Join our educational and scientific non-profit organization in The Bahamas. International Field Studies offers a wide variety of trips that vary in duration and experiences. From spending a week on the island, to 6 weeks for our Gap Year Program, there is a program out there for every youth and adult adventurer.
Students getting ready to Snorkel on Andros island
Ecotourism in The Bahamas School Group Trips
Forfar has served as an educational and field studies resource to over 50,000 students and group leaders that range from middle to high school level to college and graduate students and even researchers. Although our trips can be customizable, the typical week-long field study experience includes:
3 Boat days where students have the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive at the third largest fringing barrier coral reef in the world.
2 North land days where students can learn about endemic animal species, local artisans, and community members of Andros.
1 South land day that educates students on the seven distinct plant communities on Andros and offers a trip to the largest concentration of freshwater blue holes in the world.
Students will gain hands-on experience and understand how to properly research, measure and evaluate marine ecosystems in order to understand how to harness and protect these resources.
“Forfar made my Bahamas experience! The staff was friendly and really made an effort to be involved in everything we were doing. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience, I wouldn’t have wanted to experience the Bahamas in any other way!”
Students doing reef fish ID
Marine Science and SCUBA Program
Join our Marine Science and SCUBA Program in The Bahamas. The main objective of this program is to provide an introductory knowledge of marine ecosystems that students can build off of for future courses or foster a passion to continue studying in the field. Students will also have the opportunity to earn their PADI Open Water SCUBA Certification. This program will introduce students to topics such as:
mangrove habitats
tidal flats
seagrass beds
coral reefs
climate change
conservation
SCUBA Diving
Group shot at forfar field station
Ecotourism in The Bahamas Kayaking the Exumas Trip
Sea Kayaking in the Exuma Islands and camping on remote and pristine beaches is an unforgettable experience! This experience welcomes participants of all skill levels, but participants should be in good physical condition for kayaking about 4-8 miles a day. The Itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 (Arrival) : Participants will land at the Exuma International Airport (GGT) airport
Day 2 (Launch): Group will be transported to the launch site. After some land lessons about paddling, safety, and packing a kayak, the group will head out for 6 days of paddling to, and camping on, the small uninhabited islands off the north side of Great Exuma Cay.
Day 3-6 (Kayak/Camp): Any given day will include cooking meals, paddling 4-8 miles, setup and teardown of camp (Leave No Trace style), snorkeling, and so on!
Day 7 (Landing): Paddle back for a celebration dinner before flying out the next day.
Day 8 (Departure)
Kayaking in the Exumas
Next Steps to join one of our Trips
Step 1: Sign Up
Fill out an application for the trip of your choosing.
Step 2: Pay Deposit
Once accepted, in order to secure your spot on the trip you need to pay a deposit.
Step 3: School groups will need to recruit students.
Step 4: Passports
Make sure everyone on the trip has a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of your travel date.
Step 4: Review Packing List and Pre-Departure Documents
Review our detailed packing lists before the trip. International Field Studies will provide a variety of pre-departure documents 3-4 weeks before your travel date.
View from the Veranda
“My time at Forfar Field Station was truly incredible and I will never forget the memories I made and the people I met!”
Cabins
Ecotourism in The Bahamas Accommodations
Our location for our Ecotourism in The Bahamas trips are at Forfar Field Station, Andros Island. Our Field Station is on a beachfront coconut grove on the east coast of the island. Each cabin has 3-4 sets of bunk beds, electricity, fans, and a private bathroom with hot water and a shower. Wifi is available in our lodge for all guests. Check out this video to tour our location.
Frequently Asked Questions about our Ecotourism in The Bahamas Trips
1. How do I sign up? - visit our website to decide which program is right for you. Sign up links available.
2. What will the weather be like when we are there? - we recommend you check the weather before your trip.
3. Will I need a passport to travel to The Bahamas or can I use another form of identification? - You must use a valid government issued passport book to enter the Bahamas. Birth certificates and other forms of identification will not be accepted.
