The Barco Escuela Initiative: A Floating Classroom for the Future

At MARES, we believe the best way to inspire a new generation of ocean stewards is to bring them directly into contact with the sea. That’s why we are launching the Barco Escuela Project, a scientific research and educational vessel that will serve as a floating classroom and laboratory for students, universities, and researchers.

Barco Escuela - 2005

Why a Barco Escuela?

The ocean sustains life on Earth, yet its ecosystems face unprecedented threats from pollution, overexploitation, and climate change. Many students only encounter the ocean through textbooks, but imagine the impact of learning marine science on board a dedicated research vessel, surrounded by the very ecosystems they are studying.

The Barco Escuela will:

• Provide hands-on training for students of all ages in marine biology, ecology, and oceanography.

• Offer universities a unique platform to book expeditions, courses, and research projects.

• Support investigations into the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems.

• Strengthen community awareness by making ocean education accessible and engaging.

Where We Are Now

To make this vision a reality, we need to acquire and equip the vessels that will host these programs. This is a crucial step in launching the initiative. With the right support, the Barco Escuela will soon be a working classroom at sea.

An Investment in Education & Conservation

We are inviting investors, donors, and partners to help us purchase the vessels and bring them to life with modern research and safety equipment. Your contributions will go directly toward:

• Acquiring and preparing the vessels for student and research use.

• Outfitting them with laboratories, classrooms, and essential technology.

• Developing educational programs and partnerships with schools and universities.

• Training instructors, researchers, and volunteers to lead expeditions.

Join Us on This Journey

By supporting the Barco Escuela, you are helping to create an unparalleled opportunity for learning, research, and conservation. Together, we can inspire the next generation of scientists and ocean advocates while advancing research that protects marine ecosystems for the future.

Be part of the movement. Help us acquire the vessels and launch this one-of-a-kind initiative.

📩 Contact us to learn how you or your institution can invest in the Barco Escuela Project and be recognized as a founding supporter.