"To meet the goal of science literacy, students must be actively involved in hands-on experiences."
(American Association for the Advancement of Science, Project 2061)
(American Association for the Advancement of Science, Project 2061)
Island & Sound Exploration
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Our oldest and most popular program, this excursion takes your class to the beautiful deserted beaches of Masonboro Island. Masonboro is the largest undeveloped island on North Carolina's southern coast and is preserved just for education, research and traditional uses. Activities can include crabbing, investigating the life found in a salt marsh and exploring one of the best shelling beaches in our state.
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This activity occurs on the Masonboro Island Reserve, a site protected by the N.C. Coastal Reserve and the National Estuarine Reserve, a program of the Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management, and is also a Dedicated State Nature Preserve. For more information about the Coastal Reserve, please visit deq.nc.gov/coastalreserve.
Pier into the Ocean (in Kure Beach)
and Lessons by the Sea (in Emerald Isle)
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We offer programs on ocean piers in Kure Beach and Emerald Isle. Ocean piers are exceptional vantage points for viewing marine life and studying the ocean. Learn about the wonders of marine life by fishing, searching for fossils, hunting for mole crabs and dissecting squid! Choose this program for affordability, fishing, and hands-on studies.
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Shackleford Banks Adventure
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The Eastern End of Shackleford Banks is a special place. Steeped in history, rich in marine life, remarkable in its beauty, this is one of the most unique locations on the grand coast of North Carolina. This end of the Shackleford Banks is bordered by hundreds of acres of salt marsh teeming with life. Banker ponies are found grazing in higher numbers here than anywhere else in the state. A short distance across the inlet stands the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, a beacon for over 160 years. We chose this location as an inspiring setting for learning and discovering, for viewing living history and encountering the wonders of coastal life. Activities include netting marine life in the salt marsh, crabbing, and beach explorations.
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Shackleford Banks and Core Banks are part of Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout Discovery
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Visit one of the most scenic locations on the Carolina coast during this excursion to Core Banks and the Cape Lookout lighthouse. During this program we explore tidal flats, study pristine beaches, and visit the 163' high Cape Lookout lighthouse! The lighthouse has been guiding mariners around North Carolina's treacherous shoals since 1859. The geography, water and beaches of Cape Lookout are remarkably beautiful. This program departs from the charming coastal community of Harkers Island.
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Island Hopping the Outer Banks
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Two islands in one field trip! We offer this program to both Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks in one five-hour incredible field trip! In addition to visiting the Cape Lookout lighthouse, this program includes an exploration of the remote eastern point of Shackleford Banks where banker ponies are commonly found.
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Ocean Ecology Cruise
Our boat, the Hurricane II
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A trip on the open ocean connects us to the life, energy, and scale of Earth's largest and most important environment. This adventure offers the best fishing of any of our half-day trips as we travel 3 to 7 miles offshore to fish for sea bass, porgies, blues and an assortment of other species. Vertebrate and invertebrate studies take place on the upper deck. The fish the students catch become the subject matter for the study of ecology, adaptations, and other natural science topics. This is a great trip for sighting bottlenose dolphin!
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Beautiful Sea Robin!
Teaching station on upper deck
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Nice Sea Bass!
Beautiful Calabash morning!
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Gulf Stream Nature Excursion
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Traveling to the Gulf Stream is like traveling to an undiscovered realm for many people. It is a place of crystal blue water and magnificent marine life. Flying fish, 300-pound sea turtles, and dolphin are often observed. Students catch and learn about reef fish during this full day offshore trip. Students also take part in oceanographic studies.
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