Summer Explorers
Tuition-Based Summer Camps
-
Duration
Multiple Days
-
Grades
6 - 12
-
Price
Varies by Camp; $450-1,800
-
Where
Main Aquarium Campus,
In the Field
Overview
The National Aquarium's Summer Explorers program offers overnight summer experiences in the field. Guided by the National Aquarium's expert staff of education specialists, campers will explore the world of animal care at the Aquarium and investigate conservation work happening on our campus and beyond.
Pricing
Camp pricing is per camper and varies based on the type of experience. Full descriptions of the individual programs and respective costs can be found under the 2026 Camps section.
National Aquarium members receive a reduced rate per camper; these prices are also listed with the 2026 Camp descriptions.
Registration Information
Summer Explorers' participation will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for each camp will remain open until the program's start date. Campers may also sign up for a waitlist, but this does not guarantee slots will become available.
Registration Terms and Conditions
- A 50% nonrefundable deposit is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due by May 1, 2026. Reminders for payment will be sent ahead of the due date.
- Registrations received after May 1, 2026, must be paid in full.
- A camper's spot will be forfeited if full payment is not received by May 15, 2026.
Cancellation Policy
In the event a camper cannot participate after registering, cancellations must be received a minimum of four weeks, or 20 business days, before the program's start date for a partial refund of 25%. Refunds for cancellations received within four weeks of a program's start date will not be given. Partial refunds for missed days of camp will not be issued. If the National Aquarium must cancel a camp program, all participants will receive a full refund.
Contact
Please get in touch with us at Camps@aqua.org with any questions about camp programs or registration.
2026 Camps
Date: July 13 to 17, 2026
Price: $1,800 per person
Member Price: $1,700 per person
Cape Cod is known for being one of the best oceanographic research hubs on the East Coast. Travel with us to Cape Cod to learn about sharks, ocean currents, waves, careers in oceanography/ocean science, and cutting-edge studies conducted at leading research institutions. We will get to know the people and organizations furthering our understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants, and explore the nooks and crannies of the Cape! Camp lodging will be at the Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville, Massachusetts. This summer camp includes round-trip airfare from BWI, transportation to and from Cape Cod, lodging and meals. Three Aquarium educators and an EMT lead this camp.
A required pre-trip meeting for this camp will be held at the National Aquarium on June 27, 2026.
Date: June 17 to 19, 2026
Price: $750 per person
Member Price: $675 per person
Students must be between 15 and 18 years old at the time of camp to participate.
Are you interested in the world of animal rescue? Join us as we explore how National Aquarium Animal Rescue prepares to handle a diverse array of rescue cases. Behind-the-scenes experiences and hands-on activities will give you the inside scoop on the process, from rescue to release. This three-day, two-night camp includes one overnight at the Aquarium and round-trip van transportation to and from Salisbury University, where we will spend our second overnight learning from experts and exploring Maryland's Eastern Shore. Meals for two nights are also included. Three Aquarium educators lead this camp, with medically trained personnel present on location.
If a rescued animal is currently residing at the Aquarium, campers may have the opportunity to observe Animal Rescue activities. However, campers will not be assisting with the care or rehabilitation of patients. All activities are supervised and follow strict safety and conservation guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful experience for both campers and recuperating animals.
Date: July 9 to 10, 2026
Price: $450 per person
Member Price: $405 per person
Students must be between 12 and 15 years old at the time of camp to participate.
Are you fond of creatures of the scaly or feathered variety? Join the National Aquarium on an overnight experience all about reptiles, amphibians and birds! With behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on activities, and meetings with Animal Care staff, you're guaranteed to learn something new. It's the perfect camp whether you're planning a career as a zoologist or simply eager to explore what makes these animals unique! This two-day camp is led by three National Aquarium educators and includes one overnight at the Aquarium, plus meals.
Date: July 20 to 21, 2026
Price: $450 per person
Member Price: $405 per person
Students must be between 12 and 15 years old at the time of camp to participate.
Discover the world of dolphins during this Aquarium overnight experience! These playful and intelligent animals have long captured our attention, so join us for a program filled with behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on activities, and a meet-and-greet with some of our marine mammal trainers. From delving into the methods of training behaviors to their diets, you're bound to learn something new. This two-day camp is led by three National Aquarium educators and includes one overnight at the Aquarium, plus meals.
Date: July 22 to 23, 2026
Price: $450 per person
Member Price: $405 per person
Students must be between 12 and 15 years old at the time of camp to participate.
Dive into the depths of marine science on an overnight experience all about sharks and fishes! See how these cartilaginous and bony fishes have adapted to their watery domain with behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on activities and meetings with Aquarium experts. Whether you're fascinated by fish, or you're considering a career as an aquarist, this is the camp for you! This two-day program is led by three National Aquarium educators and includes one overnight at the Aquarium, plus meals.
Date: July 27 to 28, 2026 or July 29 to 30, 2026
Price: $600 per person
Member Price: $540 per person
Students must be between 16 and 18 years old at the time of camp to participate.
Have you ever wanted to experience the life of a shark biologist? Join Aquarium educators on this overnight excursion, immersing yourself in the world of elasmobranch research. Explore the coastal marshes, dunes, and grasslands near Ocean City, Maryland, and hop aboard a research vessel for a shark tagging cruise to hear from shark biologists directly about their projects. This overnight camp includes round-trip van transportation to and from Ocean City, one night's lodging at Salisbury University and meals. Three Aquarium educators lead this camp.
While campers may have the opportunity to observe or assist with shark tagging if a shark is encountered, we cannot guarantee that they will catch a shark during their time at camp. Shark sightings depend on many natural factors. All activities are supervised and follow strict safety and conservation guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful experience for both campers and marine life.
Date: August 5 to 7, 2026
Price: $750 per person
Member Price: $675 per person
Students must be between 15 and 18 years old at the time of camp to participate.
Calling all tide turners! Do you have a passion for marine conservation? Become part of the action that is protecting Maryland's at-risk ecosystems. Discover the inspiration behind the National Aquarium's Harbor Wetland, go behind the scenes of Horn Point's oyster hatchery, meet with experts and more as we explore critical conservation efforts. This three-day, two-night camp spends one overnight in the National Aquarium and includes round-trip van transportation to and from Salisbury University, where we will spend one overnight participating in local conservation efforts that are restoring our waterways. Meals for two nights are included. Three Aquarium educators lead this camp, with medically trained personnel present on location.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
The Summer Explorers program and the National Aquarium strive to create a welcoming environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.