Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Marine Bio Camp been offered?

Who attends Marine Bio Camp at Sea?

Is this camp for me?

What are the camp program dates?

How many participants will there be?

Where is the camp held?

Where will I be staying?

Will I have a roommate during camp?

What do I need to bring to Camp?

How much time will I spend with dolphins?

Do I have to be a good swimmer?

Is this camp accessible to those with special needs?

What is the cost of camp and what does the tuition cover?

To which airport should I schedule my flight?

May I arrive a day early?

What happens if I need to cancel after I have registered?

How do I register?

How long has Marine Bio Camp been offered?

Marine Bio Camp began in 1999 as a result of a collaborative alliance between Dolphin Camp and the Marine Quest program at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Their continued sponsorship of this camp has made this learning opportunity available for many students desiring careers in Marine Science.

 

Who attends Marine Bio Camp at Sea?

Marine Bio Camp attracts a diverse group of students from all over the world. In addition to campers from the United States and Canada, some have come from as far as England, Greenland, South Africa, Latvia, Mexico, Denmark and Switzerland.

 

Is this camp for me?

This camp is designed for those who want to explore the field of Marine Science. This program focuses on exposing students to the work that is done on research vessels. During the week, we will conduct numerous studies that are reflective of actual work done by Marine Biologists. This camp is designed for students between 14-18 years or a previous Marine Bio Camp graduate. If youíve ever dreamt of being up close with a wild spotted dolphin and conducting field research experiments, this camp is for you.

 

What are the camp program dates?

custom programs for groups of 10 or more, 2008

 

How many participants will there be?

The Marine Bio Camp boat will take a maximum of 22 participants per camp. The instructor/student ratio will be 1:7. Once a camp is filled a waiting list will be taken.

 

Where is the camp held?

Marine Bio Camp at Sea starts with the first night in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The next part of our adventure begins with a short flight to meet our boat in the crystal blue waters of Bimini, Bahamas which is 55 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale.

The Bahamas are famous for their gentle tropical breezes that make July comfortable. Daytime high temps are around 90°F (32°C), evening temps in upper 70°F (21°C). During this time of year, the ocean waters typically are calm, clear and warm.

FYI: Our administrative offices are located in North Carolina.

Where will I be staying?

All participants stay at the Embassy Suites in Ft. Lauderdale the first night of camp and then aboard our 90í dolphin dive boat for the rest of the program. Our boat has every modern convenience and is fully air-conditioned which makes it easy to cool off and rest comfortably. Ship board meals are prepared by our personal chef. Look at our photos pages to get a feel of the elegance of the boat.

The boat possesses every technological device for navigation, radar, GPS and communication. Satellite phone communication and email is on board for an additional cost. Daily trip photos will be uploaded to our website so family members can follow the expedition.

The Marine Bio Camp boat anchors nightly in the calm waters near the shore of Alicetown, Bimini. Alicetown is modern town with full amenities including a medical clinic. Bimini has several daily flights to Ft. Lauderdale. US Coast Guard patrols these waters to assist in the event of an emergency. The ships crew is trained in emergency medical procedures.

Will I have a roommate during camp?

All participants will be sharing a cabin with a roommate during camp. If you are attending camp with a friend, please let us know if you want to room together. Aboard our ship, the vast majority of cabins consist of two bunk beds, each of a width suitable for one adult. Sleeping rooms are comfortable but small.

What do I need to bring to Camp?

You will need to have a valid passport OR a birth certificate and government photo ID such as a drivers license in order to enter the Bahamas. Because we will be flying to Bimini in a sea-plane, you will be limited to 30 lbs of luggage. During the trip, dress attire is 'island casual' which means very informal. All participants are required to have their own mask, snorkel, and fins for the entire program. Your registration packet will include a list of suggested items to bring to camp.

 

How much time will I spend with dolphins?

Marine Bio Camp at Sea is about being with the dolphins as much as possible. Each day will consist of conducting various research projects. Approximately half of each day will be spent searching, observing and interacting with a pod of spotted dolphins. As with any wild encounter, there is no guarantee of a specific amount or type of experience. We have purposely selected to conduct our camp in July because we will have the highest likelihood of quality daily interaction. Typical encounters range from 20 seconds to 20 minutes. It is not uncommon to have periods of longer interaction.

Do I have to be a good swimmer?

No. Dolphins engage appropriately with each person. If you are able to relax comfortably in the water, you will have a great time. The highest level of interaction occurs when making eye contact with a wild dolphin. Our staff will be conducting a pool orientation session to help campers acclimate to their snorkeling gear. Diving ability and endurance only facilitate sustained interaction. Most campers surprise themselves at how much they improve during the week.

Is this camp accessible to those with special needs?

Marine Bio Camp at Sea is an activity-based camp. The majority of the camp takes place on a multi-deck boat linked by a connecting stairway. Please note that our boat is a comfortable diving vessel but isnít totally ADA compliant. In the past, we have been successful with individual requests and will do everything possible to accommodate those with special needs. Please contact us to discuss options.

What is the cost of camp and what does the tuition cover?

Once you arrive in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, your camp begins. Your tuition includes:

• Transfers to/from hotel and the airport (FLL)
• Lunch and dinner on June 25th
• Three meals per day and snacks from June 22nd ‚ July 1st
• Breakfast on July 2nd
• One night lodging at the Embassy Suites in Ft. Lauderdale (double occupancy)
• Round trip Airfare from Ft. Lauderdale to Bimini, Bahamas
• Six nights aboard our dolphin boat (double occupancy)
• All tours, swims, crew tips and Bahamian taxes
• Plus other famous Marine Bio Camp at Sea goodies!

Also included are use of research equipment and daily field study workshops with your Marine Bio Camp at Sea staff.

The cost of Marine Bio Camp at Sea is $2,495 per participant. A total of 11 cabins are available (double occupancy). Your tuition does not include your cost of transportation to and from Florida. During the trip you are responsible for your gift purchases as well as soda or other commissary items.

 

To which airport should I schedule my flight?

You are responsible for getting to and from camp during certain time frames. Marine Bio Camp at Sea is not responsible for any participant that does not schedule arrival and departure times during the required time frames of camp. No exceptions.

If you are driving, please travel directly to the Embassy Suites in Ft. Lauderdale. On the first day of camp, hotel check-in is available beginning at 3:00 PM. Marine Bio Camp staff will meet you in the hotel lobby at 3:00 PM for camp check-in.

If you are flying, you need to arrive at the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) between 11:00 AM ‚ 2:00 PM on the first day of camp. Camp staff will meet you at the baggage claim area of your airline. Staff will assist you in shuttling to the Embassy Suites for program and hotel check-in.

On the last day of camp, pick-up times for those who are driving is at 10:00 AM. Meet students at Chalk's Airways, lower level of Terminal 4 of the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. If you are flying, you must schedule your departing flight between 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Camp staff will escort you to the airport check-in and remain at the airport until your flight departs.

Note: Due to increased airport security, we are no longer allowed to accompany campers from their arrival gates or to departure gates.

 

May I arrive a day early?

Yes. Many participants, who travel long distances to camp or want to extend their vacation, often choose to come in early or stay longer. If you would like to stay in Ft. Lauderdale, we will reserve a room for you at the Embassy Suites. This is our gathering point prior to departure to the Bahamas. The additional room charges will be added to your tuition balance. Each additional night is charged at the rate of $125 per room.

If you choose to extend your stay, we cannot guarantee that there will be a roommate for you to share hotel costs. Marine Bio Camp will coordinate your arrival details but does not provide chaperone services for campers outside of the designated program dates.

Because of the popularity of Marine Bio Camp at Sea and the limited capacity on the boat, we regret to inform you that tuition payments are non-refundable. In light of this fact, we suggest that you consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. To find out more about travel insurance visit: http://www.travelguard.com Note: Trip insurance must be purchased within 15 days of making your initial deposit.

To find out more about travel insurance visit: http://www.travelguard.com Note: Trip insurance must be purchased within 15 days of making your initial deposit.

 

How do I register?

Trip dates are custom programs for groups of 10 or more, 2008. Tuition is $2,495 per person. You can register by having your parents call us at: (919) 542-1332.

Your registration is confirmed by submitting a non-refundable deposit of $495. Full tuition is due by April 30th. Payments can be made over the phone. To register online, please select this link. We accept Visa or MasterCard, American Express or Discover and checks.

For email correspondence, write to teencamp@dolphin.com
If you would prefer to speak with us directly,
please call our toll free number, 800-451-2562.

Our mailing address is:
Dolphin Camp
1654 Hamlet Chapel Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
We accept Visa or MasterCard, American Express or Discover and checks.