Carolina Ocean Studies

Home
United States
Carolina Beach, NC
Carolina Ocean Studies

Discover the Wonder of the Carolina coast on a field trip with Carolina Ocean Studies! The places we visit are part of our nation's natural treasures.

Founded in 1992, Carolina Ocean Studies has shared the wonder of the Carolina coast with thousands of children and adults. We take groups to magnificent barrier islands and ocean reefs for thrilling environmental education. The sea's wonders are revealed when participants go fishing, crabbing, clamming and exploring remote beaches. Shackleford Banks has one of the largest populations of wild hors

es in the Eastern United States. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse has been warning ships of North Carolina's infamous shoals for over 150 years. The pristine and secluded beaches of Masonboro Island bring both awe and solace to its visitors. Our school programs are curriculum-based and are conducted by experienced instructors, many of whom have years of classroom experience. Each year we take over 25,000 students on educational programs. Teachers have been recommending our cruises for 20 years. While our organization primarily caters to school groups, we also work with scout, senior, church, and 4-H groups. We will adapt our cruises to your group's specific needs. All of our programs take place on vessels that are regularly inspected and certified by the United States Coast Guard. Most of our boats range in size from 60 to 85 feet.

08/15/2026

Students gathered around our instructor to explore the natural history and science of North Carolina’s beaches. Students learned how waves, tides, wind, and storms shape the shoreline, how sand is transported along the coast, and how dunes and barrier islands change over time. They also examined the connections between geology, plants, animals, and coastal habitats. Field experiences like this allow students to observe coastal processes firsthand, ask scientific questions, and connect classroom concepts to a dynamic ecosystem. Almost field trip season!

07/29/2026

Nothing beats the excitement of a first catch! Last week, our students hit the shoreline and tried their hand at surf fishing, and it didn’t take long before they reeled in a feisty pinfish! These small but mighty fish are a perfect introduction to coastal ecosystems, helping students learn about bait, feeding habits, and life along the surf zone. These fun rod-bending fish get their name from the sharp spines on their dorsal fins, great for defense against predators!

07/25/2026

Getting lost in the curiosity of the marsh! This young scientist set out to build her very own ecosystem, carefully selecting shells, marsh grasses, tidal water, and tiny organisms to recreate the delicate balance of a coastal habitat. Hands-on experiences like this help elementary students connect classroom lessons to the real world while encouraging curiosity, teamwork, and a love for science!

07/22/2026

What a monster in the marsh! On a recent field trip to Masonboro Island, students got hands-on with one of the most important species in our estuaries: the male blue crab (aka a “jimmy,” recognized by his bright blue claws and a carapace over 6 inches!). Students learned about food webs, predator-prey relationships, estuarine ecosystems, adaptations️, and real-world connections to NC coastal fisheries. Let's go explore the beauty of our state's magnificent barrier islands!

07/17/2026

Raise your hand if you're excited for a field trip! Nothing says “best day ever” like a group of students raising their hands, eager to jump in, ask questions, and be part of the experience on a field trip with Carolina Ocean Studies. Whether they’re volunteering for the next activity or sharing what they’ve discovered, that enthusiasm is what hands-on learning is all about!

07/14/2026

Students explored the expansive tidal flats of Shackleford Banks with our instructors, wading through shallow waters and uncovering a hidden world beneath their feet. From burrowing organisms to tracks left behind by marine life, every discovery told a story about this dynamic coastal ecosystem. Tidal flats are coastal areas that are submerged at high tide, exposed at low tide, and are rich in nutrients, making them one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. Many animals like clams, worms, and crabs live buried in the sediment to stay safe and moist. Shorebirds rely on tidal flats as feeding grounds, using their beaks to probe for food in the mud. Come out with us on a field trip and let's go see what mysteries we can find!

07/11/2026

During our Shackleford Banks Adventure field trip, students have the incredible opportunity to observe the wild Banker ponies in their natural habitat! These horses have been living on the island for more than 400 years and have adapted to life on a barrier island, drinking from freshwater lenses beneath the sand and grazing on tough marsh grasses. We also emphasized how to safely and responsibly view wildlife: always keep a distance (at least 50 feet), never feed or approach the horses, and respect their space as truly wild animals. Experiences like this help students connect science concepts to the real world while learning the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.

07/09/2026

While exploring Masonboro Island, our instructor, Meg, spotted a sea slug and turned it into an unforgettable teaching moment! As students gathered around, they learned about this unique marine invertebrate and its adaptations, role in the ecosystem, and how it survives in the ever-changing coastal environment. Did you know some sea slugs can absorb toxins from the food they eat and use them as their own defense?! Many species are brightly colored to warn predators to stay away. Certain sea slugs can even store chloroplasts from algae, allowing them to get energy from sunlight!

07/06/2026

During a recent field experience on Shackleford Banks, one of our students had the opportunity to safely observe and hold a calico crab! This is an excellent example of adaptation, camouflage, and coastal biodiversity in action. Encounters like this allow students to move beyond the textbook and engage directly with the organisms that define our barrier island ecosystems.

Through guided exploration, students investigate key concepts such as species interactions, habitat specialization, and the dynamic nature of barrier islands. From exploring the beach to discovering live coastal species, our field trips are designed to keep students engaged, asking questions, and deepening their understanding of the natural world, all while having fun outdoors!

07/04/2026

Red shirts, blue skies, and white clouds in the vibrant green marsh! There’s no better way to celebrate independence than by exploring one of our most dynamic coastal ecosystems. From tracking animal signs in the pluff mud to observing how tides shape this vital habitat, students experience first-hand how the marsh supports our coastal communities and protects our shoreline. It’s messy, it’s hands-on, and it’s unforgettable learning in action. Here’s to curiosity, exploration, and the natural treasures that make our coast worth celebrating—not just today, but every day! Happy July 4th to all the students, teachers, instructors, and families who have explored the coast with us!

Address

100 Carl Winner Drive
Carolina Beach, NC
28428

Telephone

(910) 458-7302

Website

http://www.carolinaoceanstudies.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Carolina Ocean Studies posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Carolina Ocean Studies:

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Carolina Beach?