Location
Multiple Locations +2
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Antigua and Barbuda
Length
2 - 4 weeks

Program Details

Activities
Sailing Scuba Diving Sightseeing
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Boat
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
17
Age Max
24

Pricing

Starting Price
6970
Price Details
3 academic credits from the University of South Florida

International Yachtmaster Training (IYT): International Crew Certificate

PADI Open Water or PADI Advanced Open Water certification
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Equipment Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare
Sep 22, 2022
Aug 25, 2022
23 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Shift your summer into overdrive with this Sea|mester journey of a lifetime. Your adventure begins in the British Virgin Islands where you'll discover why the Caribbean is a diver's and sailor's paradise. Dip beneath her aquamarine waters and meet marine life of every shape and shade.

Explore above her surface and find lush islands, ancient volcanoes, and white sand beaches. Sail on her legendary blue-green waves and take in jade mountains against iridescent sunrises and sunsets. Each of the 25 islands within the Leeward Islands offers a distinct cultural and geographic backdrop, so you'll sail throughout the island chain--visiting Saba, St. Eustatius, Nevis, Antigua, St. Barts, and the British Virgin Islands. Along the way, you'll earn 3 credit hours in basic seamanship.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Become A Certified Scuba Diver
  • Earn Sailing Certifications
  • Explore The Caribbean
  • Earn 3 College Credits

Scholarships

Seamester Scholarships

Seamester Scholarships & Financial Aid

Seamester offers a number of Financial Aid and Scholarship options available for those looking toward funding to make their experience possible.

Value
$500 - $10,000

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 22 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.35
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.7
  • Housing 4.8
  • Safety 4.9
  • Housing 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 9 - 16 of 22 reviews
Default avatar
Katie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience of my life

This trip completely changed my life. I was So nervous going into it but within the first 2 days I knew I had Already made lifelong friends. the staff did a great job of making me feel comfortable onboard, helping us constantly, and even making us feel like friends and comrades rather than just being our instructors. Living on board was also an experience in itself. Overnight sails were my absolute favorite, getting to see the sunset and seeing all the stars was amazing. Between going on dives, going ashore for hikes or even horseback riding, it was an amazing experience. If you get the opportunity to go, do it. You will not regret it. I made memories and friends I will have for the rest of my life. I am So thankful I got The opportunity to go on an expedition with SeaMester

98 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Trip That Changed My Life

Water has been one of my favorite things ever since I was little. At one my parents went on a sailing vacation and I have never been away from water since then. This trip deepened my love for not only the water but nature as a whole. Being able to live on a boat in which I received an exemplary education on and about sailing that was entirely a hands on experience altered my life. Furthermore, literally deepening my understanding of the water through the scuba diving experience gave me a new insight on the water as well as a new activity to take part in. Lastly, this whole experience exposed me to how important our nature is and how important it is to protect both land and sea. I loved my life aboard, and love life now more because of it. From this point on I wish to pursue sailing and traveling more so than ever. If you have the opportunity TAKE it. If you are looking to become a better person and learn through hands on experience then this is for you. I wish I could live the SeaMester life forever, but since I cannot... I hope you live your best adventure for me.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you get the chance, congratulations... you are a lucky one. Take every single moment in and treasure it forever because once it is over you will be so happy that you did. Learn not only from the books, but more so from the activities that you are able to do and the people you spend time with. The relationships that you create may carry one for a long time. 4 months removed and I am still in contact with 90% of my crew. It is and so much more than words will ever describe.
96 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Seamester is absolutely phenomenal!

Going into this program, I had very little idea of what to expect.
Although I had been on boats before, I had never been sailing, traveled out of the country by myself, and had never scuba dived. All these and more were just the beginnings of my firsts aboard the Ocean Star, and were completed within the first few days of the program.
Along with the unforgettable experiences of learning how to sail, dive, and experience living on a boat, I met some of the most amazing and inspiring young adults (and instructors) that continue to be a close and amazing resource for me today. I would recommend this program to anyone with an adventurous spirit and sense of adventure (and I have)
This program was absolutely amazing, and I could not have asked for a better way to meet new people, travel the world, and learn so much about myself and sailing.

98 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alisia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Voyage to Remember

This trip truly changed me for the better. It sparked a love of travel and exploration that was so beneficial for me, I can barely put it into words. It helped me grow as a person on so many levels. I learned valuable skills and life lessons that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Given the opportunity, I would go back in a quick heart beat. There's nothing like living and working on a boat like Ocean Star. In fact, she was more than just a boat. Ocean Star was home to everyone aboard and we quickly became our own little family unit out there on the water. It's an adventure worth taking because it truly is unlike anything I've ever experienced before, and I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to experience it all. I loved it.

90 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The trip of a lifetime

This was the absolute trip of a lifetime and if you get the opportunity to go I highly recommend it. It will challenge you in ways you would never expect but also help you grow as an individual. Everyday you engage in new things that you would never expect and you visit amazing places that you will probably never see again unless you travel in the Caribbean a lot. Each moment spent on the vessel, on land, in the water, etc is very valuable. The friends you will make on your magical journey become family forever. I definitely would go on another semester trip in a heartbeat if the opportunity arises again. From anchor watches to watch teams to trying to scuba dive it is all amazing. Push yourself to the best that you can be and you will go far.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
if I had to change one thing it would engaging more with my shipmates.
54 people found this review helpful.
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable

This experience was truly unique and a once in a lifetime adventure. For future participants: do everything. Jump off the bow. Get creative in the galley, look forward to anchor watch. Eat something you've never had before. Climb a mango tree. This program reaffirmed my love for the ocean and passion for marine conservation. All the interactions with the locals made me see how much I love new experiences, interacting and meeting new people, learning about new cultures. A useful tip: bring as little as possible and keep yourself open to new experiences.

What would you improve about this program?
Keep doing what you're doing!
27 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime

Earlier this summer I went on a 20 day sailing trip from the BVI's down to Antigua, island hopping the whole way. It was such an amazing experience. I made great friends, saw incredible sights, learned how to sail a boat (not something I saw myself doing), and scuba diving. There was a really nice balance between work time and free time. Everyone on the boat was super nice and accommodating. If you are looking for a once in a lifetime way to spend your summer, go with Sea Mester.

28 people found this review helpful.
Anna Lane
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Seamester 20-Day Caribbean Venture

Being a part of the Seamester crew this summer provided me with one of the best experiences I've ever had. Not only did I learn practical sailing and diving skills, but also what it means to be a part of a crew with all different backgrounds and interests. Seamester challenged me to be a better person, as well as taught me how to live in simplicity amongst the most gorgeous sights I've ever seen. There's something different about visiting different countries from the ocean, and Seamester's delivery of this was superb. I made some of my best friends while on my trip, and I am forever thankful for the way they both challenged me and encouraged me. I'd pay triple to do it all over again.

What would you improve about this program?
Make the trip never end!
24 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers