Overview
Bring your marine biology lessons to life with an exciting, action-packed adventure in Florida. While on a journey through the Serengeti Plain at Busch Gardens®, students will explore the natural habitat of endangered manatees and discover more about zebras, giraffes, and white rhinos. The aquatic fun continues at Fort DeSoto State Park where students will kayak through calm, shallow waters and study a range of local marine life up close. Students will also participate in the Barrier Island Habitat and Geology Program at Caladesi Island, participating in a series of field activities including the study of currents, wind patterns, and plant identification.
Excursions & Highlights
Your program at a glance, including guided tours, independent visits, photo stops, and immersive activities.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Tampa, FL
Orientation
Your WorldStrides representative will provide an overview of the key concepts you'll cover throughout the program.
Hotel check-in
Enjoy a pizza dinner and a pool party at the hotel.
Day 2
Breakfast
Barrier Island Habitat and Geology Program
Join marine scientists at Caladesi Island to explore on geological and physical oceanography through a series of field activities, including studying currents, winds, energy relationships, and plant identification.
Lunch
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Explore naturalistic Florida exhibits in this top-rated zoological park. Discover the wetlands through fun and interactive activities including a scavenger hunt, experiments, and up-close encounters with animal ambassadors native to the region. You’ll also hand-feed stingrays and view a world-class manatee hospital where Florida's sick and injured gentle giants are treated.
Dinner and return to hotel
Day 3
Breakfast
Snorkel with Manatees at Crystal River
Glide through Crystal River's springs with these gentle giants, swimming alongside manatees in their natural habitat in an unforgettable underwater encounter.
Lunch
Rainbow River visit
Set amid limestone caverns, this picturesque swimming area offers a wide range of wildlife and crystal-clear waters with scattered prehistoric shark teeth along the river bottom.
Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park visit
Experience Florida's rescued wildlife, watching manatees lumber underwater, strolling along boardwalks, and keeping an eye out for alligators, bears, and panthers.
Dinner and return to hotel
Day 4
Breakfast
Waters Edge Kayaking
Guided by a marine scientist, students will explore the shallow waters of Fort De Soto Park, observing and studying the surrounding marine habitats while forming insightful questions. This hands-on experience concludes with a unique watercolor activity, allowing you to capture the beauty of the environment right from your boat.
Fort De Soto Park
Continue habitat exploration at Fort De Soto with a fishing activity to compare marine life found in mangroves and seagrass.
Lunch
Clearwater Marine Aquarium visit
This incredible facility believes in preserving both marine life and the environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Tour this marine life rescue center, then get hands-on with a squid dissection.
Dinner
Clearwater Beach visit
Sink your toes into sugar-white sand and keep an eye out for dolphins enjoying the warm Gulf waters on this beautiful coastal oasis.
Day 5
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay
Come face-to-face with more than 2,500 exotic creatures, explore fascinating cultures of faraway lands, and experience some of the most thrilling rides in the Southeast!
African Safari at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay
Journey through the African veldt in an open-truck tour to discover the magnificent wildlife inhabiting this 65-acre Serengeti Plain. Your professional wildlife expert will introduce you to an array of exotic species including zebras, giraffes, and rare white rhinos. You’ll find many opportunities to photograph these incredible animals and the breathtaking views!
Lunch
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Exhibits
Depart for home
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Scenes From Recent STEM Trips
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.