12 Marine Biology Internships for High School Students in San Diego, California

Internships are a great way for you to gain skills, hands-on experience, and industry exposure without the high cost that often comes with other educational programs. If you’re passionate about marine biology, these internships give you the chance to explore your interests, work alongside professionals, and build connections that can support your academic and career goals.

Some programs even offer stipends, making them more accessible and rewarding. With San Diego’s leading research institutions and rich marine life, you’ll find plenty of opportunities designed just for high school students. Whether you're looking for in-person or virtual options, this list of the top 12 marine biology internships in or near San Diego highlights programs that offer real-world learning and valuable experience—no matter your background or location.

1. Scripps Institution of Oceanography: High School Research Internship Program

Program Name: Scripps Student Research Internship Program
Location: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla (San Diego), CA Pathways To Science+13education.scripps.edu+13Wikipedia+13
Cohort Size: Around 40 students selected annually, making it very competitive
Dates: 10-week summer session (e.g., June 3 – August 9 or June 17 – August 23)
Application Deadline: Around March 30 (for 2025—subject to yearly updates)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors residing in San Diego County, at least 16 years old, with completed biology and chemistry, and a minimum GPA of ~3.0
Cost/Stipend: Paid—you’ll receive a stipend of $4,760 for the full duration 

You will be matched with a research laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography where you’ll work closely with graduate student mentors and faculty on active marine science projects. The work spans areas like ocean chemistry, marine ecology, and environmental data analysis. Over 40 hours each week, you’ll collect and analyze real data, use advanced scientific equipment, and refine your research methods. The program features seminars, professional development, and opportunities to present your findings at group discussions and final research showcases. Mentorship includes both scientific guidance and support for college preparation and career planning. Overall, it’s a rigorous and immersive experience that blends academic research with practical, real-world marine science exposure.

2. Ladder Internships 

Location: Virtual and San Diego area
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: July 1-August 15
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students grades 9-12
Cost/Stipend: None

Ladder offers you a unique research internship that combines virtual learning with local experiences, and yes, marine biology is one of the exciting tracks you can choose! Through project-based learning, you’ll explore marine ecosystems by participating in virtual labs, analyzing real data, and working on meaningful research projects. The program is designed to help you build valuable skills in scientific research, critical thinking, and communication. You’ll also receive mentorship from industry professionals and have the chance to take part in community science initiatives. Thanks to its flexible format, Ladder makes it easier for you to dive into marine biology, no matter where you're located.

3. Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Teen Volunteer Internship

Location: Birch Aquarium, La Jolla
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 15-20 interns
Dates: June-August
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; interest in marine education preferred
Cost/Stipend: None

At Birch Aquarium, you’ll get the chance to join an internship that focuses on public education and marine conservation. You’ll assist with animal care, help develop educational activities, and guide visitors during aquarium tours, all while learning about marine species and their habitats. This hands-on experience helps you strengthen your communication and leadership skills as you work alongside aquarium staff and marine scientists. You’ll also go behind the scenes to explore marine habitats and lab spaces, giving you a deeper understanding of ocean science. Plus, you’ll get involved in local conservation projects, making a real impact while exploring your interest in marine biology.

4. Ocean Discovery Institute: Marine Research Volunteering

Location: San Diego Bay area
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 12-15 students
Dates: June-July
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: High school students, priority to underserved communities
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided

If you’re passionate about marine education and conservation, consider Birch Aquarium’s volunteer program, which welcomes individuals aged 16 and older who are committed to volunteering at least one four-hour shift weekly for six months. As a volunteer, you’ll guide visitors through exhibits, assist in tide pool learning, and support school education programs—gaining valuable experience in public engagement and marine conservation while working alongside Scripps researchers and aquarium educators

5. Sea Grant California: High School Summer Internship

Location: San Diego and nearby coastal sites
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 10 students
Dates: June 10-July 30
Application Deadline: May 10
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Cost/Stipend: None

With the Sea Grant internship, you’ll get experience in marine policy, research, and conservation along California’s coast. You’ll assist with real data collection and analysis on projects that focus on marine protected areas and fisheries. As part of the program, you’ll join workshops on marine ecology, coastal management, and how to communicate scientific ideas effectively. You’ll also visit partner organizations and even research vessels, giving you an inside look at how marine science happens both in the field and in the lab. Throughout the experience, you’ll build valuable skills while learning how to protect and manage ocean resources sustainably. 

6.     Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote—you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: Must be a current high school student with strong academic performance (typically a 3.3 GPA or higher); No prior experience in your field of interest is required
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), fall (September - December), winter (December - February), and spring (March - June).

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students that blends the depth of academic research with the practical experience of an internship. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here. 

8. The Marine Mammal Center: Youth Internship Program

Location: The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito (approximately 1 hour from San Diego)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 15 students
Dates: June 15-July 30
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students grades 10-12
Cost/Stipend: None

This program allows students to assist in the rehabilitation and research of marine mammals. You will help care for injured seals and sea lions, learning about marine mammal anatomy and health. You will gain experience with medical procedures, data entry, and animal husbandry under professional supervision. The internship highlights marine conservation and animal welfare issues, with opportunities for public outreach and education. Interns also participate in fieldwork along local beaches.

11. Cabrillo National Monument: Junior Marine Biologist Program

Location: Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 12 students
Dates: June-July
Application Deadline: May 5
Eligibility: High school students grades 10-12
Cost/Stipend: None

This hands-on internship engages students in tidepool studies, coastal ecology, and marine species identification at Cabrillo National Monument. Interns assist with monitoring programs and public education initiatives. The experience promotes environmental stewardship and marine science knowledge through fieldwork and community outreach. You will interact with park rangers and marine experts, learning about conservation challenges in coastal habitats. This program suits students interested in environmental science and education.

12. Living Coast Discovery Center: Marine Biology Internship

Location: Living Coast Discovery Center, Chula Vista (near San Diego)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 10-15 students
Dates: June-August
Application Deadline: May 10
Eligibility: High school students grades 10-11
Cost/Stipend: None

At this coastal wildlife center, interns assist with marine animal care, habitat restoration projects, and educational programming. The internship emphasizes conservation of local marine species like sharks, rays, and sea turtles. You will gain experience in animal handling, water quality monitoring, and visitor engagement. Collaboration with marine biologists and educators provides mentorship and real-world insights. The program also encourages participation in community science and environmental advocacy.