Gap Year Programs in the Bahamas

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

10

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

10

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.

Best summer opportunity

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

10

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

10

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.