check out a typical british virgin islands maine biology itinerary.
Since in-country logistics are subject to change for year to year - please take the table below as a guide only. And, as always, feel free to give us a call at 800.317.6789 or +1.941.924.6789 for the most up-to-date information.
DAY |
DESCRIPTION |
1 |
Fly day! - Students depart all points of the globe for the British Virgin Islands! Staff help transfer students in San Juan for connection flights and in Tortola for the bus to West End. After getting settled aboard the catamaran, the students' new floating home, students take a swim, get to know their fellow shipmates, whip up the first meal aboard, and gather for evening program introductions and orientation. |
2 |
The First Sail - Students sail to Norman Island and receive their first basic instruction in sailing and knot tying. After an exciting first sail, students new to scuba will start their Open Water Course while others will take a "check-out" dive. |
3 |
Dive Dive Dive - Students wake up for the breathtaking (both in scenery and steepness!) sunrise hike up Spyglass hill. Then it's all about the scuba followed by a long upwind sail to Savannah Bay. Night is spent under the stars for a lively Lifeworks Forum. |
4 |
Savanna Bay - Students have an interactive lesson in marine biology and island ecology, a quick hike to a salt pond, and then start to work on cleaning up a once pristine beach! Then it's out to the sand circles for a dive. |
5 |
The Beautiful "Baths" - Students explore one of the most famous natural wonders of the BVIs, and join together for some group building games on the beach. Afternoon sail, dingy driving instruction and test. Advanced divers will take their first night dive while others complete the Open Water Exam |
6 |
Chimneys - Reef research and Open Water Training dives. The evening is spent back in Mt. Point. |
7 |
Turtling Day! - Students are introduced to turtle tagging and release, and start the chase! Afternoon sail to Vixen Point for a mangrove lesson, snorkel as well as a dive on the Virgin Gorda fringing reef. Night barbeque and dance on the beach. |
8 |
Anegada - Students embark for the long sail to Anegada, one of the most unique and least visited islands in the BVIs. Afternoon visit to the Anegada Iguana Center for a conservation project to protect these rare creatures. Evening movie night. |
9 |
Anegada - Conservation project with the Anegada Iguana Center. Students hop on a fast boat whaler for a turtling day - "rodeo style" - with Rasta Jim! |
10 |
Anegada - Students break-up into 3 groups for breathtaking hikes along the beaches of Anegada. Along the way, students help preserve these unique island beaches with garbage bags in hand, while also searching for and documenting important data on sea turtle nesting sites. |
11 |
Goodbye Anegada - Students have a more relaxing day as they sail to Marina Cay for an evening activity, of the inspirational type, with ActionQuest at Marina Cay. |
12 |
Dive Day! - Sail to Muskmellon Bay for a full day of diving along with water skiing, wake boarding and sailing the lasers. |
13 |
Sail to Brewers - A day of downwind sailing (for a change) to dive shark point. Then we head around the corner to Cane Garden Bay to prepare for the big hike. |
14 |
Mount Sage Hike - Wrapped in the lush greens of Mt. Scenery National Park with views of the entire British and U.S. Virgin Islands, students conquer the highest peak in the BVIs. After a "Cheese Burger in Paradise" in the very spot that Jimmy Buffet is claimed to have written his song for, students join ActionQuest for a rousing sand castle building contest and great food and music under the stars at Sydney's. |
15 |
Jost Van Dyke - Educational activities, games, arts and crafts day with the children of Jost Van Dyke. Students visit famous Foxy and tour the Preservation's Society sloop project, a fascinating work of cultural preservation. |
16 |
Dive the Playgrounds - Reef research and scuba all day |
17 |
Frenchman's Cay and off to Peter Island- It's a long day of sailing yet it will give you the time that you need to catch up on your project presentation. We'll squeeze in a dive later on in the day before dinner and then it's back in the water for a night dive. |
18 |
Salt Island - Research the artificial reef of the RMS Rhone and then stop at Dead Man's Chest for an afternoon of turtle tagging. Final presentation on the evening. |
19 |
Peter Island to Tortola - Sunrise sail to Tortola for breakfast before exploring the town and then we head to Salt Island for a hike to the top, with majestic views of the islands, sea, and the famed shipwreck of the "Rhone." Final night on the water is a good time for reflection, |
20 |
Back to West End - A final dive in the morning before we head back to West End for "boat check out," and a grand final feast and closing at Pussers Landing. |
21 |
So Hard To Say Goodbye - Students say goodbye to their new friends. Without fail there is a mix of emotions - there is excitement to return home; there is sadness to leave. Students fly with the help of staff in the Tortola and San Juan airports, and head home to their friends and families. |
