Description

This program is an eye-opening exploration of the biology and ecology of marine communities. Living aboard a 45-foot yacht and hopping from one diverse island to another, gives us the freedom and flexibility to discover the unparalleled diversity of ecosystems found in this tropical region of the world. Learn under the guidance of professional marine biologists. Tackle marine conservation. Understand the biochemical nature of marine environments. Learning is always active, experiential and enlightening never boring. Earn 3 credits in Marine Science. Gain scuba certifications up to PADI Advanced Open Water as well as IYT sailing certifications. Plus, gain experience in reef surveying techniques, including how to take daily water measurements.

Day 1-5
Meet the rest of your crew and settle into the pace of life aboard. Waste no time jumping into the turquoise water to learn how to scuba dive and earn your PADI Open Water Scuba certification, or have a quick refresher if you are already certified. Set sail for Ile Fourche, learning fundamental sailing skills while discussing the geology and natural history of the Leeward Islands. Initial lectures focus on fish ID, coral reef ecology and how different marine ecosystems interact to create a thriving marine world. A sunset hike to the top of Ile Fourche's rocky peaks gives us a view of mountainous islands in the distance - Saba, Statia, St. Barts and St. Kitts - waiting for our discovery.

Day 6-9
Make the short hop over to the St. Barts Marine Reserve. We find an abundance of marine life and the ideal environment to begin studying marine animal behavior and interaction, such as schooling and pairing, nesting verses territorial behaviors, predation and predatory avoidance, and more. Take a break to explore the French town of Gustavia and sample its delicious homemade ice cream and crepe desserts. Investigate the water beneath the breaking waves and how the ocean's movement effects nearby reef systems. Learn about the delicate balance required to sustain healthy coral reefs, then dive below to map the diversity and abundance of fish and coral species on Pain-du-Sucre, Castlemount and Rockefeller Point.

Day 10-14
Next stop, St. Kitts! Set sail with the rising sun and take a turn at the helm. In Ballast Bay, venture into the mangroves and turtle grass to learn about their important role in maintaining the equilibrium between marine ecosystems. Search for vertebrates and invertebrates and collect data for our habitat analysis lab. Dry off to learn about nocturnal and diurnal species behavior, then return to the water after sunset to witness a new nocturnal world and observe fascinating behavioral changes of marine life at night. Bargain with local fisherman for their catch to use in our dissection labs, then head ashore for a little history and culture on a hike up to Brimstone Hill Fort.

Day 15-17
Sail to Statia to find a thriving marine park, healthy reefs and a growing artificial reef system. Dive below to explore the Charlie Brown, an impressive 327-foot vessel that is the newest addition to Statia's artificial reef program. After a discussion with local stakeholders about marine resource management and the success of the Statia Marine Park, we spend an afternoon doing marine service projects to help the reserve's efforts. Then hike to the top of the Quill and into the crater of this dormant volcano now blanketed in lush rainforest.

Day 18-24
Spend your final days on the magical island of Saba. The waters surrounding the island are protected by the Saba Marine Park, providing us with extraordinary underwater classrooms&awesome reef formations and the greatest species diversity found in the Caribbean. We round out our studies with discussions on life cycles, symbiotic relationships, morphology and counter current exchange. In the water, lay down quadrants and run transects to collect data on different types of habitats surrounding the pinnacles, walls and patch reefs of Man-O-War Shoals, Tent Reef Deep and Hot Springs. Collect data for the REEF Fish Survey Project, a database used by scientists worldwide. Before returning home, hike through rainforest and into the clouds to the top of Mt. Scenery. We end our journey together with a bonfire on the deserted island of Tintamare, celebrating our achievements and adventures together.

Highlights

* Hands-on tropical marine biology course
* Live aboard voyage on a 50' catamaran
* Explore and scuba dive Caribbean marine parks
* Earn 5 hours of community service and 3 Marine Biology credits from Lesley University
* Scuba training and certification
* Visit 3 Caribbean islands: Saba, Statia, St. Barts

Excursions include:
* Island exploration
* Rainforest hikes
* Water sports
* Sail training and certification

Travel Types

• Hiking
• RainForest Tours
• Sailing
• Scuba
• Volunteering
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Biology (general)
• Conservation And Preservation
• Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Marine Science
• Tropical Biology

Cost in US$:

call for details

Experience Required

yes

• Minimum 18 years old
• High school Graduate
• High school or college Biology
• Minimum GPA: 2.50
• Completed at least one semester at college or graduated high school over a year ago

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of limited in size to between 10-16 students.

Scholarships are Available

Applications for next summer are due May 1. Scholarship awards will be made May 15th.

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Year Founded

1993