Who will lead the expedition?
Expeditions will be run by one lead scientist and one other expert from our team. Our boat captain and guide has been associated with Andros for over 25 years.
How can I confirm my place?
To reserve your place you will need to pay a 20% ($600) nonrefundable deposit, HERE. Alternatively, please contact us with your preferred expedition date and once we confirm availability and receive your payment your position will be secured/reserved! Contact us HERE or email us at contact@savingtheblue.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Who can join a research expedition
Expeditions are open to everyone, at all levels! All participants are required to be able to swim, and have some experience with snorkeling and outdoor adventure. The boat we use has a ladder to allow for easy access to the water. *Our team pride ourselves in helping guests learn to overcome fears and build their confidence in the water during interactions with wildlife. To learn more please view THIS PAGE.
Do I need to be SCUBA or freedive qualified?
Absolutely not. We will not be using SCUBA during our expeditions, and although freediving experience is an advantage, it is far from essential.
Do you have any additional expedition dates for 2024/2025?
Unfortunately not at this stage. If however you have a large group of 6/7 guests, please contact us, and we will be delighted to discuss the possibility of arranging a personal, tailored expedition just for you.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is essential. We strongly recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network; www.diversalertnetwork.com) insurance as they provide excellent and affordable coverage with evacuation costs included.
*Please note it is solely your responsibility to make sure you are insured for all possible needs.
What safety and emergency procedures do you have in place?
Our team have collaborated with dive and emergency paramedics, who have put together emergency evacuation and first aid procedures and protocols. *Accidents are rare; however, it is important that our team are prepared, and guests know that procedures are in place to ensure their safety throughout experiences.
What is included in the $3000 fee?
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Flight with a private charter (Tropic Ocean Airways – www.flytropic.com) from FLL (Sheltair) to Andros, Fresh Creek, and all airport transfers whilst in the Bahamas
Hands on research experience
Six nights accommodation with three main meals per day provided by the Andros Bonefish Club (www.androsbonefishing.com)
Five full days water time, on a comfortable vessel with a local captain/guide, in addition to nearby exploration on arrival and departure days
Two experienced expedition leaders
Lectures and presentations on various topics, such as shark behavior and conservation
Mini classes such as knot tying and radio etiquette
WHATS NOT INCLUDED:
Transport to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Personal dive equipment - mask, snorkel, fins etc. (no SCUBA equipment required)
Travel insurance
Any required COVID tests
Necessary VISAs
Crew gratuities as you feel appropriate
* Please note there are no refunds for lost days due to weather cancellations, trip delays, permits, injury or equipment issues.
What are your payment options/plans?
A non-refundable 20% deposit ($600) is required to immediately guarantee your space on the expedition, with the remaining balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. We are happy to offer a personal payment plans allowing you to breakup the costs over a period of months. Simply ask, we'll happily accommodate your needs.
Methods of payment:
Online - You can pay your deposit online HERE.
Wire – If you wish to send a wire or bank transfer, please let us know and we will send you an invoice that includes our information. Please add an additional $15 to cover the fee that the bank charges us for receiving wire transfers.
Paypal – If you wish to pay through Paypal, we will send you a Paypal invoice that includes an additional 2.2% to cover the fee that Paypal charges us.
Zelle - If you wish to pay through Zelle please email us in advance before sending funds as we regularly sell positions and cannot guarantee spots. There is no additional fee for this option.
Check – Checks can be sent to our office address. Please contact us for details on paying by check. There is no additional fee for this option.
* Please note there are no refunds for lost days due to weather cancellations, trip delays, injury or equipment issues.
Are there any age restrictions?
The minimum age for an expedition participant is 16 with a parent or guardian. Anyone over 18 is welcome to join us solo. *Please contact us if you have a large group under 18 where we'll happily discuss and accommodate a way of working with you.
Will I need a VISA?
Depending on your nationality and legal records, you may need to obtain a Bahamian and/or American visa to enter both or either country. Bahamian visa information can be found HERE, and American VISA information can be found HERE, although we urge you to spend time on searching other websites for additional information.
What should I bring?
You will be allowed 40lb (18kg) in TOTAL - Hand and checked luggage.
Passport - This includes US citizens!
VISA - Please check whether you need a VISA for The Bahamas.
Printed COVID test results as required and/or vaccination card.
Reusable water bottle - **Essential**
Sunscreen should be SPF 30 at minimum. We ask that you please choose reef-safe sunscreen. We recommend Stream2Sea, use our code savingtheblue to get 10% off all items and 10% of your total order will be donated to us!
Insect repellent and/or baby oil (for mosquitoes and sand flies).
Hat, buff, and polarized sunglasses - Polarization reduces water glare, and protects your eyes from UV rays.
Rain jacket.
Dive gear: mask, fins, snorkel, gloves, **hard bottomed booties** or similar. Absolutely no scuba gear is required although a weight belt would be beneficial.
Bathing suit, rash guard (for UV protection), and wetsuit (1.5mm for summer, 3-5mm for winter) for thermal protection if desired. If we dive with sharks you will need **FULL COVERAGE** so legs, arms and hands must be covered.
Dry bag - optional but proves very useful in the field.
Clothes that can get wet or ruined! - T-shirts and shorts, a sweat shirt and long pants, warm/waterproof jacket, long-sleeved shirt, buff, and sandals or shoes that can get wet.
Any special foods or medications you might need, such as seasickness tablets, waterproof band-aids, electrolytes for hydration, etc.
Headlamps are useful if we decide to fish at night, or go on evening adventures!
Spending money for personal expenses - Bahamian dollars or US dollars are both accepted in Andros.
Camera - topside and/or underwater.