Gulf to Atlantic Expedition

Galveston to Bar Harbor

Two places. One expedition.‍ ‍Endless discovery.

An 8-Day Coastal Science Adventure | Summer 2028

Discover two incredible coastlines in one unforgettable expedition! The Gulf to Atlantic Expedition is a unique travel experience designed for middle and high school students who love science, nature, and adventure.

The journey begins with Coastal Adventures science camp in Galveston, Texas, where campers spend four days exploring marshes, beaches, and bays through hands-on marine science investigations. Students will seine for coastal fish, collect and identify marine invertebrates, feed stingrays, dissect a shark and develop the field research skills they'll use throughout the expedition.

Then, the adventure continues as the group travels to the rugged coast of Acadia National Park, where students will compare the warm waters of the Gulf Coast with the rocky shores of the North Atlantic. Highlights include watching the sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, kayaking along Maine's breathtaking coastline, searching tide pools for fascinating marine life and joining a whale watch excursion from Bar Harbor, all while exploring one of America’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.

Throughout the expedition, students will investigate how geography, climate, tides, and ecosystems shape life along two very different coasts. Working as young field scientists, they'll collect observations, keep field journals, compare habitats, and identify local wildlife in each location.

More than just a trip, the Gulf to Atlantic Expedition is an opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and experience science in ways that simply can't be taught in a classroom.


Join Changing Elevations and experience two coasts in one unforgettable journey.

Coming Summer 2028

Are you interested in this expedition? Fill out this form to get updates as more information becomes available.

Expedition Itinerary

Galveston Itinerary:

(see Coastal Adventures for detailed information)

Day 1: We will start the day by using seine nets and dip nets to collect organisms in the wetland. We will then head to Sylvan Beach Park to collect nurdles to understand how plastics affect our marine ecosystem.

Day 2: We will spend the day learning the similarities and differences between sharks and stingrays. We will spend the morning dissecting a shark and after lunch we will observe and feed stingrays.

Day 3: We will travel to Galveston Island State Park for a day of aquatic exploration. We will use seine nets, dip nets, and beach tools to collect different intertidal organisms.

Day 4: We will travel to Moody Gardens to observe animals in the aquarium and rainforest.

Bar Harbor Itinerary

Day 5: We will take an early flight from Houston to Bangor, Maine. After a quick stop for a snack along the way, we will arrive in Bar Harbor in time to head to an ancient glacial moraine to look for tidepool creatures that can survive in the harsh conditions of the intertidal zone. After dinner, we will spend some time exploring downtown Bar Harbor.

Day 6: We will head to the “Quietside” of Mount Desert island to spend the morning kayaking along the breathtaking coastline looking for porpoises and harbor seals. In the afternoon, we will hike to the top of Acadia Mountain to look for bald eagles and peregrine falcons, and those willing to brave the cold water can swim in crystal clear Echo Lake. We will end the day with a sunset overlooking the famous Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which is a working Coast Guard-maintained light station.

Day 7: We will search for humpback, minke and finback whales on a whale watch excursion out of Bar Harbor. If we are lucky, we may even get to see puffins which nest on the nearby island of Petit Manan. After our whale watch, we will head into Acadia National Park for some exploration.

Day 8: Be ready to get up early, because we are going to be the first people in the US to see the sun atop Cadillac Mountain at sunrise. (Sunrise is at 4:50am)! We will take one last look at some of our favorite sights in Acadia National Park before heading back to the airport to fly home.

*Itinerary subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Expedition Information

What makes the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition different from other student travel opportunities?

This is more than a trip. Students participate in an immersive, hands-on scientific expedition that compares two of America's most unique coastal ecosystems—the Texas Gulf Coast and the rocky shoreline of Maine. In this 8-day comparative adventure, students will see first-hand the extreme differences between the two coasts, such as the 12-foot tide in Maine versus the relatively small tidal change in Galveston. They will also discover similarities that will help build their understanding of our planet and how all ecosystems throughout Earth are interconnected and dependent upon each other.

Is there an age limit for the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition?

Students must have completed 7th grade by the start of the expedition. Students must have been in middle or high school during the previous school year. College students are not eligible. *Exceptions can be made for sibling chaperones accompanying an eligible student.

What's included in the price of the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition?

Registration includes:

  • 4-day Coastal Adventures science camp in Galveston

  • Round-trip airfare between Houston and Bangor

  • Hotel accommodations for 3 nights in Maine

  • Bus transportation in both Texas and Maine

  • Admission to scheduled activities in both Texas and Maine

    • Kemah Aquarium

    • Moody Gardens

    • Whale watch

    • Kayak trip

    • Acadia National Park

  • Travel insurance

  • Educational materials and field journal

  • 12 meals during the Maine expedition *Meals not provided during Coastal Adventures science camp.

  • Instruction and supervision by two science teachers during the expedition

Where will students stay during the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition?

Students will stay in comfortable, reputable hotels while in Maine. Accommodations are not provided during the Coastal Adventures science camp in Galveston.

Can students who are not local to Galveston participate in the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition?

Students who are not local to Galveston can still participate in the expedition. Coastal Adventures science camp takes place from 9am-3pm for the first week of the expedition. Parents are responsible for accommodations during the Galveston portion of the expedition and transporting the student to and from the meeting point each day.

Can parents join the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition?

Parents are welcome to join an expedition. The price for a double room for adults will cost more than the cost of a quad room for students, so parents will pay a little more.

How will students, parents and leaders communicate during the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition?

Prior to the beginning of the expedition, a SportsYou code will be provided for parents and students to join. It is required that all students and at least one parent join the SportsYou. Since schedules can change quickly due to weather conditions, immediate communication is vital. SportsYou allows teachers to send messages directly to parents and students. Parents and students can also message teachers with questions. Each evening, teachers will send out a message with all the information for the next day, including schedules, what to bring, etc. Pictures will also be provided through SportsYou throughout the expedition.

Are there physical requirement for students?

The majority of expedition takes place outdoors. Weather conditions vary greatly between locations, and students need to be prepared for extreme heat and cold. The Galveston portion of the expedition will take place in the heat with little or no access to air conditioning, while the Bar Harbor portion could involve cold temperatures, rain, fog and cold water. Students will spend the days exploring the outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Students must be able to withstand heat, cold, rain, humidity and bugs and be able to walk up to 3 miles per day. Students must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water.

How will students stay safe during the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition?

The safety and well-being of every camper is our highest priority.

Our program includes:

  • Experienced adult leaders who supervise students throughout the expedition.

  • Daily safety briefings before all activities.

  • Professionally guided excursions, including kayaking and whale watching.

  • Comprehensive emergency procedures and communication plans.

  • Required medical and emergency contact information for every participant.

  • Travel insurance included with registration.

What if my student gets sick or injured during the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition?

If a student gets sick or injured during the expedition, medical care will be provided by local providers. Since there are two teachers on the trip, one teacher will always be available to care for student needs. Please note that teachers will not provide medication to any student (including OTC pain relievers or sea sickness preventatives) without written parent consent.

What is the behavior policy for the Galveston to Bar Harbor: Gulf to Atlantic Expedition?

Students are expected to follow all behavior and conduct expectations set by the leaders. If a student does not follow the behavior and conduct expectations, especially in instances that endanger the student, the group, the leaders or the general public, the student could be sent home at the parents’ expense.

What is the cancellation policy?

We understand that unexpected situations can arise, and we strive to be as fair as possible while recognizing that significant travel expenses are incurred well before an expedition begins. Because Changing Elevations must reserve flights, lodging, transportation, and activities in advance, the following cancellation policy applies to all expeditions.

  • Registration Deposit

    A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a student's place on an expedition. This deposit secures your student's spot and helps cover initial planning and reservation costs.

  • Participant Cancellations

    • More than 120 days before departure: Any payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit will be refunded.

    • 90–119 days before departure: Refund of 75% of the remaining trip balance (excluding the non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable expenses already incurred on your behalf).

    • 60–89 days before departure: Refund of 50% of the remaining trip balance (excluding the non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable expenses).

    • 30–59 days before departure: Refund of 25% of the remaining trip balance (excluding the non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable expenses).

    • Less than 30 days before departure: No refund will be issued.

  • Non-Refundable Expenses

    Some trip expenses, including airline tickets, hotel reservations, activity reservations, and other prepaid services, may become non-refundable before the expedition begins. Any non-refundable expenses already paid by Changing Elevations on behalf of a participant will be deducted from any eligible refund.

  • Travel Insurance

    Comprehensive travel insurance is included with each expedition. Depending on the reason for cancellation and the terms of the insurance policy, families may be eligible to recover certain non-refundable expenses through the travel insurance provider. Changing Elevations cannot guarantee reimbursement through the insurance policy and encourages families to review the policy details carefully.

  • If Changing Elevations Cancels an Expedition

    If an expedition is canceled by Changing Elevations due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances before departure, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made to Changing Elevations, including the registration deposit, unless the family chooses to transfer their payment to another program.

  • Changes to the Itinerary

    Outdoor expeditions are subject to weather, park conditions, transportation schedules, and other circumstances beyond our control. Changing Elevations reserves the right to modify activities, accommodations, transportation, or the itinerary when necessary to protect the safety of participants or ensure the success of the expedition. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund.

  • Early Departure

    No refunds will be provided for participants who voluntarily leave an expedition after it has begun, are sent home due to illness, injury, or violations of the Student Code of Conduct, or miss portions of the program because of personal scheduling conflicts.

    If you have questions about this policy, please contact us before registering. We are committed to providing clear communication and helping families understand the financial commitments involved in educational travel.

Is there a payment plan?

Payments can be made over time.


My student wants to participate. What do we do to register?

Registration will open March 15, 2027. Please fill out the Expedition Interest Survey above to receive updates and reminders. Once registered, families will receive a comprehensive Parent Handbook that includes:

  • Detailed itinerary

  • Packing list

  • Required forms

  • Medical information

  • Flight details

  • Emergency contact procedures

  • Trip expectations

  • Student Code of Conduct

*A mandatory parent and student orientation meeting will be held before the expedition to answer questions, review travel procedures, and help students prepare for an incredible adventure.

Our Mission

We believe that the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom. By combining science, travel, and adventure, students gain a deeper understanding of the natural world while building independence, resilience, leadership, and lifelong friendships.

We can't wait to welcome your family on this unforgettable journey with Changing Elevations!