Seamester: Virgin Islands to Dominica - 40 Days

It’s hard to describe this trip without a novel length review, so I’ll hit the highlights: The staff are amazing. They’re not afraid to challenge you, and I’m so glad that’s the case because I learned from every one of those intimidating experiences. I employ the lessons I learned daily, all thanks to a passionate staff willing to take 18 crazy sailors on a wild journey. The bond I formed with my crewmates during night watches and sunrise hikes and rough waters is something I will have for the rest of my life. And all of this happened while diving and learning how to sail in some of the most beautiful places in the world. If I had to choose again, I would choose this voyage in a hearbeat and if you have the opportunity to go, do it! Thanks to all the Ocean Star and Sea|Mester staff who made my trip amazing, I won’t forget it!

Going on Seamester was the best decision I've ever made. I cannot even describe everything that I learned and experienced. My two older brothers also went on this trip before me and my whole family loves this program. (3/3 loved it!)
Only when you're out in the middle of the ocean with the stars above you and the bioluminescent below you, do you understand how beautiful it all is. Semester was able to take us out there without any trouble, even though most of the students had no idea how to sail before we got there. As a land-locked novice to sailing I had the best time and learned SO much. The islands we visited were beautiful and interesting. I loved every hike we went on and every dive we dove and every minute of this trip.

I absolutely loved this trip. I made incredible friends and learned to sail, all while taking a class that I could use at my college. I was very sad to leave after my 40 days, and would recommend a trip to anyone who wants to meet amazing people and have an adventure every single day. The SCUBA diving was amazing and I felt much more comfortable in my skills by the end of the trip. Even if you have never sailed before, it doesn't matter. You learn everything and by the end of the trip, we were all teaching each other new duties.

I can't describe this voyage in words, it is something that I wish everyone could experience and I highly recommend that if you have the opportunity to, do it! This was a completely life changing and rewarding trip, with memories I will never forget. One of my favorite memories was hiking to the last boiling lake in the world on the island of Dominica. The hike was beautiful and we got to end the day long hike with swimming in a refreshing river complete with waterfalls and natural whirlpools.

The trips from the BVIs to Dominica may be rough, but they're all worth it. Dominica has some of the most incredible diving and hiking that I have ever done. Thank god Seamester plans the longest stay there because there are endless activities to be done. The boiling lake hike, while challenging, is one of the most rewarding experiences. Once you leave Dominica it is all smooth sailing back up island. The courses may seem to get more intense at this point, but they're never overwhelming to the point of interfering with the overall experience.