Tropical Marine Ecology Expedition – Colombia
Explore. Discover. Dive In.
What You’ll Experience
Scuba or Snorkel the Caribbean
Spend three days exploring some of the most stunning underwater environments Colombia has to offer.
Lectures from Marine Ecology Experts
Learn directly from our professors about the unique coastal and marine ecosystems of the region while staying in the beautiful coastal town of
Santa Marta
and two nights in historic Cartagena, Colombia.
Visit Mundo Marino Aquarium
Discover local conservation efforts and research initiatives at our partner facility,
Mundo Marino, located just minutes from our accommodations. Sharks, rays, bony fish and the head start sea turtle program are all part of this visit!
Tidal Pool Studies in Tayrona National Park
Observe marine and coastal species in their natural habitats within
Tayrona National Natural Park, home to a rich variety of wildlife including:
- Jaguars, pumas, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and armadillos
- Over 390 species of birds, including macaws, hawks, and vultures
- Sea turtles, boa constrictors, and the rare needle cayman
- Diverse marine life including mollusks, crustaceans, algae, and corals
Explore the Historic City of Cartagena
Walk the cobbled streets of Cartagena’s famed walled city, explore colonial forts, relax on beautiful beaches, and experience the coastal culture.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Stop at the Totumo Volcano
Take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich mud caldera of the Totumo Volcano—a truly unique and memorable adventure.
Whether you're pursuing marine biology, conservation, or just a passion for ocean exploration, this is more than a trip—it's an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Spots are limited. Reserve yours today and dive into a new world of discovery. There are only 12 slots per class.
Currently only 9 spaces still available for 2025.
Interested participants are encouraged to submit an application and deposit as soon as possible to secure your space for the class.
Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis until the trip is full.
WHEN:
December 13-20, 2025
WHERE:
Cartagena and Santa Marta Colombia
PURPOSE:
To study tropical marine ecology, educating participants in the local marine life and other tropical wildlife and ecosystems, on site, as no other program can.
What’s Included:
- 7 nights of lodging
- All transportation from the time you arrive at the airport in Cartagena, Colombia
- Lectures on local marine life and ecosystems as well as other unique terrestrial wildlife and ecosystems
- Three days of scuba dives or snorkeling!
- Aquarium behind the scenes tour along with conservation lecture
- Tidal pool lectures
- Tayrona Park lessons and tour
- Totumo Volcano tour
- Breakfast and dinners
The course fee does not include airfare since each student is traveling from a different part of the US and airfare will vary from student to student. All students will fly into CARTAGENA - COLOMBIA (CTG)
NOTE: Students may fly into the country one day early or leave one day late (prior to 6 p.m.) if the airfare is less expensive. However, keep in mind you will have to pay an extra night at the hotel ($50) depending on availability and will be responsible for all your meals on the extra days. We will still provide transportation to and from the airport. A PASSPORT IS MANDATORY FOR THIS TRIP!
Additional costs: Students should bring money for souvenirs and incidental expenses, students may wish to do activities that are not on the itinerary during free time which are not covered by the course fee.
Course Fee - $1949
$1699 FOR CURRENT OR FORMER CMERA STUDENTS ($250 DISCOUNT)
Payment schedule:
- $450 deposit due with application.
- Remaining amount due October 15, 2025
- Deposits become nonrefundable when 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 recommended you purchase travel insurance.
Due to the fluctuating prices for airfare that our participants receive from different parts of the country, airfare is not included in the cost of the program. Participants are advised not to purchase their flights until notified by CMERA that the minimum class requirements have been met.
Please keep in mind although we regularly see the animals mentioned above, these are wild animals and we have no control over when they appear and for how long.
Please contact us anytime with questions at (843) 246-0750. Email: info@coastalmera.com
