SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Sea Base began providing Science at Sea programs beginning in 1980. Since that time Sea Base has served colleges, universities, junior and senior high schools from across the nation.
Open to the general public October – April, Sea Base serves more than 16,000 individuals annually. Recognized as a NOAA Blue Star provider, 100% Project Aware Member, Florida DEP Clean and Sustainable Marina, REEF Environmental Education Field Station; Sea Base partners with NOAA, NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Mote Marine Laboratory, Dolphinfish Research Program to offer world-class experiential opportunities from our two locations in the Florida Keys.
Each facility is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) and BSA National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) to ensure safety of participants and quality of programs.
Located on Summerland Key, BEC boasts a permitted land based coral nursery, a STEM classroom, a Corinthian Dive Vessel outfitted with digital screens and microscopes, underwater robots and drones, paddleboards and kayaks, a fleet of vessels and USCG licensed captains.
Educators can choose from a wide variety of activities including:
- Coral Education
- Coral Nursery Care
- Coral Micro Fragmentation
- Marine Ecosystems Lab and Field Experience
- Marine Debris Education Lab and Field Experience
- C-Ocean Snorkeling
- Eco Vessel Tours
- Phytoplankton Net Pulls Field Experience Aboard Corinthian
- Eco Kayak Tours
- Fish and Shark Tagging
- Out Island Eco Tour
- Research Opportunities for Colleges and Universities
Located on Lower Matecumbe Key, Islamorada; Sea Base is a 5 Star PADI IDC Resort and boasts a scuba and snorkeling training complex, a fleet of 5 Newton Dive Vessels, sailing vessels, Dusky power vessels, kayaks and paddleboards, and multiple classrooms.
Educators can choose from a wide variety of activities including:
- Science at Sea Sailing Day and Overnight Experiences
- Marine Ecosystems Lab and Field Experience
- Marine Debris Education Lab and Field Experience
- C-Ocean Snorkeling
- Eco Vessel Tours
- Phytoplankton Net Pulls Field Experience Aboard Newton
- Eco Kayak Tours
- Scuba Diving
- Scuba Diving Project Aware Specialties
- Scuba Diving PADI Open Water Certification, Rescue Diver, Jr. Dive Master, Dive Master, Dive Instructor
- REEF Fish Surveys
- Clean Seas Florida Keys
- Research Opportunities for Colleges and Universities
Sea Base offers the following amenities:
- Program Equipment for all Activities
- Qualified, Trained and Licensed Staff
- Overnight Accommodations
- Onsite Food Service including specialty meal options
- Games
- Classroom/Lab
Sea Base can accommodate groups of:
- 8 Including Instructors
- 16 Including Instructors
- 24 up to 96 Including Instructors
Educators can choose from:
- Half Day Educational Adventures
- Single Day Educational Adventures
- Overnight Educational Adventures
- Weekend Educational Adventures
- Weeklong Educational Adventures