Through our educational travel agency your school group will get hands-on learning experiences. Students will study marine conservation, environmental features native to Andros, wildlife, and so much more! There will be day trips to blue holes, coral reefs, off-shore cays, seagrass beds, Bahamian settlements, and subtropical terrestrial habitats.
Students studying marine biology
Educational Travel Agency Learning and Certifications
Engage in a variety of amazing experiences through our 6 week Forfar Marine Science Gap Year Program in The Bahamas with our educational travel agency, including:
Field Trips
Labs
Bahamian Culture
Ecotourism
Boat trips to the surrounding coral reefs or land excursions to various sites for biological, geological, or cultural significance.
Earn 4 certifications
Students will gain hands-on experience and understand how to properly research, measure and evaluate marine ecosystems in order to understand how to harness and protect these resources. Watch our Forfar Field Station Experience video to learn more about the experience.
“During my six weeks I was able to gain more hands-on experience and knowledge about marine life, conservation and ecotourism”
student doing fish id
Educational Travel Agency Details
Meet fellow science lovers and travelers thrilled by the adventure of learning about the natural beauty of The Bahamas in our Gap Year Program. Details below:
● Ages: 18 - 24
● Dates:
Fall 2025 Cohort: October 27 - December 5, 2025
Winter 2026 Cohort: January 12 - February 20, 2026
● Location: Andros Island, The Bahamas
● Pricing: $6,750
Includes: Lodging, 3 meals a day, inner island flight, ground transportation, all field trips and excursions, Dive, Kayak, and WFA certifications and instruction, and trip facilitators/environmental educators.
students dissecting a lion fish
What to Expect in our Educational Travel Agency Trips
Live on beachfront property while studying the crystal clear Caribbean waters during our Marine Conservation in The Bahamas program. Participants will immerse themselves in:
Marine Biology
Service Learning
Bahamian Culture
Scuba Diving and Sea Kayaking
Island Ecology and Geology of The Bahamas
Reef Fish/Marine Invertebrates ID
Sustainable Fishing Coral Reef Biology/Conservation
Mangroves
Blue hole water chemistry
Ecotourism
Our sites described in the Sites and Sights guide offer more details about daily trip locations during the Marine Conservation in The Bahamas Program.
Students enjoiyng the sunset
Next Steps to Join Our Educational Travel Agency Trips
Step 1: Sign Up
Fill out our application to apply for our educational travel agency trips
Step 2: Pay Deposit
Once accepted, secure your spot on the trip you need to pay a deposit.
Step 3: Passports
Make sure you have a valid Passport that does not expire within 6 months of your travel date.
Step 4: Review Packing List and Pre-Departure Documents
Review our detailed packing list before the trip. International Field Studies will provide pre-departure documents 3-4 weeks before your travel date.
View from the Veranda
Educational Travel Agency Gap Year Trip Itinerary
Week 1: Introduction to Marine Biology
Week 2: Service Learning, Exploring the Bahamian Culture, and the Island Ecology of Andros
Week 3: Sea Kayaking
Week 4: Wilderness First Aid/ Leave No Trace
Week 5 : PADI Open Water Diving
Week 6: PADI Advanced Open Water Diving
At the end of each day come back to the Field Station to play beach games, gather around the campfire, or walk down to the local ice cream shop for a treat. Every Thursday, experience Bahamian cuisine at a local restaurant.
“Forfar exceeded my expectations and I loved it! The whole trip was very educational and captivating. It made me think about what type of job I want to pursue in life.”
Sea kayaking
Educational Travel Agency Trip Packing List
Please take the time to read through our packing list for our educational travel agency trips. Important notes are highlighted and we encourage using biodegradable, environmentally-friendly brands. You can support International Field Studies (IFS) by visiting our Product Links page.
Cabins
Educational Travel Agency Trip Accommodations
The location for our Educational Travel Agency is at Forfar Field Station, Andros Island, The Bahamas. Our Field Station is a rustic former dive resort nestled on a beachfront coconut grove on the east coast of the island. Each cabin has 3-4 sets of bunk beds, electricity, fans, and a private bathroom with hot water and a shower. Wifi is available in our lodge for all guests. Check out this video to tour our location.
Frequently Asked Questions about our Educational Travel Agency
1. How do I sign up? - click here to apply for our educational travel agency trips.
2. What will the weather be like when we are there? - we recommend you check the weather before your trip.
3. Can you tell me more about Andros Island? - Read our Blog Post for more details about Andros Island.
4. Will I need a passport to travel to The Bahamas or can I use another form of identification? - You must use a valid government issued passport book to enter the Bahamas. Birth certificates and other forms of identification will not be accepted.
5. Do you offer scholarships? Yes - visit our scholarship application page.
6. Can I receive college credit? Yes - The option to earn credit for this program may be possible through a university/college you are currently enrolled in or by enrolling in Seattle Central College’s "Travel Study" course SSC297 or by applying to Wright State University’s “Study Abroad” course. Contact our office for more details.
