Sample Sierra Itinerary
Much of each day is devoted to classroom instruction in Marine Biology for academic credit and skills development. Our curriculum also includes leadership, teamwork, personal growth, and our Challenge Series, which presents unexpected obstacles for each team to face as a group. We find balance in community service and cultural exchange opportunities at our marine biology camps. The following sample itinerary for our Tropical Marine Science program in the British Virgin Islands is just a brief highlight of the activities you'll do.
Days 1-3 Arrive at Sail Caribbean's base on Tortola and become orientated to your new home onboard a catamaran where conservation is a daily practice. Follow up your dive education studies at home with skills training for your PADI Open Water or PADI Advanced Open Water scuba certification. Also begin coursework on the Tropical Marine Environment with your Sail Caribbean instructors.
Days 4-7 With your new scuba certification under your belt, you'll focus on marine biology coursework with hands-on projects! Collect data on reef fish like chromis, squirrel fish, and sea turtles while scuba diving. Listen to exciting guest speakers from the BVI's Conservation & Fisheries Department discuss their research. Head back into the warm water to practice your kayak paddling techniques. Dress up for a fun night out. Enjoy local music and try one of the BVI's famous conch dishes!
Days 8-11 Test your leadership skills as Skipper of the Day and lead your crew to a new anchorage. Learn about tides, wave dynamics and the geology of these unique islands from a visiting marine scientist. Collect water sample information. Practice Leave No Trace principals as you carefully choose your anchors location on the sandy ocean floor. Taste fresh mangoes.
Days 12-15 Dive the Indians and navigate the "swim through" in the rocks, teeming with sea life. Lead local youth in a snorkel and help them identify local fish species. Discover amazing nocturnal species and learn about bioluminescence with an adventurous night dive!
Days 16-18 Visit the Bitter End Yacht Club in Gorda Sound and enjoy the luxury resort's waterfront activities, including windsurfers, hobie cats and lasers. Show your skills wakeboarding or get wet tubing with a friend. Give back to the community by cleaning up a nearby beach. After some more marine biology studies, you'll survey the conch population in the seagrass beds.
Days 19-21 Dive the infamous Wreck of the Rhone off Salt Island. Wrap up your marine science coursework with final projects. Publish the data you've collected in a report and see what you've accomplished! Celebrate the end of your amazing summer adventures with your new lifelong friends over a barbeque in a secluded anchorage. Sail back to base for a slideshow, awards, skits and one last night under this fantastic night sky.