Youth Travel
Youth Travel Program

Travel to Florida Keys - July 22-28, 2012
Travel to Costa Rica - August 2-9, 2012


Travel to Florida Keys


Marine Biology 201: Florida Keys!

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A great opportunity to continue your love for marine science! Advance yourself to a new level!  We will spend the week exploring and learning more about coral reefs and coastal ecosystems along with the organisms that inhabit them, local research and conservation efforts, and some local history.  

Highlights may include:

  • Boat Snorkeling trips  (a 2-tank dive is available if previously certified)
  • Mangrove exploration via kayak
  • Dolphin encounter
  • Turtle Hospital visit
  • Boat trip to Dry Tortugas National Park
  • Cultural experiences

We will be staying at Mote Marine’s Tropical Research Laboratory on Summerland Key http://isurus.mote.org/Keys/ but the Lower Keys will be our classroom.    

Trip Date: July 22-28, 2012
Ages: Students currently in Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Marine Biology 101 Zoo Camp or previous knowledge recommended. 
Discount available on Marine Biology 101 Zoo Camp – inquire at registration

For more information and pricing please contact Gina Goralski at gina.goralski@state.mn.us or 952-431-9260.

Tour Coordinator/Guide - Gina Goralski is the School Program Coordinator and the high school marine biology instructor at the Minnesota Zoo. As an avid marine enthusiast and diver, Gina has led high school trips to Curacao, the Florida Keys, Belize, as well as Glacier National Park. Her passion for marine life can be infectious.  She holds a B.S. degree in Interpretation of Natural Resources, has worked at the MN Zoo for over 15 years and has over 10 years teaching marine sciences.  Contact Gina Goralski at gina.goralski@state.mn.us or 952-431-9260 for more information. 


Travel to Costa Rica


Costa Rica: Cloud Forest to Ocean!

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Hike and zipline in the cloud forests of the Monteverde region of Costa Rica. Enjoy the beaches and ride in a boat to spot wild dolphins in Samara an area in the Guanacaste region. This exciting adventure will broaden your student’s world-view and inspire a greater understanding of the importance of biodiversity through hands-on conservation work planting trees and protecting nesting sites for wild sea turtles.

During your tour of the cloud forest of Costa Rica you may experience:

  • Zipline thru the canopy of the cloud forest
  • Waking up to the sounds of capuchin monkeys
  • Working on a grass roots conservation project by replanting the cloud forest
  • Dolphin viewing boat tour
  • Sea turtle conservation project

We will stay 5 nights at the University of Georgia’s San Luis Eco-lodge and Research Station (www.uga.edu/costarica) discovering the unique plants and animals of this region.

During our time at Playa Samara we will spend 2 nights at Hotel Giada www.hotelgiada.net experiencing all the coastal life has to offer in Costa Rica.

Trip date: August 2-9, 2012
Ages: Students currently in Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: None

For more information and pricing please contact Melanie Sorensen at melanie.sorensen@state.mn.us or at 952-431-9363.

Tour Coordinator/Guide – Melanie Sorensen is the Program Coordinator for teens and adults at the Minnesota Zoo where she has worked for 12 years. As an avid international traveler and guide Melanie’s favorite part of guiding trips is introducing others to the wild places and animals she loves. She holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and a Masters in Environmental Education and Natural Sciences. Contact Melanie at melanie.sorensen@state.mn.us or (952) 431-9363 with questions or for further information.