Travel Abroad
What if your science classroom was surrounded by turquoise Caribbean water, colorful coral reefs, and tropical marine life?
In April 2027, VTVLC Marine Science students will have the opportunity to take their learning beyond the screen and into the ocean with an unforgettable week-long adventure to Roatán, Honduras!
From April 10–17, 2027, students will travel to the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS), where they’ll experience marine science firsthand in one of the Caribbean’s most incredible environments.
About the Course and Trip
Who Can Participate?
This experience is open to students in grades 9–12 who have completed Marine Science Segments 1 & 2 OR Marine Biology Segments 1 & 2. These prerequisite courses help ensure students have the foundational knowledge needed to get the most out of the hands-on marine science experiences in Roatán.
Science Comes to Life
Throughout the week, students will explore vibrant marine ecosystems through a combination of hands-on educational activities, snorkeling, scuba diving, lectures, field experiences, and journaling.
Instead of simply learning about coral reefs and marine organisms, students will have the chance to see, study, and experience them in their natural environment.
Ready to Dive In?
Enroll Now to Reserve Your Spot!
7-night Marine Science Travel Experience:
Scuba Diver: $2,600
Snorkeler: $2,500
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot on the trip. Space is limited, so early enrollment is encouraged!
Note: Trip cost not included in course fee.
Questions?
Have questions about the course, trip, snorkeling, scuba diving, or what to expect? Reach out to Tara, a VTVLC staff member and our Marine Science Trip Coordinator, at tevans(at)vtvlc.org. Tara is also a certified PADI Rescue Diver and will be accompanying students on the trip.
Your Trip Includes:
- Round-trip airfare
- 7 nights in RIMS Dockside Lofts
- Full American meal plan with three meals daily
- Escorted round-trip airport transfers in Roatán (between the airport and RIMS)
- Please note: Students are responsible for transportation to and from the designated departure airport. Once we arrive in Roatán, escorted round-trip transportation between the airport and RIMS is included in the trip cost.
- Gratuities
- Two guided boat excursions daily for both snorkelers and scuba divers
- One night boat excursion, with night snorkeling or diving
- Scuba tanks, weights, and belts for divers
- Hands-on marine science experiences, including access to RIMS laboratory facilities, specimen collections, and the Roatán Museum
- Recreational services and facilities at adjacent Anthony’s Key Resort, including use of water sports equipment and beach/key picnics
- One dolphin swim
This is a unique opportunity to earn high school credit while experiencing marine science where it happens — in the water, on the reef, and surrounded by the incredible marine life of Roatán.
Snorkel or Scuba — You Choose!
Students do not need to be certified scuba divers to participate. Whether snorkeling or scuba diving, students will head out on the water for two guided boat excursions each day, exploring Roatán’s incredible reefs and marine ecosystems from above or below the surface.
The adventure doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! Students will also participate in a night boat excursion, with both night snorkeling and night diving opportunities.
For students who want to scuba dive but are not already certified, this trip offers the exciting opportunity to earn their PADI Open Water Certification while in Roatán! The certification cost is $475 plus 15% tax, with the opportunity to complete the PADI eLearning coursework online prior to the trip so students can arrive ready to put their skills into practice in the beautiful waters of Roatán.
Not sure you’re ready to take the dive? Students will also have the opportunity to try Discover Scuba while in Roatán for an additional fee. It’s a great way to experience scuba diving without committing to the full certification course. Additional pricing for Discover Scuba will be provided once available.
Don’t have your own gear? No worries! On-site gear rentals are available for an additional fee, so students will have access to the equipment they need to participate without having to purchase their own.
More Than a Trip!
This experience is about much more than traveling somewhere tropical. It’s an opportunity for students to take what they’ve learned online and experience marine science firsthand in the environment they’ve been studying.
By experiencing Roatán’s marine ecosystems firsthand, students will gain a deeper understanding of ocean conservation, the importance of protecting coral reefs and marine life, and the impact humans have on these fragile ecosystems. They’ll have the opportunity to see for themselves how the choices we make can affect the health of our oceans and why conservation efforts are so important.
Students will return home not only with firsthand experience studying the ocean, but also with a greater understanding of their role in protecting it — along with memories that will last long after the course is over.
“This was an extremely amazing opportunity that has developed and been perfected over the years. It was an awesome trip with enjoyable classwork that caused students to think deeper. I thoroughly enjoyed the way this class helped me better understand the wide variety of opportunities within the field of marine biology. We had multiple engaging guest speakers who taught us all about their career paths and experiences within higher education. This helped me better understand my opportunities in the future. I also really enjoyed all the time we had in the water on our trip to Bermuda. It was amazing to see all the life interacting and to be amongst the captivating creatures. My favorite part of the trip was the night snorkeling. I loved only having a flashlight to illuminate the path ahead.”
Explore Past Trips on the Marine Science Blog!
Marine Science Goes to Roatán: Dive Into an Unforgettable Adventure!
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