SeaBase The Florida SeaBase is located just south of Mile Marker 73.8 on Lower Matecumbe Key in the hear of the Florida Keys. Seventy-five miles south of Miami, SeaBase is scouting's most complete aquatic facility.

The Program SeaBase offers a variety of programs including sailing, motor boating, canoeing, deep sea fishing, SCUBA diving, lobstering and beach combing. SeaBase offers several adventure programs:

Out Island - You will wade ashore on Big Munson Island carrying all the food, water and equipment you will need for camping, coral reef snorkeling, sportfish trolling, kayaking, exploring this remote island. This adventure is for crews with good camping skills seeking a challenge. Crew size: 6 to 8.

Bahamas - Your adventure will take place on a 70' schooner on Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Island, Bahamas. Your adventure will include sailing, snorkeling, and fishing. This unique adventure is limited to those crews whose adult leadership have previous SeaBase experience. Crew size: 15 to 18.

Coral Reef Sailing - A 50' sailing yacht will be your home. You will prepare your own meals in the galley, sleep on the deck or in bunks below, you will learn to navigate and sail, snorkel and fish. This is a real sailing adventure. Crew size: 6 maximum.

Mariner Sailing - Each crew is assigned two 25' sailboats and all the gear needed for an extended voyage around the Florida Keys sailing, snorkeling, fishing and living on and under the water. The leaders and crew should have previous experience with a vessel of this size or larger. This is an exciting and sometimes strenuous adventure. Crew size: 7 to 9.

Sea Exploring - Set sail on an 83' gaff rigged topsail schooner for the Dry Tortugas 60 miles west of Key West. The captain and crew will assist you in learning to about life aboard a sailing ship, snorkeling, and fishing. You will visit and tour Fort Jefferson and historic Key West. Crew size: 20 to 22.

SCUBA Certification - receive training and an opportunity to earn SCUBA certification. Training will take place in dive tanks at the SeaBase as well as open water dives on near by coral reefs. Crew members must be at least 14 and meet stringent health requirements. Crew size: 6 to 8.

SCUBA Adventure - Certified divers can experience up to nine dives (weather permitting) including a night dive and a deep dive. Crew members must be at least 14, meet stringent health requirements, and be certified divers. Crew size: 6 t0 8.

Who May Participate Participants must be registered Scouts or Explorers. Participants must be 13 years old by the date of attendance; SCUBA participants must be 14 years old by the date of attendance. Adult advisors must be at least 18 years old. Each crew must have at least one advisor that is at least 21 years old. All participants must be able to pass the official BSA swim test and stay afloat for one minute.

Crews In early April the contingent will be formed into crews of between 7 and 20 members (scouts and advisors). Crew sizes are limited by the adventure chosen. Each crew has at least 2, but no more than 4 adult advisors. Crews are formed based on unit membership, geographic proximity, and preferred adventure. When registering for the trek, please indicate your adventure preferences in order.

In June, an informational meeting for crew participants and parents will be held to provide detailed information and answer questions about equipment, physical fitness, logistics and other details of the trek. Training for crew leaders and advisors on topics specific to SeaBase expeditions will be held in the fall. Additional materials to support planning and training will be provided to each crew throughout the year.

Transportation The contingent will travel via commercial airline to and from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Charter bus service will be used between the airport and SeaBase.

Fitness As in any high adventure, physical fitness will make or break your adventure at SeaBase. All participants must be swimmers in good physical condition.

Cost The cost of the SeaBase Trek vary from crew to crew depending upon the adventure selected. The estimated cost $750 and includes SeaBase fees, airfare, bus charter, and meals in route. Note that participant fees are not refundable, but are fully transferable to an alternate participant. Equipment costs are minimal. Crew members should have some spending money with them during their adventure. Participants may want spending money while traveling and to purchase souvenirs.

Ready to sign up? Or checkout the Florida SeaBase website?

For more information, contact the Expeditions Director.