Open 9 am - 5 pm (Early Close)
  • A teen holds a tiny hermit crab in the palm of her hand, found on the beach in the Bahamas.
  • A teen in snorkel gear waves as he treads water in the Bahamas near the Shedd's research vessel, the Coral Reef II.
  • Two teens work on reporting their findings aboard Shedd's research vessel, the Coral Reef II in the Bahamas.
  • Teens place a PVC pipe frame above a tide pool in the Bahamas, so that they can accurately record how many urchins and other sea creatures are living within the frame's edges.
  • A group of teens take a group photo wearing life vests and glow sticks before a night dive in the Bahamas.

Highlights

  • Snorkel in coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds with Shedd Aquarium instructors and local scientists
  • Conduct science experiments and practice methods in the field to gain a better understanding of coral reef ecosystems
  • Live aboard Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II
  • Explore the culture of the Bahamas
  • Participate in team-building activities that foster friendships and personal growth

Program dates

Orientation: June 6, 9-5 p.m. at Shedd Aquarium
Session 1: July 16-23
Session 2: July 25-Aug. 1

Included

  • Housing for 8 days and 7 nights on the R/V Coral Reef II
  • Chef-prepared meals and snacks each day
  • Guided snorkels with Shedd Aquarium’s experienced instructors
  • Visit to Bimini Biological Field Station (also known as Bimini Sharklab)
  • Meeting with scientists from the Dolphin Communication Project
  • Travel costs between Miami International Airport and R/V Coral Reef II
  • Snorkel, mask, flippers and personal flotation device
  • Travel costs to and from snorkel practice on the day of orientation

Not included

  • Airfare to Miami

What do participants say about Teen Science Expedition: The Bahamas?

“It was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced.”

“I loved all the organisms that I saw and interacted with. There were so many animals I learned about for the first time that I was able to see crawl/swim right in front of me.”

“Swimming with sharks, turtles and rays, among other things, is only paralleled by the memories made with new friends.”

“The experience of doing field work, gathering data, using scientific techniques and getting to be with the fishes just really did it for me.”

“Every day was a highlight because there was always something new to experience. One extreme highlight was the mangrove snorkel when I was floating over a southern stingray.”

“My favorite thing about the program was snorkeling with the reef sharks in Triangle Rocks, where I was able to come face to face with those majestic predators of the ocean. I also enjoyed being surrounded by people who shared the same love, passion and respect for one another and marine biology.”

Teen Science Expedition: The Bahamas FAQs

Requirements

- U.S. passport valid through 2019
- Signed doctor’s note approving the trip’s activities
- Strong swimming skills.

Program fee

$2,999 ($2,699 for members)

A nonrefundable deposit of $500 is due at the time of registration, and the remaining balance is due within 30 days of registration or by May 1, whichever is sooner.

Physical Activities

- Swimming and snorkeling
- Hiking over uneven terrain
- Standing for long periods of time
- Lifting and carrying activity equipment
- Being outdoors in hot weather

Change in Plans?

Please review our refund and cancellation policy.

Questions?

Email us or call 312-939-2438.