Visiting Programs FAQs

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

The Cape Eleuthera Institute and neighboring Island School campuses are focused on community and cooperation. We expect everyone who participates in our courses to help out both in formal daily chores and general assistance with maintenance on the facility. This includes:

• Daily cleaning of dorm spaces and bathrooms
• Daily cleaning of common and classroom spaces
• Assistance with dishwashing at meals
• General tidiness and respect of property

Activities may include, but are not limited to: snorkeling, SCUBA diving, expeditions, morning exercise, camping, and marine science and sustainability research.

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.

Please direct all questions to Christina Wickman.

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.

We have four bay boats and one large dive boat available for use. These boats are also shared during The Island School semester (March–June and September–December) and may have limited availability on a few select days. Please discuss your boat requirements prior to arrival with the Director of Visiting Programs.

We have several vans and a work truck that are available for use. During The Island School semester (March–June and September–December) vehicles are shared between the two campuses and might have limited availability.

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.

Yes, our instructors are experienced and familiar with Eleuthera.

Yes, we can provide staff members to drive vans and boats. Please discuss Cape Eleuthera Institute personnel use prior to arrival with The Director of Visiting Programs.

We require 30% of the total cost of your program at least 3 months before your program start date. This will secure your dates and is a non-refundable deposit. The final 70% of your fee is due upon arrival. Unfortunately we cannot reserve dates for your program until we have received your deposit.

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. Please note we do NOT provide transportation to or from either Governor’s Harbour or North Eleuthera airports on Eleuthera – Rock Sound will be our only pickup. If for any reason you do arrive into Governor’s Harbour or North Eleuthera airports, please be aware that the cost of a one way taxi ride to our campus ranges from $100-200.

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.

Cell phone service varies and surcharges may apply. In short, do not rely on your cell phone on Eleuthera.

Mail is sent out from campus several times per week. Mail, however, can take up to 2 weeks to reach the campus, so it may not be worth trying to have letters or packages sent down.

“As a DAN Member, you automatically receive DAN TravelAssist and up to $100,000 of evacuation assistance coverage. Effective for both diving and non-diving injuries, this benefit is provided by MedAire, a world leader in emergency evacuation services. Your evacuation coverage begins when you are traveling at least 50 miles/80 km from home and call DAN TravelAssist to arrange your evacuation.”

For any visitor that is SCUBA diving, we request people buy the PREFERRED LEVEL MEMBERSHIP which includes enhanced benefits over and above the basic level. To sign up, use our facility number 447558 for referral and call 1-800-446-2671, or visit the DAN webpage.