30 March – 3 April 2026 (During School Holidays)
Are you always looking for holiday activities that do more than just “fill the time”. How about something that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and maybe even inspire a future career.
This year, Cape RADD is offering a week-long Marine School Holiday Program in Simon’s Town that turns the ocean into a classroom. It’s not just a camp; it’s an introduction to the world of marine biology and citizen science.
The Mission: Becoming a Citizen Scientist
Unlike a standard beach day, this program focuses on Citizen Science. Your child won’t just be looking at the ocean; they’ll be learning how to protect it. From identifying endemic shark species to analyzing underwater video footage, they’ll be contributing to real-world conservation efforts.
A Week of Adventure: What’s on the Agenda?
The program is a carefully balanced mix of “wet” and “dry” learning. Here is a glimpse of the 5-day journey:
- Day 1: Finding Their Fins. The week starts with team-building and a marine species workshop. Safety is a priority, so the afternoon is spent fitting gear and completing the SSI snorkel diver training course.
- Day 2: Coastal Explorers. Students head to the intertidal zones to explore rocky shores and learn about coastal biodiversity, followed by a purposeful beach clean.
- Day 3: The Great African Sea Forest. Students snorkel in the famous kelp forests and return to the lab for a fascinating microscope session analyzing shark egg cases.
- Day 4: The Ocean Safari. The team hits the high seas on a research vessel. They’ll deploy BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video) to see what’s lurking below and spend the afternoon analyzing the footage like professional biologists.
- Day 5: Making an Impact. The final day focuses on harbor conservation, by joining a community harbour clean and concludes with a certificate ceremony to celebrate their hard work.
The “Need-to-Know” Details
- Location: The Ocean Hub, 117 St Georges Street, Simon’s Town.
- Ages: Recommended for ages 8–16 (though they are open to exceptions if you have a particularly eager younger explorer!).
- Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Cost: ZAR 8000 per student.
- What to Bring: A packed lunch (or you can arrange for local suppliers), a swimming costume, sunscreen, a towel, and a sense of adventure!
Why Simon’s Town?
Simon’s Town is the gateway to False Bay, a global biodiversity hotspot. By basing the program here, Cape Radd gives students access to incredible marine life, from the “Marine Big 5” to the tiny, colorful nudibranchs that call our reefs home.
Ready to sign up? Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, hands-on experience for every student. You can contact us at info@caperadd.com or send a WhatsApp to +27 79 734 4883 to secure a spot.
Marine Holiday Program brochure, feel free to download and distribute.
