Tango 14-Day
Taste independence, enjoy watersports, and connect with local kids
Tango 14-Day
Overview
- Live aboard sailing voyage for younger students
- Full range of watersports
- Cultural exchange through team building activities with local students
- Hands-on marine science lessons and projects
- Optional Scuba: Introductory Discover Scuba, Open Water certification, Advanced OW certification and Recreational Diving with Specialties
- 2 weeks – $5795
Tango 14-Day Description
Sixth and Seventh graders find adventure and challenge, get a taste of independence, and experience a new culture, all while living onboard a 44’ catamaran! With our staff by your side, make new friends and learn to sail while you and your fellow crewmates test yourselves in exciting new ways over the course of two weeks. Experience the Caribbean up close and personal as you explore beautiful islands, discover hidden beaches, swim through coral reefs, and get to know the rhythm and flavor of island life. You’ll head home with stories to tell after sailing through the Sir Francis Drake Channel, whose history teems with tales of pirates, shipwrecks, and nautical folklore.
Get a Hobie Cat up on one pontoon when you visit the world famous Bitter End Yacht Club! Tubing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and stand up paddleboarding are all at your fingertips. Go for a morning snorkel and you’re sure to find a green sea turtle munching some sea grass in the shallows. If you’re looking to get a taste of scuba diving, our Discover Scuba option gives you the chance. Want more? Earn your PADI Open Water Certification or if you’re already certified, earn your Advanced (ages 12+) or go on some fun dives with your new Tango dive buddies!
Get to know a bit about life in the British Virgin Islands while you team up with local kids from Tortola’s Youth Empowerment Project (YEP). You’ll learn from each other about sailing, local food and culture, and environmental conservation. Put your new marine science knowledge to work monitoring coral reef health and identifying tropical species while you earn community service hours. By trip’s end, you’ll have mastered sailing basics, made unforgettable memories, and discovered a new sense of adventure and self-confidence.
Tango 14-Day Activities
Kayaking
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.
Snorkeling
Meet the creatures below the waves. Swim alongside a friendly sea turtle, join a school of Blue Tang fish, and explore the reefs!
Stand Up Paddleboarding
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.
Tubing
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.
Wakeboarding
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!
Waterskiing
Get up, get steady! Then you’ll be zipping back and forth across the wake for a ride you’ll remember.
Windsurfing
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!
Small Boat Sailing
You’ll learn so much on your big yacht. Try applying your seamanship skills to smaller boats and feel how swiftly they respond.
Social Events
Dance with Moko-Jumbie stilt walkers at our Fireball Party, win the famous Chili Cookoff, and compete for glory at the SC Olympics.
Beach Sports
Team up for a spirited game of volleyball or a fast-paced soccer tournament, then cool off rehearsing a synchronized swim.
Hiking
The islands we visit are mountainous. Reaching the best vantage points provides challenges, but the pay offs are breathtaking vistas!
Cultural Immersion
Team up with local kids from Tortola’s Youth Empowerment Project and make new friends while learning about island life!
Community Service
Whether your interest is in cultural heritage, marine biology, or environmental conservation, you’ll have opportunities to roll up your sleeves and pitch in!
Marine Biology Seminars
Topics include: respect and awareness of marine organisms, coral biology, geologic formation, sharks, invasive species, sea turtles, and the night ocean.
Island Exploration
Hike through a rainforest, travel mountainous hillside roads, learn about the art of glassblowing, visit an organic farm, and discover different cultures.
Sailing
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!
Scuba
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.
Kayaking
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.
Snorkeling
Meet the creatures below the waves. Swim alongside a friendly sea turtle, join a school of Blue Tang fish, and explore the reefs!
Stand Up Paddleboarding
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.
Tubing
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.
Wakeboarding
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!
Waterskiing
Get up, get steady! Then you’ll be zipping back and forth across the wake for a ride you’ll remember.
Windsurfing
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!
Small Boat Sailing
You’ll learn so much on your big yacht. Try applying your seamanship skills to smaller boats and feel how swiftly they respond.
Social Events
Dance with Moko-Jumbie stilt walkers at our Fireball Party, win the famous Chili Cookoff, and compete for glory at the SC Olympics.
Beach Sports
Team up for a spirited game of volleyball or a fast-paced soccer tournament, then cool off rehearsing a synchronized swim.
Hiking
The islands we visit are mountainous. Reaching the best vantage points provides challenges, but the pay offs are breathtaking vistas!
Cultural Immersion
Team up with local kids from Tortola’s Youth Empowerment Project and make new friends while learning about island life!
Community Service
Whether your interest is in cultural heritage, marine biology, or environmental conservation, you’ll have opportunities to roll up your sleeves and pitch in!
Marine Biology Seminars
Topics include: respect and awareness of marine organisms, coral biology, geologic formation, sharks, invasive species, sea turtles, and the night ocean.
Island Exploration
Hike through a rainforest, travel mountainous hillside roads, learn about the art of glassblowing, visit an organic farm, and discover different cultures.
Sailing
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!
Scuba
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.
ON EVERY SAIL CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE
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)!
Tango 14-Day
Itinerary
Day 1
Our staff will meet you at the airport and welcome you to the Caribbean! When you arrive at Hodges Creek, you’ll have a chance to get acquainted with your boat and crewmates for the program. You and the rest of the crew get ready to set the course for the rest of your adventures to come.
Days 2-4
Your captain will lead you through some preparations and basic sailing lessons before your first chance to get on the helm and raise the sail with the rest of your crew. The next few days are packed with different snorkel and watersport adventures. If you’re signed up for a PADI Open Water Course, you will begin your course with the rays and squid on Cooper Island.
Days 5-7
It’s time for your first meet up with students from the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP). There will be plenty of beach games and a few team activities that will challenge you all to work together. In addition to your time on shore with YEP, you will gain more sailing experience as you rotate through positions during daily sails and explore Peter and Norman Islands.
Day 8-10
On Challenge Day, you and your crew will take control of the boat and sail to Trellis Bay. Here, you will meet the students from the YEP base on Tortola. After a successful Challenge Day, you and your crew will navigate your vessel up to the North Sound of Virgin Gorda for two fun days at The Bitter End Yacht Club.
Days 11-13
After sailing back to Tortola, YEP will join you for some friendly competition during the Sail Caribbean Olympics at Long Bay. The following day you will have the opportunity to share your nautical knowledge when your YEP friends join you for a sail on your vessel. As the program comes to an end, your final sail to home base is followed by a farewell dinner and awards ceremony.
Day 14
Two weeks have flown by, but now it’s time to say goodbye to the friends you have made and head home with some wonderful memories of your time spent on the sea!
Tango 14-Day
Sessions
Early Tango
Begin Date
06/10/2023
End Date
06/23/2023
2023 Tuition
$5795
Service Hours
3-5
# of Dives
4-8
Tango 1
Begin Date
06/25/2023
End Date
07/08/2023
2023 Tuition
$5795
Service Hours
3-5
# of Dives
4-8
Tango 2
Begin Date
07/10/2023
End Date
07/23/2023
2023 Tuition
$5795
Service Hours
3-5
# of Dives
4-8
Tango 3
Begin Date
07/24/2023
End Date
08/06/2023
2023 Tuition
$5795
Service Hours
3-5
# of Dives
4-8
Optional
Courses
Sailing
Sail Caribbean Crew Certification
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.
ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Certification
Prerequisites: None
If you’re arriving at Sail Caribbean with prior sailing experience and are very keen on making the commitment to learn more, why not take this opportunity to gain a nationally recognized certification? You’ll participate in seminars and practice your helmsmanship on our big boats, and then demonstrate your sailing and seamanship skills during two to three intensive days on our own Colgate 26’, Opal Bella. The goal of this certification is for the participants to be able to single-hand (maneuver alone) these keelboats. Written and practical exams fulfill the requirements and you’ll have an official certification that’s valid for years to come and a stepping-stone to many other sailing certifications. View more details about ASA certifications here.
Scuba
PADI Discover SCUBA Diving
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.
PADI Recreational Diving
Prerequisite: Must be Open Water certified or equivalent
Non-certification recreational diving is available as an option on all of our adventures. Ever imagine diving on a coral garden, drifting through a rainbow canyon, or exploring a sunken wreck? You will enjoy recreational diving in the BVI with our own Sail Caribbean Divers Instructors and Divemasters. On Delta in the Leeward Islands, professional dive instructors from each island along with our dive staff take you to gorgeous dive sites. You’ll gain expert knowledge from each local instructor and get the most out of every dive site you visit. You must provide proof of certification from a recognized agency like PADI, NAUI, YMCA, or NASDS.
PADI Open Water Diver
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:
- eLearning is an online Open Water course developed by PADI.
- Non-diving “classroom” lessons are completed at home before your summer program starts.
- The online course, averaging 6-8 hours to complete, presents the material in an “easy to use” manner and assures that you thoroughly understand the information. You can divide the course into several separate learning sessions to fit your schedule. No pressure — you set your own pace.
- You can get one-on-one assistance from our professional scuba instructors in the Caribbean — the same instructors that you’ll have during the summer! They are on call by email to answer questions you may have along the way. This is personal attention that might not be available in a larger classroom setting.
- Parents can oversee the sessions and possibly offer assistance.
- The greatest advantage is that when you arrive in the Caribbean your time is spent underwater developing the skills required to become a qualified, capable, and safe diver. You’re not in the classroom! The first thing that you do is take a review test to prove that you’re ready to go diving!
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.
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
For Open Water divers who want to earn the next certification.
Divers who are already certified can go to the next level and improve their skills. You will receive your PADI textbook upon arrival in the islands. During the course you will complete interesting and informative knowledge reviews along with navigation, night and deep dives, plus two other dives of your choice in assorted specialty areas for a total of five dives. After the course, you can use your skills to enjoy recreational dives during the remainder of your adventure.
PADI Dive Specialties
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.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
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)
Project AWARE Dive Against Debris
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
Project AWARE Reef Fish Identification
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)
Underwater Naturalist
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)
Project AWARE Specialist
Prerequisite: None
Familiarize yourself with the plight of worldwide aquatic ecosystems and learn how to protect aquatic resources. (Non-diving specialty)
Project AWARE Coral Reef Conservation
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)
Digital Underwater Photographer
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)
Boat Diver
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)
Underwater Navigator
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Hone your underwater navigation skills using a compass, natural navigation techniques, and other navigational tools. (3 dives)
Night Diver
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)
Search and Recovery Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Advanced or equivalent
Practice search patterns, effective search techniques in various conditions, and raising heavy objects using lifting devices. (4 dives)
Multi-level Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Advanced or equivalent
Apply valuable techniques for extending bottom times using the recreational dive planner (wheel format) and diving computers. (2 dives)
Drift Diver
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)
RMS Rhone Diver
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.
Enriched Air Diver- Nitrox
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)
Wreck Diver
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)
Deep Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Adventure or equivalent; 15+ yrs old
Discover deep dive planning, hazards, special equipment, and extra safety precautions. (4 dives)
Tango 14-Day
Adventure Blog
Tango 2 Adventure 2018 Day 10 – Total Control Of Our Vessel On Challenge Day!
FULL STORY
Tango 1 2018 Adventures Day 11 – Great Cruising Speed On Our Way To Mountain Point
FULL STORY
Tango 1 2018 Adventures Day 9 – Ready, Set, Challenge Day!
FULL STORYTango 14-Day
FAQs
How much sailing or diving experience is needed?
No experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable on and in the water, have a spirit of adventure, the ability to take on responsibility, and a desire to be challenged. While everyone is involved with sailing instruction, scuba is an option on Tango. (The snorkeling alone is amazing!)
What certifications can I earn?
During Tango adventures 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.
For non-certified scuba divers you’ll have the option to try scuba diving through PADI’s Discover Scuba Course (DSD), and experience the beautiful life in the underwater world, or earn PADI’s first certification called Open Water (OW). If you are a certified diver, you can dive for fun with our Recreational Diving option.
How many hours of community service will I earn?
You’ll earn 3-5 hours on Tango through hands-on service work. You’ll participate in Coral Reef to study the fragile coral reef system, and how to preserve it. You’ll do beach cleanups and work with local youth on other environmental service projects. Together, your participation will have a lasting effect on preserving the land, and in turn, the livelihood of the people who inhabit these beautiful islands.
Who will my crewmates be?
Students join us from all over the country and from around the world. On Tango, all students will be completing 6th or 7th grade. Each co-ed boat has 10-12 students with a balance of girls and boys. On Tango, our fleet size is 12 to 24 teenagers. Each day offers sailing and meals with your crew and then activities, electives, and socializing with the entire group. The majority of our students come alone, and friends are certainly welcome.
Can I come with a friend and be assigned to the same boat?
The majority of our students come on their own, though friends are certainly welcome. Requests to be on the same boat as a friend can be accommodated if both friends make the request. We do limit the number if of teens who know each other on the same boat.
What kind of boat will I be living on & where do I sleep?
You’ll live and sleep on a modern 43’-46’ foot 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 to five 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.
Tango 14-Day
Reviews
“I now am Scuba Certified! It was such a life-changing experience the first time I went down. It was so beautiful!”
Ben B., age 12, Chappaqua, NY
“It was sooo fun I will never forget it!”
Xander M., age 13, Cocoa Beach, FL
“My daughter had the time of her life! She was so excited by the people she met, the experiences she had, and the memories she made. I notice that she has a sense of accomplishment- she was so proud of herself for spending time away from home and realizing that she was just fine and seems to be more independent. She also cooked dinner the other night, a recipe she learned from her crew.”
Dana B., parent of 12 year old daughter, Mount Kisco, NY