Join Ecological Marine Adventures for an evening at the Oyster Barn in Surf City—live music, a silent auction, coastal food, and oyster education all to support local restoration. Come for the waterfront views and leave knowing you helped protect the estuary.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required—this is a seated, social event with short standing or walking periods
Wildlife
History
This stretch of North Carolina coast has a long commercial and recreational oystering tradition that local groups use to drive restoration and education.
Conservation
Proceeds support EMA’s hands-on programs and reef restoration work; attendees are encouraged to minimize single-use waste and follow marsh etiquette.
Ecological Marine Adventures
Ecological Marine Adventures is a Surf City, North Carolina business that offers hands-on marine education and outdoor experiences for children and families. Founded to connect kids with local coastal ecosystems, the organization runs a variety of programs including boat tours, single-day themed classes, multi-day camps, homeschool science sessions, toddler Sea School classes, and birthday parties. Programs listed include the Boat Tour: Island Adventure, Guppies Single Day classes such as Totally Tubular! and Sea Turtles 101, Sea Squirt multi-day classes, EMA Homeschool Science Classes, Sea School Program Spoonbill class, seasonal Fall Break and Winter classes, and a free community Story Time.
Activities focus on specimen collection, experiments, animal encounters, coastal exploration, and creative arts. Boat trips cruise the Intracoastal Waterway and emphasize shoreline ecology, with opportunities to spot dolphins, ospreys, and find shark teeth and shells. Toddler and preschool classes are tailored to ages three to five, while homeschool and single-day classes serve children ages five to twelve. Birthday party options include fishing, shark tooth hunting, and aquarium-based celebrations for groups up to thirty guests.
Instructors use hands-on, age-appropriate learning to build curiosity, observational skills, and environmental awareness in a safe, supervised setting. Sessions take place at local marshes, beaches, and a microscope lab when noted. A free Story Time program is offered on select Tuesday mornings at 10am for families with children under eleven. Ecological Marine Adventures emphasizes experiential learning rooted in local coastal ecology, making it a choice for families and educators seeking outdoor science activities in Surf City.
Location
Surf City, NC
Coastal North Carolina base
Age Range
Ages 3–12
Programs for toddlers to preteens
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Boat tours, camps, classes, parties
Free Program
Story Time
Select Tuesdays at 10am
Find boat tours, camps, classes, and birthday party options in Surf City — check availability and register for upcoming sessions.
Arrive early
Parking near the Oyster Barn fills quickly—arrive 20–30 minutes before start to claim waterfront seating.
Dress for breeze
Bring a light jacket; sounds and barrier islands can get chilly after sunset even in summer.
Bring small bills
Some vendors and auction check-in work faster with cash or a card on hand for quick purchases.
Book kids’ program in advance
If using the Parents Night Out add-on, reserve separately—the kids’ program has limited space and specific drop-off times.
Light jacket
Coastal breezes cool down after sunset—layering keeps you comfortable.
summer
Reusable cup
Many events encourage reducing waste; bring a cup for drinks and to reduce single-use plastics.
Binoculars
A small pair helps spot birds and marine life on the marsh and in the sound.
Cash or card
For silent-auction purchases, food vendors, and optional donations.