Overview
Dive into an educational aquatic adventure with our Florida Marine Life program! Immerse your students in environmental science, marine biology, and habitat conservation through life-changing experiences. They’ll visit animal rehab facilities to learn from veterinarians and researchers about their efforts to protect animals and the environment. Students will experience these ecosystems firsthand hiking the Everglades by moonlight, snorkeling with schools of tropical fish, and swimming with dolphins.
Excursions & Highlights
Your program at a glance, including guided tours, independent visits, photo stops, and immersive activities.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Miami, FL
Travel to Key Largo, FL
Hotel check-in and dinner
Orientation
Meet your Course Leader on the hotel’s pool deck for an orientation of your upcoming adventures in Florida. Learn about some of the topics you’ll cover throughout the week by participating in an exciting team-building activity.
Day 2
Breakfast
Beach snorkeling
Hit the beach and get ready for an exciting underwater adventure. Learn foundational snorkeling techniques and safety tips from your Course Leader, then practice in the water to build comfort and confidence.
Lunch
Mangrove and Wild Tamarind Trails hike
Journey along shaded trails and boardwalks through mangrove forests, wetlands, and a tropical hardwood hammock. Discover a variety of native plants and wildlife that thrive in these rich coastal ecosystems.
Dolphin Experience workshop
Take part in an interactive workshop led by education staff, exploring dolphin anatomy and how operant conditioning is used in marine mammal training. Then head into the water to practice these techniques with a trainer while swimming with dolphins and observing their behaviors up close.
Dinner
Anatomy and Invertebrates workshop
Explore a touch tank filled with unique sea animals and discover how to use scientific taxonomy to categorize invertebrate phyla. Hear fascinating facts about squid while studying their anatomy and learn how conservation efforts support a wide range of local marine wildlife.
Day 3
Breakfast
Marine Rehabilitation experience
Get up close with a variety of marine life and hear stories about their care from local field experts. Learn about rescue operations and how conservation efforts protect the region’s ecosystem and its vulnerable species.
Lunch
Robbie’s of Islamorada visit
Experience the thrill of hand-feeding massive tarpon from the docks of an iconic waterfront marina. Watch as these powerful fish leap for their snack and explore the schools of tropical fish and other marine life below.
Dinner
Coral Reef Fish Identification activity
Think like a marine biologist and gain real-world skills as you learn about fish anatomy and markings. Learn how to properly identify where fish live in the marine shelf based on their physical and behavioral adaptations.
Overnight in Key Largo
Day 4
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Garden Cove kayak trip
Discover the importance of teamwork as you kayak in pairs through calm waters and learn about local marine life. Paddle through dense mangrove forests and see how they naturally protect the coastline while providing vital habitat for the species that call this region home.
Lunch
Reef snorkel trip
Hop aboard a boat for a snorkeling adventure at a spectacular offshore coral reef. Swim with vibrant tropical fish and observe their different features while learning about how reefs support marine habitats.
Fruit stand visit (time permitting)
Travel to Florida Everglades
Dinner
Everglades National Park visit
Take an evening hike through North America’s only subtropical preserve. Participate in a "Night Sounds" lab and share your observations as you listen to thousands of birds, insects, and reptiles that call the Everglades their home.
Hotel check-in
Day 5
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Shark Valley Tram tour
Set out on a tram tour of the Everglades with a park ranger to spot alligators, snakes, and countless bird species. Learn about ongoing restoration efforts and why preserving this unique ecosystem is essential for native wildlife and the environment.
Lunch
Travel to South Florida Airport
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
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
Scenes From Recent STEM Trips
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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.
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.
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.