Day 1: Travel Day
Depart for Costa Rica – arrive in the afternoon and transfer to the University of Georgia San Luis Ecolodge. Evening Orientation program.
Day 2 – 4: The Source – Monteverde and the San Luis Ecolodge
Our beautiful eco-lodge is nestled into a valley below the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Our campus provides classroom space, a lab and hiking trails through the mountains. Over the next three days we will join researchers at the Monteverde Institute to participate in authentic science research and data acquisition in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Each day students will enter the Cloud Forest working side by side with a different scientist. One evening students will take part in a night hike to observe nocturnal species. Students will also get a unique perspective of the cloud forest canopy with a high flying adventure on zip lines. Much of our work in Monteverde will relate to the budding forest sister relationship between the Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Estes Institute in Rocky Mountain National Park. Potential areas of study include; Hydrology – Study of Water and Water Quality; Botany – Study of Plants; Ecology – Study of Bio Diversity and Ecosystems; Herpetology and Entomology – Study of Amphibians and Insects; Ornithology – Study of Birds.
Day 5: Transfer to the Sea – Northern Pacific coast
We will enjoy our final day of programming in Monteverde. In the afternoon, transfer to the northern Pacific Coast. Settle into our hotel and enjoy some beach time.
Day 6-8: The Sea – Connect Oceans Marine Science
The next three days we will participate in the Connect Oceans Marine Awareness program. We will explore the mangrove estuary’s on kayaks, snorkeling amongst the coral reefs and a deep sea ocean exploration looking for giant Manta Rays, Sharks and other amazing marine wildlife. Through this program, students will walk away with some unforgettable experiences in the ocean environment and a deeper understanding of Marine conservation issues.
Day 9: Beach Time
Enjoy a free half day of hanging out on the beach with friends before we depart for San Jose. Enjoy a final evening dinner reflecting on our adventures through Costa Rica.
Day 10: Depart for home
This morning we have a little extra time to tour historical San Jose, visit a market or some other options that your group leaders will determine later. Depart for home with a deeper understanding of tropical and marine ecosystems and stories that will be with us for a long time to come.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Travel with your group to Belize City. Meet your guide and transfer to our water taxi for St. George’s Caye. St. George’s Caye was the first Capital of Belize and is home to many fascinating stories of colonization, pirates and more.
Day 2 – 4: Snorkeling, Citizen Science and Marine Protected Areas.
Over the next 3 days you will embark on an incredible adventure. Each day we spend our time with local naturalists and scientists to discover the incredible undersea world of the Belize Barrier Reef System—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will snorkel at least once per day on stunning coral reefs and through tranquil sea grass beds seeing a wide diversity of sea life such as sea turtles, tropical fish, rays and skates, and incredible coral reef. We will also assist with the long term monitoring studies conducted at the research center. Topics may include Conch studies, coral reef ecology, sea turtles, dolphins and manatees. We will visit the Ho Chan Marine Protected area and, if you choose, swim with docile nurse sharks! Each day you will be amazed at what you are experiencing and be inspired by the work you are doing to support local research and conservation efforts. In the evenings, field station staff lead discussions about sea turtle biology and conservation, how marine protected areas work, and manatees.
Day 5: Transfer to the Belize Jungle
After breakfast, we take a boat transfer then bus transfer to our eco-lodge in the heart of the Belizean jungle. Settle in then take a guided hike through the small village to a swimming hole and waterfall.
Day 6: Carocol Mayan Ruins and Rio Caves and Pools
After breakfast we drive to Caracol. The road travels over a series of creeks, through lush tropical forest and pine forest and an area that is home to several species of cats, as well as rare birds. This site is home to the tallest man-made structure in Belize, Canna (sky palace), standing some 143 ft above the plaza floor. The discovery of Alter 23, which shows bound captives, indicates that Caracol was an extremely fierce and war-like center. This tour will be combined with a visit to the Rio Frio Caves and the Rio On Pools on the way back.
Day 7: Final Reflections and Depart for Home
After a busy and rewarding 6 days, take time this morning to sit back, relax and reflect on all that you experienced. We will later depart for Belize City and the airport and our flight home.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Arrive in Great Falls, MT and transfer to our 700 acre Bison ranch on the east border of Glacier National Park. Evening orientation program and Native American history and storytelling.
Day 2: Wildlife and Geology
This morning, we depart for an early morning drive into the wildlife rich St. mary’s area searching for bears, wolves, elk, moose, mountain goats and much more. Later in the day we enjoy a classic Glacier National Park hike exploring the plants, dramatic peaks, and glaciers. Evening program – astronomy.
Day 3: Wildlife Management and Citizen Science
Spend our morning with a local professional wildlife biologist participating in a program that allows students to learn about and participate in management of bears and wolves. In the afternoon, we implement a citizen science project to support management activities on the ranch. Potential projects include remote wildlife cameras, water quality monitoring and wildlife surveys. Evening program – stories from the Mountain Men of the west.
Day 4: Whitewater Rafting
After a morning hike in Glacier National Park, we launch on a thrilling but safe whitewater rafting trip on the middle fork of the Flathead River. Final evening program at the ranch reflecting on our adventures and memories from the past 4 days.
Day 5: Depart for home
After five incredible days, we depart for home. Potential additional activity depending on final flight schedules.
Note: Groups in the East fly the red-eye on day 5 or depart early the morning of day 6 (depending on flight availability)
Day 1: Arrive Great Falls, MT
- Transfer to ranch for evening orientation
- Activity: Landforms and Geologic History of the Rocky Mountain Front and Glacier National Park
Day 2: The Rocky Mountain Front Ecosystem
Full day of activities at the 6,000 acre Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch.
- The Rocky Mountain Front Ecosystem – ecological components, management, and future
- Wildlife of the rocky Mountain Front Ecosystem
- Animal tracks and signs
- Ranch management and service on the ranch
- Tools of the trade – introduction to radio telemetry use with grizzly bear management, bear trapping, bear research
Day 3: Glacier National Park
- Full day exploring Glacier National Park
- Hike to Grinnell Glacier – phenological changes and climate change
- Wildlife Watching tour – moose, elk, bear, wolves and many small mammals and birds
- Citizen Science – monitoring Pika, Mountain goats and/or plants
- Evening program with Blackfeet historian
Day 4: Open programming – choose one of the following themes
- Blackfeet history and culture. Visit various historical and cultural sites, visit with Blackfeet historians, service work in the Blackfeet community.
- Paleontologist for a day – learn about the dinosaur discoveries along the Rocky Mountain Front and work at an active dig uncovering dinosaur fossils
- Service day – spend the full day giving back. Participate in a variety of citizen science projects such as water quality monitoring, bird surveys, plant surveys, fire science, weed management. And/or assist with land management – remove fencing, pulling noxious weeds, repairing trails
Day 5: Depart for home
- Final morning activity before departing for home
Additional activities and extensions:
- Three day and two night backpacking trip
- Whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River
- Lewis and Clark in Montana
Day 1 – Arrive in Phoenix – Arizona Red Rocks Country
Depart in the morning and arrive in Phoenix, AZ. Meet your Global Travel Alliance guide at the airport and depart for Sedona. Stretch our legs with a hike in the Red Rock Country around Sedona. Evening program at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Overnight in Flagstaff.
Day 2 – Grand Canyon and the “Land of the Rainbows”
Early departure for the Grand Canyon. Hike down the canyon and drive along the south rim of the Grand Canyon stopping at spectacular vistas and historic sites. Visit the famous Cameron Trading Post. Scenic drive through the Painted Desert, also known as the “Land of the Rainbows” by the Navajo Indians before arriving in Page, Arizona. Overnight in Page, AZ
Day 3 – Colorado River Float—Lake Powell
This morning, hike through the world famous Antelope Slot Canyon. Glen Canyon Dam tour (scheduling dependent). 4-hour scenic float trip on the mighty Colorado river from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee’s Ferry. See ancient Petroglyphs and swimming in the river for those that are willing to brave the cold water. Evening on Lake Powell (schedule dependent). Overnight Page, AZ.
Day 4 – Zion National Park
Early morning depart for Zion National Park. Amazing classic hikes in this sandstone canyon such as; The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, Hidden Canyon, The Grhotto
Overnight in Springdale, UT.
Day 5 – Zion National Park – Depart for Home
Morning hike in Zion National Park. Later in the afternoon, travel to Las Vegas for our flight home.
Note: Groups in the East fly the red-eye on day 5 or depart early the morning of day 6 (depending on flight availability)
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Depart in the morning for Miami, Florida. Afternoon tram tour through Everglades National Park. Guided ranger program through the Shark Valley where the group will learn about the unique hydrology and ecology of the largest subtropical wetland ecosystem in North America.
Day 2: Everglades Wildlife and Service Program
Board our safari airboat for a journey into the Everglades this morning! Later, we will learn about the amazing reptiles that inhabit the Florida Everglades including an Alligator and/or Snake show. This afternoon we participate in a local conservation service project that contributes to managing the health of the Everglades ecosystem.
Day 3: Snorkeling in the Coral Reefs and Sunset Kayaking
Today we enjoy snorkelling on the second largest barrier reef system in the world. This safe and fun adventure allows us to see and learn about exotic fish, learn about the importance of coral reefs to our planet and how biologists study the life in and around the reefs. Later in the afternoon we can snorkel out to an offshore sunken boat. This evening, we will go kayaking through the Mangroves learning about and looking for wildlife while enjoying a fantastic sunset over the Florida Bay.
Day 4: Beach day and Key West
This morning we head to the lower keys and one of the best beaches in the area. We will spend the day relaxing on the beach, snorkeling along the shore, stand-up paddleboard or a kayak with your friends. Later, we continue to Key West and spend the afternoon evening exploring the streets that Ernest Hemingway walked and visit the southernmost point in the continental U.S.
Day 5: Depart for home
Today we depart for home but not after another day of fun activities. Final schedule will be determined by the group leader and depends on our final flight times.
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
Depart for Seattle, visit Seattle Aquarium and become familiar with the wide variety of sea life that inhabits the Puget Sound, and the environmental challenges that face this region. Transfer to the Olympic Peninsula. Settle into your lodging then dinner and trip orientation.
Day 2: Citizen Science and Environmental Research
Participate in environmental science and research at Naturebridge. Explore the old growth forests and the only temperate rainforests in the lower 48 states. Evening programming on the Olympic Peninsula depending on dates and availability
Day 3: Temperate Rain Forests – Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park, Hoh Rain Forest, natural history hike. Citizen science project to be determined, hike along coastal rainforest and beach/tidal pool exploration. Evening programming around Port Townsend or Seattle
Day 4: Marine Science and Oceanography
Full Day on a 61’ research vessel Adventuress where students will spend time in water studies, nautical science, and using oceanographic equipment. This afternoon, we continue your experience on the Adventuress, transfer to the Olympic Peninsula. In the evening, return to Seattle for your final evening with your group
Day 5: Downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle’s Waterfront, learn about sustainable fisheries at the Famous Pike’s Market, and visit the world’s first Starbucks. In the afternoon, Space Needle, Pacific Science Center and Museum of Pop Culture. Additional touring depending on return flight times. Depart for home.
Day 1: Arrive Great Falls, MT
Transfer to Ranch, evening orientation
Activity: Landforms and Geologic History of the Rocky Mountain Front and Glacier National Park
Day 2: The Rocky Mountain Front Ecosystem
Work on local ranch, grizzly bear management, habitat restoration—a Full day of activities at the 6,000 acre Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch.
Day 3: Glacier National Park
Hiking in Glacier National Park looking for mountain goats, bears, elk and other wildlife. Climate studies and citizen science monitoring programs.
Day 4: Whitewater Rafting, Blackfeet Culture and/or Paleontological Studies
Blackfeet history and culture. Visit various historical and cultural sites such as the Old North Trail, visit with Blackfeet historians, service work in the Blackfeet community. Paleontologist for a day learning about the dinosaur discoveries along the Rocky Mountain Front and work at an active dig uncovering dinosaur fossils. Whitewater rafting long the southern edge of Glacier National Park on the middle fork of the flathead river.
Day 5: Depart for home
Final morning activity before departing for home
Additional activities and extensions:
Three day and two night backpacking trip
The Lewis and Clark Expedition in Montana
Day 1: Travel Day
Arrive in Salt Lake City. Depending on final flight schedules, explore the Great Salt Lake at Antelope Island State Park and experience the vast and stark wonder of the Great Basin and the Great Salt Lake. Overnight in Jackson Hole, WY.
Day 2: Yellowstone National Park—Wildlife and Geology
Wildlife watching in the Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park– an area known for abundant wildlife including grizzly and black bear, wolves, elk, bison, moose. Guided hike with activities that will allow students to uncover the biological and geologic mysteries of the area. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in the afternoon. Dinner and IMAX experience at the West Yellowstone Wolf and Discovery Center – a must see event. Overnight in West Yellowstone, MT.
Day3: Yellowstone NP to Jackson Hole
Before we head south to the Tetons, we will explore in depth the geologic history of the still active Caldera that is Yellowstone National Park. Visit Geyser Basin lunch at Old Faithful and time to shop at the Historic Old Faithful Lodge. Possible hike along the continental divide (weather dependent). Dinner and hotel in Jackson Hole.
Day 4: Teton National Park
Early morning start as we enjoy a hike into Grand Teton National Park. There are several classic Teton National Park hikes that explore the massive glacial moraines that formed the lakes and surrounding valley floor. Later in the afternoon we will take the Jackson Hole Ski Area Tram to the 10,000 ft peak. Explore life in the extreme high alpine environment, take in the views and build a snowman! Evening free time in the old western town of Jackson.
Day 5: Snake River Whitewater Rafting
This morning we launch on the Snake River for a thrilling whitewater adventure. After the river trip, change into dry clothes and depart for Salt Lake City.
Note: Groups in the East fly the red-eye on day 5 or depart early the morning of day 6 (depending on flight availability)
