Family Camp, Catalina Island, California

snorkeling at Family Camp

FAMILY VACATION DESTINATION:
JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU FAMILY CAMP,
CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA

Each summer since 1997, (except for 2020) Jean-Michel Cousteau, Dr. Richard Murphy, Holly Lohuis and the Ocean Futures team have come to Howlands Landing for a 5-day, 4-night family camp adventure.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp is a five-day adventure for families with kids of all ages. Held at Howlands Landing on the west end of Catalina Island, and hosted by Catalina Island Camps and Ocean Futures Society, 20 to 25 families come together for five days and four nights with Jean-Michel Cousteau, Dr. Richard Murphy and the staff of Catalina Island Camps. Parents, children, and family members along with new and old friends spend their days and nights having fun and learning about the wonders of the ocean. Family Camp is a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy being together in a beautiful place and participant in a wide variety of activities both in the ocean and on land.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp is held once each summer in August. Cabins are simple one-room buildings with electric lights and bunk beds for 12 people. Restrooms and hot showers are located nearby. Meals are eaten outside under the shade of our dining area. Camp serves plenty of good food with hot entrees, children’s choices, vegetarian options and plenty of fresh fruit and salad. Camp staff lead activities throughout the day or if you prefer, you can relax in a beach chair with your favorite book.

Each cabin reservation includes roundtrip travel from San Pedro to Catalina, lodging, food and the Family Camp program for up to six people. For an additional cost, you can add up to six more people to your cabin. All equipment needed for each activity is available, including wetsuits, masks, fins, snorkels, kayaks, sailboats, lifejackets and beach towels. The camp also has a tennis and basketball court, soccer field, ping pong tables and tether ball poles. Families with sail or powerboats may attend Family Camp and stay on their own boat in Howlands Landing. Catalina staff will help you with mooring arrangements and you are then welcome to use all the shore facilities and enjoy the great program.

Families can drive to the Catalina Express terminal in San Pedro or fly into Los Angeles International Airport and take a shuttle from there. The boat leaves from San Pedro around noon. Our return trip arrives back in San Pedro in the late afternoon. Exact times will be part of the Family Camp packet mailed in July.

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