For centuries, sailors, biologists, fishermen, and traders have been drawn to the beauty, natural resources, and unique pulse of life of the Caribbean islands. Experience the vibrant culture and extraordinary natural landscapes on the island of Tortola, spend a week at sail among the British Virgin Islands, and discover the complex environmental and social challenges involved in preserving this magnificent archipelago. Choose an On Assignment project — Photography, Culture & Arts or Wildlife & Conservation — and immerse yourself in an area of Caribbean life that most interests you.
AT SAIL IN THE BVI
7 days. We'll spend our first day on the island learning about Caribbean culture and the British Virgin Islands in Road Harbour, Tortola's central marina overlooking one of the island's many turquoise bays. After this brief orientation, break into small groups and set sail with a seasoned captain and a trip leader on ten-passenger yachts on the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Discover colorful coral, lobster, and crab while snorkeling around myriad reefs and island-hopping to Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda, and others. Once we arrive at the "baths" of Virgin Gorda, swim and climb among the unique grottos and glassy pools formed by giant boulders. Learn to tack and jibe the yacht alongside the captain, and navigate the calm waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. While on board, team up to cook dinners of fresh seafood as the sun sets over this archipelago of lush islands and white-sand cays.
PARAQUITA BAY, TORTOLA
6 days. Through field-based seminars on marine biology and hands-on conservation efforts, we'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the Caribbean's marine environment. In a state-of-the-art, ocean-side marine center in Tortola's Paraquita Bay, collaborate with professors as they perform laboratory research. Learn about native populations of coral, conch, bonefish, and wahoo from the people working to protect them. Under the guidance of a National Geographic expert and a local professor at the marine center, monitor off-shore plant and animal life, assess habitat, and make recommendations for future conservation. In addition to your research activities, participate with local high school students in environmental clean-up projects in beach communities.
COMMUNITY SERVICE IN TORTOLA
6 days. During your final week in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, participate in community service projects along with local residents to foster greater intercultural understanding and friendship. Work closely with several local nonprofit organizations to refurbish playgrounds and make repairs to the homes of those most in need. Organize a soccer tournament with youth, engage in community beautification projects, and teach local kids about the environmental issues we've delved into during our time in Tortola. During our final days, we'll gather as a group to share our On Assignment projects.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Let the rich culture and extraordinary vistas of the Caribbean inspire you. Tell a story or create a portfolio that reflects your own vision of the islands — whether it's a merchant hawking coconuts from the back of his truck, tiny islands illuminated by the setting sun, or schoolchildren at play.
CULTURE & ARTS: From calypso and reggae music to folk religions and cuisine, capture the spirit of the islands. Meet with local artists, musicians, and chefs. Join local experts to hear stories of colonization, slavery, and emancipation; or learn about the rise of the sugar cane industry, and report on its impact on the local economy.
WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION: From coral reefs to dramatic green hills, explore the abundant marine life and terrestrial plant and animal life in the Caribbean. Track trumpet fish, rock iguanas, and pygmy geckos; and document the environmental issues that impact their habitat such as pollution and global warming.
