Facilities & Accomodations
The main complex of the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences is made up of the Education Center, the dry laboratory, the Roatan Museum. A second, and newly constructed multi-level building, consists of three large dormitory-style rooms on the upper level, a wet laboratory, and a dive gear storage room on the lower level.
Dry Laboratory
The dry laboratory is adjacent to the RIMS classroom and is equipped with ample counter space and running water. A reference library contains field guides, marine-related books, reprints and a collection of slides that are available for use by your class. We also have several specimen collections including sponges, corals, algae, seashells, and insects found on Roatán.
Wet Laboratory
The wet lab is located on the lower level of the newly constructed RIMS Student Housing building. It is equipped with a 20-ft flow-through seawater table for marine investigations. Small aquaria are on hand to isolate marine organisms. The lab is also equipped with ample counter space and running water. A separate storage room for research and scuba gear is located in this complex.
Accommodations
RIMS Student Housing is available for university and high school student groups participating in structured academic and research programs. Special package rates for students participating in a structured program and escorted by a professor. The new student housing facilities are also available for participants in our Internship programs. Additional hillside and key standard bungalows are also available for student groups. Please inquire about space and availability when booking. Rates will vary depending on rooms.
Boats & Dive Support
Boat and dive support for the student groups is provided by Anthony's Key Resort (AKR). This resort is a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center and has been a pioneer in the diving industry since 1968. It is ranked as one of the top dive resorts in the world. Student groups will appreciate the comfort and convenience of working on our 42′ or 48' Custom Dive Boats. Our boats are fast, sea-worthy, and versatile. They can tackle rough seas and at the same time reach remote shallow reefs.
Roatan Museum
The Roatán Museum was established in 1992 and is housed in the same complex as the Education Center. It possesses one of the best collections of pre-Columbian artifacts in Central America. This museum chronicles the cultural and archeological history of the Bay Islands through text, maps, artwork, and artifacts including clay pottery, copper beads, and jade ornaments of the Payan Indians.