Eco Island Experience - Activities

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Following is partial list habitats Wild Studies' participants will explore during their stay with us. In order to provide the most unique experience, the weekly schedule will be determined based on participants’ skills, topics of interest, research projects, and weather conditions.

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Sandflats and Turtle Grass Beds

The sandflats are filled with sand dollars, sea biscuits, flying gurnards, and frog fish. The open water column between the surface and the sand host a world of non-stinging comb jellies and needlefish like houndfish; depths vary from 1' to 12'. There are small micro habitats of coral colonies and turtle grass beds which provide home to shrimp, anemones, and juvenile fish. Along the rock wall divers see a wide variety of sessile invertebrates, small colorful fish, lobsters and large spider crabs. Colonies of star and fire coral adorn the walls and rock boulders at their base. Queen and gray angelfish are common at the point, as are small groupers.

A calm sandflat will be the site of your first snorkel. This checkout dive will teach you the skills needed to don and remove equipment in a variety of sea conditions, to remove water from your mask, clear your snorkel, and will include an introduction to breath hold free diving. Though optional, many of our students, with additional instruction are diving to depths of thirty feet and more. We do not customarily use flotation vests in our free dive program; however, they are available on request for those not wishing to dive. All snorkeling and free diving is normally done as a group, but once your skill level has been demonstrated, you may be permitted to snorkel, unsupervised, in buddy pairs.

Fringing, Barrier, and Tongue-and-Groove Reef
Massive heads of elkhorn and brain coral top a thriving reef covered with soft and hard corals, and schools of chubs, grunts, and jacks. See two different types of rays, large groupers, lobsters, and hogfish. Explore the caves and swim throughs. Almost every species of reef fish in these waters can be found here. Depths vary between 2' and 30ft' so everyone can find the right level for their skills. Depending on your breath holding ability, you may be permitted to swim through holes and short caves in the reef as our dive leaders supervise you. If your interest in free diving continues, you may be issued a 2 - 4 lb. weight belt to neutralize your buoyancy, permitting you to remain submerged longer. This opens up a whole new world of underwater life to you.

Rocky Coasts

The perfect spot for geology lectures and snorkeling. Spectacular views and sparkling waters make for stunning photos. You'll be permitted the opportunity to climb and scramble along the weather-sharpened rock as you investigate the tidepools and sea caves.

Currents

Drift snorkeling the many currents in the area offers the best of both worlds; open water habitat and shallow sand flats. Drift along 60ft deep rock walls to see schools of fish such as jacks and grunts as well as large groupers, colorful angelfish, and delicate butterflyfish. Look into the open water for pelagic creatures such as barracuda, eagle rays and dolphins. The protected calm sand flats dive us the opportunity to have close-up encounters with juvenile fish and tiny invertebrates: coral banded shrimp, French and Blue grunts, octopus, hermit crabs scorpion fish, etc.

PLEASE NOTE:

We have many more sites to choose from that are just as challenging and exciting as those described. Due to time constraints, not all activities can be completed in the course of a single week.

Unannounced government rule changes, unreliable freight shipping or airline schedule changes, and inclement weather may cause us to alter planned scheduled activity or accommodations without notice.

We want to point out that this is not a trip for "armchair tourists". You will participate in hands-on learning exercises throughout the week.

We will be in the water every day. Therefore, you must know how to swim well. Snorkeling experience is not a prerequisite.

Hiking may be over rough, rocky terrain or dense tropical growth. Weather is usually hot and humid during the summer. Always be prepared for bugs on days without a breeze.

Any of our activities are optional. If at anytime you feel unsure, or if we feel you are unsure, we will provide additional training, safety equipment or personal escort. We want you to be safe and have a good time while you learn.

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