Saved the best summer camp for last this summer. My son is going into first grade so this was our first summer of summer camps and we tested out 6 different ones. This was leaps and bounds above all the others. I had walked by it last summer on a walk and immediately set a reminder in my phone to sign my son up for this summer. It isn't just how well organized it is and the fact that the kids are outside in the water learning new things and challenging themselves every day, it's the way the director/owner (and all the counselors) speak to the children. It's exactly how you'd want someone leading your child while they are away from home - they teach respect, are firm in holding the kids accountable for behavior, but all in the name of having a positive experience. We will absolutely be signing him up here next year for at least half of the summer. They offer full day and half day, we did full day (8-4), but I ended up picking him up around 2 a couple of the days just because it was so hot out. I have heard the counselors consistently encourage and actively ensure the kids drink water and reapply sunscreen and you can tell they genuinely care about each and every kid. This is only my son's third day and he's already bonded with the staff and talks about Matty (the owner) multiple times a day. He's never been on any board other than a boogie board and within 1 hour on his first day he was paddling out on his own on a paddle board. I can just see his confidence beaming from this camp. Thank you! read more

This is my favorite summer camp in Long Beach. My kids came home more confident, excited, and exhausted. They are true "watermen" and will be returning this summer. read more

My 8 yo son said this was the most fun he had this summer! The staff is so professional with the kids, friendly and attentive to them. We're coming back this year! read more

My daughters did the Summer Seal Training Camp at Anderson St and absolutely loved it! Swimming, boogie boards, games! I felt comfortable leaving them, the trainers were hands on and stayed with my younger daughter the entire time she was in the water. it was blast for the kids and great experience before they start Junior Guards. read more

We love Aqualand!! One of the best camps in Long Beach. The staff is amazing, they know the kids name by the end of the first day. They really seem to love what they do and it shows. Three years of attending and my daughter looks forward to going back next summer. read more

It is incredible to watch the growth in the children from day one to last day of the camp. These campers truly learn what it takes to be a true waterman learning all the basic skills needed but most importantly learning to respect the ocean. Not only is this camp super fun and high energy, it truly is what our kids need these days. To be a little tougher with the elements. We love Aqualand and highly recommend! The staff is incredible! read more

Aqualand - Summer Camps Near Me

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Coach Matty and his Aqualand crew share their love of the water and how to safely navigate it through sport. From the ocean to the bay, and even the sand and streets between, Coach Matty always has a progression in mind for how he can help campers become better surfers, and feel confident in the water all while having a blast. To be taught by an expert waterman who truly understands and respects the water is the greatest security when sending your child off to surf camp. And they even do crafts! Aqualand is truly a homegrown family business and the gold standard for our our city. read more

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Seal Training is awesome!!!! My 8-year-old loved it! She's not much into sports, but this camp was different than anything we've ever tried. She loved being in the ocean, and the staff was VERY knowledgeable about ocean conditions and waterman skills. Jenna and Chris were out there in the ocean with the kiddos the whole time, showing them the ropes, helping them ride the waves on boogie boards, and having fun with the kids. For those kids who were more timid, there was always the option to hang back closer to the shoreline, and there was a 3rd staff member there to work with those kids. Aqualand provided everything needed--boogie boards, an inflatable boat to push into the waves on the final day of the week, even zinc oxide sunsticks to keep the kids from burning. I would highly recommend this camp--very, very fun! read more

Aqualand - Summer Camps Near Me

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My daughter just completed Spring break at the Aqualand camp. It was such an amazing experience. The staff was great. They made all kids feel included and had fun and engaging activities planned. I highly recommend Aqualand. read more

Just finished a week of surf camp with Baja Bryan. Great location, great selection of boards but most importantly a great group of camp leaders from the adults to the kids. My daughter was one of the youngest and everyone kept an eye on her whether she was swimming out in the ocean or surfing the waves and getting tossed! Even the older camp kids made sure she didn't get too tired or came ashore with a buddy. Awesome vibes! We will be back for the holiday breaks! read more

Best surf camp in the area. Hands down. Plus it's a small local family business. We've done other surf camps in Huntington Beach in past summers and my kids always came home not so happy. My oldest son would even make excuses to try to miss camp. But not with Aqualand! Both my kids had a blast. Would come home happy, refreshed, and proud every day (not defeated or frustrated). They surfed confidently the whole week and they can't wait to go back another week and next summer. The Aqualand crew, Bryan and Ella and the owners, truly are instilling a sense of love and respect for the ocean and surfing. That means so much to me. Thank you. read more

Thank you so much for the inspiration, education, fitness, and FUN you provided this week. My child had a great time and is proud of her paddling/board/water skills.  Your photos, enthusiasm and patience are invaluable!!  We love you!! read more

My kids LOVE this camp. It's a good mix of land and water activities. My kids always walk away with smiles on their face.

Aqualand has become a second family for us! Matty and Leslie, the owners, are wonderful and ensure that all kids are having fun while learning waterman skills. We found this gem a couple years ago and it is our favorite! If you are looking for a water sport camp for your child/children this is the one! read more

Aqualand is my favorite youth activity to endorse for many meaningful reasons. In 2020 my children (ages 4 & 6) were emotionally rebuilding post my cancer journey, when suddenly the world shut down. Two 2 months of isolation was then destroying the gains we had made developmentally; until a friend told me about Aqualand. My kids joined Aqualand in June 2020 and it was absolutely the best investment I could have made. Aqualand is all things watermen sports related, however they are sO much more than that. I like to descried Aqualand as a Leadership investment in your children. My kids have gained confidence in themselves, awareness of teamwork vs. individual competition, sportsmanship, bravery, kindness, commitment; I could go on and on and on... Aqualand's staff is like a built in mentorship of morals, values, respect, integrity, character... My kids love all the water activities they've learned over the years with Aqualand; they have gained a ton of knowledge and skill! . Most of all, my kids adore the owner's and instructors they have been blessed to experience and learn from. We are grateful for Aqualand of the Free, to us they are Family:) read more

I am always on the lookout for a good summer camp that gets my both my kids outdoors and active. I have a tween girl and a teenage boy and getting them outside and away from their electronics is often a struggle. My daughter is a water baby who has always enjoyed boogie boarding but has been asking to learn to surf for awhile. My son boogie boards also but prefers to be on shore scavenging for interesting things that wash up. Finding something that makes them both happy is always a challenge. Luckily for me and the kids, Aqualand's Surf Camp was a perfect fit! The kids both thoroughly enjoyed spending the summer at the beach learning to surf. During breaks my son had fun collecting stuff along the shore. Both kids couldn't say enough good things about surf instructor Baja Bryan. He was fun and supportive and even helped us figure out what wetsuits to buy so the kids wouldn't be so cold in the water. Lesley (owner) was also incredibly helpful with the registration process. She really went above and beyond to ensure everything was right. We were all sad to see the summer and Surf Camp come to and end. I highly recommend you give Aqualand a shot if you are looking for a great summer camp run by caring and engaged owners! read more