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Puerto Rico

Tropical Marine Biology
see info below

Program Details

DATES
July 9-July 16, 2026

8DAYS

SERVICE HOURS
40
TUITION
$3490 (Plus airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY
Available

Alongside our partner, Isla Mar, you will learn about tropical marine biology, coral reef restoration, and the link between mountain and coastal marine ecosystems.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program will take you to the west coast of Puerto Rico, where you will explore the territory’s incredible ecosystems, both above and below the surface. Your days will be spent snorkeling at beautiful coral reefs and seagrass beds, hiking to waterfalls, swimming at night among the corals, searching for sea turtles, and much more. Through each of these activities, you will discover how what we do on land impacts the well-being of marine life underwater.

While in Rincon, you will be exploring both the mountain ridges and coral reefs that make up this unique island ecosystem. You will have the opportunity to snorkel in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, one of the most iconic places to snorkel in Puerto Rico, where you will study Caribbean reef fish, coral rehabilitation efforts, and coral diseases. Additionally, you will conduct a survey of restoration projects to help local scientists assess the success of their work.

Outside of the water, you will head to mountain ridges to learn about agroforestry, a technique of growing food among the forest. In doing so, you will explore watershed management and how our land use impacts coral reefs.

This program will help you develop your skills as a marine scientist while building a deep understanding of interconnected ecosystems. You will leave Puerto Rico with hands-on research experience and a new perspective on how individual actions can protect both land and sea environments.

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Gain hands-on research experience in marine biology during coral reef restoration projects.

Hike to local waterfalls while learning about how what we do on land impacts marine life.

Snorkel Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, one of the most iconic places in Puerto Rico.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5
LEARNING SERVICE
You will learn about tropical marine biology, coral reef restoration, and the link between mountain and coastal marine ecosystems.
5
CURRICULUM
Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.
3
TREKKING
You will walk as part of your daily activities, in addition to taking short hikes (2-3 miles) to local waterfalls.
2
LIVING CONDITIONS
You will be staying in a local home rented for the group, with shared rooms featuring bunk beds and air mattresses.
3
ON THE MOVE
You will be based in Rincon for the majority of your time on the program, with occasional van rides (approximately 1-1.5 hours) to visit local sites.
2
REMOTENESS
You will be based in the town of Rincon on Puerto Rico’s west coast.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival and shuttle to Rincon. Evening orientation.

Day 2

Visit Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. Learn about Caribbean reef fish, coral reef restoration and coral diseases and Caribbean reef fish identification.

Day 3

Survey coral reef restoration efforts and learn how to identify the corals. Afternoon tide-pool exploration at the marine reserve and community trail hike.

Day 4

Snorkel at Buye and learn about seagrass. Explore a mangrove forest. Walk the historic railroad path along the coastline in Rincón while learning about plant adaptations.

Day 5

Visit the north central region to learn about agroforestry techniques. Optional night snorkel in Tres Palmas.

Day 6

Excursion to the middle of the island. Hike to a secluded mountain waterfall and learn about the connection between mountain ridges and coral reefs.

Day 7

Depart Rincon for San Juan. Afternoon in San Juan. Final reflection.

Day 8

Depart for home

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Puerto Rico : In Three Phases

1

PRE-TRAVEL CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. This is a new program, so there are currently no posts.

Important Details

TUITION

Tuition (students from partner schools): $3390
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $3490

*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE

Students are responsible for booking their own flights to meet the group in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once enrolled, our admissions team will assist you in choosing the correct arrival and departure times.

FINANCIAL AID

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students from all backgrounds. We will do everything possible financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application.  Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full description of our Terms and Conditions, please CLICK HERE.

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