Program Reviews

Seamester was the adventure of a lifetime. I went into it not knowing how to sail but wanting to learn, and came out of it not only with that knowledge, but also memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me so many new things about myself. The staff members were amazing with their teaching and support, especially when times got rough. Their diligence ensured we all made it safely across the pacific. I also loved the places we visited, with my favorites being the Galapagos, Mo'orea, and the Panama Canal. The class schedule could be challenging at times, and waking up for watch in the middle of the night was definitely not my strong suit, but overall I had an amazing semester. I couldn't recommend Seamester enough and I'm so grateful for this wonderful experience.

This trip was the best decision I have ever made. I made so many new friends and formed relationships that I will keep for the rest of my life. I learned a lot about myself and accomplished more than I ever thought I could. The staff was so supportive and thoughtful, always there when I needed a listening ear. Our boat was hilarious and we told each other funny stories that could never possibly be explained the same to someone else because they would not get the humor that we found in them. Watch was also an incredible experience because even though we had to wake up in the middle of the night, I had an amazing team. We told stories and jokes, sailed, made popcorn, helmed and so much more. I am so thankful to have been apart of this once in a lifetime opportunity and hope to see everyone soon. My heart is so full, thank you so much for picking me to go on this experience.

If you’re a student thinking of doing Seamester, I cannot tell you enough…DO IT! Going on this voyage has absolutely changed my life. Not only did I get to cross an ocean, see the world, scuba dive, and meet the most incredible people, but I also left the boat a more confident, competent, and better version of myself. The academics are rigorous but reasonable, and I loved learning about the ocean in the most hands-on possible environment. I cannot recommend Seamester enough and will never forget each special memory from my time aboard Vela!

I had a wonderful time studying with SeaMester aboard Vela on the 2024 South Africa to Caribbean trip. I was consistently impressed with the organization of the trip, as well as the support from the office and staff onboard. This particular voyage had a lot of time sailing in blue water, which created a close environment between the students and allowed us to focus on school during the first half of the trip. By the time we got to the Caribbean we were able to focus intensely on diving and exploring the various islands with people we had already crossed an ocean with. I particularly enjoyed the leadership class, as it tied the emotional side of the trip together as well as taught us how to be better people in general.

Being a student on Sea|Mester was the most incredible experience of my life. I did the South Africa to Antigua voyage on Vela, and it exceeded any and all expectations I could have possibly had. I got to visit places that I never thought I would get to go. I met people that started out as strangers, but quickly became family to me. Prior to Sea|Mester, I had very little sailing experience and no diving experience and I think that that is a common turn off for people that come across this program, but you have no need to be worried if you're in that boat (haha). The staff does an exceptional job teaching you the ropes, making you feel safe, and making you feel like the boat is your home. If you're a hands on learning that thrives on getting outside of your comfort zone, adventure, and travel then this program is for you. I can not effusive enough how much Sea|Mester and my crew changed my life. If you're presented with the privilege to be a student on Sea|Mester... do it. If Sea|Mester taught me anything, it's to say yes even when you're scared. The greatest adventure of your life could be waiting for you.

loved it. The challenges that brought people together and helped me grow as a person, the sheer beauty and thrill of sailing across an ocean, all the stops along the way, and the list goes on and on. The staff were super super super incredible and I wish that everyone had the opportunity to do something this awesome and fun. Thanks for the best summer ever. I did actionquest two years before and I knew the GXG was an awesome group. I would recommend taking some stuff off the packing list because I did overpack. That might’ve just been me though. Loved the food and even though they warned us we would get tired of pasta, I never did. All the staff was awesome. They always cared selflessly and made the trip so much fun. They always made sure to put us before themselves and even though I would’ve been tired of dealing with us by the end, they were always energetic, smiling, and positive.
I was able to grow as a person and socialize better.
This trip was awesome.

I was a student on the Argo ship during the summer of 2023. During this trip, one of the female students was sexually assaulted multiple times and continually harassed by another male student. She brought it up with the staff because she felt unsafe and only wanted the behavior to stop. The staff discussed the case with the base office. They decided to kick both her and him off of the vessel for "causing too much drama". This was despite multiple of the students also providing testimony that the male student was assaulting and harassing her. Kicking her off led to many of the students feeling unsafe to advocate for themselves if anything were to happen to them. I felt it was a climate that breeds tolerance for sexual violence and if students speak up, they are punished with their trip being ended. Do not go.

SeaMester was an absolutely life changing experience, I don't think there would have been a better way to spend three months. The lessons are invaluable, the staff is amazing, the locations are unforgettable. I participated in this program nearly five years ago and the effects are still rippling through my present day. I had did first open water dive aboard SY Argo back in 2019 and just this past year was able to get my PADI DiveMaster. I am currently saving up for a small sailboat of my own to explore and dive in with my friends (probably will have some of my SeaMester pals onboard to crew with me). I'm so excited for the day that I can revisit these wonderful places in my own boat, sailing & diving with the friends I made back during SeaMester. Not only was the trip incredibly fun, it was so informative. I started my semester thinking my girlfriend was silly for not using plastic straws and left that semester absolutely horrified at the state of plastic pollution in our beautiful oceans. SeaMester will open your eyes, teach you lessons, and inspire new passions to last a lifetime. DO IT!

The 80 days I spent on Ocean Star were some of the best days of my life! Everyday was unique and exciting and there wasn't one day where I didn't learn at least a dozen new things. Waking up at sunrise in a new place never gets old and just when you think you've seen it all it only gets better! As a working member of the crew, we participated in cooking, cleaning and all the sail handling, but who says shouting the lyrics to your favorite songs while cleaning isn't fun? Within 3 days, every person on the boat will feel like family and by the end you will have up to 15 lifelong friends from all over the world. I came into this program with next to no sailing or diving experience (as did the majority of the students on my trip) and I never felt behind at all. We started with basic sailing 101 for everyone and slowly built our skills from there. I went from taking my first breaths underwater to becoming a fully certified Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver on this trip and saw unforgettable wildlife, reefs and wrecks in the process. The Seamester staff are AMAZING! They care so much about every student and want to see each person thrive. The medical care I received far exceeded my expectations and good medical facilities were easily accessible everywhere we went. The excursions on land were incredible; We went canyoning in Guadeloupe, hiked to a boiling lake in Dominica, went horseback riding on the beach in Nevis, and SO much more! This trip truly changed my life, and I am forever grateful for the time I had with Seamester. I would do it again in a heartbeat. PSA: This is NOT a cruise ship. If you are expecting luxury and can't survive without AC and cold water, look somewhere else. If you are adventurous, hard working, open minded and up for any challenge, then this program is for you and you will have the time of your life. Apply now! I promise you will regret it if you don't.

Seamester was a trip that exceeded all of my expectations. I had an opportunity to visit places some people may never see in a lifetime and I got to make countless memories with amazing new people. I grew a bond with not only the students but also the staff that could never be replaced. We got to witness beautiful sites such as healthy coral, marine life, and beautiful islands. I gained a great knowledge of sailing which is one thing I had always dreamed of doing. Everyday I wish I could go back and relive it all just once more.