Activity Note
Getting in/out of a passenger van. For snorkeling field trip, everyone will be provided with a safety vest that must be worn at all times (USCG requirement). We will also provide a mask, snorkel, and fins; or, you may use your own. Bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and maybe a change of dry clothes. Follow all rules and regulations to avoid harming sanctuary resources.
Breakfast:
At a local restaurant.
Morning:
We’ll set out on another snorkeling field trip, returning to the living, shallow-water coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to see and learn more. In addition to the colorful corals, fishes, and other “critters,” we’ll see a variety of seagrasses under water as well as birds and other wildlife above the water before returning to the hotel.
Lunch:
On the hotel grounds.
Afternoon:
Our last field trip together will take us to Theater of the Sea that began more than 70 years ago — as a rock quarry! The quarry had provided material for an amazing engineering achievement, the Oversea Railroad in the early 1900s. It eventually filled with sea water and fish. An enterprising family of animal lovers saw the possibilities for a facility that would provide a home for marine mammals and other animals. They share them with the public to inspire awareness and sensitivity towards the animals, the environment, and conservation issues. Theater of the Sea now presents shows that exhibit animal behaviors and give people a chance to see them in action. Animals that live here include alligators, bottlenose dolphins, marine invertebrates, parrots, raptors, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and many kinds of fish. They also rescue and rehabilitate animals that have been injured or can’t be released back into the wild for other reasons. Depending on what’s going on at the park that day, we will have opportunities such as seeing dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows that integrate anatomy, animal husbandry, conservation issues, and natural history.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during at our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy our last evening together on the program with “grands” and new friends. Then prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.