Academic Treks - Marine Mammal Adventure

  Canada

• British Columbia: 
Vancouver

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 22-day programs in June, July and August

Description: Harbor seals, humpback whales, Dall's porpoises and California sea lions converge each summer on the spectacular British Columbian coastline, providing the unmatched opportunity to study marine mammals in their natural habitats. Join Academic Treks on one of our most extraordinary adventures -- our staff's favorite -- to explore, learn and immerse yourself in the world of whales, seals and other marine mammals. With pristine wilderness, dramatic terrain and quaint fishing villages, Vancouver is a fantastic place to spend your summer. Learn and work alongside marine scientists, researchers and naturalist guides, both in the classroom and in stunning wilderness settings. You will never forget the first time you see a wild orca breaching or a pod of grey whales swimming just feet from your boat. Two sea kayaking adventures give you ample opportunities to encounter wildlife up close, while more formal studies, community service work and hands-on research give you the in-depth knowledge to make the most of these experiences.

Day 1-5 We kick off our adventure with a challenging sea kayaking expedition in one of the world's most untouched settings, the rugged and pristine Deer Island Group in Barkley Sound. Together we cross the Trevor Channel, gliding past remote coves and keeping our eyes peeled for orcas. For four days we explore, kayak, bond... Sleep to the sounds of the wild, wake to fresh air and bald eagles hunting for their breakfast. Swim in cool water, sunbathe on warm beaches, play Frisbee and spend evenings around a crackling bonfire. Out on the water, we search for breaching whales showing off their incredible force, schools of Pacific white-sided dolphins and pods of grey and humpback whales.

Day 6-12 We settle in at the Bamfield Marine Science Centre which sits atop cliffs facing Barkley Sound and the Broken Island Group. Here we begin our formal and hands-on studies of marine mammals with resident faculty and researchers. In the classroom and labs, we learn about oceanography and the ecology of the whales, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins and seals found on Canada's Pacific coast. Out in the field and on the water, we witness these magnificent creatures up close alongside marine mammal scientists. We conduct our own field studies and learn the significance of each species in the ecosystems they inhabit. Do plankton tows in Grapple Inlet, comb tide pools on Brady's Beach, gather data aboard the Barkley Star and watch the mesmerizing spectacle of bioluminescence in Barkley Sound. Between our studies and research projects, there is still time to play on the beach at Pachena Bay, explore town, challenge the locals to a soccer match and hike the beautiful West Coast Trail.

Day 13-17 Armed with the knowledge and tools acquired in Bamfield, we head to Telegraph Cove, a historic fishing village and the heart of Vancouver Island's whale watching industry. Here we team up with local naturalists, researchers, scientists and wardens to work as nature guides in training. Days are busy and worthwhile as we rotate through naturalist and research rotations. Work on whale watching boats informing tourists about wildlife. Spend time at the Whale Interpretive Centre working on projects and speaking with visitors that come from all over the world. Help Straitwatch with their efforts to regulate boat traffic around the whales. In the evenings we hike back to camp to enjoy dazzling sunsets and the smell of the fresh catch of the day being prepared over an open fire.

Day 18-22 We head out in Johnstone Strait to tiny Sophia Island for several days of kayaking and camping in some of the most breathtaking surroundings in North America. Our tent platforms rest high off the water, looking over the strait. Sleep with your door open, as you can actually hear the pods of whales breathing as they pass by in the night. We wake early to kayak on the glassy water that mirrors stunning mountains enshrouded by clouds. After a short paddle, we hike through dense forest to the Eagle Eye Research Station to join researchers perched at the edge of the cliffs studying the migration patterns and habits of the orcas below. Back at our island, we watch for herons soaring overhead, wildlife feeding and spyhopping orcas. Sunsets here seem to last forever, giving us the perfect setting to reflect on our remarkable experiences, the great friends made and the lessons we will take home.

Highlights: * Sea Kayak in Barkley Sound and Johnstone Strait
* Study Orcas and Marine Mammals
* Work alongside Marine Mammal Scientists and Naturalists
* Live and Study at the Bamfield Marine Science Centre
* High School/College Credit; 35+ Hours Community Service

Qualifications: Participants must be in grades 9-12 and have completed high school biology.

Cost in US$: $4980

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Participants are high school students in grades 9-12 with an interest in marine mammals and marine conservation.

Age Range: 15-19

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Canada Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-12

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Academic Treks - a division of Broadreach's Mission Statement: Academic Treks, a division of Broadreach, offers college-accredited summer adventures abroad for high school students. Backed by over 15 years of experience in running educational programs for thousands of teenagers, Academic Treks combines the finest elements of experiential learning, traditional classroom learning and service learning with wilderness adventure, international travel and cultural exchange to create extraordinary expeditions.

Year Founded: 1992