Sanibel Sea School offers private programs for families
The Sanibel Sea School offers family-private programs by boat or paddle craft or from shore in a variety of barrier island habitats on Sanibel. All sessions are hands-on and customizable.
Land-based private programs are designed for all ages. The two-hour sessions are $60 per person and scheduled Monday through Friday. Some programs suggested by the Sanibel Sea School include:
– SEAGRASS BEDS
While learning how to identify seagrasses and learning about their ecological role, families use different types of nets to catch the creatures that call it home. The animals are moved to small portable tanks for a brief but closer observation before being released. Seahorses, small fish, crabs, shrimp, snails and comb jellies are all possible sightings.
– GULF-SIDE BEACH
Marine science educators lead families on a casual guided walk to explore the shore’s wrack line to see what’s washed ashore. We talk about the more mysterious objects we find on the beach, look for live mollusks, and learn a bit of shell biology. Depending on the tide, we’ll wade out to the sandbar in search of sand dollars and sea stars, too.
– MANGROVE FOREST
There is nothing like sinking knee deep into stinky mangrove mud with the family. It is an experience that will bring everyone together in mutual discomfort or uncontrollable giggles. While getting muddy, families learn about Florida’s mangroves, how to identify them and why they are tough trees. Fiddler crabs and mangrove tree crabs are sure to be spotted along the way.
Sessions can be customized from a course catalogue of over 30 marine-science topics.
– PADDLE, BOAT PROGRAMS
Explore places not accessible by foot with a two-hour paddle-based or boat-based program. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard sessions offer an opportunity for a family to enjoy an active experience on the water, while learning about Southwest Florida’s flora and fauna. Cost is $75 per person.
– PONTOON PROGRAMS
Board The Ripple Effect, a shaded pontoon boat, for a three-hour private boat-based program. Tailored to a family’s interests and abilities, trips cruise the San Carlos Bay. The estuary is a rich environment that supports a diversity of habitats to explore and discover. The programs run Monday through Friday based on staff availability. Cost is $400 for up to six people, and $500 for groups of seven to 12.
For more information, contact sanibelseaschool@sccf.org.
Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation family, the Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time.