Activities - Page 2
The opportunity to discover the Exuma Islands lies along the thousands of miles of white sand beaches, cays and inlets. Trails, inside and out of the Exuma Land and Sea Park meander over island history ranging from a salt mining colony to a haven for pirates to a cotton-producing colony. All activities will emphasize the importance for students to make connections with the land and its people, giving them the most fulfilling experience possible.
Mangrove Exploration: Mangroves are an intracle part of the Bahamian marine ecosystem. They offer a protected home to thousands of juvenile fish and invertebrate species. During our trip we will have the opportunity to visit two of the clearest mangroves in the Bahamas. The wide girth of the mangroves in the interior of Shroud Cay of the Exuma's, will allow us to enter them with small inflatables for snorkeling and exploring. Even more impressive, are the crystal clear mangroves of Conception Island. It is here where we may get a chance to observe Lemon sharks who use the mangroves for birthing their pups.
Deep Sea: We know less about the depths of our oceans than we do about our solar system. Over the past decade, programs like MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute), among others, have begun a quest to discover the mysteries of the deep. What they're finding is astonishing. The Exuma sound is an incredible area in our ocean, where in a short distance the ocean floor drops from 10’s of feet to 1000’s of feet. Students will collect water and plankton samples, then study and discuss the effect of quickly rising deep water from the Sound on the coastal waters of nearby islands.
Photography: Being able to capture the incredible images that we see underwater is an art form the can quickly become an obsession. Using digital underwater cameras, students will have the chance to experience the fun and the challenges that come along with getting that perfect shot. Nothing can top the excitement of sharing these images with family and friends once our adventure is over.
Astronomy & Celestial Navigation: What better way to explore the night sky than from topside of our 65 ft sloop. Sandwiched between the nocturnal ocean waters and the midnight heavens, “studying” astronomy will transform into a sail through the Milky Way and beyond. Students will gather above deck to gaze at stars and discuss the many focuses of astronomy- including physics, chemistry and mythology.
Campfire & Sea Shanties: The Buccaneers of the Caribbean used shanties to keep their timing in sync while sailing. Musical instruments and rythmic vocals also served as a source of entertainment during long sea voyages. Aboard the Sea Explorer, students will be learning these salty sailor shanties and singing them out while setting sails, hauling anchor and jammin' out around the campfire.
Deep Sea: We know less about the depths of our oceans than we do about our solar system. Over the past decade, programs like MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute), among others, have begun a quest to discover the mysteries of the deep. What they're finding is astonishing. The Exuma sound is an incredible area in our ocean, where in a short distance the ocean floor drops from 10’s of feet to 1000’s of feet. Students will collect water and plankton samples, then study and discuss the effect of quickly rising deep water from the Sound on the coastal waters of nearby islands.
Photography: Being able to capture the incredible images that we see underwater is an art form the can quickly become an obsession. Using digital underwater cameras, students will have the chance to experience the fun and the challenges that come along with getting that perfect shot. Nothing can top the excitement of sharing these images with family and friends once our adventure is over.
Astronomy & Celestial Navigation: What better way to explore the night sky than from topside of our 65 ft sloop. Sandwiched between the nocturnal ocean waters and the midnight heavens, “studying” astronomy will transform into a sail through the Milky Way and beyond. Students will gather above deck to gaze at stars and discuss the many focuses of astronomy- including physics, chemistry and mythology.
Campfire & Sea Shanties: The Buccaneers of the Caribbean used shanties to keep their timing in sync while sailing. Musical instruments and rythmic vocals also served as a source of entertainment during long sea voyages. Aboard the Sea Explorer, students will be learning these salty sailor shanties and singing them out while setting sails, hauling anchor and jammin' out around the campfire.