Day 1 (3/27) in Island School, Bahamas 

By Abby and Zoe and 

Our first full day on the Cape of Eleuthera was leisurely and relaxing­. We had a late start, waking up at 7:15am (4:15am Seattle time), and then jumped right into our day. We had a filling breakfast of cornflakes and milk facing the beautiful aqua ocean, in which we swam just a few minutes later for a swim check (all of passed with ease). We were led on a comprehensive tour of the Cape Eleuthera Institute and Island School campuses, including special stops at the Poo-Poo Garden, aquaponics research station, pig pen, boathouse, and recycling/processing center. After a hearty lunch, we learned a bit about the island’s recent history – a failed resort from the 1980s that was torn down after putting the owner hundreds of millions of dollars in debt. We were lucky to explore the ruins that remain, where nature has begun to take over once again. At the end of our long journey, we had the chance to get back in the turquoise Caribbean waters at Triangle Cove, this time off of a 12-foot drop! We grabbed our snorkels for the first time, and had the special opportunity to apply our classroom knowledge to the real world.

Back at home, we each choose two organisms found in the Bahamas to study in depth, creating detailed field guide entries to be compiled into a collaborative informational book. It was in Triangle Cove that we saw one of these special organisms for the first time: Bianca’s Fairy Basslet, a vibrant yellow and purple damselfish tucked into the rough substrates. Soon after, among the many other exciting species, we spotted Gabriella’s Cushion Star, Aidan’s Sea Sponge and Blue Headed Wrasse, Jack’s Jack and Brain Coral, Abby’s Atlantic Blue Tang, and Tanvi’s Spiny Lobster (which we actually saw participating in an aquaponics experiment). Although we haven’t yet spotted a few students’ organisms, we are excited to find them before we depart.

Observing our organisms in their indigenous ecosystems was extremely rewarding. Identifying the distinctive features of our organisms in the field made us feel connected to our surroundings; it makes this experience feel much more than just a vacation, but a true educational opportunity to make a lasting connection to the environment. We’re tired and covered in sand, but we’re excited to wake up tomorrow a full hour earlier to happily snorkel for hours on end.

Zoe jumping off the cliff 



On the bus 

Abby eating tomato grown in the aquaponic farm  

Sea slug

Olivia with coral 

Visiting aquaponic farm 

Noa with coral 

Hand-in-hand 

More brotherly love 

Pool in an abandoned resort 

Coolest banyan tree






























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