Newswise — FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – So you've watched The Discovery Channel and thought to yourself: "What those researchers are doing looks really cool, I'd love to do that, too."

Well, here's your chance.

Nova Southeastern University and NSU's Guy Harvey Research Institute are working together with the Westin Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale to provide a once-in-a-lifetime vacation opportunity.

Thanks to a special vacation package, visitors will receive an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of NSU's Oceanographic Center and NSU's Guy Harvey Research Institute to learn more about shark conservation and the outstanding work being done by NSU faculty and researchers.

"This is a great opportunity for visitors to our area to see the outstanding work being done at NSU's Oceanographic Center," said Richard Dodge, Ph.D., the center's dean. "Preservation and conservation go hand-in-hand with education, and this program will provide the opportunity to learn about these majestic animals."

This new program takes vacationing at the beach to a whole new level. Participants will learn more about NSU's shark-tagging research and then get to hit the water to help researchers. While on board, participants will help put fishing equipment together, they will bait the hooks used to catch the sharks and will place the gear in the water.

Once a shark is caught and brought safely on the boat by the NSU research team, guests will be able help measure and tag the animal, collect samples of tissue and take photos before the shark is released back into the ocean. Some of the possible sharks that may be tagged include nurse, blacktip, spinner, sandbar, blacknose, lemon, Atlantic sharp nose, tiger, bull, mako and great hammerhead.

The new, two-night shark tagging experience will be offered during select weekends throughout the summer starting July 25-27, 2014. For more information on pricing and package details, those interested should call 954-467-1111 or visit Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach