2025 Roatan: Marine Biology Eco Tour Sample Student Itinerary

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Overview

2025 Roatan: Marine Biology Eco Tour Sample Student Itinerary
Roatán, Honduras
Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2024
Green Edventures Eco Tours & Expeditions image
Green Edventures Eco Tours & Expeditions
$4,045
Deposit: $500

About your trip

Attention all future marine biologist! Get ready to dive into the adventure of a lifetime as we journey to the stunning island of Roatán, Honduras, for an unforgettable marine biology trip!


Our home base for the week is none other than The Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS), nestled adjacent to Anthony's Key Dive Resort. Picture yourself waking up to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of over 30 miles of fringing and barrier reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and pristine shoreline. This is no ordinary classroom – this is a living laboratory teeming with life as part of the second largest barrier reef system in the world!


Prepare to be mesmerized as you embark on thrilling diving and snorkeling adventures in some of the most captivating underwater landscapes on the planet. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and diverse ecosystems of Roatán's underwater realm, where every flipper kick reveals a new wonder of nature waiting to be discovered.


But this trip isn't just about sightseeing – it's about getting hands-on with real scientific research and conservation efforts. Throughout the week, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside marine biologists, participating in cutting-edge research projects and conservation programs aimed at protecting the fragile marine ecosystems of Roatán.


From studying coral reef ecology to swimming with bottlenose dolphins, this trip is your chance to dive deep into the world of marine biology and make a real difference in ocean conservation. Get ready to be inspired, educated, and empowered as you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to the heart of marine science in the Caribbean!


So pack your sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and join us for an unforgettable week of adventure, discovery, and conservation in the tropical paradise of Roatán, Honduras. Let's make waves and create memories that will last a lifetime!


Tour highlights:

  • Dive into an underwater adventure with two snorkeling trips (or dives for SCUBA Divers) per day, exploring a variety of biologically diverse marine habitats that will leave you breathless. 
  • Experience the magic of the ocean under the stars with a thrilling night snorkel (or dive), witnessing the reef community transform as the sun dips below the horizon.
  • Get up close and personal with the stars of the sea as you meet and swim with RIMS dolphins, learning all about their unique marine mammal training program. 
  • Dive into conservation efforts firsthand as you participate in the onsite coral restoration program, making a real difference in preserving marine ecosystems.
  • Take your exploration to new heights as you soar through the treetops on a fun and educational zipline tour, gaining a bird's-eye view of Roatán's lush landscapes. 
  • Get to know the locals of the animal kingdom as you meet sloths, iguanas, and monkeys at two different animal sanctuaries.
  • Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Roatán as you explore seaside towns and connect with locals, gaining insights into the vibrant traditions and way of life. Get your groove on at an island fiesta on Anthony's Key with the Garifuna Dancers, swaying to the rhythms of reggae and testing your limbo skills.
  • Volunteer at SOL Community Center and help suppo


GENERAL INCLUSIONS

Activities described above and:

A 42-foot dive boat with captain, divemaster and UW naturalist 

Use of kayaks and paddleboards 

Use of recreational services and facilities offered at Anthony’s Key Resort 

Lectures offered by RIMS staff on a variety of marine topics 

Use of dry and wet laboratories 

A large air-conditioned classroom with audio/video equipment 

Use of specimen collections and reference library

Waterproof marine identification guides 

Onsite clinic & decompression chamber with doctors on call 24-hours 

Escorted round-trip transfer from airport to RIMS 

MAP POINTS

Here is a map with points for activities and lodging for reference.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Learning Objectives:


1. Understand the ecological significance of marine habitats: By participating in daily snorkeling or diving excursions in various marine environments, students will learn about the importance of fringing and barrier reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and shoreline ecosystems, and how they contribute to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.


2. Develop practical research skills: Engaging in hands-on research and investigation activities, such as participating in the onsite coral restoration program, will enable students to develop practical research skills including data collection, observation, and analysis techniques relevant to marine conservation efforts.


3. Gain insight into marine mammal behavior and training: Through interactions with RIMS dolphins and learning about their unique marine mammal training program, students will gain insight into marine mammal behavior, cognition, and the ethical considerations involved in marine mammal training and conservation efforts.


4. Appreciate the importance of conservation efforts: By actively participating in conservation programs and initiatives, such as coral restoration and engaging with local conservationists, students will develop an understanding of the importance of conservation efforts in preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity.


5. Explore cultural and historical aspects of Roatán: Through visits to animal sanctuaries, interaction with locals, and cultural experiences such as island fiestas and visits to cultural museums, students will gain insights into the cultural diversity, history, and traditions of Roatán, enhancing their appreciation for cultural and environmental diversity.


6. Foster teamwork and communication skills: Engaging in group activities such as snorkeling/diving excursions, zip-lining tours, and cultural experiences will foster teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication skills among students as they work together to achieve common goals and navigate new environments.

Learning objectives aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):


1. **NGSS Standard: LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems**

   - Objective: Students will analyze the interdependent relationships between different marine habitats (such as fringing reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves) and their impact on biodiversity and ecosystem stability through firsthand observation during snorkeling/diving excursions.


2. **NGSS Standard: LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans**

   - Objective: Students will investigate the role of human activities, such as coral restoration efforts, in preserving and restoring biodiversity in marine ecosystems, and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation strategies in mitigating human impacts on marine biodiversity.


3. **NGSS Standard: ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions**

   - Objective: Engaging in hands-on coral restoration programs, students will apply scientific and engineering practices to develop and implement potential solutions to address coral reef degradation and promote ecosystem resilience.


4. **NGSS Standard: ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems**

   - Objective: Students will analyze the human impacts on marine ecosystems and explore strategies for sustainable resource management and conservation, drawing connections between human actions, environmental changes, and ecosystem health.


5. **NGSS Standard: SEP: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations**

   - Objective: Through participation in research activities and conservation programs, students will plan and carry out investigations to collect and analyze data related to marine biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation efforts, using scientific inquiry and research methods.


6. **NGSS Standard: CC: Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World**

   - Objective: Students will examine the influence of science, engineering, and technology on marine conservation efforts and assess the ethical considerations and societal implications of conservation practices, such as marine mammal training programs and coral reef restoration initiatives.

LODGING

We stay at Anthony's Key Resort. Lodging option include Key Superior Bungalows with 3-6 students per room Or dorms with up to 6 students sharing a room. Contact us and we can let you know what is available for your travel dates. 


All rooms are air conditions.

Chaperones stay in double queen bungalows separate from students. 

All rooms have AC.

MEALS

Participants will have a choice from a selection of American meals served from the Anthony's Key Resort restaurant each day.  Three meals a day are provided during the program week. 

AIRFARE

The package price does  include an estimated airfare of $950 per person plus $50 booking fee.  The actual price could be higher or lower.  Spring break estimated airfare is $1100-1600 per person plus $50 booking fee.

Price does not include baggage fees, special travel or additional costs due to airline imposed surcharges and taxes prior to ticketing. Nor does it include extra costs associated with cancellations or missed connections. Once booked, the ticket is the property of the named ticket holder and it is non-refundable and non-transferrable. 


Airlines release their schedules and prices 9 months before travel dates. The prices listed are estimates only and could be less or more. Holidays and high demand travel dates have higher prices. Green Edventures will provide you with a best guess estimate based on your actual travel dates, departure city, and our experience. We try to estimate high so that families are not surprised. Airline prices can not be locked in until your group is confirmed with the minimum number of students. At that time, the prices will be updated on your booking link, they could be less. If the price is significantly more, we will address this with the group and give participants options.

PACKING LIST

Click here for the Packing List

DOCUMENTATION

All participants must have a passport valid for travel 6 months beyond the date of departure. 

GROUP LEADER CONTACT INFORMATION

This trip is being organized by:

Name of Teacher

School Name

Teacher Email

Teacher Phone



GREEN EDVENTURES TERMS & CONDITIONS

Click on link to review:


Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy


Package Price Details:

Fee: $4045 Snorkeling  + gratuity (SCUBA divers +$130 per person)

Duration: 8 days

Comps:  1 teacher free with 10, or 2 teachers free with 14-paying students. 

Max Group Size: 11-25

Grades: 6-8th and 9-12th, college

Dates: Year round

Includes an estimated airfare: $950 plus $50 booking fee per person.

TRAVEL & DIVE ACCIDENT INSURANCE

All Participants:

A Travelex Insurance Services Student Group Essentials plan is paid and provided by Green Edventures as part of your trip package. This plan includes post-departure benefits only. See the attached flyer for more information. Click here and select your state of residence  from the dropdown to view a copy of the policy.


At Green Edventures, we recommend you purchase a travel protection plan with additional benefits to help protect you and your trip investment. In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment and well-being so you can relax and enjoy your trip. 

Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans.


For your convenience, we offer a travel protection plan through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information on the available plan please review the Student Group Plus flyer. If you would like to enroll in the plan, please click below:

https://partner.travelexinsurance.com/index.aspx?location=28-0108&go=PSPCZ&navigation=off&groupname=GreenEdventures 


SCUBA Divers

Dive accident insurance is required and purchased separately. You will first purchase a DAN membership for $40 per year, then select your dive accident coverage.

DAN’s website does offer Travel Guard. If you book your Travel Guard insurance via the link above at our website, we will automatically get a copy of your Travel Guard policy. This will assist us in helping you should you need to make a claim.

https://dan.org/membership-insurance/dive-insurance/

SERVICE FEES & PAYMENT METHODS

Green Edventures does not charge a service fee. We use a third party merchant service called WeTravel and they use the credit card processor Stripe. 


Credit Card

WeTravel will add a service fee to the total amount of your trip if you pay with a credit card. Credit Cards fees: 2.9% (Amex: 3.9%). This is a bank fee not Green Edventures. 


ACH / Checking Account 

If you set up your payment method to be withdrawn from your checking account there are no fees. 


You can change your payment method at any time in your WeTravel Account. 

CONTACT GREEN EDVENTURES

Mailing Address:

Green Edventures, LLC  
5348 Vegas Dr. #1102  
Las Vegas, NV 89108

888-622-4911  
info@greenedventures.com

For General Questions & Reservations:

Tara Short 

Founder & Director

715-252-1238   
tara@greenedventures.com

For Billing & Payments:

Carrie Zygowicz 

Administrative Assistant

715-222-9874   
contact@greenedventures.com

What's included

Room & Board

3-6 students per room / chaperones 2 per room

Meals

All meals are included from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day.

Airfare

Estimated airfare of $950 + $50 Booking Fee

Student Group Essentials

Post-departure travel insurance. See plan linked above. Additional coverage recommended.

What's not included

Passport

Valid 6 months after day of departure

Travel Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance.

DAN Insurance

Required insurance for SCUBA Divers

Snorkeling/Diving Gear

Available for rent onsite

Gratuity

$175

Personal Spending Money

Baggage fees

Day 1

Day 1 image

Welcome to Anthony's Key

Morning:  Students fly to Roatan, Honduras.  

Afternoon: Students arrive and check in to Anthony's Key Resort.  There is time for the students to unpack and settle in to their home for the week.  They can enjoy kayaks or paddle boards right from the beach of our Key.

Evening: Dinner as a group and afterwards we meet to assign daily trip report groups & discuss student research projects.

Overnight at Anthony's Key Resort for 6 nights.

Meals: LD

Day 2

Day 2 image

Introduction to the Reefs of Anthony's Key & SCUBA/Snorkel Check Out

Morning: After breakfast we get our orientation to the Roatan Institute for Marine Science (RIMS).  Students who need rental gear get that sorted.  Students who are scuba diving need to bring their certification cards with them.

We do a check out snorkel/dive to assess comfort in the water and to make sure everyone's equipment is working properly.  Divers will asses their buoyancy skills and determine proper amount of weight needed.


Afternoon:  After lunch, the students will get their first coral reef ecology lecture & species ID class.  We then dive/snorkel  to identify all major coral species found here.


Evening:  After dinner students participate in a  REEF Fish ID lecture, learning the names of the fishes found in this location.

Meals: BLD


Day 3

Day 3 image

Maya Key Day Trip & Diving/Snorkeling

Morning:  Students enjoy breakfast and share Group 1-day report. Afterwards we have our invertebrate ID lecture followed by a dive/snorkel to allowing students to practice their fish and invertebrate ID skills.

Afternoon: Students will enjoy picnic lunch on Maya Key and tour the animal care facilities there. Afterwards is another dive/snorkel to practice their fish ID skills and participate in a REEF Fish Survey.

Evening: Before dinner students will attend a turtle lecture and after, will participate in a presentation on mangrove ecology.


Meals: BLD

Day 4

Day 4 image

Introduction to Mangroves & Patch Reefs

Morning:  Today during breakfast Group 2 will present their day report. Afterwards we take a trip to Man-O-War Key to snorkel a mangrove root, seagrass and patch reef with organism collection & ID.


Afternoon:  Lunch and then another dive/snorkel to work on our invertebrate ID skills.  

We then have our first dolphin lecture.

Evening:  After dinner we have a presentation on the threats to coral reefs.


Meals: BLD

Day 5

Day 5 image

Cultural Day, Zip-lining & Island Fiesta

Morning:  Today during breakfast Group 3 will report their day reports.  We then have our second dolphin lecture.  Afterwards students dive/ snorkel and start on their research projects.

Afternoon:  After lunch we take a bus trip for our Canopy Zip-lining Tour & Gumba Limba Park visit.

Evening:  Dinner tonight is a BBQ Fiesta on the Key.  Students participate in a crab race, reggae, limbo and watch Garifuna dancers.


Meals: BLD

Day 6

Day 6 image

Coral Reef Restoration

Morning:  At breakfast Group 4 presents their day report, followed by a coral restoration lecture/training. Students will dive/snorkel the coral nursery & put what they learned to use.

Afternoon:  After lunch is another dive/snorkel so that students can work on their research projects.

Evening:  This evening students have a short lecture to learn about night diving/snorkeling and what they might see before heading into the water to experience it for themselves.  Dinner is after the night dive and in the evening, students work on their research projects.


Meals: BLD

Day 7

Day 7 image

Dolphin Swim & Island Excursion

Morning: Today during breakfast Group 5 shares their day report.  Afterwards we partake of our last dive/snorkel of the trip.  From there students will swim with the dolphins - a highlight of the trip!

Afternoon: After lunch we take a bus trip to an Iguana Farm and Monkey & Sloth Hangout.  Then head to Oakridge, a local town nearby.

Evening: During dinner, Group 6 shares their day report.  After, all students present their research projects to the group.


Meals: BLD

Day 8

Day 8 image

Finish REEF Surveys & Return to USA

Morning: Breakfast and time to upload fish surveys into REEF database.  Trip reports are combined as a memory for the group.


TBA:  Depart for airport and flights home


Meals: B

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1. Roatán, Honduras

Roatán, Honduras

About your organizer

Fun, active, and educational nature-based group eco-adventures for people to connect with wild places and animals in extraordinary environments. Specializing in women's adventure travel groups, and teacher-led student groups. Inquire about private departures and co-ed trips.

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