Over the course of five crisp November days, Sanibel Sea School welcomed 183 third graders from Gulf Elementary for unforgettable field trips to the beach.

Located in Cape Coral, Gulf Elementary has been visiting Sx3 since 2019, and every year brings new excitement, new wonder, and new ocean adventures.

“Students dove into discovery on our Sanibel Sea School trip!” said Gulf Elementary teacher Carla Bertuzzi. “They became true explorers — riding waves, studying squids up close, and netting seahorses, crabs, fish, and shrimp.”

Students rotated through three immersive stations, each designed to spark curiosity and a connection to the ocean. At the netting station, young scientists waded into the water to catch small creatures for closer observation, learning about anatomy, adaptations, and behavior. The squid dissection provided a hands-on opportunity to explore biology up close — tools in hand, questions flowing, and discoveries made one tentacle at a time. And of course, surfing remains a crowd favorite, where students learn the physics of waves before attempting to stand on the boards while riding those waves.

This year, the first two field trip days greeted us with an unexpected November chill. But the drop in temperature didn’t dampen spirits — in fact, it seemed to heighten them. Students eagerly braved the cool water for surfing and netting, then wrapped themselves in warm towels, with smiles wide and cheeks pink. Sometimes it’s the moments that push us just a little outside our comfort zone that stay with us in the best ways.

“On the Nov. 12 field trip, nature delivered a show worthy of core memories. We found ourselves surrounded by dolphins feeding across the sandbar — darting, circling, and corralling fish in a feeding frenzy right before the students’ eyes. Terns and brown pelicans dove around us as baitfish shimmered and scattered,” shared Shannon Rivard, Sanibel Sea School Director.

“As if on cue, a flock of white pelicans glided overhead just as we were discussing the parts of a surfboard. I had the students turn around, and a collective ‘whoa!’ rose as they watched the massive birds drift silently above. We greeted them with a cheerful, ‘Hi pelicans, welcome back from the Pacific Northwest!’ The kids giggled, amazed to learn these are some of the largest birds in North America.”

These field trips remind us that the smallest moments can be the most meaningful. One student tiptoed across the shells, wincing with every step. Shannon asked if they had brought shoes, and they said yes — water shoes were waiting up by their water bottle — but they left them there on purpose.

“I haven’t been to the beach in a really long time…probably a couple of years,” the student said. “And I really wanted to feel the sand between my toes.” Shannon smiled and asked, “How’s it feel?” Their answer: “Amazing!!”

For many of these students, it was their first time visiting Sanibel Sea School. Gulf Elementary is close to an hour away from Sanibel Island, limiting access. For some, it was even their very first time seeing a dolphin in the wild.

“Sanibel Sea School showed students how alive and amazing our waters and sea life really are. It was a great day of hands-on learning they’ll never forget!” said Bertuzzi.

Watching them experience the ocean reminds us why hands-on education is so important and why we’re grateful to continue this partnership with Gulf Elementary year after year.

Learn more about group field trip opportunities by visiting sanibelseaschool.org/groupfieldtrips/. Part of the SCCF Family since 2020, Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time.