Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 24 miles throughout the day approximately 20 minutes. Getting on/off retired Coast Guard ship, now a shrimping boat; study cruise approximately 1.5 to 2 hours; dress according to weather. Sea Turtle walk can be up to 2 hours; walking on sand, uneven terrain.
At the hotel.
We will start off the morning by riding from Jekyll Island to Brunswick, Georgia, approximately 12 miles. At the dock, will board the “Lady Jane,” a 49-passenger steel ship that was retired from the United States Coast Guard and is now a shrimping boat. The captain and his mates will provide educational commentary as we go. We’ll also watch as the crew demonstrates how to trawl the waters for a catch. We’ll have an opportunity to join in by helping to sort out the shrimp from the other types of fish that could be in the net. Species may include bluecrab, sand shark, puffer fish, horseshoe crab, blacktip, bonnethead, amberjack, whiting, spot, crocker, or others. We’ll return to the dock and ride back to the hotel after our field trip.
On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. The beach is close by and the hotel has restrooms for guests. The hotel van is available to take and pick up. Bike rentals are available from the hotel.
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We will provide a list of available choices. You might like to eat out independently at one of the restaurants on Jekyll or dine at the hotel.
We will regroup in the classroom at 6:45 p.m. for instructions on the day trip to Sapelo Island and to prepare for the field trip this evening. A staff member will explain the rules, regulations, and safety considerations for our “turtle walk.” Flashlights, camera flashes, and other lights are not allowed. The staff will have a special light that meets the requirements of the Jekyll Island Lighting Ordinance. We’ll then walk along the beach with a local expert and Center staff to observe nesting sea turtles that may be present.