Floating Adventures

2-Hour Exploration
The Floating Laboratory is a scientific exploration of the ocean. As students board the boat they are transformed into apprentice Marine Biologist and Oceanographers. Our student scientists set and pull the bottom trawl net and sort and identify the catch, collect and view plankton samples with our micro-video system, perform ocean water chemistry, and observe marine mammals and birds in their natural environment. The pier based Discovery Lab offers the students the opportunity to discuss and dissect local fish specimens, discover the world of invertebrates and observe life under the pier including performance of water chemistry experiments.

Marine Biologist for a Day
This is our most popular and most comprehensive course that consists of boarding a boat and performing a trawl for animals which the children help sort and put back, tow for plankton, perform water chemistry experiments and a discussion about marine mammals and local ecology. Back at the facility, students will dissect a squid, look at the plankton caught on the boat and check out some local animals and their adaptations for living in the ocean, particularly on our Central Coast.

4.5 hour program $20 per person; minimum fee is $600 (equivalent to 30 people)

Whale Watchers
This exploratory excursion consists of a Marine Biologist-guided tour through local waters to prime whale watching locations. Aspects of the Floating Laboratory may be incorporated into the program upon request. NOTE: Whale Watchers is a seasonal program.

2+ hour program $20 per person; minimum fee is $600 (equivalent to 30 people) maximum 40