Isla Mar Research Expeditions Guide to Services | Page 8

Wh y Puerto Ri co?
Puerto Rico is located in the U.S. Caribbean, just southeast of Hispaniola. The
island is a vibrant mix of Latin American and Caribbean cultures. Visiting Puerto
Rico offers an completely immersive experience in language and customs that is
unique from the contiguous United States.
As a territory of the U.S., Puerto Rico is easily reached by daily flights from most
large airports. Passports are not required for U.S. citizens. The island is bilingual,
so fluency in Spanish is not a requirement to live, travel and work on the island.
The natural beauty of Puerto Rico is truly the hidden gem. The island boasts
wonders like underground rivers, caves, waterfalls, jungles, rainforests, dry
forests, coffee farms, marine protected areas and more. Extensive coral reefs,
mangroves and seagrass habitats are available to snorkeling and diving. Remote
islands like Desecheo and Mona are enticing to spelunkers and divers alike. There
are endless opportunities to explore something new every day.
As a marine scientist, Puerto Rico is a field research paradise. There are easily
accessible marine systems to perform field experiments and establish long-term
monitoring. The presence of mesophotic coral ecosystems and the Puerto Rican
trench provide even more opportunities for unique research. Professionals and
student-scientists are eager to collaborate.
These reasons above support Puerto Rico as one of the most diverse and accessible
places for a tropical ecology field course. W ith the help of Isla Mar, your students
will experience island biodiversity from the perspective of resident marine
scientists. This means access to off-the-beaten path excursions and hands-on
training in field research. Our motto is "don't just learn about science, do science".
So, come explore with us.
Clockwise from the top: Mangrove system in Guanica,
Lago Dos Bocas lake in Utuado, coastal palm trees adjacent
to the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve in Rincon, natural land
bridge in Cabo Rojo.