CHOOSE YOUR MARINE SCIENCE EXPEDITION
Choose Your Marine Science Expedition
Turn the coastal waters of Southwest Florida into a hands-on science classroom. Heal The Sea offers two educational expedition experiences designed to help students observe marine ecosystems, use field journals, practice scientific thinking, collect data, and explore coastal ecology through direct experience.
Both expeditions take place aboard a Coast Guard-certified sailing vessel and combine marine science, environmental education, scientific observation, and team-based learning.
The difference is depth: choose the 2.5-Hour Educational Sailing Expedition for an engaging marine science experience on the water, or extend the journey with the 3.5-Hour Coastal Science Expedition, which adds guided field-science investigation on Keewaydin Island.
Compare the Expeditions ↓
Naples, Florida
Grades 4–12
Groups of 15–40
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Two Expeditions. Two Ways to Learn on the Coast.
Both Heal The Sea expeditions combine sailing, marine science, scientific observation, field journaling, coastal ecology, and team-based learning. The 2.5-hour experience focuses on learning aboard the vessel, while the 3.5-hour expedition extends the experience with guided coastal field science on Keewaydin Island.
2.5-Hour Educational Sailing Expedition
Marine Science on the Water
Turn the coastal waters of Southwest Florida into a moving outdoor classroom. During this 2.5-hour expedition, students sail aboard a Coast Guard-certified vessel while learning how marine biologists observe, question, record, and investigate the natural environment.
Best For: Groups looking for an engaging introduction to marine science, coastal ecology, scientific observation, and learning on the water.
3.5-Hour Coastal Science Expedition
Go Deeper With Field Science on Keewaydin Island
The 3.5-hour Coastal Science Expedition includes the educational elements of the shorter sailing experience and adds a guided coastal field-science component on Keewaydin Island.
The additional time gives students opportunities to move beyond observation and participate in a deeper investigation of coastal habitats, organisms, biodiversity, and environmental conditions.
Best For: Groups seeking a deeper, more immersive hands-on STEM experience with expanded opportunities for coastal field investigation and scientific inquiry.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
Which Expedition Is Right for Your Group?
Both Heal The Sea expeditions combine sailing, marine science, scientific observation, field journaling, data collection, coastal ecology, and team-based learning. The main difference is the additional Keewaydin Island field-science component included in the 3.5-hour experience.
Compare the Expeditions:
| Feature | 2.5-Hour Educational Sailing Expedition | 3.5-Hour Coastal Science Expedition |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Educational sailing | Included | Included |
| Coastal ecosystem observation | Included | Included |
| Field journals | Included | Included |
| Scientific method | Included | Included |
| Hypothesis development | Included | Included |
| Data collection & recording | Included | Included |
| Marine ecology discussions | Included | Included |
| Wildlife & marine-life observation | May be observed depending on season and conditions | May be observed depending on season and conditions |
| Keewaydin Island field science | — | Included |
| Beach-ecosystem exploration | — | May include |
| Habitat assessment & comparisons | — | May include |
| Species & specimen identification | — | May include |
| Biodiversity assessment | — | May include |
| Best suited for | Groups seeking an engaging introduction to marine science, coastal ecology, scientific observation, and learning on the water. | Groups seeking a deeper, more immersive hands-on STEM experience with expanded coastal field investigation. |
PLANNING YOUR EXPEDITION
Key Details For Group Planning
Naples, Florida
Expeditions depart from Naples City Dock.
Groups of 15–40
School groups have a minimum of 15 students and a maximum of 40 students.
Chaperones Included
One teacher or chaperone is admitted free for every 15 students.
Monday–Thursday Availability
Expeditions are currently available Monday through Thursday, with seasonal scheduling variations.
Need Time for School Approval?
Available dates may be temporarily held while your school works through its approval process.
Response Within 48 Hours
Heal The Sea will follow up by email or phone within 48 hours.
Still Not Sure Which Experience to Choose?
Tell us about your group, grade or age range, preferred dates, and educational goals. We’ll help you determine which expedition is the better fit.
