Karen Provazza | SSC Chief Communications Officer
Imagine standing at the base of a thundering waterfall in Iceland, where volcanic activity and massive glaciers have sculpted breathtaking mountains and dramatic valleys all around you. Or snorkeling alongside a giant marine iguana in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Galapagos. Perhaps while visiting sunny Florida, you’re watching majestic sea turtles and gentle manatees swimming up close in the wild. Witnessing such wonders is undeniably exciting and memorable. Choosing to experience these wonders via group eco-travel can make your trip evening more extraordinary and offer many additional benefits, both personally and globally.
Seacoast Science Center (SSC) has been offering custom-designed eco-adventure trips since 2011. Embarking on an SSC eco-trip provides much more than insight on the ecology of the region you are visiting. SSC’s trip itineraries are carefully crafted so you experience the most significant and impactful activities and landmarks in coastal regions across the globe. By learning about environmental challenges and sustainability practices firsthand, we hope that you gain a deeper understanding of the impact of human activity on our planet and are motivated to adopt more sustainable practices in your own life. Free time is always factored into our trips, so you can choose activities that are most meaningful to you, spend social time with your new-found friends, or simply relax and soak it all in.
In 2024, we have two great eco-adventures to choose from; one designed for families and one specifically planned for adults. Those with young nature-lovers can join SSC’s Program Director, Henry Burke, in sunny Sarasota, FL for spring break, April 20-27. During this trip, you will gain behind-the-scenes access and special programming with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is the ideal place to explore the amazing coastal habitats of the Gulf of Mexico. The Aquarium displays unique and exciting ocean animals that thrive in Florida’s diverse marine ecosystems, and is home to the Dolphin and Whale Hospital and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. Your hands-on multi-day education programs will focus on Awareness, Appreciation, and Action. Each day of your Mote adventure is themed to enhance your knowledge of a special marine science topic. This trip is best for families with children ages 8 and up. A deposit is due by March 1st to hold your spot.
An amazing adventure awaits those seeking to travel abroad—a custom tour prepared by Collette Explorations in the Azores, Portugal, October 3-15. Together, with SSC President Jim Chase, you’ll explore this archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean. All you have to do is pack your bags for this all-inclusive trip that includes transportation between SSC and the airport, airfare from Logan International Airport, as well as inter-travel, all accommodations, and several meals. You will be immersed in the local culture and communities, and gain an understanding of how their society integrates sustainability into their way of life.
Highlights of the Azores trip include touring remarkable cities, experiencing a private whale watch trip, taking off-road adventures, soaking in thermal waters, and sampling traditional craft-making, cuisines, and spirits. You’ll enjoy botanical gardens and museums, and even experience a home-hosted dinner at a local village. A local guide will join us as we tour the colorful capital of Angra do Heroismo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A special farewell dinner will provide the opportunity for us to reflect on our trip and all we learned, together.
A portion of the trip cost benefits Seacoast Science Center’s mission to advance conservation education and is tax-deductible. As sustainability is a key value of all SSC programming, a portion of the travel fee for Eco-Adventures is applied to purchase carbon offsets from Sustainable Travel International to mitigate the environmental impact of these tours.
To learn more about Seacoast Science Center’s Eco-Adventure Travel opportunities, click here. We hope you can join us, and we’d love to hear where you’d like to go next!
