Seamester: Antigua to Grenada - 80 Days

Sailing around the Caribbean Sea while getting to see some of the most amazing islands it had to offer was truly wonderful. The adventures we went on made me grow stronger, find out more about myself, and be proud of who I am more than I could ever imagine. It also gave me a new family that is there for me when I need help no matter what, even through difficult situations, as well as memories and new skills that I will cherish and take forward as I go on with my life. I couldn't have been happier than to have spent those months on Ocean Star, my home in the sea, with the people I most love and am most thankful for.

Seamester offered me a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. I am from Maine but have always had a fascination with warm tropical waters, coral reefs, and ocean exploration. As a student, I had the unique chance to study, sail, and live on a beautiful sailboat (Vela) in the most gorgeous places in the Caribbean. This trip took me to some of the most amazing places-- Island volcanos, rainforests, secluded black sand beaches, pristine coral reefs, uninhabited islands, and lush mountain peaks.

Although I went into the program not knowing a single thing about sailing, I left with three sailing certifications and a passion for ocean travel. The staff was exemplary and, by the end of the trip they felt like family. They seamlessly guided the students through seamanship education and combined marine studies with hands on experience through diving or snorkeling. One of the most important parts of this experience for me was building lifelong friendships with my other crew mates. Seamester has a strong community atmosphere were everyone shares in cooking, cleaning, adventure, and learning.
Overall, I learned so much about myself, the ocean, and how I want to live my life. I am so happy I got a chance to be a part of something so spectacular. I recommend this program to anyone looking to make new friends, travel to stunning new places, and embark on a once in a lifetime experience.

Sea|mester is a great way to get out of your comfort zone, earn college credits, and learn about sailing all at once.
Amanda was a great program manager, organizing activities and keeping the students informed in addition to instructing Intro to Oceanography. Alex taught Intro to Marine Bio very well, explaining the topics to students who knew nothing about marine organisms. Lauren was very informative on deck, and when it came to seamanship class. She was very patient and taught Nav. Master skills in a unique way that worked well for everyone. Captain Steve was also informative on deck, answering all questions that came his way. His instruction in Leadership was beneficial to the students since it was taught in an "open atmosphere."
The most valuable aspect of Sea|mester is the sense of community. Everyone aboard is one team, that comes together to accomplish goals. The goals could range from cooking a meal for 20 people, to a three day sailing voyage. Whatever the challenge, you learn to work with others to accomplish it.

I grew up in Colorado... but have always had a passion for the ocean and sailing. So when I found Sea|Mester and learned that I could combine my passions plus leave the cold I was so excited. I attended Sea|Mester as a senior in high school, which is pretty young for there programs. They worked with me with how I was going to attend the program and graduate high school. which was super accommodating. It was also the first experience I had taking college-level classes. the staff where all super supportive and helpful with helping me get up to college-level academics; from how to study properly to writing research papers at the college level. Outside of the classroom, no day was the same the experiences I had I would not trade for anything.

Of all the things I've done in my life, my time aboard Ocean Star has been by far the most memorable, impactful, and meaningful experience I've ever had. The first time I stepped on the boat I knew absolutely nothing about sailing but by the end of my trip I was a confident shipmate, responsible diver, and totally in love with my life aboard.
The trip itself brought me to incredible islands where I had one-of-a-kind experiences facilitated by Sea|mester's long relationship with the Caribbean. Every island you visit brings a new adventure that's off the beaten path but incredible - you'll do things you never even dreamed of - hiking to a boiling lake, spear-gun hunting invasive lion fish, exploring historic naval fort ruins.
Living onboard was unforgettable. I'd never sailed before but within the first few weeks I felt like a confident, knowledgable sailor and my crew quickly became a cohesive, hardworking team. My peers were all unique and interesting and cut from the same adventure-seeking cloth as me. The staff were amazing - each one became a true mentor and I will cherish the journey for the rest of my life.
Nothing I've done in my life has changed me more positively than my time spent on Sea|mester. There's not a day that goes by that I do not miss the boat and I often find myself flipping back through photos and smiling to myself. You will learn, you will laugh, and you will love this trip.

I had high expectations coming into this program and all were greatly exceeded. It's nearly impossible to find the words to describe just how amazing this experience was. Every moment brought its own adventure. Whether it was learning to dive, slipping and sliding our way through hikes, competing in an international regatta, or spending a day as head chef, each experience was unique and irreplaceable. Aboard S/Y Ocean Star, I met amazing people (including my best friend), discovered confidence in myself I never knew I had, found a sense of direction and somehow fell deeper in love with the ocean and sailing. The staff and classes were amazing, making the experience even better. Coming in as a biology student, I had never been able to be as fully immersed in my studies as I was aboard Ocean Star. Studying abroad with Sea|mester was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

The 80 days I spent aboard Ocean Star have been some of the most incredible days of my life. Every day is packed full of so many amazing experiences you wonder how the next day could possibly compare to the last. And yet each time it’s just as awesome, if not more so. The people on this adventure with you will start off as strangers, but by the end of the trip they will know you better than some of your friends back home and they’ll feel like a second family. Because you’re reading these reviews, I’m guessing there’s a part of you that already wants to sign up. Stop thinking about it and do it. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, you’ll most likely remember it as one of the best decisions you made.

I can easily say that Sea|mester has been the best experience of my life. I was hesitant about the program at first and was not sure what to expect, but if you are considering going on a trip then stop thinking about it and just do it. Throughout the 80 days that I spent on s/y Ocean Star I have seen some of the most incredible sights met some amazing people and made life long friends. It's an feeling that can only be experienced first hand, I feel that this trip has helped me learn and grow as a person. I wouldn't have traded this experience for anything.