Sea Star Explorations is an educational travel organization whose mission is to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of the world’s oceans and the communities connected to them. With over four decades of experience in marine science education, Sea Star Explorations draws upon strong leadership and veteran instructors to offer immersive excursions and marine-science travel programs for students, families, and adult learners.
Sea Star Explorations offers several amazing hands-on programs around the world.
Belize: Spend eight unforgettable days exploring coral reefs, coastal habitats, and local island culture. You’ll be in and on the water every day, learning from the environment and local experts.
Florida: Dive into Florida’s unique spring and river systems around Homosassa, home to gentle manatees and incredible freshwater ecosystems. For 6 days, you'll snorkel in the Crystal River, explore state parks, national parks, pristine springs and cenotes.
Japan: This 11-day adventure blends marine science with Japanese culture in Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo. Participants snorkel, whale-watch, and visit conservation sites—then switch gears to enjoy tea ceremonies, bullet-train rides, and city exploration.
Baja, Mexico: Explore the Sea of Cortez to observe blue whales and grey whales in their natural setting. Get up close and personal while snorkeling with whale sharks. Accompanied by a marine mammal specialist, you'll discover the importance of these breeding grounds and about the efforts to protect them.
Sea Star’s approach is all about learning by doing. Whether you’re in the water, in the field, or connecting with local communities, every activity is designed to inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the ocean. The goal is simple: help participants understand the marine world in a meaningful, hands-on way and build a lifelong respect for the environment.
Why does Sea Star Explorations stand out from others?
Experienced leadership: With decades of experience in marine education, the Sea Star team brings real depth and passion to their programs. These trips go far beyond basic sightseeing—they’re grounded in science, exploration, and environmental understanding.
Culture meets ecology: Each program connects natural environments with the people who depend on them. Whether learning about coastal conservation in Belize or traditional practices in Japan, participants see how human and ecological systems intertwine.
Full immersion: From snorkeling to visiting research labs and conservation sites, participants don’t just observe—they take part. It’s active, adventurous learning at its best.
Something for everyone: Programs are open to a range of participants, from high school and college students to families and adult learners, making it easy for anyone passionate about the ocean to find their place with Sea Star. If you are new to Sea Star Explorations, we ask you to submit a letter of recommendation, preferably by an educator or work reference for acceptance.
Tropical Marine Program in Belize
A vibrant, immersive tropical field-science program that mixes marine ecology, snorkelling, cultural exploration and hands-on research.
Location: Ambergris Caye, Belize at the Tropical Research & Education Center (TREC).
Duration & eligibility: 8 days, open to participants ages 15+. An educator/personal reference is required if you are new to Sea Star Explorations.
Dates and cost: December 13-20, 2026. $3,500 plus airfare.
What you’ll do: Most days are spent snorkeling in the world's second largest barrier reef, exploring coral reef systems and tropical coastal ecology. These guided excursions aboard their vessel (the “Goliath”) take you around reef systems and marine protected areas to explore the marine biodiversity and productivity of the Carribean. Besides evening talks by experienced educators, there is also a trip to the mainland to tour a Mayan ruin with local guides who teach us about Mayan culture.
Accommodations & logistics: Dorm-style rooms at the centre (2-4 students per room) with private baths and ceiling fans. Local cooks provide meals; lunches may be picnic style on the boat. The tuition includes room & board and transportation upon arrival and until departure from Belize City and airfare from Belize City to San Pedro. Participants are responsible for their flight to Belize City.
Note: there is extensive snorkeling involved in this program so, while you are not required to have snorkeled previously, you should be comfortable in the water.
Florida Exploration Program
A regional (U.S.) program that gives you real-world exposure to a unique ecosystem that manatees call home with snorkelling and field study in the Crystal River, and other pristine springs and cenotes.
Location: Crystal River region, Florida.
Duration and eligibility: These 6 day programs typically are offered a few times throughout the year. Minimum age is 14 years and an educator/personal reference is required if you are new to Sea Star Explorations.
Dates and cost: March 28-April 2, 2026. The cost is $2975 and includes room (double occupancy), breakfast and dinner upon arrival in Homossassa Springs, transportation during the program, snorkel gear (mask, fins, wetsuit), airport transfers, venue entrance fees and staffing. It does not include airfare to Orlando, lunches or souvenirs and incidentals you purchase.
What you’ll do: Explore springs and river systems in Florida, snorkelling with manatees and investigating their habitats and role in the ecosystem. Tour with rangers at state and national parks in the area. Snorkel in a pristine natural "lazy river" at the Rainbow River and explore a cenote at Devil's Den. The program ends in Orlando with a day at Discovery Cove and an overnight in one of SeaWorld's venues.
Japan Exploration Program
An international, multi-destination program combining marine ecology + conservation + deep cultural experiences — ideal for participants seeking a broader global perspective.
Location: Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa, Japan
Duration & eligibility: These 11 day programs are offered to participants 15+ years of age. An educator/personal recommendation is required of all first time students of Sea Star Explorations.
Dates and Cost: June 19-30, 2026. The cost is $3850 and includes double occupancy housing, transportation upon arrive at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo, breakfasts and dinners, staffing, interpreter, and entrance fees to venues that are part of the Itinerary. Transportation will include train, bus and flights within the country. Participants are responsible for hotel stays outside of June 20-30, lunches, flight to Tokyo and souvenirs or incidentals you purchase.
What you'll do: Flying into Tokyo's Haneda airport, we'll stay the night and then fly the next morning to Okinawa, considered the "Galapagos of Asia" due to it unique location where ocean currents converge. It is home to one of the world's richest coral ecosystems. After spending 3 days of exploring Okinawa's marine biodiversity, we'll fly to Oskas/Kyoto to spend 3 days in what is regarded as the historical capital (Kyoto) and the modern side in Osaka with it's unique traditional arts. Here you'll experience theatre, ceramics, traditional tea ceremonies, the Golden Palace and more. Finally, we will ridge the Bullet Train past Mt. Fuji back to Tokyo where we'll explore modern Japan for the last 3 days before returning to the US on June 30. We'll offer some photographic activities as well as a Japanese language lesson each evening to interested participants.
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