Activities

Giving Back

We learn so much from the islands as we share their beauty. The people who welcome us into their paradise also teach us a different way of life. To balance all we gain, we make it a practice to show our appreciation in ways that benefit the British Virgin Islanders. Each year, local youths join us for a day of sailing and cultural exchange. It's an opportunity to share some fun and really get to know one another!

While sailing and environmental community service projects are the main events on our Sierra Tropical Marine Science for Divers programs, there's more. As a reward for all your hard work, you'll spend a day at the Bitter End Yacht Club, a 5-star resort on Virgin Gorda, and enjoy all the watersport activities you want.

Watersports

Snorkeling
Watch from the surface as the undersea world shimmers with action. Stingrays, pufferfish, whooshing schools of silversides, and even the odd diving pelican make appearances.

Kayaking
Perfect for coastline exploration, or paddle over the waves in pursuit of a tarpon.

Windsurfing
Our instructors will have you carving gybes across the bay in no time, or at least sailing across the anchorage.

Waterskiing and more
Power up behind one of our ski boats on skis, wakeboard, kneeboard, or tube.

Small Boat Sailing
Less is more, so trade your 47' catamaran for a sailing dinghy and get even closer to the water. Try a Laser, Hobie Cat, Vanguard 15, Hunter 216, or J-24.

Marine Research Diving

You'll play an important role in preserving and sustaining the endangered ecosystems of the Caribbean. Put your academic learning and your scuba diving skills to use during environmental service projects with sea turtles and coral reefs. It's as exciting as it is rewarding. You'll also monitor the health of seagrass beds and collect valuable data that will help make a difference in the ecological well-being of our planet.  Whether diving or snorkeling, you'll still have time to enjoy spectacular coves and caves just for the fun of it!

Explore the Islands

Since Columbus, explorers have been amazed by the natural beauty and variety of the Caribbean islands - you will be too. At Sierra marine biology camps, you'll hike through a rainforest and scale the boulders at The Baths. You'll see why the islanders cherish this part of the world and meet its unique characters, born of a melting pot of cultures. You'll chat with friendly local people, and shop for local crafts and souvenirs.

Social Events

There's no shortage of opportunity to meet new people. You'll be living on a sailboat with 9-11 other high school students, who quickly become family. We often travel together with other Sail Caribbean boats, so when we go ashore you'll also meet other crews and staff to enhance the fun. During the day, you're all working together to improve the planet. As the sun goes down there could be a barbecue, we might hit a local restaurant for dinner, or dance at a beachside disco. To wrap it all up, your crew competes for honor and glory at the Sail Caribbean Olympics, a time-honored tradition that's a highlight of each voyage.