Live on beachfront property, study on the crystal clear Caribbean waters, and earn your PADI Open Water SCUBA certification during our two week immersive marine science program at Forfar Field Station. Students will partake in lecture based activities and land/sea excursions throughout the island as they explore the wonders of Andros as it is home to the highest concentration of blue holes in the world and bordering the 3rd largest fringing barrier reef.
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Our program is perfect for those interested in learning more about marine ecosystems, biology, conservation and SCUBA Diving. Open to students ages 18-24, and you do not need to be affiliated with a school group to join. Solo and small group travelers welcome!
Once you register for the program, you will gain access to 6 pre-recorded lectures so you can study them at your own pace in preparation for the trip!
This program is offered through International Field Studies, a nonprofit specializing in environmental education since 1970. We hope you can join us for an immersive, field based experience at Forfar Field Station on Andros, Bahamas this summer. Space is limited so register today!
Topics include:
Mangroves
Coral Reefs
Seagrass
Tidal Flats
Climate Change
Conservation
Certifications Earned: PADI Open Water SCUBA
This 2 week trip to Forfar will give students the chance to snorkel the world’s third largest fringing barrier reef, learn marine field skills, master hands-on field based research techniques, earn your PADI Open Water, and more! Watch our Forfar Field Station Experience video to learn more about the experience.
In addition to the 2 week experience, students will also have access to online education videos. The videos are designed 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.
More Info!
Forfar Field Station Experience Video
Sights and Sites Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Tentative Schedule
What is included in the cost? Access to the 6 online course recordings, 14 night stay at Forfar Field Station, PADI Open Water Certification, roundtrip flight from Nassau to Andros, all meals, transportation on island, lodging, lectures, and lecture-themed excursions. You’ll be responsible for your flights into and out of Nassau, BS.
How do I secure my spot? A $500 non refundable deposit is due to confirm your spot. Details on how to submit the deposit will be emailed to you once you sign up. Spots in the program are offered on a first come first serve basis.
Can I purchase flights yet? No, do not purchase flights yet as we will provide more information regarding flight specifics.
More about Forfar
cabin at Forfar Field Station
For the past 50 years, Forfar Field Station has hosted over 50,000 students for hands-on, experiential field study experiences. Mainly operating to serve week-long field study groups through schools and universities, Forfar is also home to a 6-week Gap Year each Fall and Winter and a Summer Marine Biology Week Teen Program as well as other week-long school groups with varying specialties (marine science, island ecology, botany, geology, diving, birding, or research).
ONLINE LECTURE INSTRUCTOR
Vivienne Main holds a Masters of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. She completed an internship with the Clyde River Foundation before moving to Dahab, Egypt to manage the Open Ocean Science Centre. There, she worked as a SCUBA diving instructor, developed EECAA (an environmental NGO), and promoted environmental community initiatives. Most recently, Vivienne spent 2.5 years as the Field Station Director at Forfar, followed by another year of working for IFS in a Program Coordinator role. She’s excited to share her passion for science and her love of Forfar with everyone!
ENROLLMENT
Open to US citizens and Non-US citizens. English speaking proficiency required. No specific school affiliation required. Must be 18-24 years old.
DETAILS
Dates: July 5-19, 2025
Location: Forfar Field Station - Andros Island, Bahamas
FOCUS: Marine Ecosystems, Conservation, Climate Change, Open Water PADI SCUBA certification
TYPE: 1 week immersive marine science experience and 1 week earning your PADI Open Water SCUBA certification
6 online lectures at your own pace (prior to arriving in The Bahamas)
PRICE: $2,999
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: March 5, 2025
students ages 16-17 can check out our Summer Marine Biology Week program.
view from field station
Heading out for a Boat day
students studying marine life on saddleback cay
Group of students diving