Two-Day Holiday Camp on the Indian River Lagoon — Kayaking, Fishing and Mangrove Discovery

NEW SMYRNA BEACH FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Two-Day Holiday Camp on the Indian River Lagoon — Kayaking, Fishing and Mangrove Discovery

A two-day school holiday program in New Smyrna Beach that puts 9–12 year‑olds on a pontoon boat, in kayaks and feet‑wet on restored salt marshes to learn local ecology.

Two-Day Holiday Camp on the Indian River Lagoon — Kayaking, Fishing and Mangrove Discovery.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
New Smyrna Beach
Operator
Marine Discovery Center
Category
Fishing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Spend two days exploring the Indian River Lagoon with Marine Discovery Center instructors: campers board the pontoon boat The Discovery, cruise to islands and mangrove fringes, fish and kayak, and return to campus for hands‑on science activities and salt‑marsh exploration.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WATERWAYS

Pontoon Cruises to Island Habitats

Mornings include embarking on The Discovery to visit islands such as Disappearing Island, where campers explore mangrove forests and meet resident critters of the Indian River Lagoon.

THE SKILLS

Fishing and Kayaking for Young Anglers

Multi‑day sessions add hands‑on fishing and kayaking, giving campers practical time on the water under instructor guidance as they learn about lagoon life.

THE CAMP

Campus Science and Salt‑Marsh Exploration

Back at MDC Main Campus campers run experiments aligned with Florida Science Standards, make nature‑themed crafts, and explore a restored salt marsh between water outings.

What the day feels like

What Two Days Feels Like

Days are structured around the water and the classroom: mornings aboard The Discovery and at nearby islands, afternoons at MDC Main Campus for experiments, arts and crafts, nature walks and restored salt‑marsh exploration. Instructors guide small groups through kayaking, fishing and hands‑on ecology lessons designed for school holiday timing.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this camp suits — and who should reconsider.

1
9–12‑Year‑Old CampersDesigned specifically for ages 9–12, the program matches developmental levels for paddling, fishing and classroom science activities.
2
Active, Water‑Curious KidsKids who enjoy hands‑on time on boats, kayaks and shorelines will thrive; activities emphasize feet‑wet exploration and outdoor skills.
3
Parents Seeking Structured Holiday CareCamp hours run during the school day, offering a supervised, educational outdoor program across the holiday break.
4
Families Needing Accessibility ConsiderationsBecause the program includes boat and water activities and requires closed‑toe water shoes, families with limited mobility or severe water anxieties should evaluate suitability with the operator.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Pack a waste‑free lunch and snack, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, swimwear, towel, closed‑toe water shoes (required) and a change of dry clothes and sneakers.

Food & Personal Items

Campers should bring their own lunch and snacks and a refillable water bottle; plan for wet activities and a dry change of clothes.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the camp each day?

Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

What is the price per camper?

The cost is $100 per camper.

When is payment due and what is the cancellation policy?

Payment is required at the time of reservation; cancellations must be made two weeks in advance to receive a refund.

Is there a minimum number of campers to use the boat?

For single‑day holiday camps a minimum of eight campers must be booked for the boat to be utilized during camp.

What activities will my child do?

Activities include pontoon boat cruises to islands, mangrove and salt‑marsh exploration, fishing, kayaking (on multi‑day camps), and shore‑based science experiments and crafts.