Roatan 2022: Mrs. Downs' Anthony's Key Marine Biology Trip

      Roatán, Honduras

      GE
      Green Edventures Ecotours & Expeditions
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      171 reviews
      Jul 23 - 30, 2022
      Group size: 7 - 12
      Roatan 2022: Mrs. Downs' Anthony's Key Marine Biology Trip
      Roatán, Honduras

      Green Edventures Ecotours & Expeditions
      • Email address verified
      • Facebook verified
      171 reviews

      Jul 23 - 30, 2022
      Group size: 7 - 12

      About this trip

      Our home for the week is The Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) adjacent to Anthony's Key Dive Resort. This field station is ideally located on the northwest coast of Roatán where over 30 miles of fringing and barrier reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and shoreline are home to an astounding profusion of life. These diverse ecosystems provide a living laboratory for students to explore classroom concepts in the wild!


      Students will see one of the most beautiful diving/snorkeling destinations in the world and travel with a purpose. This week-long trip is a combination of adventure, hands-on-research and investigation, student-centered learning, and participation in conservation programs within the RIMS program. 


      Trip Highlights:

      -2 dives (or snorkels for non-divers) per day in a variety of biologically diverse marine habitats.

      -1 night dive (or snorkel for non-divers)

      -Meet and swim with RIMS dolphins and learn about their unique marine mammal training program.

      -Participate in the onsite coral restoration program.

      -Explore Roatán from the treetops with a fun and educational zip-line tour.

      -Meet sloths, iguanas, and monkeys at two different animal sanctuaries.

      -Explore seaside towns and meet locals to learn more abut the culture of Roatán.

      -Do the limbo to reggae at an island fiesta on Anthony's Key with the Garifuna Dancers.

      -Take a day trip to Maya Key for a BBQ on the beach and visit the cultural museum to learn about the history of Roatán.


      General Inclusions:

      2 boat dives per day & one night dive (or snorkels for non-divers)

      One dolphin swim per student 

      A 42-foot dive boat with captain, divemaster and UW naturalist 

      Use of tanks, weights and belts 

      Two half-day cultural or science related bus trips

      Admittance to the Roatán Museum 

      Use of kayaks and paddleboards 

      Use of recreational services and facilities offered at Anthony’s Key Resort 

      Lectures offered by RIMS staff on a variety of marine topics 

      Use of dry and wet laboratories 

      A large air-conditioned classroom with audio/video equipment 

      Use of specimen collections and reference library

      Waterproof marine identification guides 

      Onsite clinic & decompression chamber with doctors on call 24-hours 

      Escorted round-trip transfer from airport to RIMS 

      Group Leader

      This trip is being organized by:

      Ms. Neysa Downs

      neysadowns@gmail.com


      Airfare

      Airline tickets are reserved by Ridgebrook Travel Agency in Deerfield, IL. Once ticketed, airline tickets are the property of the ticket holder. Tickets are non-refundable. Any changes or cancellations must be made with the airline directly. 


      The package price has an estimated amount for roundtrip airfare at $1025 round trip. Once tickets are reserved, the package price will be updated to reflect actual ticket price. 

      Room & Board

       Where do we stay?


      Participants will stay at the Anthony's Key Dive Resort in Key Superior bungalows. These bungalows are perched right over the water and offer spectacular ocean views with the beach just outside your backdoor. Each bungalow has a deck over the water with hammocks, a private bathroom, air conditioning, and beds for 2-4 participants (2 queen beds, or 1 queen bed and 1 bunk bed, or 2 bunk beds).

      What do we eat?

      Participants will have a choice from a selection of American meals served from the Anthony's Key restaurant each day.  Three meals a day are provided during the program week. 

      Travel & Dive Accident Insurance

      All Participants:

      Green Edventures recommends Travel Guard, the Preferred or Deluxe Plans, with Adventure Bundle and Lodging Bundle for our travelers. Purchase within 15-days of your deposit date for pre-existing conditions inclusion and Cancel for Any Reason add on option upgrade.


      Travel insurance is available at:

      https://greenedventures.com/travel-insurance/


      SCUBA Divers

      Dive accident insurance is required and is purchased separately from comprehensive plans such as Travel Guard. You will first purchase a DAN membership for $40 per year, then select your dive accident coverage.


      DAN’s website does offer Travel Guard. If you book your Travel Guard insurance via the link above at our website, I will automatically get a copy of your Travel Guard policy. This will assist us in helping you should you need to make a claim. 

      https://dan.org/membership-insurance/dive-insurance/  

      What’s included

      • Airfare
        Airport TBA
      • Room & Board
        Key Superior Bungalows with AC, 2-4 participants per room.
      • Meals
        All meals are included from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day

      What’s not included

      • Travel Insurance
        International Health Insurance Required a comprehensive plan is recommended.
      • DAN Insurance
        Required Insurance for SCUBA Divers
      • Personal Spending Money
      • Gratuity
        $150
      • Snorkeling/Diving Gear
        Available for rent onsite
      • COVID PCR or Rapid Test
        If required.
      • Baggage fees

      Available Packages

      SCUBA Diver Package

      Certified Divers only. Includes tanks & weights.


      Does not include additional gear. You may bring your own gear or pay for rental gear onsite.


      Prices for rental gear are in US Dollars and includes 15% tax. 

      • Mask, Fins & Snorkel: Weekly $57.50
      • BC Jacket: Weekly $92.00
      • Regulator w/Console and Alternate Air Source:  Weekly $92.00
      • Dive Computer: Weekly $69
      • Wet Suit (Full): Weekly $69
      • Wet Suit (Shorty): Weekly $57.50

         

      $3,185
      Deposit: $800
      Non-Diver (snorkeling) package

      Package price for snorkeling. 


       Does not include gear. You may bring your own gear or pay for rental gear onsite.

       Prices for rental gear are in US Dollars and includes 15% tax.

      • Mask, Fins & Snorkel: Weekly $57.50
      • Wet Suit (Full): Weekly $69
      • Wet  Suit (Shorty): Weekly $57.50
      $3,135
      Deposit: $500


      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Welcome to Anthony's Key

      Afternoon arrival

      Check in to Anthony's Key Resort

      Unpack and settle in

      Enjoy kayaks or paddle boards from the beach of your Key

      Dinner

      Meet to assign daily trip report groups & discuss student research projects

      Your Organizer


      GE
      Green Edventures Ecotours & Expeditions
      171 reviews
      Fun, active, and educational nature-based group eco-adventures for people to connect with wild places and animals in extraordinary environments. Specializing in women's adventure travel groups, and teacher-led student groups. Inquire about custom and co-ed trips.

      Reviews

      CM
      I had a wonderful time, trip of a life time for me! While I was the youngest guest, I felt so welcomed by all the women and the team! I am a little biased as my cousin (Kristen) assisted in leading the trip but Chabelo and Michelle were great! I enjoyed getting to know them and learn from them! Overall, a trip I would 100% do again!
      By Catalina M for Baja 2024 (B): Women's Snorkeling Adventure + Gray Whales Tour on Mar 29, 2024
      AD
      I’ve been on multiple trips with GE and this one was something special! If you are looking for mindfulness and magic with the backdrop of stunning Iceland, put this one your list! In addition to snowshoeing, and exploring towns and beaches, with the support of Tara and our fabulous local guide, Inga, we were even able to take a swim in the Artic ocean!
      By Allison D for Iceland 2024: Hot Springs & Mindfulness Retreat on Mar 26, 2024
      This was an amazing trip! I could not have known how much I needed the mindfulness, spas, and relaxation! This retreat was the most amazing thing and so needed!!! Thank you Tara Short and Green Edventures!!!
      By Anne R for Iceland 2024: Hot Springs & Mindfulness Retreat on Mar 26, 2024
      The Baja trip was amazing in every aspect! The guides impressed me with their dept of knowledge, attention to detail, and kindness. Snorkeling with sea lions and whale sharks is an experience I will never forget. My co-adventurers were enthusiastic and I made some life longfriends. I will sign up for this trip again!
      By Lori P for Baja 2024 (A): Women's Snorkeling Adventure + Gray Whales Tour on Mar 12, 2024
      SC
      This trip was packed with activities that were fun, exciting and educational. The active parts of this trip were phenomenal. Snorkeling with complete instruction started in shallow water and progressed towards deeper and more challenging environments. Tara, Michelle and Chabelo made sure that everyone felt comfortable and ready for the more challenging snorkel adventures. It progressed at each individual's pace without rushing. As a newer, less experienced snorkeler I appreciated the attention and non rushed approach. We progressed from beach snorkeling, to off the boat around rocks and coral reefs to swimming with sea lions and whale sharks! There were also land excursions which I loved, especially through the desert learning about all the different cacti and the importance of the mangrove. The local support team were so great. Kind, compassionate and extremely involved in their love of their home. We camped on the beach in tents with cots which was very comfortable. Food was fantastic, locally sourced and cooked with love by a resident. Tara made this trip special for each person. Checking in, making sure we were doing ok, making us laugh with all of her stories. She is humble and down to earth and loves this area with all of its wonders. She had an amazing rapport with the local staff, obviously feels they are part of her family. She wants everyone to succeed. I had problems on one snorkel and after recovering, she guided me to a successful and unforgettable experience, never with reluctance or pity, but with strength and support. Thank you Tara! I would add that the planning is wonderful and all parts of the trip were communicated clearly. Questions answered and expectations were always communicated. Love this company and I look forward to my next trip with Green Edventures.
      By Susan C for Baja 2024 (A): Women's Snorkeling Adventure + Gray Whales Tour on Mar 11, 2024
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      References

      I went on an amazing trip with Tara to Baja, Mexico in 2020. This was a dream trip for me being a wildlife lover. It was incredible to be able to swim with whale sharks and sea lions and get up close with gray whales. Camping on the beach was amazing. We had a great group of women and everyone vibed well and all of the tour guides including Tara, Alex and Chabello were so fun, friendly and helpful every step of the way. The food was great at the campsite and at the restaurants we got to try. When our trip plans initially got derailed waiting on a negative Covid test and we had to get a different flight, Tara did everything in her power to accommodate us and make sure we got to enjoy every part of the trip, including setting us up with another whale shark swimming tour after we had missed the initial one with the group, and she spent time waiting for us to finish before leaving for the airport. I definitely recommend Green Edventures, especially the Baja Mexico trip!
      By Katie M on 14 Feb, 2022
      I just returned from the Wisconsin Women's Tour and couldn't have asked for a better trip! For me, the amount and type of activity were perfect. Who know there was so much to discover practically in my own backyard?
      By Cynthia Casey W on 22 Oct, 2020