WELCOME!
Marine Biologists in Training
Turn the waters of Southwest Florida into an outdoor science classroom. Students sail, observe coastal ecosystems, record discoveries in field journals, collect data, and investigate marine life through a guided, hands-on experience created for schools, homeschool groups, families, and educational groups.
MARINE SCIENCE IN ACTION
The Gulf Coast Becomes an Outdoor Science Classroom
Heal The Sea takes learning beyond the textbook and onto the coastal waters of Naples. Aboard a Coast Guard-certified sailing vessel, students observe marine ecosystems, document discoveries in field journals, form hypotheses, collect data, and explore coastal ecology through guided, hands-on investigation. Each expedition brings together science, teamwork, curiosity, and environmental stewardship.
TWO HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES
Choose the Right Expedition for Your Group
Both experiences combine sailing, marine science, coastal observation, field journaling, and team-based discovery. Choose the 2.5-hour expedition for an engaging introduction to marine science on the water, or extend the journey with guided coastal field investigations on Keewaydin Island.
2.5 Hours
Educational Sailing Expedition
Students sail through Southwest Florida waters while observing coastal ecosystems, practicing scientific observation, recording discoveries in field journals, and taking part in guided marine ecology discussions.
Best For:
Best for groups seeking an engaging introduction to marine science, coastal ecology, and scientific observation.
3.5 HOURS
Coastal Science Expedition
This extended experience includes the educational sailing expedition and adds guided coastal field investigations on Keewaydin Island, with expanded opportunities for data collection, habitat exploration, and species observation.
Best For:
Best for groups seeking a deeper, more immersive hands-on STEM experience.
THINK LIKE A SCIENTIST
From Curiosity To Hypothesis
Each expedition introduces students to a practical scientific process. They observe the coastal environment, develop questions, form hypotheses, record field data, discuss patterns, and draw conclusions from what they discover.
1
Observe
Look closely at marine organisms, coastal habitats, and changing environmental conditions.
2
Ask Questions
Turn observations into meaningful questions about the natural world.
3
Form a Hypothesis
Develop a possible explanation or prediction to guide the investigation.
4
Collect Data
Record observations, measurements, and discoveries in field journals.
5
Analyze
Compare findings, identify patterns, and discuss what the evidence may indicate.
6
Draw Conclusions
Reflect on the original question and explain what was learned from the investigation.
EDUCATION IN ACTION
A Field Trip Teachers Can Justify Automatically!
Heal The Sea combines the excitement of learning on the water with meaningful marine science. Students actively observe, investigate, record, discuss, and learn while experiencing Southwest Florida’s coastal environment firsthand.
Hands-On STEM Learning
Students engage directly with marine biology, environmental science, coastal ecology, observation, and data collection.
Real Field Investigations
The coastal environment becomes the classroom, giving students opportunities to practice scientific thinking in the field.
Field Journals & Data Collection
Students record observations, questions, hypotheses, and discoveries as part of the learning process.
Marine Biology & Coastal Ecology
Students explore the relationships between marine organisms, habitats, and Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
Team-Based Discovery
Students observe, investigate, communicate, and learn together throughout the expedition.
Learning Aboard a Coast Guard-Certified Vessel
Students record observations, questions, hypotheses, and discoveries as part of the learning process.
EXPLORE THE COAST
Every Expedition Brings New Discoveries
Southwest Florida’s coastal waters are a living classroom. Depending on season and conditions, students may observe marine mammals, shorebirds, mangrove habitats, invertebrates, and other features of the Gulf Coast ecosystem while practicing careful scientific observation.
Dolphins
Often seen traveling, feeding and playing in our coastal waters.
Shore Birds & Wading Birds
Watch for pelicans, ospreys, herons, egrets and more.
Rays & Fish
Observe a variety of fish and rays that call these waters home!
Coastal Habitats
Investigate seagrass beds, tidal flats and other coastal zones.
Marine Invertebrates
Discover four phyla of fascinating creatures.
Mangrove Ecosystems
Explore vital habitats that support abundant marine live.
WHO WE SERVE
Marine Science Experiences
For Curious Learners Of All Ages!
Heal The Sea is designed for organized groups looking for a meaningful, hands-on way to explore marine science and Southwest Florida’s coastal environment. Programs serve school groups, homeschool communities, families, mixed-age educational groups, and adults.
Schools Grades 4-12
Students experience marine science through direct observation, field journaling, data collection, and guided exploration of coastal ecosystems.
Grades 4–5: Marine-life discovery, nature observation, and an introduction to scientific thinking.
Middle School: Scientific method, ecosystem studies, and data collection.
High School: Field biology, coastal ecology, environmental science, and marine-science applications.
Explore School Programs →
Homeschool Groups
Homeschool groups can experience science through real-world observation and guided investigation in a flexible outdoor learning environment.
Students can explore marine life, coastal habitats, scientific thinking, and field journaling while learning together beyond a traditional classroom.
Explore Homeschool Programs →
Families & Mixed-Age Groups
Families and mixed-age educational groups can share a hands-on experience focused on curiosity, environmental awareness, and coastal discovery.
Explore Southwest Florida’s marine environment together while learning how careful observation can reveal the relationships between wildlife, habitats, and the surrounding ecosystem.
Ask About Your Group →
Adult Educational Groups
Marine science and environmental discovery are not limited to the classroom. Adult groups can explore Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems through guided observation, marine-science discussion, and experiential learning.
The experience is designed for groups interested in lifelong learning, environmental awareness, and a deeper understanding of the coastal environment.
Plan a Group Expedition →
Find the Right Experience for Your Group
Tell us who you’re planning for, and we’ll help you determine which
expedition best fits your group’s interests and educational goals.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
MARINE SCIENCE EXPERIENCES
FOR CURIOUS LEARNERS OF ALL AGES!
Planning a Heal The Sea expedition is designed to be straightforward. Review the key group details below, then send an inquiry with your preferred dates, group size, and expedition interest.
Naples, Florida
Expeditions operate from Naples City Dock in Southwest Florida.
Groups 15-40
The minimum group size is 15 students, with a maximum of 40 students.
Chaperones Included
One teacher or chaperone is admitted free for every 15 students.
Monday–Thursday
Expeditions are currently available Monday through Thursday, with seasonal scheduling variations.
Dates Can Be Held
Available dates may be temporarily held while a school obtains approval.
Response Within 48 Hours
After you submit an inquiry, Heal The Sea will follow up by email or phone within 48 hours.
Ready To Start Planing?
Tell us about your group, preferred dates,
and the expedition you’re considering.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Bring Marine Science To Life!
Give your students or group the opportunity to explore Southwest Florida as Marine Biologists in Training. Sail the coastal waters of Naples, investigate marine ecosystems, make observations, record discoveries, and experience science beyond the classroom.
Tell us about your group, preferred dates, and educational goals, and we’ll help you take the next step toward your Heal The Sea expedition.
Questions before you begin?
Call 239-776-7780 or email [email protected]
Naples, Florida · Groups of 15–40 · Monday–Thursday availability
