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Programs Aboard the R/V Sea Explorer

Watershed Boat/Lab Combo: 4th-6th Grades
Students explore the science of watersheds during this 4-hour experience. In the lab, students perform a fish dissection, conduct water chemistry tests, record weather data, and identify potential sources of pollution. Onboard the R/V Sea Explorer, they form research teams to test the offshore nutrient levels, study benthic organisms, and examine the local plankton population. Also available as an overnight program.

Environmental Geology: 6th Grade
Students learn how stream dynamics, erosion processes, longshore transport, and human activities can alter the environment. Aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, they take part in data collection at three designated sample sites. The students examine nitrogen levels, plankton productivity/diversity, and the benthic habitat off Dana Point. Also available as an overnight program.

Sea Floor Explorer Lab/Cruise: 4th-8th Grades
Students study plate tectonics through the investigation of seafloor geology, sediment cores, microfossils, and underwater seismology. Aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, students retrieve a core from the deep, sieve sediments for microfossils, survey the seafloor with side-scan sonar, and drive our SeaBotix ROV in search of life and artifacts!

Living Systems Lab/Cruise Combo: 4th-6th Grades
This classic and popular program explores the relationship between biotic and abiotic components of the marine ecosystem. The lab includes a fish dissection, water chemistry, aquarium science, and a study of the moon jelly’s life cycle. Aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, students examine benthic and pelagic habitats by deploying oceanographic sampling equipment to collect a variety of marine specimens. Lab and cruise may also be booked separately.

Marine Mammal Cruise: 4th-6th Grades
Dolphins, whales, seals, and sea lions are the focus of this exciting voyage on the open ocean! Students investigate our local marine mammals and their relationship to the ecosystem using an acoustic array, plankton net, and benthic grab sampler.

Island Ecology Safari: 4th-8th Grades
Sleep aboard a 65-foot vessel anchored in a serene Catalina Island cove. Students discover this unique island ecosystem by snorkeling in a kelp forest, investigating mud flat ecology, studying nocturnal life using a squid light, engaging in a geology and plant hike, and waking up to a pancake breakfast and catch-and-release fishing.

Sailing Aboard the Spirit of Dana Point

Revenue Cutter Service: 4th-5th Grades
Students set sail aboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point as they explore the critical era after the American Revolution. “Serving” as members of the Revenue Cutter Service, students interact with historical characters who present a variety of American Revolution perspectives while introducing students to sail handling, helmsmanship, naval strategy, and navigation.

Helms Alee: 4th-5th Grades
Expand your dockside living-history program by casting off and heading to sea aboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point. This non-role play sailing adventure is the perfect extension to your dockside day or overnight experience with curriculum specifically designed to complement the shore-side programs. Activities include real sail handling, navigation, watch reporting, and helmsmanship.

Gold Digger’s Express Sailing: 4th-5th Grades
Students recreate the plight faced by the many people longing to reach the famed gold fields of Northern California in the 1800s. While sailing aboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point, students interact with historical characters who guide them in sail handling, navigation, and helmsmanship as they explore of the trials of life in the gold fields and challenges of life at sea.

Catalina Odyssey: 4th-12th Grades
Embark on an exciting voyage to Catalina Island! On this dynamic sailing adventure, students are trained to participate as crew of a 100-ton schooner. They explore Catalina Island and surrounding waters while they snorkel, hike, kayak, and live the life of a tall ship sailor. This program is adaptable to fit a variety of curriculum needs including ecology, oceanography, language arts, and social studies.