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iscover the wonders of the fascinating underwater
realm on an unforgettable tropical marine biology voyage.
Our catamaran yacht is our home, classroom, lab and
transportation as we explore world renowned marine
parks and amazing coral reefs. Learning is hands-on,
challenging and fun. Living aboard a yacht gives us
the freedom and flexibility to discover the unparalleled
diversity of ecosystems found in the Caribbean’s
Leeward Islands, from fringing and artificial reefs
to dramatic pinnacles and sheer walls. Under the guidance
of marine biologists, learn everything from oceanography
to marine ecology and animal behavior. How do fish
sleep? Why do they school? What is a cleaning station?
How does coral grow? Through active, experiential learning
complemented by field surveys, REEF data collection
and marine service projects, we investigate the magical
underwater world — the ultimate real world classroom! |
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| 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. |
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| Day 6–8 |
| After an early morning wakeboard session,
we 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.
After a little bodysurfing, 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. |
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| Day 9–12 |
| 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. |
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| Day 13–15 |
| 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. |
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| Day 16–21 |
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.  |
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