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 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
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.”
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
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
Next Steps
Step 1: Sign Up
Fill out our application to apply for this Gap Year Travel Program
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
Review our detailed packing list before the trip. International Field Studies will provide a variety of pre-departure documents 3-4 weeks before your travel date.
“The experiences at Forfar made me want to pursue my career path of becoming a marine biologist even more and grow to love it”
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
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.
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.
