A Trip to Paradise: Marine Biology Week in Croatia

From October 20th to 25th, 2024, all the 7th graders – except the French group – embarked on a week packed with nature, laughter, and fun. Particularly, the richness of marine life will remain a valuable memory forever.

Despite the early start, with students required to be at school by 4:30 a.m., no one let the early hour dampen their excitement. The bus journey was filled with card games, music, and bonding moments. Around noon, we stopped to explore the Postojna Caves in Slovenia, brimming with mesmerizing stalagmites and stalactites. After this incredible experience, our journey continued for another five hours. It was magical to watch the scenery change from cold, grassy landscapes to a Mediterranean wonderland, complete with breathtaking ocean views and small trees dotting the horizon. We arrived at the hotel just an hour after collecting our snorkelling gear and getting familiar with the area.

The following days were spent snorkelling around nearby islands. From sea urchins to starfish, octopuses to schools of fish – we were lucky enough to witness it all. Seeing these aquatic wonders up close was truly inspiring. On the first day, we even swam to a cave that looked like the iconic Moon Pool from the famous Australian series H2O: Just Add Water! On the second day, many students took the chance to go diving, coming face-to-face with nature at its finest: sea sponges, vibrant coral, and even coral that would close when approached too closely.

In addition to snorkelling, all the 7th graders participated in workshops about marine life, where we learned about the threats facing our oceans. Overfishing and pesticides are causing algae – a critical absorber of approximately 70% of the CO2 humans emit – to die off, posing a major environmental challenge. Knowing this made us appreciate our snorkelling days even more. As the trip came to an end, the long bus ride back to Austria gave us time to think: Who knows how many more people would have the chance to witness such stunning marine life before it disappears?

All in all, it was an enriching experience where we learnt a lot but also strengthened and forged new friendships. A heartfelt thank-you goes to Ms. Gauch, Ms. Mathe, Mr. Greenway, and Ms. Brown for organizing and accompanying us. They made the trip even more enjoyable! Additional thanks to the Lisa Support Association for helping finance this unforgettable adventure!