OVERVIEW

This class series will provide a biblically-based, hands-on overview of various marine species present in South Florida. The intent is to provide information about local marine life, an opportunity to enjoy our local marine environments and to encourage students to interact with the Lord through His Creation. All students should be physically fit and capable of moderate levels of exercise.

The Field Course will meet eight (8) times, once per month, during the 2025-2026 school year. During each three-hour class, a marine biologist will provide a thirty to forty-five minute discussion offering an overview of local marine life. Students will then spend the remaining class time enjoying the activity of the day. Students will also be able to participate in an optional field excursion to snorkel with manatees in Crystal River.

SCHEDULE

1 | Mangrove Kayak @John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Friday, Sept. 12, 2025; 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Students will be led on a guided kayak to Munyon Island, an island in the Intracoastal Waterway that is only accessible by boat.

2 | Peanut Island Snorkel @Peanut Island Park, Riviera Beach
Friday, Oct. 24, 2025; 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Time adjusted to reflect shuttle schedule.)
Students will be led on a guided snorkel of the shallow waters surrounding Peanut Island.

3 | Whiskey Creek Wading Tour @Mizell-Johnson State Park, Dania Beach
Friday, Nov. 14, 2025; 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Students will be led on a wading tour of Whiskey Creek, an area home to a wide variety of marine life.

4 | Aquarium Tour @Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton
Friday, Dec. 19, 2025; 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Students will be led on a guided tour of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center’s aquarium, boardwalks and butterfly garden.

5 | Rocky Shore Beach Walk @Blowing Rocks Preserve
Friday, Feb. 13, 2026; 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Students will be led on a guided tour of Blowing Rocks Preserve, one of the few natural rocky shores found in South Florida.

6 | Mangrove Wading Tour @Dubois Park, Jupiter
Friday, Mar. 13, 2026; 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Students will be led on a guided wading tour of the mangrove forest located in Dubois Park.

7 | Gulfstream Snorkel @Gulfstream Beach, Delray Beach
Friday, Apr. 17, 2026; 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Students will be led on a guided snorkel of an area known as “The Steps” where submerged portions of former A1A have broken into portions and now function as an artificial reef.

8 | Artificial Reef Snorkel @Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach
Friday, May 22, 2026; 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Time adjusted to reflect tide schedule.)
Student will be led on a guided snorkel of the artificial reef system at Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach.

*Snorkeling activities are based on tide and weather conditions. Conditions will be evaluated the week of the proposed activity to confirm that the class may proceed as planned. All students will be required to wear a snorkel vest provided by Saltwater Studies during snorkeling events.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Snorkeling with Manatees
Birds Underwater Dive Center, Crystal River

Students will enjoy a 3-hour tour with Birds Underwater Dive Center in Crystal River. The tour will involve a boat ride through Crystal River and a chance to snorkel with manatees in the local springs. The tour includes masks, snorkels, wetsuits, snacks and drinks.

Estimated Date: January 2026

Cost: To be determined. Registered students and their families will be provided with cost information in September 2025.

DETAILS

Materials:
Students will need their own snorkeling equipment, shelling bag, notebook and writing utensil as well as drinks, snacks and lunch. 

Liability Waiver:
Each student must have a liability waiver completed by his or her parent or guardian to participate in the Field Course.

Instruction:
All instruction and activities will be led by Christa Jewett who has both a B.S. and M.S. in marine biology as well as over 25 years of experience in the marine science field and 18 years of experience in education. Saltwater Studies’ biblically-based events include a discussion on both biological information as well as how we can see the character of God in Creation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to stay with my student?

No. Saltwater Studies’ middle and high school field classes are drop-off programs. You are welcome to stay for the field course if you would like but it is not required.

Can either I or siblings attend with my registered student?

Only registered students may attend the class. A parent may attend the class along with his or her registered student. If a parent elects to participate in the day’s hands-on activities (snorkeling, wading tour, aquarium tour etc.), he or she must pay any fees charged by the location or related to the day’s activities. A parent with unregistered children is welcome to enjoy the location’s amenities while registered students are in class. However, unregistered siblings may not participate in class activities.

Cancellation Policy

Class Series or Courses.  If unexpected circumstances require you to cancel your registration, a refund will be provided for cancellations made until one week prior to the first class.  (The refund will be for the full amount paid less the service fee charged by PayPal or Stripe for the transaction as these fees are non-refundable.) A 50% refund will be provided for cancellations made within one week prior to the first class and for students who drop out within 14 days of the first class.  No refunds will be provided for students who drop out after 14 days from the first class. For class series or courses that are scheduled for less than 14 class days, a 50% refund will be provided for cancellations made from one week prior to the first class until the first class. No refunds will be provided for students who drop out after the first class. Once the class series or course begins, make up classes or credits are not offered for students who miss classes for any reason. In the event that unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, illness, park closure or water use restrictions etc. require Saltwater Studies to cancel a class, the class will be rescheduled, if possible. If you are not able to attend the rescheduled class, you will be issued a credit that can be applied to a future Saltwater Studies event. In order to be eligible to receive this credit you must notify Saltwater Studies of your inability to attend the rescheduled event at least one week prior to the rescheduled class date.

View the full policy here.