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So, you’re looking to book your next aquatic adventure. You want your trip to be filled with intimate animal encounters, enriching information from expert guides and unforgettable experiences to build memories you can cherish for the rest of your life.

You might do some research on your own or contact a travel agency to get started because, let’s be honest, who knew traveling with an aquarium was a possibility? That’s completely understandable, considering that our travel program is a uniquely Shedd experience.

Divers swim among brightly colored corals in hues of pink, yellow and green as they navigate the vivid blue waters of the Maldives.

For more than 40 years, we have been taking travelers on our research vessel to learn about and explore the marine world but have now expanded our program across the globe to indulge people’s curiosity for aquatic life.

The Shedd Adventures program provides a singular experience, different from the rest. Traveling with Shedd unifies like-minded explorers focused on conservation and sustainability while also tapping into their affinity for our blue planet. This experience allows people to see and learn about wildlife in their natural habitats while also being mindful of the impact of travel on these ecosystems.

So, why travel with Shedd?

The R/V Coral Reef II, Shedd's research vessel, viewed from above in the calm warm waters of the Bahamas.
4 penguins walking down rocks in focus.

Photo by: ©Ruzdi Ekenheim/Getty Images

1. Once in a lifetime trip

Participants are immersed in a trip built to indulge their curiosity about our shared blue planet, look nature in the eye and experience marine life up close while marveling at the beauty of diverse ecosystems. Shedd Adventures take place in locations that can be hard to reach for the typical traveler. For instance, the Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote national parks, accessible mostly by private charter. Shedd Adventures will take you there aboard Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II. Imagine exploring coral reefs, researching queen conch and living aboard a boat as you traverse one of America’s most unexplored national parks!

A diver ties dangling coral polyps to a tall propagation frame.

2. Access to expert knowledge

Every Shedd Adventure is led by a Shedd expert who has a vast knowledge of wildlife and ties to the destination being explored. Participants will find themselves side by side with marine biologists, researchers or animal care experts as they get an intimate look at marine life in the wild. The information provided by these experts is invaluable to learn more about the complex creatures and the diverse ecosystems you will encounter on your adventures. Trip-goers can ask questions and feed their curiosity as they explore their chosen destinations.

Sea lion underwater.

Photo by: ©atese/Getty Images

A polar bear dips one forepaw into water.

Photo by: ©Mario_Hoppmann/Getty Images

3. Travel with like-minded people

Since the inception of the Shedd Adventures program, planet-friendly travel has been a top priority. Each trip is carefully planned with sustainable travel practices in place to ensure our impact on the ecosystems being explored is minimal. The program also brings together like-minded travelers who care deeply about conservation efforts. We strive to connect those who have compassion for marine life and an interest in protecting the aquatic world.

An Exuma rock iguana on a white sand beach in the Bahamas. Shedd's research vessel the R/V Coral Reef II is visible in the blue waters of the ocean visible behind it.

4. Experience aquatic ecosystems around the globe

The Shedd Adventures program reaches a wide range of aquatic ecosystems around the world. Past destinations include South Africa, the Amazon, Costa Rica and The Bahamas. Upcoming opportunities include trips to Antarctica, Baja, Indonesia and the Galapagos! Shedd also travels closer to home. For example, our upcoming Voyage along the Great Lakes will teach participants the importance of freshwater conservation, an issue deeply important to Shedd. Through our program, we want participants to look nature in the eye within the aquatic environment they are most eager to explore and experience the work Shedd does within our walls and around the globe.

A leopard rests on a branch among leaves.

Photo by: ©msan10/Getty Images

The beautiful blue waters of the Bahamas, when viewed above, reveal a multitude of sandy shoals dropping into deep darker areas.

With that in mind, we hope you join us on a Shedd Adventure, and together we can fulfill our mission of sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world.

For more information on upcoming Shedd Adventures, email Shannon Fuller at [email protected], or click here to see a full list of upcoming trips.

By Sophia Brittin, Development Engagement Intern