Catalina Island Marine Institute

Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) is a hands-on outdoor science and ocean camp on Catalina. Offering school year and summer programs for kids since 1978.

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Night snorkeling at CIMI, experiencing the ocean after dark brings a completely different perspective to the island and the marine life below the surface.

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

A day in the water with CIMI! Clear conditions, calm seas, and an unforgettable snorkeling experience along the coast of Catalina!

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Exploring Catalina’s coast the CIMI way.

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

The years may pass but the sunbathing and ocean swims never get old! We are so lucky to have such a beautiful island and sea we get to explore.

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Nothing beats the views (and vibes) around the campfire at CIMI!

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

It's always a great day for a snorkel at CIMI!

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Day trip, touch tanks, tide pools, and time well spent. #CIMI

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Who remembers Cherry Cove? Throwback time! This photo shows the beach at Camp Cherry Valley, where Ross and Kristi launched Guided Discoveries while working with the Boy Scouts of America in the late 1970s (around 1977–1979).

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Observing colorful nudibranchs and other sea creatures during a hands-on lab at CIMI’s touch tanks. Students explore marine life up close

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Plankton Lab: Get up close and personal with the tiniest creatures of the sea!

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Scale the Night Rock Wall at CIMI! Test your skills, feel the thrill, and climb under the stars.

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

The ocean isn’t just studied, it’s experienced. At CIMI, students learn by seeing, touching, and exploring the sea firsthand.

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Board the boat in Long Beach, and before you know it, you’re at CIMI!

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

If you enjoyed your trip with your school, come back for an unforgettable summer! Catalina Sea Camp early bird savings are happening now.

Enroll by January 31 to save at the link!🐚 https://t.co/h7K8nLz3jr

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Work with your buddy to navigate the waves and discover the ocean, sea kayaking at its best!

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Nothing beats a night snorkel, an entire new world comes alive beneath the stars and sea!

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

CIMIS touch tanks provide students a hands on chance to explore the fascinating creatures of the sea!

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Plankton Lab: Get up close and personal with the tiniest creatures of the sea!

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

Snorkeling through the pristine waters of the Pacific right here at CIMI! 🌊✨

[Catalina Island Marine Institute @CIMI_Science]

We’re so excited for Spring 2026 to start soon! 🌞🌊
Here’s to a great spring season!