FAQs

Who is this program designed for?: The Bahamas Marine Biology is designed for participants who have an academic interest in the underwater world and want to delve deeper into the world of marine biology. High school and/or college academic credit is available, so there are requirements that you'll generally only find on Broadreach's Academic Treks trips such as class time, field journals and tests. Lectures, lab work and marine research are complemented by lots of hands-on learning on dives, snorkels and field studies. You'll learn a lot on this program, but you have tons of fun doing it!
What's the Gerace Research Center like?: The Gerace Research Center boasts a teaching and research lab, an outstanding specimen repository, a library, animal holding tanks, dorm-style facilities, and a cafeteria. With the ocean at the school's doorstep, participants have immediate access to one of the most biologically diverse marine environments in the world. The Gerace Research Center is perfectly equipped for us to live, study and play!
Who leads the Marine Biology program?: We have several staff members leading this program, including professional marine biologists who have either a Master's degree or PhD in Marine Science and PADI dive instructors.
Where is San Salvador?: San Salvador lies along the outer boundary of the Caribbean Sea in the Bahamas – a gateway to the vast ocean that reaches east to Africa. The Gerace Research Center is located at the northern end of the island, perfectly situated for incredible diving and marine studies. San Salvador is known for its diversity and quality of dives, friendly people and miles of deserted beaches.
How physically active is this program?: We fit in a fair amount of exercise on this trip. It is not uncommon for us to be diving or snorkeling for two to three hours a day. We also may go on hikes on offshore cays, venture deep into the island’s jungle or explore subterranean caves. Much of our free time is spent playing Frisbee, volleyball or basketball at the field station or on the beach. Any participant in average physical condition shouldn't have any trouble with the activities on this trip, but as with any active program, it's not a bad idea to do some jogging or exercise to get in shape before arriving.
What is a typical day like on this program?: Days are typically spent learning about the underwater world on field trips, scuba diving, snorkeling and in the classroom. Most days combine practical field study and traditional classroom learning. Usually we spend our mornings and afternoons out in the field, observing marine life on snorkel or scuba gear. Plenty of free time is mixed in, where we take a break to do something different: explore San Salvador, do community service or just having fun. In the late afternoons and evenings, we relax in our rooms and lab spaces, going over the day’s activities and entering data in our field notebooks. We also hold our formal lectures and trip briefings during this time, to prepare you for the next day’s activities!
What do we eat?: The center has full-time cooks and a full-service kitchen. Meals are well rounded and include fruits and vegetables, bread and various meats. Just be prepared to help clean up!
What practical skills will I learn?: You will experience both shore diving and boat diving, preparing you for a variety of marine science endeavors in the future. Plus, you will learn to identify many tropical fish, corals and invertebrates while learning reef survey techniques.
Do I need to be scuba certified before the trip?: If you aren't already scuba certified, you can come to San Salvador a few days early to earn your open water scuba certification.
What are the beaches like?: There are both white sandy beaches and limestone rock lined beaches leading out into the gorgeous turquoise water. Sunsets here are lovely!
How may credits do I receive on this course?: 3 college Natural Science credits through Lesley University.
How am I evaluated on this course?: 2 exams, a research project and a journal.
Can I earn credit for school or college?: Our academic programs offer high school students the chance to earn high school and/or college credit as well as community service credit, while also participating in a hands-on adventure. After the course, you will receive a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for some courses through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.
How do I get high school or college credit for this program?: In the fall after program, Broadreach will provide you with a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for this course through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.
How deep will I dive?: Most of our dives will be shallow, between 35 and 55 feet, because that's where we'll find the right combination of best dive sites, plentiful marine life and brightest light. You will do a few supervised deeper dives to around 85 to 100 feet when you are ready for students 15 and older. For students under 15, your maximum depth will be 70ft.
Do I need trip, travel or medical insurance ?: All participants on Broadreach programs are required medical insurance including coverage for international medical care. Since many personal medical policies do not cover international medical care and evacuations or have exclusions for certain sports, we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a choice of travel insurance plans for our participants.
The minimum required policy includes coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, etc.
Most families also take advantage of our recommended tuition protection coverage , which offers 75% tuition refund FOR ANY REASON up to 72 hours before your trip departure and 100% tuition refund if you cancel for a covered reason.
Do you have any family discounts?: We do. We will give a 5% discount on the second (and any subsequent) enrollment in one summer. This offer is available to an individual student, or siblings. This 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.
Does your staff have emergency medical training?: At least one of the two lead instructors on each trip has completed training in either Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses. They are trained in managing emergency situations and field care and can handle most minor medical problems. In the unlikely event that your instructors can't handle your problem with their First Aid kit, they will take you to a local doctor for medical attention. We do our best to work with local medical personnel that we know and trust. However, it's important to understand that medical care can sometimes be delayed or inaccessible from our program locations. Note that the modernity of medical facilities and the number of medical services they provide will vary by country and location.
Can you give me the names of other families in my area that have done Broadreach?: Absolutely. Just call the office and we can put you in touch with past participants who have done the trips that interest you. Broadreachers past and present are part of a strong community that’s always there for one another. No need to be shy either, people will be glad to hear from you.
Where does everyone come from?: Broadreachers are a diverse group comprised of teenagers from across the country and all over the world. Very few participants know each other before the program begins, but everyone walks away with life-long friends at the end of the trip.

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Bahamas Marine Biology

FAQs

What are my next steps?

Contact Broadreach