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Plan your adventure with Gulf Coast Explorers! Discover how to book engaging marine science field trips, educational programs, and group experiences on the Gulf Coast. Start exploring today! Plan Your Trip Planning an unforgettable educational adventure starts here. Whether you're joining us for a one-day marine science exploration, diving into local history, or experiencing an immersive multi-day trip, we have everything you need to create memories that last a lifetime. Pricing Pricing Below you'll find pricing details for our overnight and day trip options. Each experience is designed to inspire curiosity, spark discovery, and create lasting memories for your students. 2-Night / 3-Day Overnight Field Trip Anchor 1 Marine Science Day Field Trip Dauphin Island History Adventure Location: Gulf Shores Beach Retreat, Gulf Shores, AL Price: $395 per participant (students and chaperones) Teachers: 2 free teachers per group Includes: 2 nights lodging steps from the beach Most meals during your stay Full field trip programming: marine science, STEM explorations, optional dolphin cruise, sandcastle class, beach activities, etc Hands-on learning experiences led by Gulf Coast Explorers staff Location: Gulf Shores, AL Price Range: $30–$50 per student (final pricing based on group size and options selected) Includes: Interactive beach exploration activities Seining, slurp gun demos, shaker boxes, and plankton net studies Specimen collection and identification Optional Fort Morgan Visit Location: Dauphin Island, AL Price Range: $30–$40 per student (final pricing based on group size and options selected) Includes: Guided Fort Gaines tour Hands-on historic site activities Maritime history explorations Optional stop at Indian Shell Mound Park Educational support materials Notes: Minimum group size may apply for day trips. Final pricing confirmed upon booking based on customizations and group needs. About Gulf Shores Beach Retreat Nestled just steps from the beach, Gulf Shores Beach Retreat offers comfortable accommodations for groups of all sizes. Our facility includes: Spacious dorm-style lodging with modern amenities On-site dining hall providing delicious meals Outdoor spaces perfect for group activities and team bonding Direct beach access for easy exploration Whether you're here for a day trip or staying overnight, the Gulf Shores Beach Retreat is your home base for adventure, learning, and relaxation. Gulf Shores Beach Retreat

Welcome to Gulf Coast Explorers! We offer engaging marine science field trips, hands-on activities, and lessons in local Gulf Coast history. Perfect for schools, families, and homeshcool groups, our programs inspire curiosity and a deeper connection to the environment. Explore our site for exciting educational resources, unforgettable experiences, and opportunities to dive into the rich history and ecosystem of the Gulf Coast. Join us on an adventure today! Welcome to Gulf Coast Explorers Marine Science & Alabama History Field Trips on the Gulf Coast Explore Our Programs Discover Marine Science Immerse your students in hands-on marine science experiences. From exploring tide pools to studying marine ecosystems, our trips are designed to inspire curiosity and learning. Dive into Local History Step back in time with field trips that explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Perfect for students and teachers looking to learn more about Alabama history in an engaging and student centered field trip. Plan Your Adventure Whether it’s science or history, we’ll help you customize a field trip that’s engaging, educational, and unforgettable. Contact us to get started.

Learn about Gulf Coast Explorers, your trusted partner for marine science field trips and Gulf Coast education. Discover our mission, history, and commitment to hands-on learning experiences. About Gulf Coast Explorers At Gulf Coast Explorers, we bring learning to life with hands-on field trips for students of all ages. From uncovering the secrets of marine ecosystems to exploring the rich history of the Gulf Coast, our trips are designed to inspire curiosity and create unforgettable educational experiences. Whether it's a single-day adventure or an immersive overnight stay, we connect students with the wonders of the Gulf Coast in a meaningful and engaging way. Our Mission At Gulf Coast Explorers, our goal is to provide students with immersive, hands-on learning opportunities. Through specialized field trips, we aim to foster a deeper connection to marine science and local history, inspiring curiosity and lifelong learning. What We Offer We design educational field trips that cater to diverse interests—whether it's exploring vibrant marine ecosystems or diving into the cultural and historical heritage of Alabama. Our offerings include day trips packed with engaging activities and overnight trips hosted at our partner facility, Gulf Shores Beach Retreat . The overnight experiences provide students with extended opportunities to learn, bond, and immerse themselves in their surroundings, creating unforgettable memories. Each trip is carefully curated to be engaging, educational, and memorable. Meet the Team Behind Gulf Coast Explorers Husband and wife team, Asti and Grant share a love for education, marine science, and creating memorable experiences. Asti is a certified K-6 math and science teacher with over a decade of classroom experience. Her passion for teaching and the Gulf Coast’s ecosystems inspired her to take the helm of Gulf Coast Explorers, continuing the legacy her father and Dr. Simpson began with Marine Science Adventures. Asti brings her expertise and enthusiasm to every field trip, ensuring they are both educational and engaging. Grant takes care of the food for the field trips, making sure every student, parent, and teacher is well-fed and ready for the day's adventures. He also ensures any dietary restrictions are accommodated so everyone can enjoy their meals without worry. Together, Asti and Grant strive to make each field trip an unforgettable adventure filled with learning, discovery, and a little taste of home. Their two children, Huck (2.5) and June (1), are already discovering the magic of growing up on the Gulf Coast. They love exploring the beaches, the waves, and the local wildlife—and one day, they’ll join in the adventures, helping to find specimens and sharing their curiosity with others. Want to be part of the adventure? Join our team and help inspire the next generation of Gulf Coast explorers! Join our Team

Access valuable educational resources from Gulf Coast Explorers! Find lesson plans, field trip guides, and tools for bringing marine science and local history into your classroom. Empowering Educators: Standards, Resources, and Development At Gulf Coast Explorers, we are committed to creating educational experiences that meet both state and national standards. Below, you’ll find how our programs align with the Alabama State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to ensure your students benefit from curriculum-based learning during their field trip experience. Alabama State Standards Our field trips align with Alabama standards for science, history, and environmental education. Here are highlights for grades 3–12: 3rd Grade Science: SC.3.10: Investigate and describe life cycles of organisms and their adaptations to environments. SC.3.11: Classify organisms based on characteristics and habitats. 5th Grade Science: SC.5.9: Investigate and explain the interdependence of plants, animals, and the environment in ecosystems. SC.5.11: Interpret how human activity impacts the environment and ecosystems. 7th Grade Life Science: SC.7.5: Analyze and interpret data about the cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems. SC.7.12: Evaluate how technology is used to protect Earth’s resources and environments. 10th Grade Environmental Science: SC.ES.6: Develop solutions for minimizing human impact on the environment. 12th Grade Marine Biology (Elective): Conduct investigations of coastal ecosystems, focusing on biodiversity and conservation. Alabama History (Multiple Grades): Explore the historical significance of the Gulf Coast region, including its role in trade, settlement, and conservation efforts. Sponsor a friend Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) For schools outside of Alabama, our field trips are designed to align with NGSS for grades 3–12. Key standards include: 3rd Grade: 3-LS3-2: Use evidence to explain the diversity of organisms in ecosystems. 3-LS4-3: Construct arguments for the benefits of protecting ecosystems. 5th Grade: 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe how energy from the sun impacts ecosystems. 5-ESS3-1: Generate and compare solutions for environmental conservation. Middle School: MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter in ecosystems. MS-ESS3-4: Construct arguments about human impacts on biodiversity. High School: HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate solutions for reducing human environmental impact. HS-LS2-7: Design, evaluate, and refine solutions for biodiversity conservation. Teacher Resources Access tools and materials to extend learning before, during, and after your trip. Marine Science Student Journal Alabama History Student Journal Exploring the Gulf Coast: Classroom Adventure Kit Marine Science STEM Activity Professional Development The Professional Development Seminar is a 3-day, 2-night trip that takes teachers out of the classroom and into the field, to experience the Gulf Coast in an unforgettable way. We offer at least 2 seminars each year - usually one in the fall, and one in the spring. Teachers are awarded 14 CEU hours for completing the seminar. Teachers attending the Professional Development Seminar stay at The Gulf Shores Beach Retreat. Meals are provided while at the facility, and you can enjoy our swimming pools, sand volleyball courts, and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches on your down time. Gulf Shores Beach Retreat

Get in touch with Gulf Coast Explorers! Book your marine science field trip or ask questions about our programs today. Ready to Book Your Adventure? We're now accepting reservations for the 2025-2026 school year! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring your students on an unforgettable journey exploring the rich marine science and history of the Gulf Coast. Secure your spot today and let us help you plan a field trip they'll talk about for years to come. 👉 Submit Your Field Trip Interest Form 📧 Email us at info@gulfcoastexplorers.com 📞 Call us at 251-752-2784

See what schools, families, and groups are saying about Gulf Coast Explorers! Read reviews and testimonials about our hands-on field trips and unforgettable Gulf Coast adventures. What Our Explorers Say I loved the trip. The atmosphere here is great, you provided hands on education which not a lot of people can experience. Despite the cold weather this is and has been the best field trip I have ever been on. I learned so much, now I want to experience it more!!! Thank you!! Sam from Clinton Christian Student

Explore our engaging field trip programs on the Gulf Coast! Hands-on marine science, coastal history, and educational adventures tailored to schools and groups Unforgettable Educational Adventures Explore the Gulf Coast with Marine Science and Alabama History Field Trips Tailored for Your Students. Discover Your Perfect Field Trip Experience Dive Into Hands-On Marine Science Marine Science Day Trips Experience the wonders of the Gulf Coast with a day filled with engaging activities. Students will explore local marine ecosystems, discover fascinating specimens, and learn about conservation efforts through hands-on lessons and outdoor adventures. Sample Itinerary Step Back in Time with Alabama History Alabama History Day Trips Bring history to life on an exciting journey through Alabama’s rich past. From exploring Fort Morgan to learning about the region’s role in shaping our nation, students will engage in an educational adventure like no other. Sample Itinerary Immerse Yourself in Gulf Coast Exploration Overnight STEM Trip Designed for deeper learning, this multi-day trip provides students with an immersive journey into Gulf Coast marine science, history and math. Check out the explorations below to learn about some of our options we offer. Sample Itinerary Our Explorations Create Your Perfect Field Trip Adventure Our explorations are designed to provide a unique and engaging experience tailored to meet the specific needs of your students and teachers. From marine science to history and outdoor adventures, we offer a variety of hands-on activities. Prices vary depending on the explorations chosen, ensuring a personalized and memorable field trip for your group! 🐚 Beachcomber's Lab Hands-on investigation of beach finds, including shells, driftwood, and marine debris 🌊 Waves & Currents Learn how waves and currents shape the coastline with interactive experiments. 🐢 Sea Turtle Nest Demo Discover sea turtle nesting habits and conservation efforts in the Gulf. 🦐 Marine Science Tools Lab Use slurp guns, plankton nets, and other hands-on tools to collect and observe coastal critters. 🐬 Dolphin Cruise Observe dolphins in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior and conservation. Learn more here! 🌱 Coastal Conservation & Restoration Participate in dune restoration and learn about protecting fragile coastal habitats. 🔍 Lagoon Specimen Collection Use seine nets to collect and observe marine life while exploring the lagoon’s biodiversity. 🏰 Sandcastle University A fun, hands-on lesson in coastal engineering using sandcastle techniques. Learn more here! 🐊 Alligator Encounter at Alligator Alley Observe and learn about alligators in their natural habitat. Learn more here! ♻️ Waste & Recycling Adventure Get a firsthand look at the recycling process through interactive games, a sorting challenge, and exhibits that show how landfill gas is turned into renewable energy. 🏖 Litter & Pollution Exploration Investigate how human impact affects the environment and take part in a cleanup initiative. 🎾 Free Time Exploration Enjoy beach time, play sand volleyball, shoot hoops on the basketball court, or swim in the pool for a fun, active break. Check out our facility here! ⚓ Historic Coastal Discovery (Fort Morgan) Explore Fort Morgan’s history and its role in coastal defense. Learn more here! Historic Fort Gaines (Dauphin Island) Explore one of Alabama’s most iconic coastal forts, where history comes alive through cannons, tunnels, and tales from the Battle of Mobile Bay. Learn more here! 🚴 Bike Ride Through Gulf State Park Ride through scenic trails while learning about the park’s ecosystems. Learn more here! 🗺 GPS Exploration Learn how to use GPS coordinates (latitude & longitude) to navigate the beach and locate a buried treasure. A hands-on lesson in navigation and marine science! 🦪 Navy Cove Oyster Experience Learn from a local oyster farmer about the anatomy of oysters, their vital role in our coastal ecosystems, and the rich history of oystering in our region. Learn more here! 🐍 Snake & Reptile Encounter Meet and interact with live snakes, and other reptiles! Learn about these amazing creatures, their habitats, adaptations, and importance to local ecosystems. 🌾 Marsh Mysteries at Bon Secour Step into the salt marsh and discover a hidden world of life! Explore how marshes protect our coastline, support diverse wildlife, and act as nature’s water filters. Learn more here! 🐟 Mariculture in Action Learn how fish and shrimp are raised to support local ecosystems. Explore hatchery operations and discover how mariculture protects our coastal resources. Learn more here!