Dry Tortugas Expedition
Shedd Aquarium invites you to embark on a new citizen science diving opportunity aboard Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II to study threatened queen conch in the Florida Keys.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the self-proclaimed Conch Republic and we will celebrate by performing the first large-scale survey of queen conch in Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park. The data collected will be invaluable for managing and preserving this important species.
Dates
Wednesday, August 17 – Friday, August 26, 2022
8 nights/9 days
Cost
$4,500 per person
Highlights
- Live aboard Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, and experience life like a marine biologist at sea by diving and conducting hands-on data collection
- Spend the week among the uninhabited islands known as the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West, conducting first-of-its-kind research on queen conch
- Explore the 67,000 acres of coral reefs and seagrass beds in the crystal-clear blue waters of Dry Tortugas National Park
- Tour the historic Fort Jefferson, a six-sided fortress constructed of 16 million handmade red bricks, on the 1% of dry land that makes up the Dry Tortugas
- SCUBA dive to conduct conch surveys and assessments of other vital invertebrates both day and night, with opportunities for other fun dives
“We will travel to remote locations rarely visited by people and participate in hands-on conch surveys. Your participation will make an authentic contribution to species conservation. We hope you will join us.”
Andy Kough, Ph.D.
Accommodations
Shedd Aquarium’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, will act as our primary base of operations and our home during the entire trip. It is equipped with the comforts necessary to make such a trip enjoyable. Cabins and heads (marine toilets) are shared, with two single-bed bunks in each stateroom. In addition, the boat is air-conditioned and has its own freshwater system, with plenty of hot water for showering. Regular 110-volt service is always available. Please note that Wi-Fi connectivity is not available, although there will be a satellite phone in case of emergencies, and cell roaming is possible only when close to the islands.
Meals aboard the boat are planned and prepared by our chef. The boat is fully provisioned in Miami and carries enough stores to last several weeks at sea. Hot and cold breakfast is offered between 7 and 8 a.m. A buffet lunch is served around noon, and family-style dinners are served around 7:30 p.m. Special dietary needs can usually be met with advance notice. Alcohol will not be provided so please bring your own if you want to drink. Please note that the consumption of alcohol will be limited in the interest of safety.
Inclusions:
- Room and board on the R/V Coral Reef II
- Dive tanks and weights
- All meals and nonalcoholic drinks
Exclusions:
- Flights to/from Miami and Key West, FL
- Transport to/from the dock in Miami and Key West, FL
- Dive gear not listed above
- CPR/O2 certification to be completed in advance of the trip (optional)
- Personal expenses incurred outside the time you arrive on and depart from the boat
Program Fees
The per person fee for the queen conch research expedition is $4,500 (nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 due at registration).
Questions?
Email Shannon Fuller for more information.
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