Nautical Archeology, Maritime History & Marine Ecology
Subjects: Early American Maritime History, Marine Ecology, Archeology
Course Description:
We will explore by land and sea the rich history of Key West and its influence on culture and country. Tall ship experience – yes it’s just like a pirate ship! Marine archeology lab tour, lighthouse, private trolley tour, and more! This is a swashbuckling experience!
Program Format: Family – open to all ages
When:
Monday, April 20, to Wednesday April 22, 2026
Optional Add On for April 19th: Program at Fort Jefferson National Park in the Dry Tortugas. This is an add on program on the 19th for an additional fee of $275 per person.
Tuition and Fees Schedule:
Ages 3 and Under: free
Ages 4-Adult $445
Dry Tortugas Add-on Ages 3 and Under: Free
Dry Tortugas Add-on Ages 4-Adult: $275
(Payment plans available)
*This program is approved for Step-Up for Students in Florida and may qualify for other school voucher programs. No refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy.
All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Program Size: Small group 35 max
What’s included:
Adventure pack with Study Guide
Membership in the Adventure Club
What’s not included:
Transportation
Hotels
Meals
Souvenirs
Travel Insurance
Some of the activities included are:
- Private trolley tour
- Private lighthouse tour and educational presentation
- The Shipwreck Museum experience
- San Carlos Institute educational presentation and theater program
- Sunset cruise on an 80’ Schooner with a 19th century sailing experience cruise
- Fort Zachary State Park ranger program (Free if you have a pass or $6 per car entrance fee not included)
- Coast Guard Private Tour of the USCGC INGHAM Ship
- Key West Aquarium
- Key West Custom House
- Mallory Square
- Eco Discovery Center marine biology and ecology experience
- Marine Archeology program with private lab tour
*Tours may change due to unforeseen circumstances and are not guaranteed.
Note: Some older buildings and museums have stairs and limited accessibility. This program involves walking around Key West, exploring museums including indoor and outdoor activities and embarking on a historical ship. Please plan to dress appropriately for the weather.
Learning outcomes:
- How flags, conchs and shipwrecks defined the history of “Bone Key”
- Navigation and sailing techniques from the 19th century
- The cultural significance of refugees and immigrants to the key
- Indigenous peoples and cultural influence
- The economy of the island throughout history and present day
- The military significance of the island through past wars and in modern times
- Pirates, treasure hunters and wreckers!
The Dry Tortugas Add on Program April 19th: Fort Jefferson
We will embark on the Yankee Freedom for a 90 minute trip 70 miles west of Key West to the Dry Tortugas National Park. This area is known for birds, marine life and shipwrecks. We will have a tour of the fort and snorkeling is included, if interested. This is an all day program departing at 7am and arriving back in Key West at 5:30pm.
Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will always do our best to work with you! However, once payments are booked and committed to our location partners, we cannot recover them after certain dates. This is why travel insurance is required to cover any unexpected events, and we’ll strive to transfer funds to other trips whenever possible. Deposit is not refundable.
PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com
Cancellations received within 14 days of booking:
100% refund, less deposit.
No refund after 14 days.
If paying with Step Up for Students funds in FL, there are no refunds after booking due to SUFS policy.
Final Payment Due: 60 days prior to departure on 02/20/2026