Mehgan and Cash, a mother and son, share their love:
“The Best Possible Way”
I’ve traveled solo with my son, Cassius “Cash,” since he was four months old. Adventure has always been part of our shared language. As a mom, I taught him to freedive when he was very young, and over the years we’ve traveled often, exploring new places and spending countless hours in the water together. My own career has taken me on expeditions and fieldwork for months at a time, so I’m no stranger to complex travel, remote destinations, or operating far from home. Yet this past summer in the Philippines, traveling with Kids Sea Camp felt entirely different—in the best possible way.
Cash, now 12, was newly scuba certified, and this was our first official scuba trip together. The Scuba Mom in me loved that milestone, a mix of excitement and anticipation, along with the quiet hope that my growing boy would love this next level of underwater exploration. Because let’s be honest, a great first scuba trip felt like my best shot at convincing my soon-to-be teenager that ocean adventures with his mom would still be a good idea long into the future. The stakes felt high – especially knowing that traveling solo with a child in a foreign country usually means staying several steps ahead, anticipating logistics, navigating unfamiliar systems, and managing details in real time. It’s always rewarding, but rarely effortless.
Kids Sea Camp was it
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that every detail had been thoughtfully handled. They carefully managed transfers, accommodations, meals, dive operations, guides, and schedules. Everything was new and exciting for both Cash and me, yet I was spared the mental load and constant decision-making that usually comes with adventure travel. Kids Sea Camp’s deep familiarity with these destinations meant no guessing and no trial-and-error learning. Margo and Tom know the people, the places, and the diving logistics. Accommodations are thoughtfully selected, dive sites are chosen to fit experience, and they seamlessly move families through each experience in a way that makes the most of every day and every dive.
The rare ability for Mom to relax
Our three-part journey began in Bohol, continued to Dauin, Pura Vida Homes, and Salaya Beach Houses with Sea Explorers. Throughout the trip, Kids Sea Camp and Bigs Eggert handled every detail. Bigs Eggert serves as the on-the-ground coordinator for Kids Sea Camp in the Philippines. Her warmth, local knowledge, and steady presence made every stop feel safe and welcoming. As a long-time local, Bigs knows these people, and she is a wonderful example of the long-standing close relationships and friendship she has with Margo and Tom Peyton.
Our first dives together took place in the strikingly blue waters off Amunini in Bohol, and Cash was immediately at ease. He was calm, confident, and fully present. The incredible team at Sea Explorers reinforced that confidence, with PADI-trained guides who specialize in working with kids. With a 1:2 guide-to-kid ratio and private guides on request, we felt spoiled by the level of personal care. The diving was never rushed and always perfectly paced for us. Knowing seasoned professionals handled all the behind-the-scenes details let me fully step into my role as my son’s dive buddy. I was not the trip coordinator or details manager. Mom could simply dive with him, ready to experience it all together.
Cash diving with Whale Sharks
After several days of diving, delicious food, warm hospitality, and fun evening activities, we moved on to the next stage of our trip. Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort in Dauin for another full week of Kids Sea Camp Adventure. Two underwater experiences stand out most vividly. One was our private whale shark experience at Oslob, a whale shark sanctuary. This was Cash’s first time diving with whale sharks, and watching him remain steady and composed as six to seven enormous whale sharks swam close around us was unforgettable.
The other moments came again and again over many dives. While exploring expansive coral gardens, Cash and I would catch each other’s eye underwater, sweep our arms wide to signal the scale of it all, then follow with the universal “mind blown” hand signal overhead. It felt like diving straight into Finding Nemo together. It was truly unbelievable to see so much life and color stretching as far as the eye could see.
Above the water, the Philippines left just as strong an impression. The local people were warm, welcoming, and engaging. Through cultural evening presentations arranged by Kids Sea Camp and hosted by Pura Vida Homes, we experienced traditional dancing, stilt performances, singing, and traditional dress, along with stick dances—we were even encouraged to join the festivities with the locals. It led to many laughs and an unforgettable experience, with the incredible staff preparing all the performances and food.
This trip was not just a passing-through experience. We connected meaningfully with the people and the place, and within our group, there was a genuine sense of community as families from around the world shared meals, laughter, and moments that will stay with us long after the trip.
Kids Sea Camp is great for single Moms
One of the most reassuring aspects of the journey was that we were never truly on our own, unless we wanted to be. That balance matters. Anyone who has traveled solo with a child knows how easily unknowns can pull attention away from both enjoyment and safety. With Kids Sea Camp, we’ve already accounted for those unknowns through decades of experience. The result is confidence and ease that let us focus on what truly matters: diving safely, spending quality time together, and fully enjoying the experience.
This balance became especially meaningful when Cash came down with a bug for a few days during the trip. Margo and Bigs immediately stepped up, helping coordinate a doctor coming directly to the room to see him. As a solo parent traveling internationally with my child, I found that level of advocacy and support to be a huge comfort and truly above and beyond.
The original Kids Sea Camp mom
The Kids Sea Camp leadership on our trip, including founder Margo Peyton, was exceptional. Margo is also a mom, and that perspective is woven into every detail of how Kids Sea Camp operates. With 26 years of experience, they have refined not just logistics, but care in creating an environment where families of every configuration are supported, guided, and able to be fully present.
Since he was very little, Cash has always been my favorite dive buddy. Taking that adventure to the next level, 60 feet below the surface, was profoundly meaningful for me. It brought pride, awe, gratitude, and a quiet awareness of how quickly time passes. Thanks to Kids Sea Camp and their incredible collaborators, including Bigs, I was not tasked with managing the experience. Memories made, for both Cash and me, we were fully living it.
Even for someone deeply familiar with adventure travel and expedition life, traveling with Kids Sea Camp is a hard act to follow – and truly one of a kind in the diving industry. For families considering scuba-centric travel with their kids, this experience is not just seamless. It is exceptional. (See Event Calendar)
Kids Sea Camp is genuinely something extraordinary. I’m grateful we got to be part of this experience.
Margo & Tom, Cash, and I would love to join another KSC adventure!
On to Buddy Dive Bonaire for Kids Sea Camp Thanksgiving!
All the Best,
Mehgan
MEHGAN HEANEY-GRIER
Freediver • Explorer • Storyteller
mehganheaneygrier.com
