Captain of the Seas: Key West

Subjects: Nautical Archeology, Maritime History & Marine Ecology

Course Description:

We will explore by land and sea the rich history of Key West, Florida and its influence on culture and country. We will learn how tall ships sailed, experience a marine archeology lab tour, climb the lighthouse, learn local history on a private trolley, take a ranger tour of Fort Jefferson National Park in the Dry Tortugas, learn about Cuban migration and more.

The program at Fort Jefferson National Park in the Dry Tortugas will take us back in time. We will embark on the Yankee Freedom for a 90 minute trip 70 miles west of Key West to the Dry Tortugas National Park. This area is known for birds, marine life and shipwrecks. We will have a narrated historical and ecological boat tour on our way to the fort. Once we arrive, we will have a tour of the fort and explore the area. As a part of the educational program on the Yankee Freedom, continental breakfast and lunch is provided. Snorkeling is included at the Dry Tortugas National Park, if interested.

Sunday, June 13, 2027

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Monday, June 14, 2027

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tuesday, June 15, 2027

7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Wednesday, June 16, 2027

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Learning outcomes:

How flags, conchs and shipwrecks defined the history of “Bone Key”
Navigation and sailing techniques from the 19th century
The cultural significance of refugees and immigrants to the key
Indigenous peoples and cultural influence
Pirates, treasure hunters and wreckers!
Florida Ecology, coral reefs, bird migration
The economy of the island throughout history and present day.
The military significance of Fort Jefferson and the island through past wars and in modern times.
Current shipwreck excavations and marine archeology techniques.
Underwater archaeology and the science of shipwreck preservation.
Maritime history including pirates, treasure hunters, and wreckers.
Ecology and ornithology of the Tortuga Triangle where the Gulf of America, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet.
Marine wildlife observations including dolphins, turtles, corals and fish.
Respect for nature helping to build lifelong environmental stewardship.
Nautical knot tying.
Basic seamanship including how to read water.

Program Format: Family - open to all ages

Tuition and Fees Schedule:

Ages 3 and Under: free

Optional preschool curriculum kit (for 3 & under): $45

Ages 4-Adult: $740

(Payment plans available)

All participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

This program is approved as direct pay for Step-Up for Students in Florida and may qualify for other school voucher programs. All food, transportation, and hotel costs are paid for by the parent and not with scholarship funds. No refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy.

What's included:

Curriculum pack with Study Guide, book and educational materials

What’s not included:

Transportation

Hotels

Meals

Souvenirs

Some of the activities included are:

Private trolley tour
Private lighthouse tour and educational presentation
The Shipwreck & Treasure Museum experience
San Carlos Institute educational presentation and theater program
Tall Ship educational program on an 80’ Schooner with a 19th century sailing experience cruise
Fort Zachary State Park ranger program (Free if you have a pass or $6 per car entrance fee not included)
Coast Guard Tour of the USCGC INGHAM Ship
Key West Aquarium
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West Guided Conservation Lab Behind the Scenes Nautical Archeology Tour
Dry Tortugas Yankee Freedom Park Ranger Narration program with Fort Jefferson National Ranger led Park Tour
Mallory Square
Eco Discovery Center marine biology and ecology experience
Marine Archeology program with private lab tour

*Tours may change due to unforeseen circumstances and are not guaranteed

Note: Some older buildings and museums have stairs and limited accessibility. This program involves walking around Key West, exploring museums including indoor and outdoor activities and embarking on a historical fort. Please plan to dress appropriately for the weather.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com

Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will always do our best to work with you. However, once payments are booked and committed to our location partners, we cannot recover them after certain dates. This is why travel insurance is highly encouraged to cover any unexpected events. Deposit is not refundable.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com

Cancellations received within 14 days of booking: