The Centre of Marine Sciences (Centro de Ciências do Mar, CCMAR) is an independent multidisciplinary, non-profit institute located on the Gambelas campus of the University of the Algarve in Faro with ~250 members and a mission to promote research and education in the marine sciences.

Faro is the capital city of the Algarve region of southern Portugal and borders the Ria Formosa National Park. The Algarve boasts > 300 days of sun per year, stunning beaches and mountain vistas, opportunities for diving, golf, and other sporting activities, and a unique traditional regional cuisine (esp. seafood). A variety of optional social activities will be organised to coincide with the course and special events can be organised upon request for participants and/or accompanying persons (diving, surf, stand-up paddle, windsurf, kayaking, horse-riding, tennis, bird-watching, nature walks, boat guided tours, fishing, etc).