There's a damsel in distress! Actually it's a Yellowtail Damselfish, an exotic reef fish native to the culturally rich Bahamian island of Eleuthera. You grab your snorkeling gear and scour the crystal-clear waters to map out patch reefs where Damselfish dwell, along with other tropical creatures like Sharpnose Puffers, Spanish Hogfish and Longspine Squirrelfish. This is no mere exercise. These fish populations are vital to the economy so you transform yourself into an undersea sleuth and document their size and numbers. Knowing your data will contribute to protection of this fragile ecosystem might just make these some of the most meaningful—and thrilling—academic credits you'll ever earn.

Our Bahamas program is home to our tropical marine biology and environmental conservation studies program. We've partnered with the Caribbean's premier educational organizations, The Island School and Cape Eleuthera Institute, for a 19 to 21-day adventure set in one of the most historic islands of the Bahamas. Eleuthera's pink sand beaches, rimmed by pines, palms and dramatic cliffs, is your launching pad for expeditions above and below the sea! If you've got a love of the deep, this is the place to put your passion into motion.

Housing Accomodations
Bahamas students live on land at The Island School in large, open-bay single-sex dormitories that feel much like cabins with great views! Sail Caribbean staff sleep in a room in between the boys and girls.

Bahamas Itinerary
Eleuthera may be close to the Florida coast, but you'll discover a whole new world of adventure on this unique island. Using The Island School as your base, you'll explore Eleuthera's pink and white sand beaches, coral gardens, intricate reefs and fish-filled seas. You'll lead a 3-day, 2 night sea-kayaking and camping expedition, go scuba diving almost every day, and explore the island on an early morning hike. You'll immerse yourself in the unique island culture by sampling the incredible local food or learning a local dance. You'll earn marine science certificates for high school credit for your academic with marine biology centered activities, research, lectures and discussions each day. See a Sample Bahamas itinerary

Learning
You'll earn academic credit by working with marine scientists each day on exciting hands-on research projects, field studies and by participating in dynamic discussions led by staff from the Island School, Cape Eleuthera Institute and Sail Caribbean.  The surrounding coral reefs, tidal mangrove creeks and shallow water habitats will be your laboratory as you collect data on lionfish and colorful reef species. Your work will be suplemented by scuba diving in Eleuthera's crystal clear waters. You can earn your PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water and some specialties. In addition to our research and classroom time, you'll lead and participate in discussions and activities as part of our True Course initiative for leadership training and personal growth. More about Learning on the Bahamas Tropical Marine Science for Divers program

Activities
There's always something new to try on Eleuthera! Snorkel in crystal clear waters. Camp on exotic beaches and explore Eleuthera's secret caves. As leader of the day, or "Cacique", you could arrange a morning swim, organize a new activity for local children during a community service day, and pose challenging questions during our day-end discussions. It's all up to you.

In addition to the academics and outdoor adventure activities, you'll also have the opportunity to earn 20-25 hours of community service credit through our local outreach activities. You'll teach local youth about the importance of water safety and then introduce them to the fun of snorkeling. You'll make a connection with the community through interviews with local fisherman and farmers whose livelihood depends on sea and land. In all these projects, you'll see the true impact of your work. Learn more about Activities on the Bahamas program

Optional Courses
Take a break from your busy schedule of marine biology studies and community service activities on Eleuthera. This program is for certified divers. Not certified yet? Don't worry. You can join us for the Bahamas OW course two days early for your PADI Open Water Certification and then participate in all regular program activities. You can also earn your PADI Advanced Open Water certification and some specialities during the program.  Dive services on Eleuthera are provided by PADI dive instructors from Sail Caribbean and The Island School. Learn more about Optional Courses