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Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp (CMEC)
The Essentials
- Age Range: 14-18
- Camp Term(s): Summer, October Half Term
- Camp Time Slot: All Day
- Camp Type(s): Art & Educational, Mixed Activities
About
The Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp (CMEC), is a one-week camp in Little Cayman in July/August, for young people age 14 to 18. An incredible opportunity for them to learn about and experience marine life in the Cayman Islands, spending time in the water, gaining knowledge about marine conservation and career paths in the science industry.
Self-paying options and scholarships are available for this camp.
Camp Fees
Summer Camp
Summer Holiday Camp Details
CMEC Summer Camp
Experience the marine world like never before! Spend a week of your summer holidays scuba diving and snorkeling at one of the world’s most stunning coral reefs. High school students (14-18 years old) will learn about tropical marine ecology and conservation. Learning from CCMI scientists and educators, no two days are the same as campers dive, snorkel, and explore a pristine reef system.
Students stay at the Little Cayman Research Centre, a remote field station, and learn first-hand about CCMI’s cutting-edge research from our expert team. Students take their classroom learning into the ocean as they follow CCMI’s research methods by conducting fish and coral surveys and laboratory experiments.
Campers gain a certificate of completion for attending the CMEC to add to their CVs, as well as a real insight into the industry. The programme also includes all the fun activities of a camp with beach games, kayaking, biking, beach bonfires, and exploring Little Cayman’s environment.
Both divers and non-divers are welcome.
Ocean Science Scholarships
For Caymanians and those with qualifying resident status.
CCMI is proud to offer scholarships to Caymanian students for the summer 2026 session at the CMEC, made possible through our Ocean Science Scholar programme with generous support from the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation.
Five fully funded scholarships: cover all expenses for a week-long, immersive learning experience at CCMI on Little Cayman (government school students only)
Three partially funded scholarships: participants pay US $700 for the CMEC week-long camp at CCMI (students attending school in the Cayman Islands)
Ocean Science Scholarships – requirements
- A permanent resident of the Cayman Islands or a Caymanian passport holder
- Aged 14-18 at the time of the CMEC programme
- Require financial assistance to attend
- Submit application to CCMI
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through 27th June 2026.
CMEC Scholarship Application Form
- Dates: Camp 1: 18th-24th July, Camp 2: 27th July-2nd August
$2,395 USD (flights and DAN insurance for scuba divers not included)
Other Annual Camps
CCMI offers fully-funded scholarships to local Caymanians aged 13–17 to attend a week-long Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp (CMEC) at the Little Cayman Research Centre during the fall half-term break (funding dependent). This all-expenses-paid experience gives students the unique opportunity to live and learn at a world-class marine research facility in Little Cayman.
For more information, contact education@reefresearch.org
Dates will be announced when funding for this opportunity is confirmed.
