LEARN. LOVE. PROTECT.
Let Curiosity Lead
Ecological Marine Adventures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting our community with the ocean through hands-on educational programs, marine science experiences, and community outreach in the heart of Surf City, NC.
Upcoming Events
Winter Coat Drive!
Join Ecological Marine Adventures for our Winter Coat Drive! This community event gives gently used winter coats a second life through a sustainable, pay-it-forward shopping experience. Donate a gently used jacket, volunteer to help families find the perfect fit, or stop by to “shop” for a coat your family needs. All are welcome! Help us keep our community warm while giving winter coats a second chance.
November 14th | 10 AM–12 PM
106 N. Topsail Drive, Surf City, NC
Coffee and hot cocoa will be provided by Diver Surfside Cafe!
Holiday shopping is fun, but adventure is better! (Okay, maybe we're a little biased )
Need a few hours to tackle your holiday shopping list? Drop your kiddos off with us for an afternoon of holiday-themed fun while you shop, wrap, and get things checked off your list!
Our Drop + Shop event will be filled with festive activities, hands-on adventures, and plenty of fun with our EMA crew. Plus, we'll take care of lunch with pizza included!
Dates:
- November 28th
- December 19th
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Location: 106 N Topsail Drive, Surf City
Cost: $35 per kiddo (includes pizza lunch!)
Let us entertain the kiddos while you enjoy a little holiday shopping time!
Kids Vendor MArket
Come out and support the creativity of our local young entrepreneurs at EMA’s Kids Create for Conservation Vendor Market! This kid-led market will feature one-of-a-kind creations made by children, from handmade jewelry and artwork to crochet, crafts, personalized gifts, and more. It's a great opportunity to shop unique, handmade items while encouraging kids to explore their creativity, build business skills, and share their talents with the community. Every purchase helps support the next generation of creators!
December 12, 2026
10 AM–2 PM
We are still accepting young vendors!
Looking for something fun and educational for your kids during winter break? Join Ecological Marine Adventures for our Winter Camps, where every day brings a NEW science topic to explore!
From waddling penguins to giant blue whales and mysterious Greenland sharks, we're diving into some of the coolest creatures and environments on Earth!
Our campers will participate in crafts, exciting experiments, outdoor exploration, and plenty of opportunities to learn about the amazing world around them!
Camp Details:
Time: 9 AM–2 PM
Cost: $65 per day
Late Stay: Available until 4 PM
Whether your child loves animals, enjoys hands-on science, or just wants an exciting way to spend winter break, there's an adventure waiting for them at EMA!
Come learn, explore, and discover with us this winter!
Fall Break CAmp!
Join us for an exciting Fall Break Camp with Ecological Marine Adventures! This fall, campers will become coastal detectives as they investigate two local mysteries through hands-on exploration and discovery. On Wednesday, we'll head to the beach to solve the mystery of the Beachside Blues, and on Friday, we'll explore the marsh to uncover the source of some mysterious stinky smells! Each day will be filled with wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, clues, and plenty of science along the way.
November 25th & 27th | 9 AM–2 PM
Late stay option available until 4 PM.
