School Vacation Florida Exploration Program

Dates: February 12-17, 2027 (Homossasa Springs)

Open to: Ages 14 years and up

Cost: $3,200 (cost of airfare to Orlando not included)

What will we do?   Citrus County and the Crystal River have become synonymous with manatees, and we will explore their winter homes along with other natural environments in the nutrient-rich intercostal and Homossasa Springs.  Besides snorkeling with the manatees in the Crystal River twice, you’ll also snorkel in the Devil’s Den and down the Rainbow River to learn about the geology and amazing springs of Florida first hand.

We’ll tour the 3 Sister’s State Park, the Ellie Schiller Wildlife Park and Crystal River Archaeological Park.  The accommodations are at the Plantation Inn Golf Resort on the Crystal River. Here guests will find a full-service resort with classic rooms, excellent dining, a lagoon-style pool and hot tub.

Near the end of the trip, the group will head back to Orlando and Discovery Cove where we’ll spend the day with dolphins and snorkeling in various marine environments within the park. This is an all inclusive day of snorkeling with all gear and food provided. The next day, you are welcome to stay at the SeaWorld park to explore and we’ll get you to the airport as needed.

Dates: March 27-April 1, 2027 (Florida Keys/Everglades)

Open to: Ages 14 years and up

Cost: TBA (cost of airfare to Miami not included)

What will we do? The Florida Keys and the Everglades are among the most important and interconnected ecosystems in North America. The Everglades’ slow-moving “River of Grass” filters and carries freshwater to the southern coast, supporting wetlands, mangroves, and estuaries that provide habitat for endangered wildlife such as manatees, crocodiles, and countless bird species. These wetlands also help protect South Florida by storing freshwater, improving water quality, and reducing flooding.

The Florida Keys continue this ecosystem into the ocean, where coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests support an incredible diversity of marine life. The coral reef tract surrounding the Keys is the third-largest barrier reef system in the world and provides habitat for thousands of species. Mangroves and seagrass beds stabilize shorelines, reduce storm impacts, capture carbon, and provide essential breeding grounds for marine life. Together, the Everglades and the Keys highlight the strong connection between healthy land and ocean environments.

Hands-on activities, visits to research facilities and meetings with scientists will demonstrate how closely linked land and sea ecosystems are, and why protecting water quality, habitat diversity, and coastal resilience is vital for both wildlife and the communities that depend on these environments.

Additional Information on both trips

Sea Star Explorations and the host facility will provide transportation for all off-site visits (including boats and buses) as well as transportation to and from the Orlando airport (Feb) or Miami (March).  Some of everyday will be spent in or on the water and gear will be provided (snorkel, mask, fins, wetsuit).

Each evening, there will be an informative talk about the ecology of the area. The tuition includes all lodging, meals, entrance fees, snorkel gear and staffing. It does not include the flights into and out of the airports, food at the airport, and souvenirs.