Marine Biology in Bonaire
- Scuba drive on a fringing coral reef, snorkel in a mangrove lagoon, explore grass beds and intertidal areas, and more
- Short lectures, discussion groups, and excursions on land complement the marine field trips
Students in this 2-credit field course will scuba dive into the undersea world of coral reefs and marine biology. The course is expected to consist of daily lectures on various marine topics, approximately two boat dives per day, and optional night and shore dives.
Bonaire is a special municipality within the country of the Netherlands and was formerly part of the Dutch Antilles, along with the adjacent islands of Aruba and Curacao. It is located about 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela and outside of the hurricane alley. In January, the average air temperature is between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the monthly rainfall is about two inches, and the water temperature is about 81 degrees. Terrestrial vegetation is dominated by cacti and other desert plants.
Undergraduate students will enroll in BIOL 418: Laboratory in: Marine Biology (2 credits), which counts as a lab credit. Graduate students will enroll in BIOL 701: Laboratory in Marine Biology (2 credits), which will be count as a seminar/topics course credit. Credit is granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program and will be posted to the student's KU transcript as a Spring course.
There will be at least two required meetings before the program to discuss course requirements, the program in Bonaire, and recommended items to take. In addition, students are welcome to contact Professor Rivers during the semester to discuss the program and course.
Course lectures by Professor Rivers will introduce students to such topics as the general structure and ecological function of marine environments (from estuaries to the deep sea), the structure, formation, and functioning of coral reefs, the ecology of reef organisms (vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and algae), and the modern threats to coral reefs.
The group will stay at Captain Don's Habitat in double or triple occupancy rooms. Breakfast will be provided daily.
The group will participate in approximately two boat dives per day (Sunday-Friday) at various locations on the leeward side of Bonaire. Most of the dives will be during daytime and will generally not exceed depths of 60 to 70 feet. An optional deeper wreck dive (of about 100 feet) and night dive later in the week are possible. All internationally recognized safe diving guidelines must be followed.
A typical day will include scuba dives, an hour of course lecture, and a pre-dinner review of what the group observed diving. Students will have free time during the afternoons and can elect to snorkel.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to undergraduate and graduate students from accredited U.S. colleges or universities who have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students in all majors are welcome; although no course pre-requisites are required, a general ecology course is useful.
Participants need to be confident swimmers. Because the certification includes open water training, it is recommended that students obtain the scuba license before local U.S. waters get too cold. Open water dives can be completed on-site. Students who are not currently scuba certified can explore options like Midwest Aquatics in Overland Park and Flying Fish in Topeka. Please reach out to Professor Rivers with questions about scuba certification.
Students are required to have their own dive mask, snorkel, and fins; other equipment can be rented. Feel free to contact Professor Rivers about required and optional equipment.
Professor Trevor Rivers (trivers@ku.edu) from the Undergraduate Biology Program will lead the program. He has been performing research in the Caribbean since 2001, where he studies the bioluminescence and behavior of marine organisms. He has led multiple KU study abroad programs to Bonaire and Roatan.
Students could consider purchasing diving insurance though Divers Alert Network (DAN). You can read more about joining DAN here.
Passport and entry requirements
All U.S. citizens must have a passport to enter Bonaire. A tourist visa fee will be paid upon entrance. It's recommended that the passport is valid for six months beyond the return date. For students who need to apply for an adult passport, please view the processing times and request one soon. KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement has a Passport Center where students can apply for a U.S. passport.
Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for understanding their entry requirements. Be in touch with KU Study Abroad with questions.