Costs
The cost of the program is $3495 per student. This includes all accommodations, food, sailing, PADI Open Water or Advanced SCUBA certification (includes confined water training, check out dives, and certification), transport to/from the airport in Tortola, instructional materials, and program related activities. This does not include airfare, optional dinners ashore, snorkeling equipment, BVI departure tax, PADI online course fee, or College of Charleston tuition fees (only applicable to college programs).

Terms and Conditions
A 50% deposit is required upon enrollment. Prior to 90 days from commencement date a cancellation fee of 20% of the enrollment fee is charged in the event of a refund, regardless. After 90 days no portion of the enrollment fee paid herein is refundable. In the event that MANTA has to cancel the cruise due to severe weather or warnings of severe weather, a credit for the enrollment fee will be issued that can be used toward the next cruise.

Schedule
High School: Tropical Marine Science and Nautical Field Studies - July 14 - 28, 2010
College: Field Studies in Coral Reef Biology – July 30 - August 13, 2010

Prerequisites
Students do not require any previous marine science, SCUBA diving, or sailing experience for participation in MANTA programs.

To complete the PADI Open Water Diver certification, students will be required to pass a swim test, and must be physically eligible. Physical eligibility is determined by a PADI questionnaire and (if necessary) a doctor’s examination.

A valid passport is required for entry to the British Virgin Islands.

High School students must be rising juniors, seniors, or recent graduates who have completed physical science and biology.

College students must have completed at least one year of biology or obtain permission of the instructor. They must register for the College of Charleston’s British Virgin Islands Study Abroad course. See the college flyer for more information - http://spinner.cofc.edu/international/downloads/10%20Summer%20programs/BVIs.10.pdf. Non-College of Charleston students are eligible as long as they are enrolled in an accredited university. See the following website for more College of Charleston registration details: http://summer.cofc.edu/apply/index.php.