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Both locals and visitors, alike, have described Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island as the most elite and desirable cove on the island. There is definitely something special about this spot, with its tropical like emerald bluish-green water, to the world class facilities and breathtaking natural scenery.

Why Emerald Bay Is The Most Desirable Cover on Catalina

Emerald Bay has been rated as one of the top three dive locations in California and among the most desirable spots for both scuba diving and snorkeling in the whole world. This is due to the awesome bio diversity that surrounds the cove, with lush kelp forests, rocky reefs and sandy bottom ecosystems.

This is a real treasure for first time snorkelers, whom get the chance to see many different species of marine life, from Garabaldi, kelp bass, Sheepshead, opaleye, and other fish, to leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish, bat rays, angel sharks, horn sharks, and plenty others.

Sometimes students get the opportunity to play with sea lions, which are just as curious about the children as they are of them. Such interactions with nature and wildlife impart a deep love and appreciation for the natural world of marine sciences.

An Outdoor Education Program Unlike Any Other

Mountain and Sea Adventure’s (MSA) program at Emerald Bay is unlike any other program on Catalina, or the whole world, as it combines actual hands-on field biology research with character building. Students have the chance to participate in activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking, that push them to the boundaries of their comfort zones. The MSA staff encourages and supports each student, and utilizes such challenges as an opportunity to impart character and display altruistic values, such as courage, perseverance, and environmental stewardship.

MSA’s program displays how field science can becomes a chance for students to explore the natural world more deep, and immerse themselves more fully in experiencing their environment.

Building Character in Youth

In the process of going beyond their previous limitations and what they considered possible for themselves, the self-esteem and self-image of each student is greatly improved. Courage is taken up again and again to break all fears, inhibitions and aversions, allowing students to prove to themselves that they truly can achieve what ever they set their minds on, and are capable of achieving greatness in any area of life they chose.

By the end of their camp experience, each student has gained a valuable perspective on life – that they can become what ever they chose, and can attain whatever goals they set their sights on.