Diving into Coral Reef Ecology

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse habitats on the planet, providing food and shelter to the corals themselves, other invertebrates, and a diverse community of fishes. They support complex interactions among members. Their proximity to shore in relatively shallow clear water makes them attractive to humans, but also highly susceptible to negative human impacts.

Spend two weeks in Roatan, home to some of the best reefs on the planet, learning about coral reefs and how to study them. Expand your diving skills to better appreciate and be prepared to study these spectacular systems. Learn about, and possibly investigate, human impacts on reefs and mitigation and protection strategies. You will also learn a bit about the history and culture of Honduras and Roatan and have the chance to interact with a diverse array of people from around the world.

You must be scuba certified to participate in this program. You can complete your scuba certification one of two ways:

1. obtain certification prior to traveling to Roatan, or,
2. complete your certification (open water dives only) during the program in Roatan.

In all cases, you must have obtained at least a referral form from an ISO recognized certification agency prior to being accepted into the program. 

If you are already certified but have not dove within the past 12 months, you must take a refresher or reactivate course prior to departure.

See the apply section for more information on certification requirements.

Stay at a resort on an island that caters to scuba divers. You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Most meals are included at the resort.

Excursions and activities may include:

• Dives with varying foci- some days include multiple dives
• Night dives
• Dolphin swim
• Tour of animal care facility
• Visit to coral nursery
• Guest lectures from local experts

Draft Itinerary

Note: This is a draft itinerary for Winter Break 2027. The dates will remain the same, but the itinerary content shown below is subject to change.

• Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
• Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
• Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
• Develop a research project and learn how to conduct research while diving
• Improve your scuba diving skills 
• Analyze major environmental and human-driven issues affecting coral reefs and marine systems
• Connect large-scale processes, including climate and pollution, to reef dynamics

This program is led by Rachael Kaspar from the Department of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior in the College of Biological Sciences. Rachael has led this program preivously and can be contacted with questions at [email protected].

Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 15 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. This program may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our event page.

• Winter Break 2027

Diving Gear Cost Details

The table below provides estimates for the diving gear and additional costs you may need to budget for. These costs are based on estimates. Actual costs on site may be different and you may be able to purchase used gear before the program starts, if you do not already own it.

*We recommend budgeting an additional 10–15% for tips for on-site staff helping students complete to referral check off dives

** Prices based on higher end of potential costs. Cheaper options may be available, particularly if you choose to buy used gear in advance of the program.

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

• Application Essay
• Upload proof of scuba certification OR a valid scuba referral form from an ISO recognized certification agency

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

Diving Specific Requirements

You are required to show proof of scuba certification OR a valid scuba referral form from an ISO recognized certification agency before being admitted into the program.

If you are not able to show proof of certification or a valid referral form, you will be conditionally admitted into the program and placed on a waitlist on a first-come-first serve basis.

If you are conditionally admitted, you can be fully admitted into the program by submitting proof of certification or a valid referral form letter, on a first-come-first serve basis. The last day to submit proof of certification or a valid referral form is 8 a.m. CT on October 1st, 2026. No exceptions will be made to this timeline.

Diving certification agencies and the resort in Honduras will also require you to show proof of medical clearance prior to diving. We strongly recommend that you work with a diving certification agency and your doctor to ensure that you meet health requirements for diving. An example of a medical form for diving is provided in the application. We strongly recommend that you discuss your health circumstances with a doctor and a diving certification agency prior to confirming your place in the program.

Full diving certification or a referral form (to complete the certification process in Roatan) can be obtained through organizations like PADI, SSI, or other ISO certified agencies**. If you have questions about the diving certification process or certification agencies, please reach out to Rachael Kaspar at [email protected].

**The Learning Abroad Center does not vet diving certification agencies.

General Requirements