Teen Science Expedition: The Bahamas
What it’s like to be a marine biologist? Join us for Teen Science Expedition: The Bahamas to find out! You’ll get firsthand experience exploring the coral reefs of the Bahamas, using scientific techniques to learn about the animals and their habitats. Working from Shedd’s research vessel, you’ll experience life as a marine science researcher, immersing yourself in discoveries by conducting research and learning about important Bahamian ecological challenges.
Program dates
Registration is closed.
Grades
9 to 12
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.
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
related program
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.”
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At Shedd Aquarium, it is our mission to spark curiosity, compassion and conservation for the aquatic animal world. Teen Science Expedition: The Bahamas provides high school students with an immersive learning experience that introduces them to marine biology by exploring the unique ecology and biodiversity of the Bahamas. Living and sleeping aboard Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, expeditioners will explore coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests and more to learn about the lives of marine animals and the impacts of humans on these ecosystems. Expeditioners will step into the shoes of a marine biologist to learn about the relationships between these animals first-hand as they test field research methods in the clear waters of Bimini. The trip includes a visit to Shark Lab, where participants will gather data about Bahamian sharks and rays, and students will also connect with scientists from the Dolphin Communication Project to learn about the work scientists are doing to understand and protect these charismatic animals. Opportunities like night snorkels will give participants a chance to challenge themselves and make lasting memories with new friends. Expeditioners will leave with a better understanding of coral reef ecosystems, a clearer view of what life as a marine biologist is like and renewed compassion and curiosity for the aquatic animal world. Whether you are a marine science expert or just curious about animals and nature, this expedition will be an unforgettable experience!
On this trip, participants will
- Explore the features of Bahamian aquatic habitats with Shedd Aquarium instructors and scientists
- Practice conducting science experiments and methods in the field to learn more about animals
- Explore the culture of the Bahamas
- Participate in team-building activities that foster friendships and personal growth
- Have fun and make lifelong friends and memories
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This program is led by Shedd Aquarium’s learning specialists, who have years of experience facilitating learning programs in a variety of outdoor settings. Each instructor is Wilderness First Aid- and Wilderness Water Safety-certified. Families will meet instructors at the program orientation. The R/V Coral Reef II is captained by licensed Shedd Aquarium employees with years of experience.
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Below is a sample agenda for the trip. Please note that due to unique opportunities, ocean conditions and other factors, plans might change.
Day 1
Participants fly into Miami International Airport and are picked up by Shedd instructors, who travel with them to the boat dock. Participants board the R/V Coral Reef II, receive bunk assignments, call family, play icebreaker games and have dinner.
Day 2
The boat leaves early in the morning for Bimini. The boat goes through customs, and participants and instructors explore the straw market in Alice Town. After lunch, participants go for their first snorkel at Cat Cay and Grassy Bay, where they might encounter sea turtles if they are lucky!
Day 3
Participants snorkel the shipwreck Hesperus and participate in a beach seine to observe seabed animals up close. Participants meet scientists from the Dolphin Communication Project to learn about the cutting-edge science of dolphin social behavior and communication.
Day 4
Participants snorkel through a mangrove forest and a seagrass bed, encountering and comparing the unique animals that live in each habitat. Participants perform a plankton tow and use scientific equipment to observe the microscopic ocean animals collected. They also perform a microplastics study and discuss the impact of these materials on aquatic animals.
Day 5
Night snorkel! Participants survey invertebrates found in tide pools at Turtle Rocks, followed by a snorkel of the shipwreck Sapona. Later that evening, participants can opt into a night snorkel at the same location to observe nocturnal animals and their behaviors.
Day 6
Shark Lab visit! Participants meet shark scientists and participate in techniques to observe sharks, rays and other marine animals. Afterward, participants go on an island walk around Gunn Cay to observe stingrays at Honeymoon Harbor to learn about the impact of tourism on their behavior.
Day 7
After a day of snorkeling, science and exploration, the boat travels back to the dock in Miami.
Day 8
Shedd staff members accompany participants to Miami International Airport for their flight home. If flights are delayed, Shedd staff members will remain with participants until they are safely on their way home.
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There is no such thing as a “normal” day on this trip, but here is a general idea of what you can expect once we are in Bimini:
7 a.m. Breakfast on the boat
7:30 a.m. Boat duties (updating captain’s log and species list, maintaining science equipment, etc.)
8 a.m. Snorkeling, science and exploration activities
12 p.m. Lunch on the boat
1 p.m. Journaling/down time
2 p.m. Snorkeling, science and exploration activities
5 p.m. Journaling/down time
6 p.m. Dinner on the boat
7 p.m. Games/Science and exploration activities
11 p.m. Lights out
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.