Visiting Groups

Are you considering bringing your students to BIOS for an educational and hands-on trip? Complete the new group query form    to start the process.

Reservation & Deposits: Reservations are confirmed after receipt of booking deposit. Deposits of $200 per person are required five months in advance.

Daily Rate: The visiting group daily rate is $210 per person per night.

Fees include accommodation, daily meals, WiFi, lecture/conference room space, lab space and equipment. Lecture rooms and lab space must be scheduled in advance. We require one group leader per six students for high school age groups and one group leader per 10 students for college-age groups. The daily rate is 50% for one group leader with every 10 fee-paying participants.

BIOS Staff Rates: $200 per lecture. $228 per field trip or lab guide.

For many years groups have visited us here at BIOS. Each group comes to us with its own set of requirements for the course they would like, so that we can develop a tailored program to suit its needs. There are a variety of field and laboratory activities available to student groups of all ages. BIOS faculty and staff direct and supervise field trips and lab sessions for the student groups to actively participate in, and also deliver lectures on a number of scientific topics. For every 15 students we add a second guide for safety.

Plankton Tow and Lab ($302 boat + $228 guide = $530): Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Students will learn about the importance of plankton in marine ecosystems. They will take part in a plankton tow and learn the process of net collection. Students collect samples at night when plankton migrate to the surface waters. These samples are examined under microscopes and the species are identified, observations can be compared with daytime samples.

Native and Endemic Flora Restoration ($228 guide + $155 bus = $383): Approximately 3 hours

Students learn about Bermuda’s native and endemic plants that are under threat from invasive species. Students work to remove invasive flora and re-plant native species. Students support the long-term biodiversity strategy for Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve.

Field Trip to Walsingham Nature Reserve ($155 bus + $228 guide = $383): Approximately 3 hours

Students are able to explore Bermuda's caves and learn about their geological formation, and view Bermuda's flora and mangroves. Some groups choose to do a snorkel in Walsingham Pond, which provides a good example of healthy mangroves and the communities that survive on their roots.

Field Trip to Spittal Pond ($375 bus + $228 guide = $603): Approximately 3 hours

Bermuda’s largest nature reserve is the perfect place to see a variety of habitats on the same trip. Boasting freshwater ponds, rocky shores, and lush greenery, it is the perfect place to test students’ tidepool knowledge, birdwatch, and look for whales in spring.

Field Trip to North Rock ($715 boat + $228 guide = $943): Approximately 3 and a half hours

Snorkeling is at its best at North Rock, which is approximately nine miles offshore. These are the northernmost reefs of Bermuda and a pristine snorkeling sight. Some groups couple this with an inner lagoonal snorkel within North Lagoon to compare the outer and inner reef types.

Field Trip to Nonsuch Island ($715 boat + $228 guide = $943): Approximately 3 and a half hours

Nonsuch Island is a wildlife sanctuary and its preservation has been the lifetime work of Dr. David Wingate. With limited public access the island is a “living museum of pre-colonial Bermuda”. The surrounding waters provide a great site for snorkeling, and many different habitats are represented onshore, such as freshwater marsh, mangrove, and woodland. Students are taught about the efforts to conserve and reintroduce the endemic nocturnal seabird, the Cahow.

Fee Schedule and Information

BIOS is excited to share what is going on in ocean research with our visiting groups this year. Most lectures are 45-60 minutes long, with time for questions. Below is a list of lectures that can be coordinated for groups visiting BIOS:

• Reef Fish Identification — Education Team
• Coral Identification and Lab (1.5 hours) —Education Team
• Introduction to an Oceanic Island — Education Team
• Introduction to the Environment of Bermuda — Dr. Andrew Peters
• Underwater Robotic Gliders to Explore Ocean Processes — Jonny Chapman
• Remote Sensing: Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory (CORAL) — Dr. Eric Hochberg
• Introduction to Plankton — Dr. Amy Maas
• Plankton and Climate Change — Dr. Amy Maas
• Ocean Acidification and Its Affects Within Marine Systems — Dr. Amy Maas
• Microbial Oceanography — Rachel Parsons
• Devil's Hole: A Coastal Oxygen Minimum Zone — Rachel Parsons

Payments

When is the deposit due and how much is it?

The deposit is due five months prior to your arrival. It is $200 per person.

When is the final payment due?

A final invoice will be emailed to the group leader after departure from BIOS once all usage charges have been verified by the accounts department. Payment can be made by U.S. check or via ACH bank transfer (BIOS banking details will be on the invoice). Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. The Bermuda Dollar exchange rate is currently 1 to 1 USD.

Transport

How can we get to different sites around the island?

You can rent the BIOS bus to take you to different sites. The maximum capacity of the bus is 28 people. Alternatively, you can also get around by public bus. Tickets for the public bus can be purchased from Reception at BIOS when the front desk is open.

How can we get from the airport to BIOS?

The BIOS bus is not permitted to pick up or drop off groups at the airport. We recommend that you book a minibus in advance and recommend the company Beeline. You can also get taxis at the airport, but it can be difficult to get enough taxis for large groups.

What is the capacity of the BIOS boats?

We have multiple boats that we can use for student trips ranging from 10 to 27 people.

Housing 

What is the housing like? How many students will be in a room?

Depending on availability, groups will be housed in Wright Hall or Visitor Housing.

Wright Hall is the main building at the center of campus which has a cafeteria and dining hall. There are single, double, and triple rooms available. The single and double rooms have en-suite bathrooms with toilets and showers. The triple rooms have shared bathrooms in the hall on the same floor.

Visitor Housing is the yellow apartment building at the entrance to campus.

Where will the group leaders stay?

The group leaders will stay near the students, but they will have their own room and bathroom.

Food

Is food provided?

We provide three meals a day, seven days a week for all visitors.

What if I have a dietary restriction?

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.

Packing

How do I know what to pack?

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

I forgot something. Can I buy it there?

BIOS has emergency supplies for purchase like toothbrushes and toothpaste. While there are some things that can be purchased in Bermuda, we highly recommend coming prepared and only bringing money for souvenirs.

How much money should I bring?

All meals will be provided unless your group leader decides to go out for dinner. We recommend bringing $100 of pocket money. US dollars and Bermudian dollars exchange 1 for 1 and can be used interchangeably, so there is no need to convert money.

Other

Can I come if I am not part of a Visiting Group?

We unfortunately do not take visitors, but we have many other ways of working with BIOS through our internships and summer programs.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Groups must cancel at least four months prior to arrival to avoid forfeiture of the deposit. Cancellations for boat, bus, or truck must be made at least 48 hours (Monday through Friday) in advance or there will be a minimum charge of one hour.

Are passports required to come to Bermuda?

Passports are required for persons entering Bermuda. See www.gov.bm/department/immigration for visa-controlled countries and https://www.visahq.com/bermuda/ for instructions on applying for entry visas. In advance of arrival on the island, Bermuda Immigration must approve all business stays and visits longer than 90 days. Additionally, flights to/from Bermuda through the U.S., Canada, or U.K. must follow the regulations of those countries. All immigration/travel rules are subject to change, please verify information prior to traveling.

To save time at the airport, complete the digital Bermuda arrival card prior to your arrival on the island.

What kind of insurance is needed?

BIOS insurance does not cover visitors, non-BIOS personnel, or personal equipment. You must provide your own insurance for health, accident, theft, equipment damage, liability, etc. All visitors are required to sign a BIOS release and assumption of risk waiver.

Can I plan a scouting trip for my course to ASU BIOS?

Yes! A Visiting Groups scouting trip is a preliminary visit to our campus and various pre-planned locations with the purpose of gathering information and assessing its suitability for a specific purpose or activity. During a scouting trip, participants will observe already existing courses, collect data, take notes, and make logistical assessments to ensure that the site meets their requirements and to plan for future activities alongside ASU BIOS Education and Reservations staff. The base cost of a scouting trip is $210 per person/night plus any additional activities scheduled in coordination with ASU BIOS Education. To book a scouting trip please email alex.merkle@bios.asu.edu.

BIOS is held to rigorous standards of safety, as shown by ASU’s Environmental Health and Safety protocols. All visitors staying on site will be given a presentation on emergency procedures by a member of staff on arrival. First Aid kits shall be maintained and kept at the Reception desk, in specified locations throughout the laboratories, and aboard R/Vs Atlantic Explorer and Henry M Stommel. First Aid kits will be brought on all BIOS-led excursions. All program participants must sign BIOS’s Liability Waiver packet. 

Boats: A safety briefing will be given prior to all boat trips. It will inform you of the safety equipment on the vessel and how it is to be used in case of an emergency. If you do not understand how the equipment functions it is your responsibility to ask the Captain to clarify its use. During docking procedures all passengers must  stand back from the railing to allow the crew to work lines. All hands and feet must be kept inside the vessel at all times, and especially when the vessel is approaching docks, bridges, other vessels, etc.

Snorkels: The Buddy System must be observed at all times. Snorkelers must return to the boat at the pre-arranged time. In an emergency, the boat's horn or sound-signalling device will be sounded repeatedly and her engine started. Look toward the boat for instructions. If so ordered, all snorkelers must return to the boat immediately. It will not be possible to move the boat to help a distressed person in the water until the rest of the party is aboard. Specific rules regarding diving procedures may be found in the BIOS Diving Safety Manual. 

Laboratories: All scientific staff and visitors working in the laboratory are responsible for planning and conducting their work in accordance with recognized safe laboratory procedures and complying with BIOS’s Health and Safety Policies. All staff, including students, volunteers and interns, who are working within the BIOS laboratory environment, must have current knowledge of the correct use and safe practices of any equipment, chemicals, reagents, etc. with which they are working. For chemical use, this must always include a Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). 

Employees and others working at BIOS must immediately report any unsafe condition to the appropriate supervisor. This includes but is not limited to employees who violate safety standards, or who cause hazardous or dangerous situations, or who fail to report or, where appropriate, remedy such situations, may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Visitors, students and volunteers who are in violation of good safety practices may be asked to leave BIOS and Bermuda. 

“BIOS is a place that welcomes people with open arms, and promotes engaging learning through interactive labs that provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn about marine life.” Noah, 18, Milton Academy, 2024

“The staff from BIOS was amazing, the group leaders were very knowledgeable, the boat teams were amazing and the team in the kitchen were super accommodating. Thank you, BIOS!” Danielle, Parent at Newark Charter, 2024

“My time at ASU BIOS provided me with the incredible experience to put real-world context behind concepts that had only previously been learned in the classroom, and apply them in real life to various problems, environments, and situations. I now better understand the various complexities within carbonate sedimentary environments and reef ecosystems through personal understanding and working with my peers." Clark, 24, Queen’s University, 2024

“BIOS is an incredible experience for students pursuing a career in marine science to gain a better understanding of the marine environment.” Bridget, 21, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 2024

“This is an incredibly unique and fantastic field research experience for students. The staff could not be any more helpful and accommodating, and it is an experience of a lifetime. The kitchen staff were remarkably accommodating and helpful. The ship tour was especially exciting, plus students got to see real research labs and do field research on their own.” Tami Lunsford, Teacher at Newark Charter, 2024

“My college students were a mix of majors (biology, physics, English, sociology, math, political science, economics, psychology, computer science, etc.). From our time at BIOS, the science majors have a much greater understanding of research, and the non-science majors have a much better understanding of how science works, is funded, and its importance in protecting the environment. My students loved interacting with other scientists (the interns, PhD students, post-docs, etc.) at meals, in addition to the many activities at BIOS itself: tour of the facilities, plankton tow lab, micro plastics lab, and tour of R/V Atlantic Explorer. The staff are exceedingly helpful, the facilities first-rate, and the food is amazing! We could not have taught this course without BIOS.” Kelly Wolfe-Bellin, Professor at College of the Holy Cross, 2024