Got to do a night snorkel the other night and it was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. I can safely say it’s got me hooked and I’ll be looking to do it again hopefully in the future sometime! I saw lots of lobsters and squids and this eel by the doc that looked so much like a snake. The bioluminescence was definitely the best part though, it was like literal magic in front of your eyes. It’s a completely different world in the dark and it’s so different between the feeling you get and the organisms you see. I was a little worried about barracudas and other things that I couldn’t see in the water trying to eat me but luckily I didn’t really see any other than some small ones and it wasn’t as intimidating as I thought going into it. Plus when I got back I slept so good because I was so tired so definitely recommend!
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Night Dive!
We got to go out to snorkeling at night this time. It really is a whole different experience. At one point we all turned off our flashlights and got to watch all the bioluminescence. Sitting there in the dark as every kick to stay afloat brought sparks of color. It was amazing. The highlight for me was getting to see a sea turtle swim right past me. I would go out and do that every night if I could.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
What I Recommend Packing for Marine Biology Field Research in Cayos Cochinos, Honduras
What I Recommend Packing for Marine Biology Field Research in Cayos Cochinos, Honduras
Clothes
My biggest recommendation is to bring more clothes than you think you'll need.
There is a washing machine available, so technically you can do laundry. However, I have found it much easier to pack enough clothes that I rarely need to use it. Between snorkeling, hiking, boat rides, and the humidity, clothes don't always dry as quickly as you might expect, and some days you'll end up getting dirtier than planned.
I brought:
- Five swimsuits
- Enough shirts for every day
- Enough shorts for every day
- Enough pants that I would only need to wear each pair once or twice
- Plenty of underwear and socks
Having five swimsuits has actually been one of my best decisions. It gives each one plenty of time to dry completely before I need to wear it again, and if one gets particularly dirty, I have plenty of backups.
I usually wear my swimsuit underneath my clothes, so I don't have to think about changing before or after snorkeling.
Even if you plan to avoid doing laundry, I'd still recommend bringing a small bottle of laundry detergent just in case.
What Type of Clothes?
The quality of your clothes is just as important as the quantity.
I would mostly pack lightweight athletic clothing and comfortable clothes.
You'll probably spend most of your time wearing:
- Tank tops
- T-shirts
- Athletic shorts
Don't skip bringing a few pairs of pants, though. I recommend lightweight sweatpants because they help protect against bug bites in the evenings and during hikes.
Shoes
Flip-flops are probably the shoes I wear the most.
I'd recommend bringing:
- Flip-flops (you'll wear them constantly)
- Tennis shoes
- A sturdy pair of shoes that can get wet, like Crocs or water shoes
Between boats, beaches, trails, and the station itself, you'll end up using all three.
Electronics
If you're taking Dr. Gilchrist's course, you'll definitely need some kind of computer for your research project, so don't forget your laptop and charger.
I also highly recommend bringing:
- A portable charger
- A flashlight
I've mostly used my phone flashlight, but there are very few lights around the island at night. If your phone dies, having a real flashlight would be incredibly helpful.
Internet, Cell Service, and Communication
One thing I wouldn't spend money on is an international cellular plan (except maybe while traveling through the airport).
Once you're on the island, there is essentially no cell service.
Instead, I recommend downloading:
- WhatsApp (or another Wi-Fi messaging app)
- A VPN
I personally recommend VPN Super because it allows you to set your location to the United States.
This is surprisingly useful because several streaming apps, including Netflix, Peacock, and YouTube TV, don't work normally from Honduras. With a VPN, you can still use many of those services whenever you have Wi-Fi.
Since there's no cell service, WhatsApp works much better than regular texting or phone calls when communicating with people back home.
Sun and Bug Protection
If there's one thing I cannot stress enough...
BUG SPRAY.
Seriously.
Bring bug spray.
Then bring more bug spray.
Even people who use bug spray every single day still end up covered in bug bites. I ran out during the trip and definitely regretted it.
Along with bug spray, I would also pack:
- Anti-itch cream
- Sunscreen (reef-safe only)
- Aloe, if you're prone to sunburns
Because you'll be snorkeling around coral reefs, make sure any sunscreen you bring is reef-safe.
Snorkeling Equipment
You'll spend a lot of time in the water, so having your own gear makes a huge difference.
I recommend bringing:
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Anti-fog spray
- Fin booties (to prevent blisters)
The booties are something people often forget, but they make long snorkeling sessions much more comfortable.
Food and Water
The station provides three cooked meals every day, and honestly, it's some of the best food I've ever had.
That being said, after several hours of swimming, hiking, or fieldwork, it's nice to have a quick snack between meals.
I recommend bringing:
- Protein bars
- Trail mix
- Beef jerky or another favorite high-protein snack
- Electrolyte packets if you like them
You'll also want a reusable water bottle. The island has drinkable water, so you can refill it throughout the day and stay hydrated.
Free Time
There is downtime between activities, so bring something you enjoy.
Some ideas:
- Books
- Journal
- Playing cards
- Downloaded movies or shows
- Kindle
- Crochet, drawing supplies, or another hobby
Other Essentials
Don't forget:
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Passport
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner (the station provides them, but I preferred using my own.)
I also recommend bringing a small first aid kit with things like:
- Band-Aids
- Ibuprofen
- Anti-itch cream
- Antibiotic ointment
- Allergy medicine
Research Supplies
One unique part of this program is that you'll complete your own research project while you're here.
If you already have a project idea, it doesn't hurt to plan ahead and bring any specialized materials you think you'll need.
If you don't know what you want to study yet, don't stress. Once you're here, it's incredibly easy to become inspired by the reef and all of the different organisms around you.
Cash
Bring some cash.
U.S. dollars are accepted in many places, and while some businesses take cards, having cash makes things much easier for small purchases and tips.
Final Thoughts
No packing list will be perfect because everyone packs differently, but these are the items I've been the most grateful to have or wish I'd brought more of.
If I had to summarize this list into just a few priorities, they'd be:
- Bring more clothes than you think you'll need.
- Don't underestimate the bugs.
- Pack good snorkeling gear.
- Bring a portable charger and flashlight.
- Download WhatsApp and a VPN before you arrive.
- Keep a little cash with you.
- Most importantly, come ready to learn, explore, and spend a lot of time in and around the water.
The experience here is unlike anything I've done before, and being prepared means you can spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time enjoying everything Cayos Cochinos has to offer.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Slight change in scenery
As I get ready this morning I noticed a scorpion hanging on the curtains, and a few babies crawling around the floor. It seems a whole clutch was hatched in the room. I think scorpions are neat; so I go about my business, trying not to accidentally step on any. A few hours later and I get told that I'm to switch rooms because of an infestation of scorpions. Oh well, I would have been fine staying there; I used to live in a house that would get them all the time. A change in scenery is nice though, after 2 weeks that room was getting boring I suppose. Our new room is much smaller, but at least the bathroom isn't 90% screen facing outside. Win some, lose some as they say. Most of our time is spent outside anyway.
Bugs should pay rent
Had to move out our room this week since there’s a winged ant infestation living in my bed now🤩. They absolutely chewed on me during the night and I’m absolutely miserable now from all of the bites. The new room looks better but sleeping while being this itchy SUCKS. I’m definitely ready to be on the main land and be bug free. With everything that has happened in that room up until this point I don’t know why we weren’t moved earlier but now I just reap these consequences until we leave 🥲. Only a couple days left though!
Monday, July 20, 2026
less than a week to go!
Less than a week to go back to the States. Although the island here is beautiful, the water is clear, and the ocean animals are so colorful, I miss home. I've got tons of mosquito bites all over my body, but looking at the clear water and the animals, corals, and sea fans from above the water kind of makes up for it.
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Good weather at last
It is the end of our second week here already. With only one week to go, I'm beginning to feel the pressures of deadlines. The weather however, is starting to clear up. It had been unseasonably rainy up until now, but with sunny skies field work can continue smoothly. Of course, with sunny days comes greater heat. I think I'll be sticking to the shade and the water for now.
sunny days!
Last week it was constantly raining, and now these past couple of days have been super sunny! Our mood definitely changes depending on the weather, so I'm glad the sun is finally coming up. Today I went out on the water with Morgan for our thesis and our final project. The water was so clear you could see the corals and sea fans from above, especially when I paddleboard.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
tarantulas! bugs! sea urchins!
I can't believe we only have a week left of this trip. Time truly flies when you've got a final project to do, and you're constantly being bitten by mosquitoes. Also, this woke us up in front of our door. It took about 30 min to even get out because we were so scared. I'm pretty sure it was living inside my sneakers that I left outside.
The good part of the trip was all the sea urchins Morgan found! Since we've been out in the water almost every day, working on our thesis and final project, we get to see the coolest finds. All the paddleboarding I've been doing lately, I hope to see crazy back muscles by the time we go back to the States.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Field Work and Found Items
Gathered the first days worth of data for my project today. I have to agree with the others, those barracuda are not afraid to get up in your space. While collecting data at the dock, I look down and what do I see? The room 8 key that has been missing for about a week at this point. After a quick dive, the key was safely clipped to my gear, only a little rusted from its time in the ocean. All in all, it has been a productive day for me so far.
Barracudas are my biggest opp
I very much DO NOT like barracudas. Their aura is to much for me to handle they are so scary and they just be lurking. I’ve had a couple run ins with them over the course of the trip but today I was doing my thesis work with my little barracuda model, and this BIG MAMA barracuda was like fighting and circling the model and I was not a fan. It like wouldn’t let me grab it and started death staring at me so I literally jumped on a paddle board because I was scared. Anyways big takeaway from this trip: I DO NOT like barracudas. They are too powerful for my feeble mind to process.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Work continues
The weather has not been kind to us lately, it has been raining on and off just about every day we've been here. Regardless of weather though, we still have projects to complete. Spent some time in the water again today taking necessary pictures and scouting out good sites for my project. Lots of work still to be done!
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Cold and busy
Staying booked and busy for the next few days of the trip for sure! Between everything needed just for the classes main project and doing all 24 sites for my thesis research I’m EXHAUSTED. But hoping it’ll all be worth it in the end and that the last week will be more relaxed. I’m hoping the sun comes out the next few days though, for some reason it’s been super overcast and rainy here and getting in and out of the water has not been fun. 🥶 But I we still trek on!
Monday, July 13, 2026
Adjusting to island life
I’ve really been enjoying my time on the island. Being here has been such a different experience, and I’ve loved getting to slow down and appreciate the little things. It’s been refreshing to step away from the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend time somewhere that feels so peaceful.
That being said, I have to admit that the homesickness is starting to kick in. I miss my own bed more than I ever thought I would, and I definitely miss my cat and the luxury of air conditioning. Those little comforts at home are easy to take for granted until they’re gone.
Even with those moments of missing home, I’m grateful for this experience. There’s something calming about knowing that out here, we can only do what we can. Things move at their own pace, and there’s no point in stressing over what you can’t control. (Especially since my computer won’t turn on and I can’t do anything about it) It’s been a nice reminder to slow down, relax, and enjoy where I am right now before it’s time to head home.
Psa: I don’t know why it isn’t letting me add pictures, but since I’m doing everything on my phone and nothing ever wants to work accordingly here I’m not suprised🥲
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Looking Ahead: What I'm Most Excited for During the Rest of My Time in Cayos Cochinos
Looking Ahead: What I'm Most Excited for During the Rest of My Time in Cayos Cochinos
After just one week in Cayos Cochinos, I already feel like I've experienced more than I could have imagined. Every day has been filled with something new, whether it's exploring coral reefs, hiking through the jungle, learning from local community members, or applying what we've learned in class directly in the field.
As incredible as this first week has been, it also makes me even more excited for everything that's still to come.
Continuing to Explore the Reef
One of the things I'm looking forward to the most is spending more time underwater. Every time we snorkel, I notice something I hadn't seen before. The reefs here are incredibly diverse, and I know there are still countless organisms waiting to be discovered.
I'm especially hoping to see even more marine life and continue improving my ability to identify different species in their natural habitats. The more time I spend underwater, the more I realize how much there is still to learn.
Seeing Research Come to Life
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to participate in this program was the opportunity to be involved in real research. Throughout the week, I've been helping Professor Gilchrist with her research, and I'm excited to begin seeing the results come together. I'm looking forward to seeing what patterns begin to emerge as we continue collecting data.
I'm also excited to start developing my own research project. One of my goals while I'm here is to identify a question that genuinely interests me, design a study around it, and begin collecting my own data. It's a little intimidating, but it's also one of the opportunities I've been looking forward to the most.
Learning More About Animal Behavior
So far we've covered corals, sponges, and annelids, but Professor Gilchrist mentioned that we'll soon have a lesson focused on animal behavior. If you know me, you know that's something I'm especially excited about.
I've always been fascinated by why animals behave the way they do, and after completing my fiddler crab behavior project earlier this year, I'm looking forward to learning even more about behavioral ecology while observing marine organisms in their natural environment. I'm excited to see how the concepts we discuss in class translate into what we observe on the reef.
Continuing to Explore Honduras
Although marine biology is the main reason I'm here, I also want to experience as much of Honduras as I can. During our visit to East Village, I realized how much I enjoy learning about the people and culture alongside the ecosystems.
I'm looking forward to exploring more of the islands, meeting more local people, and learning about daily life in a place that's so different from what I'm used to back home. Every conversation and every new place has given me another perspective, and I hope to continue learning from the communities that call these islands home.
And on a slightly less scientific note, I'm determined to finally try sopa de caracol before I leave. I've heard so much about it that it feels like an essential part of the experience!
Growing as a Marine Biologist
When I applied for this program, I hoped it would help me become a better marine biologist. After only one week, I already feel like it's helping me grow in ways I didn't expect.
Living on a small island, adapting to a completely different environment, learning from experienced researchers, and spending so much time observing marine ecosystems has given me a new appreciation for both science and conservation. Every day challenges me to become more observant, ask better questions, and think more critically about the natural world around me.
I have a feeling that by the time this program is over, I'll leave with far more than just new knowledge. I'll leave with new experiences, new perspectives, and a better understanding of the kind of scientist I hope to become.
Looking Forward
There are still so many experiences ahead, and I honestly have no idea what each day will bring. That's part of what makes this adventure so exciting.
Whether it's discovering a species I've never seen before, seeing the results of our research begin to take shape, designing my own project, learning more about animal behavior, exploring more of Honduras, trying new foods, or simply watching another incredible sunset over the Caribbean, I'm looking forward to making the most of every opportunity.
Thank you for following along with my journey. I can't wait to share everything that the next week has in store.
1st Weekend
I can hardly believe a week has already passed here. Its been wonderful so far, and I'm glad I decided to take this course. We didn't have any lectures this weekend so we've mainly been left to our own devices. Which of course means planning. I have a good idea about what I'm going to do my project on, but I still need to iron out the details. Times moving fast though, and we won't be able to wait around much longer to get started.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Getting Soaked, Bitten, and Amazed: My First Week in Cayos Cochinos
Getting Soaked, Bitten, and Amazed: My First Week in Cayos Cochinos
July 5–11, 2026
When I first signed up for this trip, I knew I was going to learn about marine biology. What I didn't realize was just how quickly this tiny Caribbean island would challenge me, surprise me, and completely change my perspective on life.
This week marked not only my first week in Honduras but also my first time ever leaving the United States. It's hard to believe how much has happened in just a few days.
The Journey to the Island
After flying into Roatán, we boarded a small boat for the two-and-a-half-hour ride to Cayos Cochinos. The weather had other plans for us. Strong winds made for a rough trip, and by the time we reached the island I was completely soaked. At the time, it felt like a less-than-ideal introduction to island life, but looking back, it's a pretty funny way to start such an incredible adventure.
The rough ride was only the first challenge. The bugs have also made themselves very comfortable around me. Unfortunately, my bug spray didn't survive the flight, and each day I've managed to collect a few more bug bites. Thankfully, the incredible experiences here have made both the boat ride and the bug bites well worth it.
Exploring the Reef
One of the highlights of the week was snorkeling at Lion's Head, a site known for its impressive coral reefs.
I've snorkeled before, but nothing compares to seeing a healthy Caribbean reef like this. Everywhere I looked there were colorful reef fish weaving through coral formations, sea fans gently moving with the current, anemones tucked between rocks, and an incredible variety of corals.
The visibility underwater has been amazing as long as you don't accidentally kick up the sand. There were so many moments where I just stopped swimming and looked around, trying to take everything in.
My favorite wildlife encounter of the week was finding a school of Caribbean squid. Watching them move together through the water was unlike anything I've ever seen before, and it quickly became one of those moments I'll remember long after this trip is over.
A Walk Through the Jungle
Not all of our exploring happened underwater.
We hiked through the jungle to reach East Village, and calling it a "trail" might be generous. There were plenty of steep climbs and descents, and in many places we were simply making our way through the forest. Along the way I spotted countless hermit crabs, colorful birds, iguanas, and even a beautiful pink boa, the first one I've ever seen in the wild.
When we reached East Village, I was surprised by how quiet it was. I had expected something much larger, but I soon learned that it's primarily a seasonal fishing village. Only three families live there year-round, and since school is out for the summer, many people were away.
We donated school supplies to the local school and were given a tour. The school was much larger than I expected and really highlighted the close-knit nature of the community.
One of my favorite experiences was talking with one of the local fishermen. He explained how they fish using only a spool of line and their hands rather than the rod-and-reel setup I'm familiar with back home. He proudly showed us several large red snapper they had caught that day, and hearing about their way of life gave me a new appreciation for the skill and knowledge that goes into small-scale fishing.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Although we're surrounded by beautiful reefs every day, this trip isn't just about exploring. We're also taking a marine biology course through New College of Florida with Professor Sandra Gilchrist.
This week we focused on corals, sponges, and annelids, and one of the things I appreciate most about the course is that every lecture is followed by time in the field applying what we just learned.
After our lecture on annelids, we snorkeled out to observe Christmas tree worms in their natural habitat. We tested how they responded to shadows by moving one quickly across them and timing how long it took for the worms to emerge after retreating into their tubes. When we moved the shadow slowly, many of them didn't react at all. It was a simple experiment, but it was fascinating to watch a behavior we'd just discussed in class unfold right in front of us.
The lecture that stood out to me the most was our discussion of coral restoration and conservation. Learning about the challenges reefs face around the world while floating above healthy coral communities made the topic feel especially meaningful.
Settling Into Island Life
Island life has definitely come with a few surprises.
For example, the plumbing here can't handle toilet paper, so that took a little getting used to. Another surprise? I've become a fan of cold showers. After spending the day snorkeling, hiking, or working outside in the tropical heat, they honestly feel amazing.
One thing I definitely wasn't expecting was just how incredible the food would be. We're served three home-cooked meals every day, and they've easily been some of the best meals I've ever had.
When I have free time, you'll usually find me relaxing in one of the hammocks beneath the palm trees near the dining hall. It's become my favorite spot on the island.
At night, the dock becomes one of the coolest places to be. There are swings and hammocks overlooking the water, and if you're lucky, spotted eagle rays glide beneath the lights while tropical birds continue calling from the surrounding forest. Between the sounds of the jungle and the stars overhead, it's one of those places that makes you lose track of time.
Looking Back on Week One
When I arrived in Honduras just a week ago, I wasn't sure what to expect. Looking back now, I don't think I could have imagined everything I've experienced.
I've explored coral reefs, hiked through tropical forests, learned from local fishermen, observed marine life I'd only seen in books, and begun seeing conservation from an entirely new perspective.
More than anything, this first week has reminded me that marine biology isn't just something you study in a classroom. It's about stepping into unfamiliar environments, asking questions, learning from the people around you, and appreciating the incredible ecosystems you're fortunate enough to experience.
As I write this, I'm sitting on a small island in the Caribbean, listening to the sounds of tropical birds while the ocean laps against the shore. A week ago, this was completely outside my comfort zone. Now, it already feels like a place that has changed the way I see both marine biology and the world around me.
I can't wait to see what the rest of this adventure has in store.
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Another chill day
Last night we went out to the dock to test out a fish pro camera. Dangling the camera by a measuring tape proved to be fickle and there where many particles in the water column that made viability less than ideal. I blame recent storms for that bit. Even so, we saw the nightly showing of spotted eagle rays, which are always fun to see. We also got to spot a group of six squid off the dock hunting, one of them even captured a fish right in front of us. Today we get another lecture and get to go out and practice surveying methods out in the water later. Looking forward to another great day here on the island!
Bug invasion
I cannot make these events up. Last night I go up to go to bed and there’s a few flying ant looking things around and I start squashing a few, then I get in bed and am like whatever they’ll go away. Then I turn on my fan and there’s a dead lizard that crawled IN my fan and died and I had to get it out and it sucked. But then I get in bed and my roomate comes up and sees a bunch of the little bugs so we start killing them and what not but then they just exploded and went to the lights and beds and such. And I look up and there’s like a whole COLONY in the ceiling and they are coming down the walls trying to kill us cause we don’t know what they are. So then we gave up and went down to the hammocks on the dock and got swung around hardcore by the wind, but at least was cold and no bugs. BUT THEN said roomate unfortunately drops the room key out of the hammock and into the ocean locking us out until morning. (Which we couldn’t find anyone awake to help us anyways) But before all that we used a special camera and got to look under the dock at the organisms there and saw eagle rays and baby squids, which was nice. Hoping that was the most eventful night of the trip and that it’s smooth sailing from here though. 🙏🏼
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Jungle Trek
It's our third day on the island today and after a few issues getting access to the blog, here I am. Today we went hiking across the island to visit East End village. The trek wasn't very long, but it was the altitude changes really wore us down. Spirits were kept high with our wonderful travel companion, a local dog.
After climbing up steps and rocks and sliding down the wet leaf litter we made it to the village where we got a nice tour of their schoolhouse and one of the fishermen showed off his catch. Only a bit further and we find ourselves at an beautiful beach. I'd love to come back with swim wear and see what kind of critters I can spot out there.
After climbing up rock walls and walking along the cliff side for a bit, we made it back just in time for lunch.
first 3 days on the island
Landed in Roatan on Sunday, July 5th, and it was so beautiful. Super humid, but getting out of the airport wasn't so bad. We then took a bus to where the boat docks are to take us to the island, and the ride to the island was insane. Because it was super windy, the waves were crazy, and we were literally rocking side to side for 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES. Heard Dr. Moscosso and Morgan throw up, and I literally couldn't watch or hear them without wanting to throw up myself. But we made it to the island, and I didn't throw up!!
We're about to go to lecture now, and then I have to swim with Morgan and Dr. Wassink to hammer down some PVC pipes to the reef floor for our research project we're doing on Duskies and Gobies. Successful 3 days here :) (minus the mosquito bites all over my legs)