The Acadia Institute of Oceanography (AIO) is a marine science overnight camp on Mount Desert Island in Seal Harbor, Maine, running since 1975 for students ages 10–18. One- and two-week sessions are grouped by age—introductory, intermediate, and advanced—and explore the geology, physics, chemistry, and biology of the ocean through hands-on coastal fieldwork. Rising juniors and seniors can earn college credit in the advanced program.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact AIO directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Nolan DeckerThis is by far the best summer camp I’ve ever been to! There is so much to doo much to see! Definitely a five-star review.
★★★★★Jill CarterI went here back in the early 1990s! Just saw something online about it & im so glad it’s still around! So many good memories!!
★★★★★Lee LeeMy son LOVES this camp and it has given him such a deep understanding of our local Maine ecology. He is begging to go back! Highly recommend...they do a FABULOUS job of engaging kids with fun summer camp while they learning a LOT about the coast.
★★★★★DanMy son love AIO. He has been to the camp 2 times and we travel all the way from Tennessee to take him there. He saves and does whatever he can all year to be able to attend the camps. As a future Marine Science major he is getting exposure to things we cannot get at home and I am so thankful of the team.
★★★★★Malcolm CollinsI went to this place one summer . . . 10 years ago? Maybe longer Still have great memories of it. Did a good job putting me on track to become a scientist - which I sadly dropped as soon as I got into Stanford for an MBA and had my first company funded but I wouldn't have gotten there without having a strong science background to start.