Hands-On, Standards-Based
Marine Science Field Trips
Take Your Students On An Adventure
Learn With Gulf Coast Explorers, Stay With Us
We've partnered with Gulf Coast Explorers to bring your students the best marine science education on Alabama's coast!
Gulf Coast Explorers handles all the educational programming, from planning your curriculum-aligned activities to leading hands-on explorations. We provide what we do best: safe, exclusive lodging where your entire group can stay together, connect, and create memories between learning sessions.
It's the perfect combination. Your students get expert-led marine science adventures during the day, and you get the peace of mind that comes with exclusive accommodations where your group can bond without distractions.
WHAT SETS GULF COAST EXPLORERS 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!
Gulf Coast Explorers' expert educators guide students through real marine science experiences. Students collect nearly 100 different species with collection tools like seines, slurp guns, and plankton nets. They also get an incredible sea turtle experience.
Gulf Coast Explorers cover a range of sciences as your students explore the diverse ecosystems of our local marine environment. We explore tidal pools, 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 Alabama State Science Standards through Gulf Coast Explorers' expert curriculum, 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. Your entire group stays together in our exclusive accommodations.
Almost Ready To Book Your Adventure, But Need A Few More Details First?
Gulf Coast Explorers has all the information you need about educational programming, pricing, sample itineraries, and trip customization. They'll work with you to create the perfect learning experience aligned to your curriculum goals.
Once you've connected with Gulf Coast Explorers about your educational program, contact us to arrange your group's lodging at Gulf Shores Beach Retreat.
Teachers & Students LOVE Our Retreat
-
"I loved the trip. The atmosphere here is great, you provided hands on education which not a lot of people can experience. Despite the cold weather this is and has been the best field trip I have ever been on. I learned so much, now I want to experience it more!!! Thank you!!"
— Sam from Clinton Christian Student
-
"What I liked was Fort Morgan State Historic Site, Alligator Alley, and building sculptures in the sand. Fort Morgan was very historical and I learned a lot of stuff about South Alabama's history. The tour guide was really cool and explained things really well. Alligator Alley was super fun too. We got to see an alligator feeding and hold a baby alligator. The alligators at the feeding were really huge. They got up to 14 feet! Overall, I had a fantastic time and I'd love to come here again. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience."
— Alanna, 7th Grader -
"I did enjoy Marine Science Adventures from the dunes to the estuaries. Fort Morgan State Historic Site is where I learned the most. I liked the live demonstration of a volunteer finding sea turtle eggs, it showed how hard it is to save them, even with this we're succeeding at it. The late night beach walks were comforting and calm. I really enjoyed the seining."
— Madison, 7th Grader
-
"I can not even put into words the impact our trip had on my sweet students. I bonded on a whole new level with so many of my kiddos. Some of them that rarely ever said a word in class, now tell me EVERYTHING that happens in their life."
— Lisa, Teacher
BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE
Plan an adventure so fun your students don't even realize how much they're learning.
Gulf Coast Explorers will handle your educational programming, and we'll provide exclusive lodging where your group can bond, recharge, and make memories that last long after the sand is out of their shoes.