Why Catalina Island Marine Institute
Why Choose CIMI?
Our Experience
We pride ourselves on providing a safe and supportive environment for campers to try new things and to become their best selves. CIMI maintains accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA), which involves a rigorous assessment process of over 100 health and safety standards. While we have learned a lot in our 40 years of experience, we continue to search for new activities to offer students, new practices for staff training, and new ways to improve our program so that we can continue making a positive difference in the lives of children.
Our Program
At CIMI, students are able to experience marine science in a way that cannot be duplicated by other outdoor science schools. What better way is there to study the ocean than to get in it?! Students will be surrounded by marine life while snorkeling, be able to observe organisms up-close in our experiential science labs, and build self-confidence by successfully paddling a kayak for the first time.
Our Locations
Our private locations in sheltered coves on the leeward side of Catalina Island allow us to offer marine science and ocean adventure activities in conditions that cannot be replicated anywhere else in southern California. Easy beach entry and calm ocean waters make snorkeling and kayaking a breeze! Dedicated marine science labs provide unique and thought-provoking settings for students to learn about marine life and science concepts.
Our People
CIMI staff are passionate about our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children. All instructors have bachelor’s degrees in marine science or a related field, so students are able to learn from the experts! All our staff go through an intensive interview process, with each applicant being interviewed by at least one of our directors. Additionally, all staff are background checked and thoroughly screened before being hired.
