We are almost there. In just a few short days, the Sea TURTLE teens and instructors will be together in Miami and then on to the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. Everyone has put in a lot of time and work to get to this point: applications, interviews, seven weeknight classes, three pool sessions, awesome guest lecturers, SCUBA quizzes and tests and (of course) blogging. And all the while, teens and instructors alike have had to balance Sea TURTLE with family and school and work.


Amid all of the expedition preparation, tonight we took some time to reflect on what still lies ahead of us: a ten-day expedition aboard a research vessel in the Bahamas. As a group, we all spoke about what we were most excited about and also got a chance to share anything we were nervous about. Here are some of the things that we shared:

Sleeping on a boat, tasting new foods, seeing the fish and the water—everything! –Denise

Diving in general and growing closer to everyone over 10 days! –Dina


Night diving, meeting Bahamian teens and a week away from technology (like cell phones) –Lulu


Everything but especially the food! –Chris


Being in a new environment—the Bahamas! –Libna


Getting there and experiencing a new place! –Jess


Getting away from the city air and “chillin with the wind in my face” in the Bahamas! –Porshai


My first time on a plane, on a boat, being in another country and swimming in the ocean! –Lee


Everything! Just excited to get to be in the program and get to this point! –Josh


When I heard about night diving, I was like “ahhhh” (in a good way). And being away from my life in Boston –Michelle


All the SCUBA and night diving! –Tommy


The reactions on everyone’s faces as they experience the Bahamas! –Mike, Divemaster


Having the teens meet the ship and it’s Captains! –Sarah, Expedition Leader


Watching how teens adapt to a new environment! And experiencing a beautiful island together! –Jenna


New experiences for everyone and sharing this big adventure together! -Dave




Being on the boat during a natural disaster. –Denise


The night dive. –Dina, Chris


Having my SCUBA gear fall off in the ocean. –Libna


Seasickness. –Mike


Being homesick for my mother, father and brother. –Porshai


Everything, bust especially forgetting to pack something important like SCUBA mask or passport. –Lee


The plane. And using the ship’s bathroom and breaking it. –Josh, Michelle


Telling my coach I’ll be out of the country. –Tommy


That teens forget their passports. –Jenna