"Science on the Sea" Field Trip & Beach Play

Watch the video from one of our cruises here!

Join your Healthy Footprints Adventure Community leaders and friends on this unique science adventure! Before our boat trip, HFAC educator will gather the students for educational activities and games. After the boat trip on the RV Explorer, we invite everyone to Baby Beach to refuel and play on the sand, do group activities or just enjoy the free-time together. New friends will definitely be made during this highly organized, fun, and educational trip!

About the R/V Sea Explorer

The 65-foot Research Vessel Sea Explorer is an educational floating lab equipped with underwater cameras, an acoustic hydrophone, onboard computers, video microscopes, touch tanks, and a viewing aquarium. A bowsprit over the water provides any passenger with a breathtaking view of dolphins, whales, and sea lions.

Research conducted aboard the vessel is integrated into our program curriculum. There is not a more hands-on and poignant learning opportunity for students than to participate in authentic statewide research collaborations such as the projects we have with the California Department of Public Health and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

About the program

The marine mammal program aboard the R/V Sea Explorer allows students to  investigate the natural history of our local marine mammals. On the  marine mammal cruise, dolphins, whales, seals, and sea lions are the  focus of this exciting voyage on the open ocean! Students investigate  the natural history of our local marine mammals using a benthic grab  sampler, plankton net, and marine bio facts. The students will discuss  the types of marine mammals they saw and will discover the differences  between them through the use of artifacts, sounds, and images.

For:  All ages (everyone needs a ticket)

Schedule:

11am-11:45am Gather outside the Ocean Institute to meet your group, participate in educational activities and games, and get ready to go!

12pm-2pm Marine Mammal Science on the Sea Field Trip

2pm-3:30pm Refuel and play together at Baby Beach

*Before the cruise, a book list and educational material will be emailed to everyone participating. This is not required, but will give the family an opportunity to explore some of the science subjects before or after our experience together if they choose to do so.

Notes:

*Rules, regulations, a packing list for the day, and more will be sent one week before the trip.

*Everyone that joins us on the boat will need a ticket, no matter the age.

*Parents or siblings are welcome to join us on the boat or drop-off their student(s) with an HFAC educator.

*For drop-off students, pick-up time is anywhere between 2:15pm and 3:30pm at Baby Beach, just outside of the Ocean Institute.

*HFAC shirts are recommended for all students and required for those being dropped off with the group, sold separately

*Tickets are non-refundable.