conquer fear and physical difficulty to become a PADI-certified diver, just like her mother. Ellie glowed with triumph when she came up from her final certification dive. She did a complicated thing with minimal support from her hovering parents. That has proved to be an accomplishment that has significantly shaped the months that followed.

It was such a simple joy to have her find me a young spotted drum and share that giggle at its silly dorsal fin again. tube across the azure waters of the Caribbean, he embraced the experience as challenging as his little arms could squeeze. And Sharalyn and I could connect underwater in ways we hadn’t since before we had kids. It was such a simple joy to have her find me a young spotted drum and share again that giggle at its silly dorsal fin. It was a reaffirming delight to watch her strap on the gear. Check it, and look out for the other divers doing the same. 

My diving daughter

My daughter left Buddy Dive Bonaire with one dive short of double digits. She made it to 18 dives on another trip. They were so impressed with Ellie’s skill and her attention to safety. The Kids Sea Camp ethos of ‘safety over all things’ is deeply embedded in her. A second Kids Sea Camp family dive trip to Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia, fell into our lap. Ellie has nearly 30 dives, and Abel has a PADI SEAL with eight dives. My wife, Sharalyn, and I have hooked up all over again on a sport that has given me everything. I love seeing their expressions when discussing where we might all dive next as a family. Roatan? The Philippines? Fiji? Time will reveal everything, but I am sure more Kids Sea Camps will be in the future.

This is an article by Dr. Adam Summers. Dr. Summers is a professor at the University of Washington in Biology and the School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences. He has written more than 150 scientific papers and was the fish guy for Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Read more about Dr. Adam Summers.

25 amazing years of Kids Sea Camp

by
Margo Peyton, kids Sea camp, kids and diving, family scuba diving

A few moments ago

Twenty-five years of Kids Sea Camp seem like just a few moments ago. Robbie was only 6, and Jen was just 4. As a mother and businesswoman, I wanted so much to spend time with them and be with them daily. I wanted to watch them grow up before me and show them the world rather than have them read about it in a book.

A single mom with two kids

I was a single mother with two kids, working six days a week. In the summer, it was impossible to find camps that I felt were educational, safe, fun, and enriching my two children’s lives the way I wanted to be enriching my own life. Jennifer would get so upset when I had to go away. She wanted to know why she could not come. It was really a huge dilemma for me.

Carolyn Pascal, then the publisher of Skin Diver magazine, and I were sitting on a beach in the Bahamas during another work trip, and we were both missing our kids. I told her I honestly wished we could find a way to take our kids on dive trips. She agreed, and right then, we began creating a vision that would become Kids Sea Camp. Carolyn had the media, and I had the resort. Since 2000, divers of all ages have been exploring the underwater world with Kids Sea Camp. Every year, Kids Sea Camp brings families to the Philippines to dive into the endless “bucket list” of diving adventures in Dauin, Ando, Cabilao, Apo Island, and Oslob.

KSC started in Curacao

We pooled our resources, and the first Kids Sea Camp family dive-adventure week took place in Curaçao with Ocean Encounters and the Curaçao Sea Aquarium in 2000. I had just seven families on the first trip. Fast forward, Kids Sea Camp is entering its 25th year in 2025. My daughter Jen will be 29, and Rob will be 31. My kids are grown, Jens is married, and we have our first grandchild to enjoy and look forward to introducing to the underwater world someday. Because of Kids Sea Camp, there are more than 8,000 other kids who have become certified divers over the past 20 years of Kids Sea Camp. Kids Sea Camp has over 500 families who travel to 13+ countries, taking 25-29 trips each year.

I’m so very proud and grateful to my dive team and the diving industry. They have supported my vision and co-created Little Gear, kids’ dive courses, shared the stories, and listened to all those little voices.

PADI created courses for kids aged 4-18, and they have always supported me in organizing trade shows such as The Scuba Show, DEMA, Beneath The Sea, and others, connecting me with dive operators worldwide. Dive Media, DAN, Dive Training, Scuba Diver, Diver Magazine, Dive News Wire, Sport Diver, and many others ran the stories and shared the voices.

Partners matter

My partners have all helped me make diving safer for kids. SCUBAPRO was the first to create SASY gear, little tanks, fins, masks, and tiny wetsuits. The resorts and dive operators who have stood by me and celebrated our brand together believe that kids are the future. I have chosen resorts that I can trust to put family first and child safety above all.

I’m thankful to all the families for choosing Kids Sea Camp for their family dive vacation. Some of those kids, and even the instructors, now have their own families and keep coming. Many are now grandparents who are bringing their grandkids. 

When I ask them why they chose Kids Sea Camp, they tell me, “Because time is the most important thing in life, Margo! Time with our kids and our grandkids is priceless.” They want to make memories that will last a lifetime. That’s our tagline, and we do just that! Our trips cater to the elderly, the young, experienced divers, and even non-divers. We are special needs-friendly and cater to all families. Kids Sea Camp is a safe, fun, educational, and authentic family vacation focused on the underwater world and each other. It’s a place where kids unplug from their virtual worlds and reconnect to each other and the outdoor world.

Tom joins the company

In 2006, my best friend Tom Peyton asked me to marry him, and Robbie, Jen, Tom, and I became a family. Tom left the news industry and joined the Kids Sea Camp in 2013.

Celebrating our 25 years

We are excited to celebrate 25 years of business this year with 25 Kids Sea Camp event weeks in 2025. I hope you will join us! In celebration of our 25 years, we have created  “Empty Nester” dive trips for parents like me who have grown-up kids but still want to travel with someone they know and trust. We have new destinations and liveaboards as well as PADI Pro courses for all those kids turning 18 and older who want to become Dive Masters or even Dive instructors. We will be celebrating our 25th year of business at each incredible destination.

By Margo Peyton, President of Kids Sea Camp

I am thankful for the world’s best family adventure travel guides and a PADI dive team. Woody, Patrick, Jen, Rob, Lilly, Holly, Sven, Brad, Jesse, Sophie, Josh, Fraser, Conrad, Max, Carolyn, Ellen, Jacob, and Tom.

What is the difference between BPI and Air2 on a BCD?

by
BCD, Air 2, Scuba equipment

How do I know which BCD is right for me?

Going hoseless or a full-on regulator system, in some cases, the kids or your buddy run out of air. Best for divers who have a regulator with a first stage, the second stage (primary), and the octopus. The octopus is a backup to handoff. In cases, the kids or your buddy run out or are low on air. I recommend this setup for parents diving with kids, or for a Buddy you know is not efficient with air consumption. I also recommend this BCD setup if you are a rescue diver or if you’re a PADI dive pro. For two reasons, really, because it should have a bright yellow hose, easily recognizable to someone needing it, or in a bit of panic, more noticeable, so they do not have to search too hard or accidentally grab your primary.

The Air 2 is the best for easy diving

Also, the octopus is a longer hose, so you do not have that person you’re helping on top of you. The Air2 is great for recreational divers who have no one else to worry about and feel the likelihood of needing it is nil.  I say this because Air2 is a substitute in the event of an out-of-air situation for your primary. So with an Air2. You do not need an additional, long, cumbersome hose (octopus) on your scuba gear. You can streamline and enjoy the first and second stages only on your reg. The Air2 is a regulator attached to the very short hose that has to be bent and curved up into your mouth for you to use, and your primary would then be handed off to the person in need. It’s heavier and less comfortable in your mouth when assisting someone.

The Air2 I feel is best for streamlined ease of diving and can be complemented with the addition of an air integrated computer system, such as the ScubaPro G2 quick release, G2, or Aladin wrist computers that include a small transmitter that attaches to your first stage, eliminating the need for hoses, depth, and air gauges, and even include a digital compass. So you are then practically hoseless, lightweight, and streamlined.

A Hoseless BCD is freeing

I do use the hoseless setup when Tom and I have the rare opportunity to go diving and not be responsible for anyone but each other. It’s very freeing. Having said that, being the avid diver that I am, I have a tendency to be on the more cautious side. Even with that setup, I have a redundant air gauge attached. Tom and I have both experienced short interruptions in the transmitter signal during our dives. Someone’s strobes can cause it, and some cameras with Wi-Fi can, like SeaLife cameras and Ikelite video lights.

Also getting close to other divers with similar devices. I will say, this only lasts an instant and can be resolved by moving a few feet away from the interference. The light and camera interference I have found to be resolved by switching the hands I hold them in and moving the issue-causing device a little further away from the receiver. For example, if your receiver is worn on your left side with the computer on your left wrist, the camera or strobe causing the issue can be held in the right hand.

So make your BCD decision based on your needs, your buddy’s needs, your preferred level of comfort, and your budget. Gauges and BPI are the least expensive options.

I have used Scubapro for 35 years and stand by it for kids and adults. Scubapro recreational BCs generally only need to be serviced once every two years.

My favorite BCDs

My favorite BCDs are the Hydro-BPI, GO-BCD-air 2 for comfort and back support, and the Lighthawk for traveling light. All have integrated weight options;  for younger kids, the Rebel or the Glide X. All Pros, the Hydro Pro comes with two harnesses for pockets or streamlined for simple use with no pockets.

President of Kids Sea Camp & Family Dive Adventures, Margo Peyton, PADI MSDT Elite Instructor, 57474

Kids Sea Camp is so much more than that!

by
Sea of Cortez, Kids and diving, family vacations, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving

I’m not technically a kid anymore

Kids Sea Camp is for families, but it’s also the perfect place for young adult divers ages 13-19, who are ready for some independence, advanced adventure, and continuing education, and who want to have memorable experiences with other teens.

I’m not technically a kid anymore. That’s why I say, “Kids Sea Camp is more than that.”

I’m getting ready for college soon, and this summer, I enjoyed diving with my family, grandparents, aunt, and uncle at KSC Roatan. Spending a week diving together was one of the best experiences I have had with my entire family.

Kids and diving, Jellyfish lake, family diving, family vacationsMy dad is a military doctor, so I have grown up moving around. We lived in Guam for many years, and that’s when my mom read about Kids Sea Camp and booked the Palau trip in 2012. Each year since then, my parents, my two younger sisters, 15-year-old Helen, 13-year-old Zoe, and I pick a KSC dive trip. Both land-based trips and liveaboards are on the table and open for discussion.

The Best Dive trips

KSC trips are in the best dive destinations around the world. I have been to KSC Palau three times with Sam’s Tours, KSC Fiji at Beqa Lagoon Resort, KSC Roatan at Mayan Princess, and the Sea of Cortez, KSC’s “Citizen Science Week” on the Quino El Guardian.

Many KSC followers return year after year, like my family. But there are always new families, dive staff, and great people to meet. That’s the “Kids Sea Camp magic” that Margo Peyton created 18 years ago when she started the company for her kids. My mom enjoys underwater photography, and my dad seems to relax and enjoy the quiet of being on a dive boat and submerged, where the business of everyday life can’t reach him. My sisters love the water and look forward to these trips, as there are many activities beyond diving.

I think we all agree to have other kids our age on the trips to share adventures and hang out with has been the best part. I love to travel with my family, but diving with other teens from around the world, learning about new cultures, creatures, and ecosystems, and discovering myself is why I want to keep coming back.

On these trips, the cell phones get put away. Being in the moment is more fun than worrying about what everyone is doing back home. I have found that I can easily handle being unplugged in exchange for adventure.

My parents surprised me with a Quino El Guardian trip to Mexico this past summer on a KSC “Citizen Science Week.” It was doubly sweet because my best friend, Mo, was my roommate and dive buddy. We had several other girls our age on board as well. The week was full of science and cool encounters with whales, sharks, and sea lions.

Meeting MO

I met Momo “Mo” Hudes on a flight to KSC Palau in 2013. We bonded, became dive buddies, and later became best friends. Adding shipmates to that relationship this summer has set the bar pretty high for planning our next adventure. Our parents have faith and trust in Kids Sea Camp, and that confidence allowed us to embark on our own adventure.

Mo and I joined the liveaboard in the Sea of Cortez. The two of us journeyed through several airports and had to find our way around without our parents. This trip was an incredible opportunity for me to grow as an individual by stepping out of my comfort zone and putting to use the years of travel training Mom had provided.

I had never been on a liveaboard before, so seven days at sea was an intimidating adventure. I had the most eye-opening and liberating trip of my life, and Mo and I met some incredible people.

Part of the Kids Sea Camp family

We were made to feel a part of the KSC family, as always. Our dive guide was Juan, whom we called “Dad” because he looked after all of us like a father. KSC staff member and photo-pro Brad Holland became “Cool Uncle Brad.”  Linda Sue Dingle, aka “Mom” from Sport Diver magazine, helped us feel at home on the ship, especially when she busted out goody bags of American flags, red, white, and blue-tinted glasses, and “I love America” signs for the 4th of July party she threw for us.

Mo and I learned so much about marine animals, plankton, and diving from marine biologist Dr. Robert Rubin, the leader of “Citizen Science Week.”

I have many mentors from my dive masters and instructors, all of whom have become part of our family. I remember each fabulous venue with nostalgia and its lasting impressions in my mind.

My favorite KSC moments

  • 1. One evening on The Quino El Guardian, after a day dancing with sea lions, I was quietly observing another radiant sunse, reflectinget in front of the ship, a finback whale breached out of the water. The splash shimmered with golds and reds and reflected a kaleidoscope of similar colors off its body as it landed.
  • 2. I recall night swimming off a moonlit beach in Roatan after watching fire dancers with new friends.
  • 3. The views speeding through the Rock Islands of Palau on the bow of our dive boat, cutting through the turquoise waters that reflected the beauty of the Floating Islands.

By Sophia Quast, age 17

Philippines: The jewels of the visayas sea

by
Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, Whale Sharks, Family Scuba Diving Vacations, Family Dive Adventures, The Philippines

Welcome to the jewel of the Philippines

Our children’s world has become much larger as today’s technology helps us to engage “virtually” in ways we never dreamed possible. However, beyond our smartphones, there is still a big, beautiful, real world out there. It’s filled with the kind of learning and adventure that expands our hearts and minds in a way technology cannot. The adventure in the Philippines is a jewel of a diving vacation.

When we travel with our children, we provide them with personal experiences that they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives. If you’re eager to plan your next scuba diving adventure as a family, here is the latest off-the-beaten-path treasure that Tom and I have just explored and that Kids Sea Camp has approved.

Islands in the Visayas Sea

Upon landing on the main island, Cebu, we were met with friendly smiles and helpful hands. Biggs Eggert with Sea Explorers provided us cool face cloths, bottled water, and hugs. We quickly headed to board a Banca boat, which reminded me of a giant bamboo water spider; it was spacious and smooth sailing, like a mystical chariot to our first dive location.

Malapascua has become well known as a premier dive destination fairly recently

This tiny island, just a little more than a mile long, is home to several villages that exist either directly or indirectly to support the growing dive tourism industry.

I have read that Malapascua is the only known place on Earth where one can dive with the endangered thresher sharks and, as I prefer, in a natural setting on seamount cleaning stations at Monad Shoal. Biggs said we would dive with the sharks at sunrise, and as crazy as that sounds, it was not hard at all. Jet lag combined well with the time lag, and we were wide awake and ready to dive at 5 A.M.!

Thresher sharks

Thresher sharks have been on my wishlist for many years, and seeing them on every dive far exceeded my expectations. The shoals also attract devil rays, pelagic fish, and hammerheads; more than enough to thrill any diver. Families can enjoy diving the coral gardens, coral walls as well as further-out sites including Gato Island and Kemod Shoal.

Malapascua has at least 20 dive operations and hotels situated along Bounty Beach; however, Tom and I found only two properties we would deem as family-friendly. Ocean Vida and Buena Vida both have connecting rooms, family-friendly food, and kid-friendly staff. Ocean Vida is oceanfront, and Buena Vida is right in the middle of the local village, hosting an amazing spa and restaurant that would please any palette. Gourmet breakfasts, vegan and vegetarian dishes and fresh seafood are featured.

Sea Explorers a PADI five-star IDC

Sea Explorers, a PADI five-star IDC, is our No. 1 pick for diving and island hopping throughout the islands of the Visayas Sea. Exceptional service and knowledge, smaller dive gear, tanks sized for kids, and a well-trained staff for all levels of divers. They easily accommodate big-rig photographers, single families, and large groups like ours. Each Banca boat offered hot coffee or tea, warm face cloths, fresh fruit, and baked bread upon returning from our dives. To top it all off, I never touched my gear; it was rinsed and set up perfectly adorned atop my nitrox tank, awaiting my return. Heaven! I have to say, nothing made the staff happier than to see the smile on our faces, and I guess that’s why the Sea Explorers’ tagline is “Dive with a smile,” because we certainly did.

Negros Island was our next stop

We were beyond surprised when we arrived at Pura Vida Homes. Fourteen luxurious two-bedroom villas are handcrafted with rich hardwoods and have breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. The resort sits on a beautiful beach with three infinity pools, a restaurant, a gym, a spa, and a wedding chapel.

Being that it was our 10th wedding anniversary, we could not resist the opportunity to renew our vows at sunrise. Owner Chris Heim was delighted to give me away. Biggs accepted as my maid of honor, and the local pastor presided, as his lovely daughter sang. I have no words for how special Sea Explorers made us feel throughout our trip. They treat everyone like family.

There were mountain villages to explore, and infinite pristine reefs teeming with fish to dive, like Apo Island, which provided endless views of colorful soft corals, punctuated with my favorite, turtles! We could have stayed a month and not been bored.

Whale sharks

On our way to Bohol aboard our Banca boat, Dako, we were able to dive in 35 feet of warm, clear water and observe these gentle giants feeding on krill. I had only been diving with whale sharks in the Galapagos, and it was fabulous in these much warmer waters. Kids and families can snorkel or dive anytime during their stay.

Amun Ini is a small 16-room, five-star dive resort and the most luxurious little gem we found yet. Family-owned and family-run.  Amun Ini means “This is mine,” and I can understand why, as anyone would want to claim it for themselves. A beautiful, private white sand beach, infinity pool, and large, spacious rooms greeted us at this eco-friendly, holistic, and organic scuba retreat.

Did I mention it’s kid-friendly?

The owner’s daughter and her husband are the gourmet chefs, who create local dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and make you feel like you’re dining in one of the top 10 restaurants in the world. Did I mention it’s kid-friendly? The chef’s two little girls, ages 3 and 5, joined us each day. I loved seeing the smiles on their faces when I told them about Kids Sea Camp and all the kids we would return with to play together in the ocean.

Beyond diving, I must mention the things Tom thought were more than noteworthy. Everyone in the Philippines plays basketball,  and they are really good at it too! Tom played a few games after diving with the dive team, and it was almost as good as the diving.

In addition, there are sunset massages, culinary classes, yoga, and kayaking. We also enjoyed the many hugs from some of the happiest children we encountered throughout our trip. These are humble people who prize family and each other above all things.

The diving had the most incredible, healthy, and vibrant reefs I have ever seen. Biggs asked me if I wanted to do some muck diving. I had read about this type of addictive diving, hunting for the tiniest of critters on the sandy bottom. I found tiger shrimp the size of a grain of rice, multicolored frogfish the size of a gumball, and pygmy seahorses, all well camouflaged to the eyes of any would-be predators.

Cabilao Island, our next stop via the Chocolate Hills

The hanging bridge and a zip line to stay at Pura Vida Cabilao. Another spectacular Sea Explorer resort with 2O spacious oceanfront suites, more breathtaking views, and completely surrounded by endless coral walls. The unlimited shore diving offered many opportunities to encounter a wide range of tiny critters, turtles, rays, sharks, and even schools of wild dolphins.

This boutique island resort offers a personal closeness that is perfect for small groups and the Kids Sea Camp. The dining offers a personalized touch with a menu prepared to please.

A welcoming, safe, and smile-driven island

All in all, we have given a good chunk of our hearts to the Philippines, as we found it to be one of the most welcoming, safe, and smile-driven places we have encountered to date. If you’re ready to take a break from your virtual world, I invite you to taste experience to the utmost, to teach your children to reach out without fear to explore a world that will bring their imagination to life.

Join us for an extraordinary journey to the Philippines. I encourage you to open your children’s eyes to humility, happiness, and a new way of looking at life that they will remember forever.

By Margo Peyton, President of Kids Sea Camp Inc. 

Tips for better buoyancy and air consumption

by
Buoyancy, Kids Sea camp, scuba training for kids

Keys to better diving

  • Good buoyancy is key. Make sure you are neutrally buoyant, trim your gear so nothing is hanging or dragging below you, and try to evenly distribute your weights. 4lb on the left, then 4lb on the right. Move them around, ankle weights are also used, I use 1lb on each ankle when diving with my camera. Some BC’s, like my ScubaPro Lady Hawk, have pockets up high in the back. I often put a 1 lb in each of those pockets. A Peak performance buoyancy class will be a fun continuing education class, as it will teach you more about good buoyancy control.
  • Breathe slowly and deeply when you’re diving; don’t ever hold your breath. Short and shallow breaths can be dangerous and create dead air spaces.

Gear is important

  • Streamline your gear and have property-fitting equipment, nothing dangling or dragging. Make sure your equipment is in good working order and has been serviced regularly by your local dive shop.
  • Use proper kick cycles and don’t swim while diving (no hands needed). Make sure you’re using Scuba fins, not snorkel fins. Dive fins should be longer and fit comfortably. Go to your local dive shop and try on a few pairs. Some adults like me prefer full-foot fins; for kids, I recommend fins with straps for growing feet.
  • Make sure to be suited up as conditions dictate. Stay warm, choices of a shorty or long wet-suit, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mml and more are available depending on the temperature of the water your diving. In the Galapagos, I use a 5- or 7-mm long suit; in Bonaire, I use a 2-mm shorty. New wetsuits are more buoyant than older ones, and thickness makes a big difference as well. The thicker the suit, the more weight is needed. Long suits will require more weight than a shorty.

Be in good condition

  • Be in good physical health, and never dive when you’re not feeling well. Always consult your doctor about any medications you’re taking, as they could have different effects while diving. Make sure to fill out waivers truthfully so that, if something does happen, it will be easier to determine what is going on and to provide help faster and more efficiently.
  • Dive often. The more you dive, the more confident and comfortable you will become, and buoyancy will become easier.

Be a good buddy

  • Stay close to your buddy. Constantly chasing your buddy can use up more air on a dive and create stress.
  • Dive into a current at the start of a dive when you are not tired, so you can then dive with the current returning at the end of your dive. Make sure not to dive in strong currents. Check with your local dive shop or dive professional before entering the water to determine safe dive conditions. Always let someone know you are going diving, and never dive alone.

Relax, it’s just diving

  • Relax, enjoy your dive. Take only photos, leave only bubbles. Observe marine life and don’t touch anything living.
  • Take an advanced open water class, which covers a navigation dive, a deep dive, a buoyancy dive, a night dive, a photography dive, and a Fish ID dive. All of which will make you feel more confident in your direction, buoyancy, and knowledge of marine life, allowing you to feel more comfortable diving. There are other specialty dives you can take in an Advanced Open Water Class, such as Underwater Naturalist, Wreck, or even zombie dives. Visit www.padi.com for more information about courses.
  • Don’t overthink air consumption; the more you think about it, the more anxious you become, and the fewer chances there are for relaxation.
  • Take your family diving and enjoy diving with your kids. They will look to you as role models and strive to dive as you do. Be a good role model.
Have fun and be safe! I look forward to diving with you.
by Margo Peyton, President of Kids Sea Camp, PADI Instructor #57474