College, advanced high school groups, and adult groups can request specialized cruises that use equipment not normally used on basic cruises. Special requests need to be made no later than two weeks prior to the date that the cruise is scheduled. Use of the following equipment is subject to its availability and the scheduling of the appropriate staff.

Hydrolab

GVSU classes sometimes have access to Hydrolab equipment. Hydrolab water quality instruments are known for their reliability in the field. Water quality data is taken with a multi-parameter probe for field surveying, and there are long term data-logging units. Hydrolabs are equipped with sensors for measuring temperature, conductivity, pH and dissolved oxygen, with options for turbidity, redox, and depth.