Join our Gap Year Travel Program in the Bahamas. Students will study the environmental features of Andros Island including coral reefs, off-shore cays, seagrass beds, sandbars, blue holes, subtropical terrestrial habitats, Bahamian settlements, and more. Andros Island is the largest of the Bahamian Island chains but also the most remote. Explore this off the beaten path location and all it has to offer.

Students earning their PADI Dive Certifications

Students earning their Dive Certifications

Gap Year in The Bahamas Learning and Certifications

Engage in a variety of amazing experiences on the Gap Year Travel Program in The Bahamas trip, including:

  • Field Trips

  • Labs

  • Bahamian Culture

  • Boat trips to the surrounding coral reefs or land excursions to various sites for biological, geological, or cultural significance. 

  • Earn 4 certifications

    • PADI Open and Advanced SCUBA certifications

    • ACA Sea Kayaking

    • Wilderness First Aid training

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.

This opportunity allowed me to expand my knowledge on marine conservation and gain more appreciation and passion for the natural world around us. This program opened my eyes to a whole other world that excites me for my future career.
— Madison Hajek
 
Students doing reef fish ID

Students doing Reef Fish ID

Gap Year Travel Program Details

Meet fellow science lovers and travelers thrilled by the adventure of learning about the natural beauty of The Bahamas. 

  • 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 studying tidal pools

Students studying Tidal pools

What to Expect in Your Gap Year Travel Program

Live on beachfront property while studying the crystal clear Caribbean waters during our  Gap Year Travel Program in The Bahamas. Participants will immerse themselves in: 

  • Coral Reefs

  • Off-shore cays

  • Seagrass beds

  • Sandbars

  • Blue holes

  • Subtropical terrestrial habitats

  • Bahamian settlements

Our sites described in the Sites and Sights guide offer fantastic views of a great variety of fish, coral, turtles, and other invertebrates guests experience when visiting Forfar Field Station.

 
Boats at Forfar Field Station, Andros Island

Boats at Forfar Field Station

Next Steps

Step 1: Sign Up

Step 2: Pay Deposit

  • Once accepted, in order to 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

The experiences at Forfar made me want to pursue my career path of becoming a marine biologist even more and grow to love it
— Kyajah Davis
 
Botany Lab, Forfar Field Station, Andros Island

botany lab

Gap Year Travel Program 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 delicious Bahamian cuisine at a local restaurant.

 
Group Photo Forfar Marine Science Gap Year Program

Group Photo Forfar Marine Science Gap Year Program

Gap Year Travel Program Packing List

Please take the time to read through our packing list for our Gap Year Travel Program in The Bahamas. 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.

 
Accomodations Photography Tour in The Bahamas

Cabins

Bahamas Gap Year Travel Program Accommodations

Our location for the Gap Year Travel Program in The Bahamas trip is at Forfar Field Station, Andros Island. 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 Gap Year Travel program

1. How do I sign up? - click here to apply for our Gap Year Travel Program in the Bahamas Trip 

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.