Catalina Island Marine Institute

It's always a great day for a snorkel at CIMI!

Day trip, touch tanks, tide pools, and time well spent. #CIMI

Who remembers Cherry Cove? Throwback time! This photo shows the beach at Camp Cherry Valley, where Ross and Kristi launched Guided Discoveries while working with the Boy Scouts of America in the late 1970s (around 1977–1979).

Observing colorful nudibranchs and other sea creatures during a hands-on lab at CIMI’s touch tanks. Students explore marine life up close

Plankton Lab: Get up close and personal with the tiniest creatures of the sea!

Scale the Night Rock Wall at CIMI! Test your skills, feel the thrill, and climb under the stars.

The ocean isn’t just studied, it’s experienced. At CIMI, students learn by seeing, touching, and exploring the sea firsthand.

Board the boat in Long Beach, and before you know it, you’re at CIMI!

If you enjoyed your trip with your school, come back for an unforgettable summer! Catalina Sea Camp early bird savings are happening now. Enroll by January 31 to save at the link!🐚 buff.ly/0C2Wt4Q

Work with your buddy to navigate the waves and discover the ocean, sea kayaking at its best!

Nothing beats a night snorkel, an entire new world comes alive beneath the stars and sea!

CIMIS touch tanks provide students a hands on chance to explore the fascinating creatures of the sea!

Plankton Lab: Get up close and personal with the tiniest creatures of the sea!

Snorkeling through the pristine waters of the Pacific right here at CIMI! 🌊✨

We’re so excited for Spring 2026 to start soon! 🌞🌊 Here’s to a great spring season!

Happy New Year! We look forward to an exciting year welcoming schools and students to discover the wonders of the ocean.

Thank you to our students, schools, chaperones, and parents for making 2025 amazing! We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026!

High ropes at CIMI!

Our rock wall challenges students to climb with confidence, work as a team, and push past their limits, all while having fun in a safe and supportive environment.

Science hits different when the ocean is your classroom! #CIMI #MarineScience