THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A high-energy, five-day teen camp on Topsail Island that mixes snorkeling, paddleboarding, a waterpark day, zoo visits, and hands-on marine science. Small groups, full-day field trips, and conservation-minded instruction make this an ideal coastal crash-course for ages 12–16.
A high-energy, five-day teen camp on Topsail Island that mixes snorkeling, paddleboarding, a waterpark day, zoo visits, and hands-on marine science. Small groups, full-day field trips, and conservation-minded instruction make this an ideal coastal crash-course for ages 12–16.
Book with Ecological Marine Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ecological Marine Adventures · Surf City, North Carolina
The Mako Project: SPECIAL EDITION is a five-day teen adventure camp based at 106 N Topsail Drive on Topsail Island, North Carolina. Designed for ages 12–16, the program stitches snorkeling, paddleboarding, waterpark splashes, zoo exploration, and hands-on science projects into a single action-packed week. Each day focuses on a different outdoor theme: from a DIY carnivorous plant garden and bowling to reef-side snorkeling, roller skating, Jungle Rapids waterpark thrills, Lynwood Park Zoo visits, paddleboarding in the marsh, light marsh fishing, and a private look inside the Topsail Aquarium. What makes this camp stand out is its balance of guided skills, safe outdoor exposure, and community-building. Small groups (12 campers) give instructors room to teach paddle technique, snorkeling basics, and simple conservation lessons while building confidence. The program emphasizes experiential learning — teens plant carnivorous species to learn about unique coastal ecosystems, then observe local fish and invertebrates at the aquarium to connect classroom ideas with living systems. Practical logistics are streamlined. Check-in and meet-up happen at the listed meeting point; parents supply lunches while all activities and admissions are covered in the camp fee. Typical days run like full-day field trips, so expect active, stand-up time on the water and walking between sites. The week suits teens who are comfortable in the water and ready for a varied schedule rather than a single-discipline outdoor clinic. The landscape around Topsail Island is part barrier spit and part tidal marsh, with sandy beaches, maritime forest patches, and shallow estuaries that shelter juvenile fish and birds. Geologically these barrier islands shift with storms and tides, offering a living classroom about coastal dynamics. Wildlife highlights include shorebirds on the beach and small estuarine fishes encountered while snorkeling or during marsh fishing. Safety and stewardship are woven into activities: instructors teach simple Leave No Trace principles for beaches and responsible interactions with zoo and aquarium habitats. For families, this week is ideal if you want a condensed taste of coastal outdoor skills, marine biology touchpoints, and day-by-day variety that keeps teenagers engaged. Whether teens are discovering the thrill of their first paddleboard glide, constructing a plant terrarium, or spotting a flounder while snorkeling, The Mako Project packs curriculum, supervision, and outdoor freedom into five unforgettable days on Topsail Island. Leaders prioritize clear communication with families, provide certified lifeguards during water sessions, and adjust activities for weather so campers stay productive and safe. Parents appreciate daily updates and photo galleries that show progress and smiles. Cost covers all admissions; bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a packed lunch. Book early—spaces are limited to a dozen campers per week, and this special edition fills quickly for summer sessions along North Carolina’s coast. Reserve a spot today online
This special edition is designed for teens aged 12–16.
Basic comfort in the water is recommended; instructors teach snorkeling fundamentals but campers should be able to swim and float with confidence.
Camp fees cover all activities, admissions, and instruction. Families must supply lunches.
Group size is limited to 12 campers to ensure focused instruction and safety.
Leaders adjust activities for weather—indoor alternatives or rescheduling of water sessions are communicated in advance.
Logistics are organized by staff; meet-up is at 106 N Topsail Drive and daily transport between venues is included in the program.
Ecological Marine Adventures is a Surf City, North Carolina business that offers hands-on marine education and outdoor experiences for children and families. Founded to connect kids with local coastal ecosystems, the organization runs a variety of programs including boat tours, single-day themed classes, multi-day camps, homeschool science sessions, toddler Sea School classes, and birthday parties. Programs listed include the Boat Tour: Island Adventure, Guppies Single Day classes such as Totally Tubular! and Sea Turtles 101, Sea Squirt multi-day classes, EMA Homeschool Science Classes, Sea School Program Spoonbill class, seasonal Fall Break and Winter classes, and a free community Story Time. Activities focus on specimen collection, experiments, animal encounters, coastal exploration, and creative arts. Boat trips cruise the Intracoastal Waterway and emphasize shoreline ecology, with opportunities to spot dolphins, ospreys, and find shark teeth and shells. Toddler and preschool classes are tailored to ages three to five, while homeschool and single-day classes serve children ages five to twelve. Birthday party options include fishing, shark tooth hunting, and aquarium-based celebrations for groups up to thirty guests. Instructors use hands-on, age-appropriate learning to build curiosity, observational skills, and environmental awareness in a safe, supervised setting. Sessions take place at local marshes, beaches, and a microscope lab when noted. A free Story Time program is offered on select Tuesday mornings at 10am for families with children under eleven. Ecological Marine Adventures emphasizes experiential learning rooted in local coastal ecology, making it a choice for families and educators seeking outdoor science activities in Surf City.
Book with Ecological Marine Adventures