High School Adventures

Curaçao Curaçao Marine Biology Adventure

Immerse yourself in a marine biology adventure. Live the life of a marine science researcher and contribute to ongoing reef restoration efforts. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to live at a research center. Earn scuba certifications and complete shore dives each day to observe species you’ve only seen in books. Join new friends on a summer adventure to a unique Caribbean island.

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Teen holding crab on marine biology summer program Curacao

Teens swimming in cave on marine biology summer programs

Colourful buildings along dock in Curacao seen on Broadreach marine biology summer programs

Sun-filled days of scuba diving and protecting coral reefs

Experience the underwater world through hands-on tropical marine biology projects.
Help restore and protect coral reefs by building a coral nursery and evaluating the health of the marine ecosystem.
Swim past brilliant marine life during the day and witness bioluminescence at night with the help of your PADI dive and marine biology instructors.
Come together as a team to learn how to scuba dive and practice group research.
Live at the beach and watch the sunset over the ocean every night.
Explore Curaçao by visiting historic Willemstad, kayaking through mangroves, paddle boarding over crystal clear water, hiking to the top of a mountain and losing count of all the Caribbean wildlife you see.

PROGRAM DATES	COST	AVAILABILITY
June 18 - July 7, 2024	$7,280	Available	Enroll Now
July 11 - July 30, 2024	$7,280	Available	Enroll Now

“This program is perfect for anyone full of wanderlust with a strong passion for the ocean and marine science. Being able to expand my knowledge on coral was an eye-opening experience that only further reinforced my love for the ocean and the beauties of the natural world. The ability to dive with such magnificent creatures including octopus, squid and sea turtles is amazing. For aspiring marine biologists this course is great to better understand working in the field.” Jules, high school alumna

Divers on surface on Broadreach marine biology summer program

Teen in scuba gear on beach in Curacao for marine biology program

Diver on Broadreach marine biology program for teens

Teen snorkelling with star fish on summer camp marine biology

This summer programs for marine biology offers:

2

Credits Available

3

Certifications Available

6

Service Hours

Two natural science credits available through Lesley University.

Course description: This course examines the biology and ecology of tropical marine communities and demonstrates research techniques and equipment that marine biologists commonly use. Interactive labs and scuba dives give you the opportunity to explore the environments you study through coursework.

Course objectives:

Gain a greater understanding of the oceans and marine life.
Develop an appreciation for the importance of life in the oceans to the history of life on the planet.
Learn to identify and describe the diversity of life found in the oceans.
Understand how individuals, populations and communities interact with each other and their physical environments.
Learn about the fragility of marine communities and the major threats to the health of marine life.
Gain experience conducting group research and presenting on a marine science topic of your choosing.
Practice collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.
Understand how marine biologists conduct research in the field and in labs in order to better understand ecological and evolutionary relationships.

Three PADI scuba certifications available:

PADI Open Water Diver
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
PADI Coral Restoration Diver Specialty

Six hours of service learning through projects dedicated to coral reef conservation.

Requirements:

Available to students completing grades 9-12. No additional experience necessary.

marine biology, scuba and sailing camps for high school students video

Live in a research station. Learn to scuba dive. Conduct real marine biology research with a small group of other teens.

Itinerary

Day 1-4

Settle into paradise

After landing at Curaçao’s International Airport, head directly to one of the largest marine research stations in the Caribbean (and your home for the next three weeks!). Hop into the warm, turquoise blue water and get ready to learn how to dive if you’ve never done it before, or go on some refresher dives if you’re already certified. Snorkel and dive in beautiful coral patch reefs and seagrass beds that host a variety of fish and invertebrate life including barracuda, parrotfish and butterflyfish. Let the adventure in marine biology begin!

Day 5-9

Behold your underwater classroom

The best way to learn about corals and fish is up close and in the water. The reefs of Curaçao are a rich ecosystem that is quickly accessible from shore. Take time to learn about the lionfish epidemic around the island, and how local stakeholders are fighting against invasive marine species. Learn how to recognize coral diseases and colonies experiencing bleaching and algal overgrowth. Analyze and discuss the feeding habits, life cycles, symbiotic relationships and ecological concerns of a coral reef system. Participate in a fish dissection. As your skills in the water progress, head out on wall dives. Check out a spectacular reef which drops dramatically from 35 to 6,000 feet, keeping your eyes peeled for angelfish and turtles cruising by.

Day 10-16

Help save coral reefs

Brimming with knowledge and fresh dive skills, participate in a Coral Research Foundation course and help replant vital staghorn and elkhorn corals on the reefs of Curaçao. Above water, the exploration continues with a visit to the historical center and cultural hub of Curaçao, Willemstad. Take a break from your studies to kayak the majestic mangrove systems that fringe the island and take a plunge into the stunning Blue Room cave.

Day 17-20

Officially a marine biologist-in-training

Spend your last days in the Curaçao wrapping up your marine biology studies, enjoying some fun dives, paddleboarding and beach games. Celebrate your final night and all you have done as a group. In this beautiful setting, marvel at how much you’ve learned, explored and accomplished.

Brianna had an amazing time on the Marine Biology trip. The combination of academia and exploration of the area was amazing. The leaders help to form a collaborative team among the students. Brianna is still in contact with all from the trip. They were able to learn and form friendships that will last a lifetime. We are already planning for next summer. The leader Danger Dan, Jurrasic Jen, and Mayhem Maggie) made this a fun learning experience. Each of the students was the leader for a day. When Brianna arrived in the Bahamas, Dan called immediately to let me know she had arrived safely and set up times to be able to talk to Brianna each Saturday. Prior to the trip, throughout the trip, and even now the leaders have emailed and called to discuss details and get feedback. This was an opportunity of a lifetime and Brianna discusses things from the classroom, dives, and the fun games continually. Brianna learned a lot about the local culture and the students enjoyed an impromptu concert by Esau a local resident. We would recommend Broadreach to all. Armotta Porter

This was my first Broadreach trip and first time doing a program like this, where you are completely emerged in a new place. I learned a lot about the oceans, became a better diver, and got to explore a part of the world that I have never seen before. My favorite thing about the program was diving because we would learn a new skill and then immediately be able to apply it underwater. I really enjoyed this trip and all of the experiences it offered in and out of the water. Caroline Cassese

My favorite experiences were living at a research station to really immerse yourself in the lifestyle and having a beautiful dive spot on the property. I loved traveling around the island to dive spots like the turtle beach. I liked being able to do my independent research project and learning more about the oceans. It was very memorable and one of the most fun experiences I've ever had, it definitely made me love marine science more than ever. Christian Pagel

Thanks for the opportunity to take our son beyond the familiar. It was the trip of a lifetime with new friends that truly feel like family. Based in large part on last year’s and this year’s trips, he has become increasingly sure that he plans to make marine biology his life's work. Broadreach’s trips are wonderful, challenging, safe experiences that foster lifetime friendships, develop career interests and build self-confidence. We were very impressed with the work that Tyler accomplished while at the Gerace Research Center. Diana and Bill O’Neal

I did not know what to expect from this trip and whether I would have as much fun as website testimonials insisted I would. Reflecting on the trip now, any questions seem ridiculous. I have made lifelong friends, learned more than I ever thought I would, and loved my counselors. Some of my favorite parts of this trip were going cave exploring, seeing sea turtles and hammerhead sharks, riding in the back of trucks to different dive sites, and the food!! I had the time of my life! Emery Kington

I had a really great time on my trip. All of the diving was amazing, even the shore dives with long surface swims. Even though I was nervous about deeper dives, it was much better than I thought. There is a lot of academic work, but it is all very interesting and worth it. Overall, our group had a lot of fun and good jokes and I only wish we could have had more time together. Grace Bregenzer

What a wonderful, eventful trip that is full of adventures, academics, and new life-long friends. The incredible setting of San Salvador set a perfect scene for us to embark on a new chapter of our lives.; lives to be filled with travel, learning, cultural experiences, and of course science. Every minute has prepared us for all of our future endeavors. Hannah B.

The Curacao Advanced Marine Biology program is perfect for anyone full of wanderlust with a strong passion for the ocean and marine science. Being able to expand my knowledge on the coral was an eye-opening experience that only further reinforced my love for the ocean and the beauties of the natural world. The ability to dive with such magnificent creatures including octopus, squid, and sea turtles is amazing. For aspiring marine biologists, this course is great to better understand working in the field. Jules Portnoy

This was a fantastic opportunity for our daughter. It has cemented the path that she wants to take for college. After this trip, she knows for sure the direction that she is headed. During college application essays when they ask what was the most life-changing event in her life, she responds to her Broadreach trip and easily writes all of the reasons why. She came home more confident and absolutely driven to accomplish her life goal to go into marine biology. I would send her all over again. Julie And Michael Irving

I sent my son on this trip to see if marine biology was really what he wanted to study in college (he has said so since he was 6). This trip has just increased his desire ten-fold. He had a wonderful time and is now trying to save for another Broadreach trip. I think the trip has helped him become more responsible for himself as he needed to be self-motivated toward academics. As for making friends, a resounding YES! With all the different social media outlets it is very easy for them to maintain contact allowing the friendships to continue. They are already trying to plan a reunion trip next summer. He has had nothing but wonderful things to say about all of the staff and it was nice for him to be able to ask about different paths of study and careers from people who have the same interests and have been or are going through it now. Before he left, his mom and I were concerned about the minimal communication that is allowed during the trip, however, the near-daily journal entries and accompanying photos put our minds at ease as it was plain to see how much he was enjoying himself. If you are considering a Broadreach trip my advice is to consider it no longer; sign up today! Kelly Rizzo

I really enjoyed learning how to dive and working with the group to find marine life. I liked group games and activities because they brought us closer together. I also really liked getting to know our instructors and doing fun things with them. Teamwork was really fun when diving, studying, and service projects. I learned what living on my own is like and how to meet new people. Mia Fanuzzi

This was my second Broadreach trip and it was just as fun and exciting as the first. I loved getting to know a new island and staying in one place for three weeks. I loved all of the diving all around the island, the hike to Mt. Christoffel, and the ostrich farm. We learned so much about the culture and marine biology. I wouldn't trade this opportunity for the world. Olivia Siudak

The underwater combination of academic marine studies with advanced dive certifications offered a perfect fun, exciting and educational mix for my son, and being responsible for his own maintenance and equipment among peers and away from his parents and family was a very positive growth experience. Having just returned home, my son still glows and is excited to describe both diving experiences, instructor enthusiasm, and group camaraderie. Thanks. Shelley and Harold Schenker

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