Jamaica
BIOL 232
Caribbean Coastal Ecology
Winter Break: December 13 to December 22, 2025
Course held during the fall semester 2024 and tentatively meets on Fridays at 9am throughout the entire semester.
We will explore diverse coastal habitats in Jamaica, snorkeling daily with colorful fish, corals, and other species students have never seen or heard of! Students will learn about the ecology of Caribbean plants and marine life, as well as some culture and history of the island. Groups of students will take underwater videos and design and conduct experiments, though we welcome students of all majors. No science background is necessary as we learn together about these beautiful tropical habitats!
Faculty Facilitator
Dr. Josh Lord
Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
Dr. Natasha Woods
Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
Cost
- Self-Pay Total Cost: $2,600
- Your Out-Of-Pocket Cost After Elevate Credit has been Applied (Valued at $2,600 for eligible students): $0
- For all travelers:
- Insurance Fee: $90 charged directly to your Student Account
- Recommended for Personal Funds: $100
- Tuition: None, if taken in spring semester course load.
Quick Facts
- Application Deadline: June 15, 2024
- Program Length: 10 days
- Units: 1
- Eligibility: Must be able to walk 5+ miles per day and have the ability to swim. Must complete THIS questionnaire provided by the professors before being cleared to sign Travel Agreement. Must attend tentative course meeting time at 9am every Friday throughout the entire fall 2024 semester.
- Language: English
TENTATIVE Itinerary
All the landmarks mentioned in this itinerary will be visited. Some changes may be made in the order they will be visited depending upon the weather.
Day 1: Fly from the US to Jamaica, where you'll visit the beautiful Discovery Bay Marine Lab (DBML) and begin your exploration of Jamaica's marine ecosystem.
Day 2: Dive into the crystal-clear waters near DBML for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, followed by a scenic walk or hike to Columbus Park or Bamboo Bay, where you'll be captivated by the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Day 3: Immerse yourself in the wonders of Falmouth as you snorkel in its pristine waters and visit picturesque sites such as Harmony Beach, Duncan Bay, or the enchanting Good Hope Estate.
Day 4: Discover the cultural and historical treasures of Kingston, including a journey to the Blue Mountains, a visit to the historic Port Royal, and a refreshing dip in the Penfield Falls.
Day 5: Unleash your adventurous spirit as you embark on a day of hiking and snorkeling near Ocho Rios, exploring the pristine Pearly Beach and conquering the majestic Dunn's River Falls.
Day 6: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Montego Bay as you walk to the Montego Bay Cultural Center and explore its exhibits and nearby historical sites such as The Cage and Manatee Hole.
Day 7: Return to Falmouth and Discovery Bay for another day of snorkeling and hiking, allowing you to experience the stunning beauty of Harmony Beach and the captivating allure of Discovery Bay.
Day 8: Wrap up your week of marine biology research at DBML, combining learning and exploration as you delve deeper into the marine ecosystem and conduct research.
Day 9: Bid farewell to the breathtaking landscapes of Montego Bay as you depart, cherishing the memories and experiences you've gained during your unforgettable journey in Jamaica. Fly from Jamaica to the US.
COVID-19 Disclaimer
Due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 Pandemic we cannot guarantee travel or entrance into a destination or a program because of COVID-19 related delays and /or closures. In addition, should travel occur outside of the United States or between States, we cannot guarantee re-entry with or without vaccine requirement and/or quarantine as determined by the intended destination and return location. Moravian University encourages travelers to comply with the COVID vaccine entry/exit requirements as detailed by their intended destination and/or program. Please see the complete COVID-19 disclaimer here.