Sea Mates

Intermediate Programs Ages 9-14 Intermediate Programs Ages 9-14

Hey, Sea Mates - get ready to journey through time and space as we analyze how the forces of nature have created coastal habitats. You and your mates will use the tools of meteorologists, oceanographers, and paleontologists to explore our coastline and document how it has changed over time.

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What will student explore and Discover?

Investigate the effects of the sun and moon on water.
Discover how water, wind, and waves change our landscape.
Identify adaptations of resilient coastal species.
Use the tools of paleontologists to learn about the geologic past along our coast.
Travel by boat to study a dynamic barrier island and the animals that live there.
Explore the beach zone on a boogie board and marsh with a snorkel while conducting fun hands-on science investigations.

Program Dates, Tuition & Registration

Sea Mates Program Dates, Tuition & Registration
Ages	9 - 10 (must have completed 3rd grade and turn 9 by the start of the program)
Staff/Student Ratio	1:10
Schedule	Commuter: Monday - Friday Overnight: Sunday - Friday
Time	Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 3:45 PM Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Overnight Check-in/out	Sunday 3:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM
Summer Session	Week 1: June 8 - 13, 2025 FULL Week 7: July 20 - 25, 2025 FULL
Academic Fee	$430
Optional Overnight Fee	$810 Total Cost: Academic + Overnight = $1,240 LEARN MORE
Location	UNCW Campus - TBD
Registration	You must register two weeks prior to the start of the program.

*Note that prices, content, dates, and times are subject to change without notice

Frequently Asked Program Questions

What can my student expect during the overnight program?

MarineQuest's overnight option gives students a full summer program experience. During our overnight programs, students will build community and develop leadership skills that are important for scientists and engineers.

After the day's activities, students will have about an hour of free time before dinner to call home, clean up, or just rest. MarineQuest overnight students will eat dinner in one of UNCW's cafeteria locations. Following dinner, there are about 2 hours of scheduled group activities.

Stay Overnight with marineQuest

My Child Will Need To Fly To Wilmington To Attend The Program. How Do I Make This Happen?

The MarineQuest staff is more than happy to pick up and drop off students at ILM. An airline request form is required. In some instances, we do have an additional charge

More Airport transportation info

How Are Instructors Chosen for MarineQuest?

Most MarineQuest program educators are marine scientists pursuing or have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degree in a marine science discipline. Also, we hire teachers who have a passion for marine science education. We search through 100+ staff candidates to identify a summer team with experience working with youth, marine science and hold safety certifications including first aid, lifeguard, and more.

We are proud to have a team that is highly trained in both safety and marine science. Each staff member passes a criminal background check before hiring, is First Aid certified, passes a DMV check if they are driving, and is lifeguard certified if required by their position.