Visiting Programs FAQs

Yes, we accommodate visiting scientists, retreats, workshops, and other programs that focus on research, education, and community outreach.

Non-academic activities may include, but are not limited to: morning exercise, snorkeling, research activities, scuba diving, camping, and community service.

The campus is a dry campus, and alcohol is not allowed in any dorm. This is not a flexible policy. For adults over the legal drinking age, we may host events off-campus or at our adult conference center, Hallig House, where controlled social drinking may be allowed. Alcohol consumption is not allowed under any circumstances for minors and will result in dismissal from the program. Illegal drugs or abuse of legal drugs are also cause for immediate dismissal- this will not be tolerated. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on campus.

We ask that all participants intentionally step away from digital distractions to be more present and build stronger connections during their program. If students have cell phones that they bring with them on the trip, The Island School staff will collect them upon their arrival on campus. Cell phones will be locked in a secure location until the trip is completed.

To learn more about our programs, please submit an inquiry form here.

We provide three meals a day, seven days a week for all visitors. The meals are served buffet style in our dining hall. We try to make every effort to serve wholesome, nutritious meals that feature locally grown produce and imported organic bulk foods. We have a vegetarian option available at every meal and we request that you specify in advance if you have other dietary requirements or allergies. We do also provide snacks during the day in the eating area, but we ask that you do not prepare your own meals (or bring your own snacks in single use packaging to our campus).

To make your stay more comfortable and be able to enjoy the full spectrum of activities we suggest paying close attention to our General Packing List for visiting programs.

Use of boats during Island School programming is included in the daily fees for Visiting Programs. Island School boats are not available for rent or use outside educational or research purposes.

Use of vehicles during Island School programming is included in the daily fees for Visiting Programs. Island School vehicles are not available for rent or use outside educational or research purposes.

Yes, we have fully equipped dry lab spaces and a 3000m2 wet lab area with a flow-through seawater system and a fresh water recirculating system. Tanks (in a variety of sizes) can be rented by the day, week, or month. Specific experimental tank setups that require specialized plumbing may cost extra. If you are interested in renting lab space, please contact research@islandschool.org.

Yes, our instructors are experienced and familiar with Eleuthera.

Yes, we can provide staff members to drive vans and boats based on the needs of your program.

Once we have dates, in order to confirm your reservation, we do ask for a non-refundable $750 deposit, which will be applied to your trip’s total cost.

You can find information here to aid in planning your travel arrangements. We do not make travel arrangements for groups.

We provide transportation to and from the airport in Rock Sound, Eleuthera (airport code ~ RSD) which is 45 minutes from our campus. There are two other airports on Eleuthera, which you may look into if you want to avoid traveling through Nassau. Pick up and drop off from these airports come at an additional cost.

Governor’s Harbor Airport (GHB): 1.5 hours away from The Island School, additional fee of $200 per van per direction. Each van holds 11 students and luggage.

North Eleuthera Airport (ELH): 2.5 hours away from The Island School, additional fee of $500 per van per direction. Each van holds 11 students and luggage.

We have made great efforts to have a reliable communication system, but it cannot handle the phone demands of a full campus of 100 or more people. Phones will, of course, be available for any emergency or administrative needs or by permission of a Cape Eleuthera Institute staff member.

Mail is sent out from campus several times per week. Mail, however, can take up to 3-4 weeks to reach the campus. For a visiting program, we do not recommend sending physical mail or packages to The Island School.

All visitors (students, instructors, visiting scientists, etc.) are required to have Divers Alert Network (DAN) REGULAR MEMBERSHIP. DAN membership covers medical evacuation in case of a major emergency while on the island.

Divers Alert Network (DAN) promotes diver safety worldwide through research, medicine, education & emergency support. DAN provides insurance and other services for divers as well as for non-diving emergencies. The Island School asks participants to enroll in the Divers Alert Network to ensure that everyone on campus has evacuation coverage. Having all participants covered by a single provider expedites the process in the unfortunate event of a medical evacuation off Eleuthera.

DAN offers several economical plans. Basic plans cost between 40 and 120 USD, depending on your country of residence. Ensure that the plan you choose covers you for the duration of your stay at The Island School and that it covers you outside your home country (unless you are from the Bahamas). Note that while all plans cover medical evacuation, only some cover medical care following the evacuation. We encourage participants to check with their primary health insurance provider to determine what is and is not covered through their primary plan.

All participants in overnight programming and all SCUBA divers require DAN insurance. Even if you are not diving, DAN insurance provides important evacuation insurance in the event of any emergency.

To sign up, use our facility number 447558 for referral and call 1-800-446-2671, or visit the DAN webpage.