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!

This trip is being organized by:

Mr. Jim Nielsen

Waubonsie Valley High School

jim_nielsen@ipsd.org

630-290-5619

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 

The package does include airfare from Chicago O'hare to Roatán, Honduras.

Green Edventures cannot block group airfare until the group has reached critical mass of 10 participants. Once the minimum number of participants has enrolled, the airfare will be locked in and the price will be updated.

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.

To enter Honduras, you need:

• A U.S. passport with at least six months validity from country exit.

Visit the Embassy of Honduras website or any of the Honduran consulate websites for the most current visa information.

Special Requirements for Minors: Under Honduran law, children under age 21 who are traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent must have written, notarized permission to travel from the non-traveling parent(s).

• If notarizing a permission letter in the United States, the letter should be apostilled by the U.S. state registrar where the notary is registered.  Honduran immigration authorities may also accept permission letters notarized at a Honduran embassy or consulate in the United States.

• If there is no second parent with legal custody of the child (e.g., the second parent is deceased, one parent has sole custody, etc.), travelers can provide copies of the relevant paperwork such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc.

  
  

We stay at Anthony's Key Resort. Key Superior Bungalows with 2-3 students per room. 

All rooms have AC.

Click here for the Packing List

Snorkeling and diving gear is not included, but can be rented onsite or bring your own.

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

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. 

Click on link to review:

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy

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 here.

SCUBA Divers

Additional dive accident insurance is required for all participants who will be SCUBA diving and needs to be purchased separately. You will first purchase a DAN membership for $40 per year, then select your dive accident coverage.

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

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. 

For Billing & Payments:

Carrie Zygowicz 

Administrative Assistant

715-222-9874   
contact@greenedventures.com

Morning: Your adventure kicks off with a flight to the stunning island of Roatán, Honduras. Get ready to leave textbooks behind and dive headfirst into a world of tide pools, coral reefs, and unforgettable experiences!

Afternoon: Touchdown in paradise! After arriving, you’ll head straight to Anthony’s Key Resort, your home base for the week. Once you’ve checked in, take some time to unpack and settle in. Need to shake off that travel stiffness? The beach is right at your doorstep, where you can grab a kayak or paddleboard and start exploring the clear, turquoise waters surrounding our private key. Keep an eye out—you might spot some incredible marine life right away!

Evening: After a delicious dinner as a group, we’ll dive into the details of your week ahead. You’ll meet your fellow marine biologists-in-training, form daily trip report groups, and start brainstorming ideas for your research projects. It’s going to be an exciting week of discovery and adventure!

Overnight: Anthony’s Key Resort—where the adventure continues tomorrow.

Meals: Dinner (D)

If students arrive at the resort by 12:30PM lunch is available. Those that land later should get lunch at the connecting airport before boarding their flight to Roatan. 

Morning: After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to dive into your marine biology adventure! We’ll start with an orientation at the Roatán Institute for Marine Science (RIMS), where you’ll get an overview of the incredible marine environment you'll be exploring. If you need to rent any gear, we’ll get that sorted, and if you’re a certified diver, don’t forget to bring your certification cards—you’re going to need them!

Next, we’ll hit the water for a check-out snorkel or dive. This is your chance to get comfortable, ensure your gear is working perfectly, and, for divers, fine-tune your buoyancy skills and dial in the right amount of weight. Get ready to make the ocean your new classroom!

Afternoon: After lunch, it’s time to dig deeper into the underwater world. You’ll attend your first coral reef ecology lecture, where you’ll learn about the fascinating coral species that call these reefs home. Then, we’ll jump back into the water for a snorkel or dive, where you’ll put your new knowledge to the test by identifying the major coral species around you. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you’ll find living jewels beneath the waves!

Evening: After a day packed with new experiences, we’ll gather for dinner, followed by an engaging REEF Fish ID lecture. You’ll learn the names and characteristics of the colorful fish species that inhabit the reefs, preparing you for even more discoveries tomorrow. By the end of the night, you’ll be talking fish like a pro!
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

Morning: Start your day with a delicious breakfast and a recap from Group 1 as they share their day report, highlighting yesterday’s discoveries. Then, it’s time to dive into the world of invertebrates with an ID lecture that will introduce you to the fascinating creatures hiding in the nooks and crannies of the reef. Afterward, we’ll head back into the water for a snorkel or dive, where you’ll get to put your new fish and invertebrate ID skills to the test. The reef is teeming with life—how many species can you spot?

Afternoon: We’ll take a break from the water to enjoy a picnic lunch on the beautiful Maya Key. While there, you’ll have the chance to tour the animal care facilities and learn about the rehabilitation efforts for various wildlife species. After lunch, it’s back into the water for another dive or snorkel, where you’ll continue honing your fish ID skills and participate in a REEF Fish Survey. You’ll be contributing to real-world marine research—how cool is that?

Evening: As the sun sets, we’ll gather for a fascinating turtle lecture, where you’ll learn about the life cycles and conservation of these ancient mariners. After dinner, we’ll dive into the secrets of mangrove ecosystems with an engaging presentation that will show you how these unique forests are vital to the health of the reef. By the end of the day, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the complex web of life in Roatán’s waters.

Meals: BLD

Morning: Start the day with a tasty breakfast while Group 2 shares their day report, highlighting yesterday’s discoveries and insights. Then, we’re off to Man-O-War Key for a unique snorkeling adventure. You’ll explore the fascinating ecosystems of mangrove roots, seagrass beds, and patch reefs, collecting organisms for identification. This hands-on experience will give you a closer look at the intricate connections between these vital habitats.

Afternoon: After a satisfying lunch, it’s time to get back in the water for another dive or snorkel session focused on sharpening your invertebrate ID skills. You’re becoming more of a marine biologist every day! Later, we’ll switch gears for our first dolphin lecture, where you’ll learn about these incredible mammals and their behavior in the wild.

Evening: As night falls, we’ll come together for a discussion on one of the most critical topics in marine science: the threats facing coral reefs. This presentation will shed light on the challenges these fragile ecosystems face and what we can do to help protect them. It’s a thought-provoking way to end the day, inspiring you to make a difference.

Meals: BLD

Morning: Participate in an interactive training session with charming bottlenose dolphins. During the session, you'll learn and use hand signals to guide the dolphins through their training routines. Take turns at the training platform, rewarding the dolphins with praise and fish for their correct behaviors. This session offers an exciting  opportunity to connect with these intelligent creatures and witness their enthusiasm for learning.

SOL Community Center

In the time between the morning water activities and lunch, participants can visit the SOL Community Center, where they'll be greeted by giggling children eager to connect through play and showcase their creativity. The center, adorned with art made from repurposed materials, provides tutoring, counseling, and scholarship opportunities to help students excel beyond middle school. This visit offers a heartwarming glimpse into the impactful work SOL does for the local community. Our participants often bring donations of clothes, school supplies, and sports equipment for the kids.

Afternoon: Experience the thrill of our zip line adventure and canopy walk as part of your tour. Feel the exhilaration as you soar through the lush Roatán rainforest on 11 exhilarating zip lines. Highlights include the unique opportunity to fly upside down, giving you a liberating view of the vibrant canopy and sparkling sea below. As you zip along, enjoy the fun of watching your friends glide by on parallel lines, and take in breathtaking vistas from an elevated perspective.

After your adrenaline-pumping zip line ride, embark on a serene suspension bridge eco walk. Led by a knowledgeable naturalist, this guided tour offers fascinating insights into the local flora and bush medicine, providing a deeper connection to the natural world around you.

Evening: Tonight, the island comes alive with a BBQ Fiesta on the Key! Get ready for an evening of fun and excitement as you join in the festivities. Participate in crab races, show off your moves in a reggae dance-off, and see how low you can go in the limbo. You’ll also be treated to a performance by Garifuna dancers, showcasing the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your adventure so far!

Meals: BLD

Morning: Begin your day with a delicious breakfast as Group 4 presents their day report, sharing insights and highlights from the previous day. Next, you’ll participate in a coral restoration lecture and training session, where you’ll learn about the critical role coral reefs play in marine ecosystems and the techniques used to restore them. This is your chance to become an active part of conservation efforts, setting up coral fragments to be hung on coral trees in the nursery. Certified SCUBA divers can take it a step further by cleaning the coral trees and carefully hanging the fragments, directly contributing to the reef’s recovery.

Afternoon: After a rewarding morning, we’ll break for lunch before heading back into the water to work on your research projects. Snorkelers will explore a beautiful coral patch reef, where vibrant fish dart among colorful coral mounds rising from the sandy bottom. Keep an eye out for resting nurse sharks or giant lobsters hidden in the reef’s nooks and crannies. Meanwhile, SCUBA divers will dive into history with an exploration of The Odyssey, a 300-foot freighter intentionally sunk in 2002. As you descend to a depth of 115 feet, you’ll navigate through the eerie, multi-story compartments of the ship’s stern, now teeming with marine life. The sight of large schools of fish swirling around the ship adds to the surreal experience of exploring this underwater giant.

Evening: As the day fades into night, prepare for an extraordinary adventure—night snorkeling and diving. As the sky shifts from blue to deep black, you’ll explore a shallow reef where the ocean transforms before your eyes. Guided by your flashlight, you’ll witness eels hunting in the shadows, octopuses emerging from their daytime hideouts, and parrotfish wrapped in their protective nighttime cocoons. This sensory-rich experience will reveal the hidden world of the reef after dark, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the ocean’s mysterious transformation from day to night.

Meals: BLD

Morning: Start your day with an unforgettable experience—swimming with the resident dolphins. These dolphins, part of a research program, live in human care but often choose to stay, with some even returning after leaving. Before you dive in, you'll attend an engaging classroom session led by a RIMS biologist, where you'll learn about dolphin physiology and behavior. With your newfound knowledge, you’ll be ready to snorkel alongside the pod. This isn’t just any swim—it’s like joining a lively conversation with these playful creatures, including a curious baby dolphin. You’ll hear and feel their clicks as they use sonar to explore their world, including you!

Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll head out on a bus trip to explore Roatán’s wildlife. Our first stop is the Iguana Farm, where you’ll meet these fascinating reptiles. Next, we’ll visit the Monkey & Sloth Hangout, offering a chance to interact with these adorable animals in a relaxed setting. Finally, we’ll take a trip to Oakridge, a nearby local town, to experience the island’s culture and daily life.

Evening: As the sun sets, we’ll gather for dinner where Group 6 will present their day report. Following the meal, it’s time for the grand finale—research project presentations! Each student will showcase their findings and share the insights gained throughout the week. It’s a moment to celebrate the hard work and discoveries made during this incredible adventure.

Meals: BLD

Morning: After a final breakfast together, you’ll have time to upload your fish surveys into the REEF database, contributing your findings to the ongoing conservation efforts. We’ll also compile trip reports as a lasting memory of the group’s shared experiences.

Please note: Participants will take part in all activities and excursions described in your final itinerary; however, the specific days and timing of activities may be adjusted based on weather, local conditions, availability, or other logistical considerations.

TBA: Depart for the airport and your flight home. As you leave, you’ll carry with you a deeper appreciation and respect for the ocean, cherishing the memories of the amazing animals, wonderful people, and vibrant corals you encountered. The experiences and knowledge gained will remain with you long after you return home.

Meals: B