Last summer, Dr. Cottrell led 16 students, two from HDNR and another five from Warner College, in a hands-on ecotourism learning in The Bahamas. As in past years, they also did a conservation project at the Bahamas Land and Sea Park – with plans for next year to work with the Blackpoint community school.
Black Point is a Bahamian settlement, located on Great Guana Cay in the Central Exumas. It is only a couple of miles south of the busy Staniel Cay. If you use a powerboat and go straight through, you can be at Staniel in no time. However, on a sailboat, you have to go around the shoals, which makes the trip about 5 miles long. Nearly 250 people are living in Black Point and pretty much all of them are busy in the tourist industry. Some of them work at Staniel Cay, where they take a small boat every morning, but many work locally.
If you’re interested in one of the best classrooms that exist, be sure to reach out to Dr. Cottrell.
Hear from a student firsthand on her experience in the Marine Ecotourism in The Bahamas course during the summer of 2023.
Q&A from 2023 student Rachel Delorie
What was the biggest educational takeaway?
“Education isn’t just lectures, it’s experience, connection, and exploration.”
What was the most impactful life/moment takeaway?
“The friendships and connections I made with my cohort and the boat crew. Captain Bruce was invested in our experience and wanted to connect with each student on the trip. He shared so much valuable life experience. I really enjoyed our evening deck side chats and the opportunity to reflect on the value of our day.”
What is a fun memory that you cherish?
“Snorkeling and swimming with my cohort at every destination we stopped at. Especially with nurse sharks, turtles, and eagle rays!”
What place stood out to you most on the trip and why?
“The Beacon Won itself started to feel like home.”
What is something that surprised you on the trip?
“How well the cohort bonded! It’s intimidating to get on a boat with strangers in a different country, but we all clicked and everyone was friendly with everyone.”
Aside from your classmates and instructors, who did you meet on the trip that left a lasting impression?
“The community at Black Point Settlement. I will never forget my experience there.”
Did you know any of your fellow classmates before the trip? How did those relationships progress?
“No, I reached out to the people in the cohort to begin making new connections before the trip began to feel more comfortable once I got there.”
What can you say about Stu Cottrell’s expertise and guidance during the trip?
“I felt like Stu [Cottrell] set up an amazing framework for us to explore what interested us and have organic experiences. For example, at Allen’s Cay he did not warn us when the tourist boats were going to roll in, he let us experience it for ourselves. He provided a structure that felt allowed for freedom and exploration of our personal interests. I could not say enough good things about Stu, I feel like this trip provided me with a mentor and connection with him that I will be able to use at the rest of my time in Warner.”
Sail and snorkel the crystal clear waters of the Bahama Islands while living aboard the Beacon Won, a 67-foot boat. Professor Dr. Stuart Cottrell leads students to explore key issues in the sustainable development of marine ecotourism in the Exumas, Bahamas. The program focuses on coral reef ecology and conservation, and how local Bahamian cultures interact with the sea, nature conservation and tourism development.
2023 Video – made by student Becca Lewis
2021 Video – made by student Jodi Alishouse
2016 Video – made by student Jake Ingram
More Info on the Marine Ecotourism in The Bahamas (Summer) course.
APPLY BY:
- December 1: Summer priority deadline
- February 15: Summer final deadline
