Hands-On, Standards-Based Marine Science Educators/Field Trips
Take Your Students On An Adventure
What Sets Our Marine Science Adventures Apart?
Learn & Play At The Beach
Providing hands-on learning experiences for your students takes a ton of work, but you don’t have to do the work alone!
Students collect nearly 100 different species with collection tools like seines, slurp guns, and plankton nets. They also get an incredible sea turtle experience and a guided exploration of the beach at night.
Our Marine Science Adventures cover a range of sciences as your students explore the diverse ecosystems of our local marine environment. We explore tidal pools, salt-water marshes, estuaries, bays, the gulf, dunes, maritime forests, and the lagoon.
All of the adventures meet Alabama State Science Standards and use STEM, STEAM, and STREAM-based learning methods.
The best part? Teachers and chaperones get to experience the wonders of the beach ecosystems right alongside their students!
Is It Really Worth Dumping All Of That Sand Out Of Your Shoes?
We Think So! Here’s Why.
Hands-On Learning
Give your students hands-on experiences that lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter, plus create fun, lifelong memories.
Tied To Science Standards
The adventure is a blast AND it’s guided by State Science Standards so you can feel confident that it’s a worthwhile use of classroom time.
Safe & Supervised
Teachers, parents, and administrators love that our retreat is a private, supervised facility where their groups can sleep, eat, and play safely.
Almost Ready To Book Your Adventure, But Need A Few More Details First?
Planning An Adventure Is Easy With Our No-Sweat Planning Process
(Save Your Sweating For The Beach!)
Contact Our Marine Science Adventure Specialists
Customize Your Trip & Learning Goals
Show Up, Have Fun Learning, & Build Relationships
You Won’t Want To Leave The Beach (And You Don’t Have To!)
Enjoy Plentiful Amenities & Activities At Our Retreat
We’ve thought of everything you need to make your downtime as amazing as the learning time, including
Wireless internet
1,600 square foot shared meeting space
Full commercial kitchen
4 bunk rooms
2 staff rooms
Boardwalk directly onto the beach
Private pool with large deck area
Sand volleyball court
Basketball goal
2 charcoal grills
Parking for buses, vans, or cars
perfect for every group
Teachers & Students LOVE Our Retreat
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“Just brought my Beta Club for the Marine Science Adventure field trip. Donna and Tim were amazing and the students had a great time! The retreat is really clean, the food was terrific, and the students had plenty to do during their downtime. Will definitely be coming back!!”
— Dorinda C.
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“This is my 2nd time visiting. This is a stellar field trip, suggested for anyone who gets the chance. Dr. Simpson makes sure to give a good value. Learned a lot. Storm came in on our second trip, so he changed up the curriculum so that we would still learn a lot.”
— Tasha M.
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“Their Marine Science field trip is phenomenal, for both kids and adults! Absolutely amazing staff who were genuinely interested in helping the kids learn through doing. The facility itself is in a great location directly across from the beach and has a classroom, dining area, pool, and sand volleyball court all within steps of each other. Priceless!!”
— Nicole G.
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“I’ve never experienced such an enjoyable, educational and exciting trip. It provided nonstop adventure and would be an unforgettable experience for science students of all ages!”
— Rachel M.
Common Questions About Our Retreat
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Please email us for the cost at John@gsbeachretreat.com. We have a standard 3-day/2-night trip including 4 meals, but we can add extra nights — lodging and extra meals. Some groups like to add lunch on the day of your arrival, and adding a sack lunch for the ride home is also a great option. You are on your own for dinner at your expense on the second night. Note: 2027 rates to be determined.
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YES, you will need to have your own transportation available during your stay to take you to field trip excursions and activities. You are responsible for your own transportation.
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We provide 4 meals for a 2-night trip, but your group can bring any extra snacks and drinks you might want.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please bring bottles of water for your picnic lunch (for the day you will be out), as well as extra water to have during the day. There is not a place to buy them once you leave the retreat. Leaders are responsible for bringing all drinks for the day out. We have a commercial-sized ice machine that you are welcome to use for your coolers.
We do not furnish coffee, so coffee lovers, please bring your own supplies. We do have 2 coffee makers you can take to your room if you want coffee before 7 am. The kitchen is locked 6-7 am for breakfast prep.
We do not have a vending area, but there is a convenience store a block away.
Some groups choose to do dinner the second night at a restaurant or you can choose to do dinner at the resort for an additional $10. You are responsible for the restaurant night, including making a reservation and paying the restaurant directly.
Visit our commercial kitchen inventory for more information. -
We can accommodate up to 160 guests. We have 2 identical camps under one roof and each side sleeps 80.
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Each side of the retreat has 4 bunk rooms: 2 downstairs bunk rooms sleep 16 each. 2 upstairs bunk rooms keep 20 each. Each bunk room has 2 showers, 2 toilets, and 3 sinks.
There are also 2 staff/leader rooms on each side of the retreat. The staff/leader room has a queen bed, a set of bunks, and a private bathroom.
The retreat has central heat and air with controls in the kitchen and meeting room.
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Guests bring towels, pillows, bedding for a twin bed (either sheets or a sleeping bag), and toiletries. Leaders also bring paper products and food items. We provide a starter set of toilet tissue and garbage bags but you are responsible for refills as needed. Click here for your guest and leader lists.
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No! You will have your own private pool with quality lounge chairs, sand volleyball, basketball, parking, charcoal grills, and kitchen. But do please bring your own volleyballs and basketballs.
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We do night excursions! We do night seines and beach walks because the specimens change at night.
