Majestic Florida Keys Marine & Wildlife Adventure

Upper Keys Florida:

• Paddleboarding and kayaking through mangrove tunnels and seagrass meadows.
• Snorkeling and kayaking in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
• Team-building in an escape room.
• In-water experiences with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, including back rubs and dorsal tows.

Lower Keys Florida:

• Behind-the-scenes tour of the Turtle Hospital and interaction with sea turtles.
• Relaxation at Bahia Honda State Park's beaches.
• Feeding over 100 tarpon at Robbie's, with chances to see them leap from the water.

Key West Florida:

• Journey to Key West for the Mallory Square sunset celebration and Duval Street.
• Visit the Southernmost Point of the continental U.S.

Miami Florida:

• Thrilling speedboat ride through Miami's waters.
• Reflective exploration of South Beach and the Art Deco District on Ocean Drive.

• Finest hotels and resorts selected for safety, security, amenities, comfort, and location.

• Every participant is guaranteed their own bed.

Here are the finest hotels and resorts you will stay:

• Upper Keys, Florida: The Holiday Inn is a beautiful waterfront property! It features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and outdoor dining areas.

• Lower Keys, Florida: Stay at either the Fairfield Inn or Hampton Inn and enjoy comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and pool to relax in after busy days of volunteering and fun.

• Miami, Florida: For one last evening in the Sunshine State, stay at the conveniently located Springhill Suites Miami Airport for some final laughs with all your new friends.

Food and Meals:

• High food quality, quantity, and variety.

• Breakfasts at restaurants or staff-prepared; lunches and dinners at restaurants.

• Meets diverse needs including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac, and kosher-style diets.

• Open discussions for individual dietary requirements with experienced staff.

• We transfer you to the accommodations with no added fee as long as you arrive in our designated times.

• Flight to Miami, Florida: We help you coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival in Miami.

• Return Flight Home from Miami, Florida: Our leaders help you to check-in and remain at the airport until flights at designated times have departed. Depending on the number of students from the New York area, we may offer a chaperoned flight home.

• Chaperoned flights from JFK, Newark, LAX, Miami for international travel

• Staff provide airport check-in help and social introductions

• Receive trip details in advance, and look for name sign upon arrival

• Coordinate with program for connecting flight arrangements

• Book your own flights within the set times after confirming with program

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) Projects Environmental Sustainability

• Participate in the Volunteer Fish Survey Project as a citizen scientist.
• Learn marine fish species identification and behaviors.
• Snorkel in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to practice Fish ID skills.
• Study invasive species impacts, focusing on lionfish biology and control.
• Kayak through the park to understand ecosystem importance and conservation impact.
• Established in 1990, REEF is an international conservation group engaging communities in hands-on marine protection, with a mission to safeguard marine biodiversity and life through public involvement, education, and scientific collaboration.

Dolphins Plus: Marine Mammal Responder Volunteer Work Wildlife Conservation

• Assist with facility maintenance, including cleanups and landscaping.
• Learn about marine mammal rescue operations and best practices.
• Engage in a Marine Mammal Rescue course covering strandings and rehabilitation.
• DPMMR leads and operates the only whale and dolphin stranding organization covering 10,000 square miles of marine habitat in the Florida Keys, promoting a greater understanding of marine ecosystem science, marine mammal conservation, and environmental stewardship via powerful daily interactions with the general public.

Coral Restoration Foundation™ Efforts Environmental Sustainability

• Gain hands-on experience in scientific fieldwork and coral reef restoration.
• Snorkel to view coral nurseries and restoration sites.
• Discuss coral cultivation, outplanting techniques, and coral biology.
• CRF is the largest non-profit organization focused on restoring coral reefs worldwide, with a mission to rejuvenate coral reefs, educate about ocean conservation, and advance coral research and monitoring techniques.

Conch Republic Marine Army (CRMA) Contribution Environmental Sustainability

• Support canal cleanup efforts in the Big Pine community.
• CRMA's mission is to engage in passive habitat restoration to protect Florida Keys' waterways and mangroves.

• Pocket Money Advice: approximately $475 (Lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs etc.) Spending money should be by Credit or Debit card. Lunch costs vary by program type, length, and destination.

• Laundry: approximately $10 per week. You will only need to bring one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We visit local laundromats weekly, pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.

• Transportation to and from the program

• Program-specific spending advice provided in spring.

• We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.

• Medical Insurance: Travelers must have adequate medical insurance for the trip. Verify your policy covers international travel. Our insurance packages can cover deductibles, but we're not responsible for the uninsured.