Marine Biology
Sailing
Scuba
College
14
Catamaran
The clear blue waters, coral reef and rock formations of the British Virgin Islands make for an extraordinary habitat of sea creatures and plant life. This is our research laboratory! Our Ocean program offers learning in an interactive format and addresses critical issues facing the ocean today. With guidance from our marine science staff, the coursework is designed as a hands-on study of Caribbean aquatic ecology that will challenge our scientific research techniques and analysis. Observe how sponges filter feeding, measure and compare percent coral cover between multiple locations, and look at the relationship between land use and water quality around the islands. Scientific papers about Elkhorn coral research in the BVI are experienced first hand with a visit to the sites to observe the current state of the coral heads. For the final project, Ocean participants will complete a comprehensive coral survey at The Dogs.
You’ll learn to sail the 44’ catamaran on which you and your crewmates live, learn and conduct research. By the end of the course all of the responsibilities of running and sailing the vessel will be in your hands. Our staff will instruct and support you every step of the way! Get out of the classroom and into the ecosystem. Try scuba diving, get certified or do recreational diving and specialties if you’re already certified.
Ready for a little exploring with a friend? With all the beautiful anchorages and coves we visit there’s much to explore by paddle power.
Meet the creatures below the waves. Swim alongside a friendly sea turtle, join a school of Blue Tang fish, and explore the reefs!
Get your footing and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to maneuver with perfect balance. You’ll have terrific views above, as well as below the waves.
Our Number 1 watersports toy is nicknamed “Papa”. You’ll be hanging on so tight you won't even be able to give a thumbs-up.
Once you’re up it’s a thrill every single second, especially if you get airborne. No wonder this is a Sail Caribbean one-handed favorite!
Get up, get steady! Then you’ll be zipping back and forth across the wake for a ride you’ll remember.
After you’ve learned to read the wind, you’re sure to take full advantage of it on your rig. Time to hook in and hold on!
You’ll learn so much on your big yacht. Try applying your seamanship skills to smaller boats and feel how swiftly they respond.
Dance with Moko-Jumbie stilt walkers at our Fireball Party, win the famous Chili Cookoff, and compete for glory at the SC Olympics.
Team up for a spirited game of volleyball or a fast-paced soccer tournament, then cool off rehearsing a synchronized swim.
The islands we visit are mountainous. Reaching the best vantage points provides challenges, but the pay offs are breathtaking vistas!
Whether your interest is in cultural heritage, marine biology, or environmental conservation, you’ll have opportunities to roll up your sleeves and pitch in!
Topics include: behaviors and ecological functions of reef fish, coral reef conservation, coastal restorations, turtle tagging, species diversity, and diurnal and nocturnal marine ecosystems.
Hike through a rainforest, travel mountainous hillside roads, learn about the art of glassblowing, visit an organic farm, and discover different cultures.
If you've never set foot aboard a 50' sloop, it's OK with us – No Experience Necessary! You’ll learn by doing and we’ll be by your side all the way. If you’re already a sailor, build on your knowledge!
If you choose scuba, it doesn't matter if you're a seasoned diver or if you're taking your very first scuba lesson. You're in for the ultimate dive experience.
Ready for a little exploring with a friend? With all the beautiful anchorages and coves we visit there’s much to explore by paddle power.
Meet the creatures below the waves. Swim alongside a friendly sea turtle, join a school of Blue Tang fish, and explore the reefs!
Get your footing and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to maneuver with perfect balance. You’ll have terrific views above, as well as below the waves.
Our Number 1 watersports toy is nicknamed “Papa”. You’ll be hanging on so tight you won't even be able to give a thumbs-up.
Once you’re up it’s a thrill every single second, especially if you get airborne. No wonder this is a Sail Caribbean one-handed favorite!
Get up, get steady! Then you’ll be zipping back and forth across the wake for a ride you’ll remember.
After you’ve learned to read the wind, you’re sure to take full advantage of it on your rig. Time to hook in and hold on!
You’ll learn so much on your big yacht. Try applying your seamanship skills to smaller boats and feel how swiftly they respond.
Dance with Moko-Jumbie stilt walkers at our Fireball Party, win the famous Chili Cookoff, and compete for glory at the SC Olympics.
Team up for a spirited game of volleyball or a fast-paced soccer tournament, then cool off rehearsing a synchronized swim.
The islands we visit are mountainous. Reaching the best vantage points provides challenges, but the pay offs are breathtaking vistas!
Whether your interest is in cultural heritage, marine biology, or environmental conservation, you’ll have opportunities to roll up your sleeves and pitch in!
Topics include: behaviors and ecological functions of reef fish, coral reef conservation, coastal restorations, turtle tagging, species diversity, and diurnal and nocturnal marine ecosystems.
Hike through a rainforest, travel mountainous hillside roads, learn about the art of glassblowing, visit an organic farm, and discover different cultures.
If you've never set foot aboard a 50' sloop, it's OK with us – No Experience Necessary! You’ll learn by doing and we’ll be by your side all the way. If you’re already a sailor, build on your knowledge!
If you choose scuba, it doesn't matter if you're a seasoned diver or if you're taking your very first scuba lesson. You're in for the ultimate dive experience.
Sail Caribbean offers ten different adventure groups with 30 different sessions in the British Virgin and Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. You live aboard a modern 50′ monohull yacht or 45′ catamaran with other teens in your age group and learn to sail. No experience is necessary. Every adventure focuses on an activity, but each offers scuba, marine biology, community service, cultural exchange, watersports, friendships, personal growth and lifelong memories.
Want to compare adventures? Download our 2023 Schedule (PDF)!
Arrive on beautiful Tortola and get ready for the adventures to begin! Day one is about learning your way around your new home and meeting your crewmates, Captain, and Mate.
After completing your first sail, you will pick up a mooring ball at Cooper Island Beach Club. If you are signed up for the PADI Open Water course, you will begin your course in the calm shallows at Cooper. Collect temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen measurements as you get better acquainted with ocean chemistry and the physical components of the ocean.
As your first week comes to an end, you will finish your Open Water course and successfully set your first anchor at Dead Man’s Bay on Peter Island. You will begin to identify fish, like Queen Angelfish and Foureye Butterflyfish, by name. Observe cephalopods in the ocean and then learn about their anatomy by dissecting a squid. Your lesson on bioluminescence comes to light when you jump in for a splash with the dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans at Long Bay.
Submit the data you collect to Coral Watch after laying transects and collecting data on the extent of coral bleaching on The Dogs. After a sail to The Bight at Norman Island, you will snorkel the patch reefs at The Caves. You and your crewmates will randomize, extrapolate, and estimate the population of Stoplight Parrotfish at The Caves, and discuss the effect of population changes of these herbivores to the health of the reef ecosystem.
Comparing the water samples, estimated populations, and coral bleaching data that you collected over the program will help you and your crewmates address critical issues when you discuss human impacts on the Caribbean and climate change. The final sail to The Baths will culminate in a final day of relaxation and adventure with hikes, snorkels, and Jump Rock! Reflect and share your two-week adventure with the Echo program students on your final evening at the Awards Ceremony back at Hodges Creek Marina. After a successful program, you will return home with a greater understanding and appreciation of marine science and the ocean, as well as a whole crew of new friends with whom you have shared some unforgettable experiences!
06/01/2022
06/14/2022
$4895
3-5
8-12
Prerequisites: None
This certification is bestowed on any crew member who demonstrates the ability to fully participate in the daily sailing tasks on board and passes a written test proving that they’ve mastered fundamental information on safety, seamanship, navigation and boat handling skills.
Prerequisites: SC Crew
Proving you have an understanding of some of the more advanced sailing theories and demonstrating the ability to participate in sail reefing, timed tacking and jibing, island crossing, advanced navigation, anchoring, docking and de-docking skills along with racing tactics and proper safety techniques will earn you our Bosun certification.
Prerequisites: SC Crew & Bosun
A focus on leadership while underway is the core of this certification. You’ll earn Mate certification if you succeed at assigning crew positions, directing most phases of seamanship and safety drills, demonstrate proper engine, dinghy and equipment use and maintenance, keep an accurate ship’s log and monitor the weather all skills that make you a capable second in command.
Discover a whole new world beneath the waves!
You will experience the thrill of scuba diving under the close supervision of a qualified PADI Instructor in ideal conditions. Under the palm trees on the beach, we’ll begin with an orientation and skills session – you’ll be introduced to the basic concepts of scuba diving. Next you’ll learn about equipment, basic skills and safety procedures. Afterwards, you’ll practice those important scuba skills in three to five feet of calm, clear water right off the beach. You’ll continue with your first dive experience off that same beach in 20-30 feet of calm water. Once you’re comfortable with the basic skills, one of our custom dive boats will take you to enjoy your first open water dive. It will be no deeper than 30ft, and you’ll be able to explore one of our amazing reefs with your instructor.
The DSD course is available on all of our programs except Charlie. Students will spend 2-3 sessions with our PADI instructors. In the future, if you decide to become certified, these skills and the open water dives may be credited towards your PADI Open Water Diver course.
You may be able to earn multiple dive specialty certifications. The particular specialties offered will depend on the adventure chosen and our diving schedule. You will decide which specialties you’d like to do when you are in the Caribbean.
All below are available on Charlie Advanced Scuba adventures. Availability on other adventures is shown.
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Also available on Sierra
Practice techniques for improving buoyancy and decreasing air consumption resulting in better under water control and more enjoyment/preservation of the diving environment. (2 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Also available on Foxtrot and Sierra
The impact on marine life of garbage dumped in our oceans is one of the biggest issues of our time. You can help by going on a dive with mash bags to collect the debris that
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Also available on Sierra
Study a variety of fish while observing and identifying markings, shapes, and behavior. (2 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Also available on Sierra and Ocean
Explore and identify marine life including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant life. (2 dives)
Prerequisite: None
Familiarize yourself with the plight of worldwide aquatic ecosystems and learn how to protect aquatic resources. (Non-diving specialty)
Prerequisite: None
Also available on Foxtrot
Study the fragile Coral Reef system, and how to preserve it, while observing and identifying markings, shapes, and growth. (Non-diving specialty)
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Learn the PADI SEA (shoot, examine, adjust) method, principals for getting good photos underwater, plus how to edit and share your shots. (2 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Develop skills needed to dive safely from a power or sailboat as well as special procedures for diving in areas with boat traffic. (2 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Hone your underwater navigation skills using a compass, natural navigation techniques, and other navigational tools. (3 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Explore the intrigue of diving at night while focusing on equipment handling, navigation, nocturnal marine creatures, and day to night contrast. (3 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Advanced or equivalent
Practice search patterns, effective search techniques in various conditions, and raising heavy objects using lifting devices. (4 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Advanced or equivalent
Apply valuable techniques for extending bottom times using the recreational dive planner (wheel format) and diving computers. (2 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Learn pertinent safety techniques, how to fine tune your buoyancy and use specialized equipment, as you use the ocean currents and tides as your propulsion. (2 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Advanced or equivalent; 15+ yrs old
The RMS Rhone Diver Specialty, a PADI Distinctive Specialty, is exclusively available at Sail Caribbean. Made famous in the movie, The Deep, this 310-ft cargo ship sank in 1867. She is our most requested dive site and is regularly voted the top wreck dive in the Caribbean.
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent; 15+ yrs old
Learn recreational skills and techniques for diving with different mixes of Oxygen and Nitrogen, for increased bottom time. (2 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Adventure or equivalent; 15+ yrs old
Learn recreational skills and techniques for diving in man-made environments and practice using specialized wreck equipment. (4 dives)
Prerequisite: PADI Adventure or equivalent; 15+ yrs old
Discover deep dive planning, hazards, special equipment, and extra safety precautions. (4 dives)
Prerequisite: 12+ years of age.
This PADI course is the most popular entry-level dive program in the whole world! Throughout our PADI Open Water Diver course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of safe scuba diving, including dive equipment, techniques, and planning. This certification allows you to rent scuba equipment, obtain tank air fills and also enroll in PADI Continuing Education courses (PADI Adventure Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, or even PADI Specialties).
The PADI Open Water Diver certification is recognized worldwide. To earn this rating, we’ll introduce you to eLearning:
During five confined water training dives, your instructor will demonstrate, and then you’ll practice and master, important diving skills. Finally, applying everything you have learned, you will make four open water dives at favorite dive sites around the British Virgin Islands.
No experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable in and on the water, have a spirit of adventure, the ability to take on responsibility, and a desire to be challenged. Everyone is involved with sailing instruction.
During the Ocean adventure, you have the option to earn both sailing and scuba certifications. In sailing, as part of our core curriculum, you can earn the SC Crew, Bosun & Mate certifications based on your level of experience and achievement.
For non-certified scuba divers you’ll have the option to try scuba diving through PADI’s DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) course and experience the beautiful life in the underwater world, or earn PADI’s first certification called Open Water (OW). If you are already a certified diver, you’ll have the option of diving for fun by signing up for Recreational Diving. Dive Specialties are also offered.
On Ocean, most students come from all parts of the US and are first or second year college students.The boats have 8-10 students and are co-ed. Each day offers sailing, marine science, responsibilities aboard, and meals with your crew plus activities, electives, and socializing with the entire group.
You’ll live and sleep on a modern 43’-46’ catamaran which is the ideal platform to accommodate our community and environmental service activities. Each boat has five cabins plus a main salon that can convert to a 6th cabin, four heads (bathrooms), and a fully equipped galley. Cabins are mainly used to store your belongings and to change clothes. Most nights the stars are so beautiful and the breeze so refreshing that you’ll set up your hammock or sleeping bag and decide to sleep on deck with the rest of the crew.
“Ocean allowed me to be fully immersed in marine science with fellow students who shared my passion for the ocean. Every single day brought about new lessons about various parts of the ocean ranging from properties of water to fish physiology. Our learning was supplemented with hands on labs, activities, and dissections that brought even more excitement to the boat. We went on an unbelievable number of dives where we were able to be one with the world we were studying. In addition to the marine science, every day brought lessons on sailing and leadership, beautiful moorings and anchorages, and a great group of students and staff. It was great to really be able to take control of the boat completely very quickly which helped our boat build trust within a week of knowing one another. One of my favorite things that we did was a lab where we dove a site and collected data on the abundance of coral, fish, and invertebrate species. Looking back on the program, I can’t believe the amount of marine science that we squeezed into two weeks. One of the greatest things about Ocean was the small size of the program. It allowed me to really get to know everyone on the program. Every single day included great dinner conversation and so much fun on new adventures with new friends.”
Meredith D., age 19, Plainsboro, NJ
“Each day was full of different activities that kept us learning and on our toes, including lectures on fish identification and coral ecology. We got the opportunity to meet two different marine scientists who lead research projects and outreach in the BVI”….Read the full Blog post