Seamester: South Africa to Caribbean - 90 Days

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.

We went all around Cape Town, SA, from Table Mountain to the Cape of Good Hope. We then sailed to St Helena in the middle of the Atlantic, saw Napolean's grave, and swam with whale sharks!!! It was insane!! I got to surf on some of the best/most beautiful beaches in the world in Fernando De Noronha, Brasil! We raced in a regatta too! Got last lol, but it was a blast! Jib squad best squad!! We went all throughout the Caribbean, at every island we went to I would go running to see the sites. The academics were really interesting and the professors just wanted to grow our passion for the oceans. I also completed the IYT Yachtmaster Theory portion, and my skipper Freddie, was an excellent teacher. For diving, I went from PADI Open Water to Rescue Diver!! It was a voyage of a lifetime and I loved every minute of it (most of the time :)). Every day was a great day and the people I met on board are some that I hope to keep in contact with for the rest of my life.

I had an amazing time!! While on my gap year, I wanted to experience something that was out of my comfort zone and Sea|mester provided that. The staff on my trip were absolutely phenomenal, I do not think we as a group of students would have had the experience we had without them! They were such a welcoming, supportive, and phenomenal group of individuals. As a whole this trip was such a valuable experience, I believe the most valuable aspect was the connection I made with everyone on Argo. I especially loved that every night we did something called "squeeze" at the end of each meal, which allowed me to reflect on the day. Squeeze gave me time to find the little joys in the day, even if it was a rainy one in the middle of the Atlantic. Everyone on my boat still talk on our group chat, and when I started college one of my shipmates came and visited me in NYC. I can not express how much I would recommend Sea|Mester!!

My time aboard the S/Y was an extremely rewarding experience and I think more people my age could benefit from this program. We had an incredible staff who were all super knowledgeable and passionate. They went above and beyond to help students learn and grow.
All the staff members truly had an incredible impact on me. I always trusted them and knew that they had our best interests in mind. They helped me through personal, academic, and medical issues with grace and care.
Our whole group, staff and students, worked really well together and I’m most thankful for the people I met. Program-wise, I think living on a boat and being an active crew member was the most impactful part. I wouldn’t feel half as accomplished if I didn’t spend hours in the pouring rain in the middle of the night or spend 3 days puking in a bucket. Being grimy and working hard gave me a purpose and I think that is most valuable. It was tough at times, but the accomplishment of getting to new places and being able to swim and explore with your best friends was incredibly worth it.
This trip changed me for the better and now I'm working on getting back on the Seamester boats as a staff member so that I can inspire college kids the way I was.

This voyage changed my life I met the most incredible people and had the adventure of a lifetime. I would recommend this voyage to anyone interested in growing as a person and making lifelong friendships. On this trip you will dive with incredible creatures like whale sharks and swim with penguins. You will sail thousands of miles and see stars like never before. This program challenges you both mentally and physically, it is not for the faint of heart it is for those who seek adventure fun challenge and a once in a lifetime experience.

This trip brings new experience and friendships that you just can't find anywhere else. I grew a lot as a person while I was learning tons of new things about sailing, diving, and science. The staff are wonderful and inspiring and ready to help with anything you could need. We went on crazy adventures like swimming with whale sharks and hiking to boiling lakes; and the time in between the adventures was filled with new knowledge and fun we made for ourselves (we threw a boat prom that involved trash bags full of popcorn and a potato someone's date). I recommend this experience to everyone I talk to, but it's especially great for people who want adventures that you can't find anywhere else.