Tropical Marine Ecology Expedition – Colombia
🌊 Explore. Discover. Dive In.
A Study Abroad Experience Like No Other
Join us for eight unforgettable days in Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia, where adventure meets education in one of the world’s most vibrant coastal regions. This program isn’t just a trip—it’s a hands-on marine ecology course that brings learning to life in a safe, structured, and professionally guided environment.
🌴 What You’ll Experience
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Scuba Dive or Snorkel the Caribbean
Spend three exhilarating days exploring Colombia’s crystal-clear waters, traveling by powerboat and sailboat to world-class snorkeling and scuba sites.
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Learn From Marine Ecology Experts
Our professors lead immersive lectures on tropical marine life, conservation, and coastal ecosystems—all while based in
Santa Marta and historic
Cartagena.
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Visit Mundo Marino Aquarium
Experience conservation in action, including their
head-start sea turtle program, and see sharks, rays, and other marine life up close.
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Tidal Pool Studies in Tayrona National Park
Hike, explore, and observe wildlife—from sloths and monkeys to macaws and corals—in one of South America’s most biodiverse parks.
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Explore the Walled City of Cartagena
Walk cobblestone streets, climb fortress walls, relax on pristine beaches, and soak up Caribbean culture.
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Take a Mud Bath in the Totumo Volcano
Float effortlessly in a mineral-rich volcanic mud bath—an experience you’ll never forget.
🔹 Why Students Love It (and Parents Can Feel Confident)
- Led by Experienced U.S. Faculty & Staff – Over a decade of international fieldwork experience.
- Small Group Size – Only 12 students per class for personal attention and maximum safety.
- Fully Structured Trip – Accommodations, transportation, and daily schedules are all handled for you.
- Safety First – Vetted lodging, trusted local partners, and strict safety protocols for all activities.
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WHAT’S INCLUDED
🏨 7 nights lodging (Santa Marta & Cartagena – safe, vetted accommodations)
✈️ Round-trip airport transfers in Colombia
🚤 All transportation for scheduled excursions (boats, vans, and more)
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Most meals provided (daily breakfasts and group dinners; some lunches during excursions)
🤿 Snorkel gear (and scuba gear for certified divers)
🐢 All scheduled excursions & entry fees (including Tayrona National Park, Mundo Marino Aquarium, and Totumo Volcano)
📚 Lectures & field instruction from Moore Marine College professors
👥 Small group guidance & supervision throughout the program
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WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✈️ International airfare to and from Cartagena
🛂
Passport fees (your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after travel)
💧 Optional spending money for souvenirs, snacks, or personal activities during free time
💲 COST & PAYMENT DETAILS
Course Fee:
$1,949
$1,699 for current or former CMERA students ($250 discount)
Payment Schedule:
- 💵 $450 deposit due with application
- 💵 Remaining balance due October 15, 2025
Refund Policy:
- Deposits become nonrefundable once you are accepted into the class.
- If the class you are applying for is full, your deposit will be refunded.
- If the class is cancelled by CMERA, your deposit will be refunded.
- Once full payment has been made, no refunds will be issued unless the class is cancelled by CMERA.
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your protection.
✈️ Airfare is not included. Due to fluctuating flight prices from different departure cities, participants will receive flight guidance after CMERA confirms the minimum class requirements are met. Please do not book flights until instructed.
Important Note: While we regularly encounter many of the animals mentioned in this program, they are wild animals and sightings can vary.
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Trip Details
WHEN: December 13–20, 2025
WHERE: Cartagena & Santa Marta, Colombia
FOCUS: Tropical Marine Ecology – an immersive, hands-on study of marine ecosystems and wildlife you won’t get in any classroom.
🔥
Limited Availability – Act Fast!
There are
only 12 spots in this class. Currently, just
9 spaces remain for 2025.
