Gap Year Programs in the Bahamas

There’s a reason early explorers found the Bahamas nearly as precious as the jewels they were after; the islands are exquisite. Scattered throughout the crystal turquoise sea, each island is a paradise unique in character yet equal in sublime beauty. For centuries, those seeking the good life converged on this island nation, and now you can too. Take your gap year in the Bahamas and prepare for a year filled with adventure, volunteering, and gorgeous dives beneath the sea!

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3 Gap Year Programs in Bahamas

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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Volunteer World

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Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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International Field Studies

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Marine Science Gap Year: Andros, Bahamas

Join our 6-week program on Andros Island in the Bahamas and stay on a beachfront property with a stunning view of crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Here, you’ll earn PADI Scuba certifications while gaining lifetime friendships. Become more passionate about marine science and propel your future career with international experience. Take marine-based science classes, earn internationally recognized certifications, and volunteer with local Bahamian organizations. International Field Studies has spent the past 20 years refining the Forfar Marine Science Program in collaboration with partner universities. This ensures we can provide the best experience possible on Andros Island, impressing universities and employers. Plus, you gain life skills that are applicable for the rest of your life! Interested in this amazing program? We encourage you to contact us today as spots fill up fast.

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A Guide to Gap Year in Bahamas

Popular Locations

The Bahamas is a group of islands and cays in the Caribbean Sea. Many are too small for inhabitation, but others teem with life in the pulsating city centres and colorful coral reefs decorating the bays. Activities abound on land and in sea (in any destination you choose), will be unforgettable. Here are some of the favorites:

Andros. Politically considered one single island, Andros is actually an archipelago that is larger than all the others combined. It’s also one of the least-developed (of the inhabited ones), so nature takes a front seat. Eco-travelers, kayakers, hikers, and divers will want for nothing on this gorgeous piece of earth— just be careful— the mythical sea monster Lusca lurks in these holes waiting for an unsuspecting moment to pull you into its lair!

Nassau. Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas, and holds together a 21-mile stretch of land on New Providence Island. The influences from West Africa, Great Britain, and Haiti can be seen in the country’s many flavorful dishes and lively music. However, it’s somewhat more expensive than the other islands, as most of the luxury resorts were built on Nassau’s soft white-sand beaches. Even if you want to get off the beaten path, it’s worth a visit for the horse-drawn surreys and quaint architecture that bring glimpses from the past and into the present. There’s also a fun Pirates of Nassau Museum where you can get your marauder on and learn the thrilling tales of life at sea.

Freeport. Grand Bahama Island is probably the second most popular port of call, dominated by the city of Freeport. Freeport is known to be modern and has many of the resort properties you may be working or volunteering for. It’s known to have longer stretches of clean white sand than Nassau.

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Latest Program Reviews

Best summer opportunity

July 15, 2022by: Sidney Westfall - United StatesProgram: Marine Science Gap Year: Andros, Bahamas

Most amazing experience! 6-weeks immersed in Andros culture where education and environmentalism is incorporated. Get scuba certified and have the opportunity to live on the beach with amazing people your age who have similar interests in the ocean and marine science. Get to see many animals in their natural habitat while snorkeling and scuba diving. Apply you won't regret!!!

Forfar has it all!!!

February 24, 2022by: Kate Hayes - United StatesProgram: Marine Science Gap Year: Andros, Bahamas

The six-week Marine Science Program at Forfar Field Station in absolutely amazing! International Field Studies has been operating outstanding programs at the field station on Andros Island for over 50 years. A cohort of like-minded college students are engaged in coursework, field lectures, hands-on learning and research, experiential labs, interviews with conservationists, service projects, and tons of snorkeling and diving in pristine reefs. Topics range from coral biology and conservation, marine invertebrates, reef fish identification, sustainable fisheries, bonefishing, ecotourism, botany, and island geology with many opportunities to engage with local islanders. Certifications include wilderness first aid, leave no trace, kayaking and PADI basic and advanced diving. Last, but not least, life-long friends are made while having tons of fun. Cleary, Forfar has it all! The instructors and staff are extremely knowledgeable, dedicated and absolutely love what they do! The upfront planning and communication with families well in advance of the trip was extremely well organized and thorough. The home office staff in Columbus, Ohio were always available for any questions that arose throughout the process. The accommodations are historic and rustic, providing the setting for a truly authentic experience. My son attended the program in 2021 and absolutely loved everything about it! Definitely one of the best experiences of his life! Be prepared to be totally immersed in a life where priorities are different, life is meaningful, bonds form seamlessly among peers, staff and locals and life is lived to its fullest.