The Expedition
An expedition rooted in research, restoration, and hands-on discovery at one of the most storied marine field stations in The Bahamas.
Forfar Field Station is an educational research facility on Andros Island, the largest and least developed island in The Bahamas. For decades, Forfar has served as a base for marine scientists, students, and conservationists studying the island’s extraordinary ecosystems.
We are developing both standard and advanced expeditions at Forfar. Programming will focus on blue hole exploration, mangrove ecology, coral restoration diving, and research-focused activities led by PIMS scientists. Andros is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, offering access to marine environments found nowhere else in the Caribbean.
These expeditions will combine the unique access of a working research station with hands-on reef restoration and scientific programming. Participants will work alongside marine biologists in one of the most biologically rich and least explored regions of The Bahamas.
Details including dates, pricing, and itineraries are being finalized. Sign up below to be the first to know when everything is confirmed.
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For over 50 years, PIMS has been at the forefront of marine research and conservation in The Bahamas.
50+
Years of Research
40K+
Corals Outplanted
100+
Published Studies
15+
Island Nations Impacted
Support the science behind these expeditions.
Donate to PIMSExpedition Highlights
Work alongside PIMS marine scientists at a functioning research station. Participate in data collection, reef surveys, and ecological monitoring in one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the Caribbean.
Andros Island is home to the highest concentration of blue holes on Earth. Explore these ancient geological formations that serve as windows into the island’s freshwater and marine connectivity.
Dive the third largest barrier reef in the world and contribute to active coral restoration projects. Plant fragments, maintain nursery sites, and learn the science behind reef recovery firsthand.
Andros hosts vast mangrove wetlands that serve as critical nursery habitat for fish, sharks, and invertebrates. Explore these ecosystems by kayak and learn about their role in coastal resilience and carbon sequestration.
Earn globally recognized PADI specialty certifications during the expedition. The specific certifications offered will depend on the expedition level and will be confirmed when details are finalized.
Small group sizes ensure direct access to PIMS scientists and meaningful time in the water. The field station setting creates a focused, immersive environment where every participant gets genuine mentorship and hands-on experience. This is not a resort dive trip. It is a working expedition at a real research facility.
Location & Setting
Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas and one of the least developed. It is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, the highest concentration of blue holes on the planet, and vast tracts of mangrove wetlands that serve as nurseries for countless marine species.
The island’s ecosystems range from shallow tidal creeks to deep oceanic walls, making it one of the most diverse marine environments in the Caribbean. For researchers and divers alike, Andros offers access to habitats that are increasingly rare elsewhere.
Forfar is an educational research station located on the east coast of Andros Island. It has served as a base for marine science programs, university field courses, and conservation initiatives for years. The station provides direct access to the Andros Barrier Reef and the island’s inland blue holes.
We are planning both standard and advanced expeditions from Forfar. The standard expedition will offer a well-rounded introduction to Andros marine ecology, while the advanced expedition will focus on deeper research involvement and more challenging dive profiles.
Scientific Authority
Founded in 1970, the Perry Institute for Marine Science has been a leader in marine research and conservation for more than five decades. Based in The Bahamas, PIMS conducts groundbreaking research on coral reef ecosystems, shark populations, mangrove habitats, and marine protected areas.
PIMS scientists have published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and have been instrumental in establishing marine conservation policy across the Caribbean. Their coral restoration work has outplanted over 40,000 corals to degraded reef sites throughout The Bahamas.
The Reef Rescue Network is a PIMS initiative that trains local communities and dive professionals in coral restoration techniques. The program uses a science-based approach to coral gardening, combining nursery propagation with strategic outplanting to rebuild damaged reef ecosystems.
Through the Reef Rescue Network, PIMS has established coral nurseries across The Bahamas and trained hundreds of Bahamian citizens in restoration methods. This expedition is a direct extension of that work, allowing participants to contribute to active restoration projects alongside the scientists who designed the program.
Expedition Director
PIMS coral restoration specialist and expedition coordinator with extensive field experience across the Caribbean.
Lead Scientist
PIMS marine biologist specializing in coral reef ecology and restoration science throughout The Bahamas.
Expedition Partner
Every expedition participant receives a complimentary Stream2Sea reef-safe sunscreen kit. Standard sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that damage coral and marine life. Stream2Sea products are tested and proven safe for aquatic ecosystems.
When you are spending your week restoring coral, the last thing you want is your sunscreen undoing the work. Stream2Sea is the only brand we trust on our expeditions.
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