Field Interns for 2026 Summer Bahamas Ecotourism Trips – 5 Full Scholarships Available
Location: Bahamas (vessel departs from Riviera Beach, FL)
Organization: Wild Dolphin Project
Contract Type: Internship (9-day field trip at sea, May-July 2026)
Main Description:
Join our team at the Wild Dolphin Project for a rare and immersive 9-day field trip at sea, studying wild Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas alongside experienced researchers. This internship provides hands-on training in marine field methods while living and working aboard a research vessel.
Thanks to the new "Stubby Memorial Scholarship Fund", five undergraduate/recent graduate interns will be selected to participate at no cost. Additional internship positions are available for students who wish to join with their own funding or external support.
Field Interns will participate directly in the daily operations of a marine mammal research project. Training and responsibilities include:
- Wild dolphin observation & documentation
- Photo-ID photography using DSLRs and underwater camera systems
- Equipment prep, cleaning, and organization
- Data logging & research note-taking
- Individual presentations at sea
Accepted applicants will be invited to one of our 9-day trips. Trip dates are between May and July. Exceptional applicants may be invited to participate in two back-to-back trips. However, housing will not be provided for the 5-day interim and will be the responsibility of the intern.
Requirements:
Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate majoring in Marine Biology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, or a related field OR be a recent graduate
- Hold a valid passport (international students accepted)
- Demonstrate interest in marine science or conservation
- Be comfortable swimming and snorkeling
- Be able to live and work cooperatively in close quarters on a research vessel
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit:
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript
- Letter of recommendation (academic or professional)
- A short essay (pdf format, Times New Roman size 12 font, double spaced) – In ~500 words, explain why you are interested in participating in our summer Field Internship and how this opportunity supports your academic, personal, or career goals in marine science or conservation. Discuss your experience, including but not limited to swimming, research, and field work. Please be specific and reflective in your answer, drawing from your experiences, values, and aspirations.
Scholarship finalists may be invited for a brief virtual interview.
Benefits/Conditions:
Scholarship Information:
Five interns will receive full funding, including:
- All program and expedition fees
- Field training, onboard accommodations, meals
- Research equipment use
Travel costs to and from the vessel in Riviera Beach, FL will not be covered and are the responsibility of the intern.
Applicants not selected for the scholarship may still participate if they can self-fund or obtain independent support.
How to Apply:
Submit your application materials to Alexandra Rose, Research Assistant, at alexandra@wilddolphinproject.org
For any questions, visit www.wilddolphinproject.org, email, or call 561-746-9193.
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Acceptance Notification: February 13, 2026
