Discover Marine Biology
A four day introductory programme in marine life and field skills
Duration
4 days – available in 4 consecutive days or over 4 saturdays
Includes ~ 2-3 days on the water
Explore marine life and boating in the field
A practical four-day introduction to marine life. Explore local species and habitats, build confidence aboard a research vessel, and try some of the tools marine biologists use in the field.
No prior experience is required — curiosity and a willingness to learn are enough.
What participants will learn
Marine species and habitats
Identify marine birds, fish, invertebrates and more. Understand their relationships and place in the ecosystem
Boating skills and on-water awareness
Understand the vessel and how to operate it safely in Bay of Islands waters
Who it’s for
Curious ocean-goers
With an interested in marine science, conservation or boating. Adult cohorts and Teenage cohorts available
Practical learners
who want experience beyond the classroom
Beginners with curiosity and commitment
no previous marine or boating experience is required
Pricing & What’s Included
Program Fee
NZD $790 per student
Your course fee includes:
✔️ Four-day programme
✔️ Up to 4 days of vessel-based training ( weather allowing)
✔️ All skipper supervision and helm instruction
✔️ All marine biology equipment
✔️ Optional: Accomodation on site can be offered at an additional fee – please contact info@trioceans.org
What’s not included
✖️ Travel to site
✖️ Meals
Group Bookings & Institutions
We welcome enquiries from education providers, hapu and other organisations seeking dedicated programmes
Frequently asked questions
What about Health and Safety?
All vessel activities are conducted under an MNZ approved commercial passenger vessel. TriOceans’ Health and Safety as a whole is pre-qualified and audited under Totika.
For minors, a consent process will be carried out with the parent/guardian
Can international students attend?
Yes — international participants are welcome, and do not require enrolment in a New Zealand tertiary institution.
What fitness level is required?
You should be comfortable spending full days on the water and able to step on and off the vessel (approximately a 1 m step at times).
Conditions can include wind, rain and chop, so a reasonable level of mobility and confidence in outdoor environments is important.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather is a constant factor in marine fieldwork, and part of what students learn is how real projects adapt to conditions.
We design each intake to maximise safe and productive time on the water, shifting classroom and data sessions around forecast windows where needed. Should the weather significantly affect boat days for the programme, an alternative plan will be made and communicated with all involved.
What is the minimum age required?
The course is primarily designed for keen 15-17 year olds, however this range can be flexible on a case by case basis.
