Bahamas
SCUBA & Snorkeling: With over 100 ft of visibility and thousands of unexplored reefs, diving and snorkeling in the Bahamas is an experience of a lifetime. Over 30 years of experience leading students on snorkel and dive trips throughout the world, makes our staff experts at helping students feel completely at home in the water, whatever their experience. On our adventure we will take a look at life on the reef first hand. Through the combination of diving, snorkeling and classroom instruction, students will learn about the many amazing creatures on the reef and what their lives are all about. Students may rent tanks, buoyancy devices, stages and weight belts through Black Beard Cruises. Participants will need to bring their own mask and fins. The water is about 85 degrees so a wetsuit is not needed. However, if students want to bring a rash guard or short wet suit they are more than welcome to. Students are also welcome to bring their own dive gear. Our scuba program instructs students in the PADI open water diving certification.
Research with Ocean Blue: Providing students with the opportunity to take part in current ocean research is the core purpose of our trips. We will be working with Reef Check, Blackbeard Cruises and the Exuma Land and Sea Park, conducting spot transects over different reefs through out the Eleuthera and Exuma islands. Students will gain underwater research skills while helping in the global effort to check the health of ocean reefs. During this effort we will check reefs in and out of the Exuma Land and Sea Park to help determine the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas. Students will also have the opportunity to help NOAA and Blackbeard Cruises conduct a count and collection of Lion fish, an invasive species that could cause significant damage to the Bahamian ecosystem.
FUN with Ocean Blue: You cannot spell adventure without F-U-N- well you should but I’d rather not. Safety is always our first concern in every decision we make, but enjoying what we’re doing is a close second. Our staff of seasoned educators and biologists, spend their time teaching in the ocean because they love it and they want to share their passion with others. Whether they are telling stories over breakfast or singing shanties over a beach fire, their excitement is contagious. They are always looking to ignite laughter or spin some never-ending yarn that they think is a classic. Something magical happens when you are on an adventure at sea that forms strong bonds, builds character and creates a place where you can just be yourself. Come join us this summer and make it an experience you’ll never forget.