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.
