Trip Description

Discover the wonders of the fascinating underwater realm on an unforgettable tropical marine biology voyage. Our catamaran yacht is our home, classroom, lab and transportation as we explore world renowned marine parks and amazing coral reefs. Learning is hands-on, challenging and fun. Living aboard a yacht gives us the freedom and flexibility to discover the unparalleled diversity of ecosystems found in the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, from fringing and artificial reefs to dramatic pinnacles and sheer walls. Under the guidance of marine biologists, learn everything from oceanography to marine ecology and animal behavior. How do fish sleep? Why do they school? What is a cleaning station? How does coral grow? Through active, experiential learning complemented by field surveys, REEF data collection and marine service projects, we investigate the magical underwater world — the ultimate real world classroom!

• Itinerary & Country Map

• Day 1–5
  Meet the rest of your crew and settle into the pace of life aboard. Waste no time jumping into the turquoise water to learn how to scuba dive and earn your PADI Open Water Scuba certification, or have a quick refresher if you are already certified. Set sail for Ile Fourche, learning fundamental sailing skills while discussing the geology and natural history of the Leeward Islands. Initial lectures focus on fish ID, coral reef ecology and how different marine ecosystems interact to create a thriving marine world. A sunset hike to the top of Ile Fourche’s rocky peaks gives us a view of mountainous islands in the distance — Saba, Statia, St. Barts and St. Kitts — waiting for our discovery.

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  Day 6–8
  After an early morning wakeboard session, we make the short hop over to the St. Barts Marine Reserve. We find an abundance of marine life and the ideal environment to begin studying marine animal behavior and interaction, such as schooling and pairing, nesting verses territorial behaviors, predation and predatory avoidance, and more. Take a break to explore the French town of Gustavia and sample its delicious homemade ice cream and crepe desserts. After a little bodysurfing, investigate the water beneath the breaking waves and how the ocean’s movement effects nearby reef systems. Learn about the delicate balance required to sustain healthy coral reefs, then dive below to map the diversity and abundance of fish and coral species on Pain-du-Sucre, Castlemount and Rockefeller Point.

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  Day 9–12
  Next stop, St. Kitts! Set sail with the rising sun and take a turn at the helm. In Ballast Bay, venture into the mangroves and turtle grass to learn about their important role in maintaining the equilibrium between marine ecosystems. Dry off to learn about nocturnal and diurnal species behavior, then return to the water after sunset to witness a new nocturnal world and observe fascinating behavioral changes of marine life at night. Bargain with local fisherman for their catch to use in our dissections. Then head ashore for a little history and culture on a hike up to Brimstone Hill Fort, where we look down upon Sandy Point town and our yacht nestled in its coastline.

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  Day 13–15
  Sail to Statia to find a thriving marine park, healthy reefs and a growing artificial reef system. Dive below to explore the Charlie Brown, an impressive 327-foot vessel that is the newest addition to Statia’s artificial reef program. Spend an afternoon doing marine conservation service projects with the Statia Marine Park. Then hike to the top of the Quill and into the crater of this dormant volcano now blanketed in lush rainforest, perhaps helping some of the land crabs reach the top on the way.

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  Day 16–21
  

  Spend your final days on the magical island of Saba. The waters surrounding the island are protected by the Saba Marine Park, providing us with extraordinary underwater classrooms…awesome reef formations and the greatest species diversity found in the Caribbean. We round out our studies with discussions about the management practices of the amazingly successful Saba Marine Park. In the water, put your fish identification skills to the test while collecting data for the REEF Fish Survey Project, a database used by scientists worldwide. Before returning home, hike through rainforest and into the clouds to the top of Mt. Scenery. We end our journey together with a bonfire on the deserted island of Tintamare, celebrating our achievements and adventures together.

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