Tabor in the Bahamas

Location: Gerace Research Centre at University of The Bahamas, San Salvador

Dates: March 5-12, 2026

Program Leader: Jay Cassista

Chaperones: Ali Mitchell, Nadine Cunningham & Alex King

Description: Coral Restoration and Outcropping Initiative on San Salvador Island, Bahamas 

We will travel to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, staying at the Gerace Research Centre, continuing the effort to find Elkhorn and Staghorn Coral populations and rescue fragments that have fallen from the original reef structure. The fragments will be suspended on coral reef restoration trees and tables designed and built by the students to grow into larger specimens and then outcropped to a safe location to develop thriving new reef communities. Our coral reef student scientists will snorkel over reef communities that have been affected by warming water temperatures and violent hurricanes, looking for viable fragments to rescue and grow. We will all enjoy the incredible aquamarine, tropical water and the amazing biodiversity found the Bahamian reefs. The Gerace Research Centre provides living accommodations, meals, and transportation around the island. Students will also be able to journey on a dive boat to access more remote locations.

Join us to:

• Dive for coral fragments. 
• Build coral trees and tables to rehabilitate local reef communities. 
• Snorkel in aquamarine waters

Itinerary: 

• Day 1: March 5 
  • Flight from Boston to Nassau 
  • Flight from Nassau to San Salvador Island
• Day 2: March 6 
  • Research Center Orientation 
  • Snorkeling and searching for coral fragments from shore
• Day 3: March 7 
  • Dive boat to outer reefs to find fragments 
  • Locating the coral trees and table at French Bay 
  • Building new trees
• Day 4: March 8 
  • Building a coral table 
  • Snorkeling and searching for coral fragments from shore 
  • Building a new coral table
• Day 5: March 9 
  • Swimming at Columbus Landing Beach 
  • Dive boat to the northern reefs 
  • Building a coral tree 
• Day 6: March 10 
  • Swimming at Grotto Beach 
  • Final fragment deposits on trees and tables. 
  • Cookout on the beach in from of the Gerace Research Centre 
• Day 7: March 11 
  • Field trip to the Mangrove habitats 
  • Hiking the cliffs in Graham’s Harbo 
  • Flight from San Salvador to Nassau 
  • Overnight at Orange Hill Beach Inn (Nassau) 
• Day 8: March 12 
  • Flight from Nassau to Boston 
  • Bus to Tabor 

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change and modification as challenges and opportunities arise; substitutions will be considered carefully and embrace the spirit of the original plan. 

Requirements: A passport valid for 6 months after the conclusion of the program; certain countries may require a visa for entry. Students must have passed the swim test at Tabor Academy to participate in water-based activities. Students will participate and pass a snorkel certification offered through Tabor Academy. Students must be in good academic and community life standing to participate. Students will be covered by school trip and travelers’ insurance that covers emergency care and evacuation, although they must also have personal health insurance. Students are expected to participate in all pre- and post-travel (March programs only) orientation and reflection sessions. They will create a learning artifact to share with the Tabor community after their travel experience.