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Bali to South Africa

6,500 Nautical Miles via Komodo, Christmas Island, Cocos Keeling, Mauritius
This voyage is a once in a lifetime opportunity to sail aboard one of our 112-foot schooners, S/Y Argo or S/Y Vela, from Bali in Indonesia, across the Southern Indian Ocean to Cape Town via Christmas Island and Mauritius. The voyage offers a full complement of academics, allowing students to earn 12 college credits. Additionally, this voyage will prove to be an exciting travel adventure that emphasizes blue-water sailing skills development, SCUBA diving training, and cultural exploration. Sail training certifications for this voyage are issued through International Yacht Training, as IYT offers the only global standard in professional yachting certifications. Students have the opportunity to progress up to the level of Master of Yachts 200 Ton based on past experience and aptitude.
  • Days
  • Credits
  • Students
  • Term
  • Tuition (USD)
Sep 15 - Dec 13, 2025 - Aboard S/Y Vela
  • 90
  • 12 credits
  • 24
  • Fall
  • $31,970
Availability: Open
Review the Application Process >

Life Aboard

Sails Up Anchors Down

USF Accredited Academics

Certification Courses

Activities

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Educational & Cultural Tours Hiking & Trekking Service Personal Time

The Voyage

Your Adventure Starts Here
Welcome Aboard!

You’ve embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Having already traveled thousands of miles to Bali, there’s a newfound sense of excitement and a pep in your step as you exit baggage claim and hail a cab onwards to our vessel and your new home for the next 90 days. Once aboard, with introductions made, bags unpacked and various formalities out of the way – spend a moment to take it all in. The beauty of your new surroundings, the adventure that awaits, and the realization that you have made what was once a mere pipe dream into your reality. 6,500 nautical miles, komodo dragons, pristine coral atolls, and South Africa’s big five lies between you and Cape Town. You’re officially part of the crew now…..relish the challenge ahead.

Sample Trip Itinerary*
Start Location End Location
Bali, Indonesia (DPS) Cape Town, South Africa (CPT)
Area Ports of Call
Indonesia Komodo, Gili Islands, Bali
Indian Ocean Islands Christmas Island, Cocos Keeling
Mauritius Port Louis
South Africa Richard’s Bay, Durban, East London, Mossel Bay, Cape Town
*Please note that all destinations are weather dependent and subject to change.
semester-at-sea-orientation
Learning the Ropes
8-10 days

Early on day two, we cast our lines and the journey begins. As with all Sea|mester voyages, the first week to ten days of the program is a crash course on how to be successful in your new environment. With the guidance of our staff, you’ll learn the in’s and out’s of how to live, work and learn in such close quarters with others – from sailing to cooking and everything in between.

Those new to scuba diving will spend quite a bit of time underwater working towards the PADI Open Water Certification. Those arriving with more experience will get reacquainted with the underwater world by taking a few refresher dives.

During the first week, you’ll also have your first lectures for each of the four college-level courses. While the structure of the syllabi might look familiar, you’ll quickly find that learning from the deck of a boat couldn’t be more different.

Play Video
Seamester Scuba Diving
Exploring the Underwater Realm
10-15 Dives

This journey frontloads as much diving as possible towards the beginning of the trip where you’ll sail over some of the most pristine reefs our planet has left. If you’re new to diving, you’ll earn the PADI Open Water Dive Certification as well as the Advanced Open Water Dive Certification.

Depending on time, conditions and student interest, many groups also earn the PADI Rescue Diver certification. If you’re already an experienced diver, you can work all the way up to the professional Divemaster certification. If you feel that scuba diving is a passion, this is definitely the voyage to consider.

study-south-pacific
Anchors Down – Komodo, Indonesia
(1-2 Days)

This island may be best known for the dragons that rule it without competition but it’s the saturated colors you’ll find exploring this place that will stick with you. Jade sloping hills fade seamlessly into the pink sands that lead to the red coral and endless indigo sea. As you become more comfortable with being underwater, the steep reefs and abundant wildlife of Komodo will continue to astonish on certification and fun dives. No visit would be complete without a visit to the fishing village of Kampung Komodo or a hike to the islands in search of dragons.

>Next stop: Gili Islands
semester-at-sea-south-pacific
The Gili Islands
(1-3 Days)

No cars, no motorcycles, and no roads – the Gili islands are an increasingly world-renowned destination for those looking for the perfect island getaway. The shallow turquoise water over white sand is the ideal place for open water divers to take their first breaths underwater and those with previous experience to refresh their memory. Paradise is just a stepping stone between passages so soak it in with some time on shore and flips off the beam.

>Next stop: Bali
study-abroad-indonesia-college-student
Bali
(2-4 Days)

The otherworldly nature of the Balinese landscape is mirrored and perhaps magnified by the heavily spiritual and joyful culture and customs of its people. You’ll be caught up in the whirlwind that is Balinese daily life by venturing into some of the island’s most iconic temples and participating in the otherworldly firedances performed island-wide. Bali is also a world famous destination for surfers of all skill levels – you’ll take a lesson and have a chance to hang ten on the world famous Kuta Beach.

>Next stop: Christmas Island
study-abroad-indonesia-college-student
Christmas Island
(3-5 Days)

Although this remote island is under the jurisdiction of Australia, it seems more realistic to say that the migration of the island’s red crab population has more control over the daily lives of its inhabitants. This volcanic island boasts high plateaus, canopied rainforests, and cliffs that fall freely to the reef system that surrounds it completely. We’ll pack three dives including your first night dive into our time here as you and your crew work towards your advanced certifications and specialties.

>Next stop: Cocos (Keeling)
study-abroad-indonesia-college-student
Cocos (Keeling)
(3-5 Days)

Few people have heard of the Cocos islands and even fewer have had the pleasure of visiting but the loss is truly theirs. A daunting 2-day journey from mainland Australia, these coral atolls that inspired Darwin’s theory of island formation are said to be the holy grail of remote wonderlands. You’ll have a proper goodbye to this region of the world before setting out across the Indian ocean, with picturesque beach barbecues, a boom swing, and snorkeling that has to be seen to be believed.

>Next stop: Mauritius
cultural-exchange-study-abroad-polynesia
Cultural Exchange
Connecting People with Places

In some ports of call, locals will hardly bat an eyelash when a white schooner with 31 souls drops anchor in their harbor. Larger cities and resort hubs are accustomed to a degree of transience with up to thousands of foreigners flowing through their streets in a single day. On the flip side, much of the Indian Ocean is out of the way and rarely visited.

As a result, the farther you sail from civilization the more you’ll find the people to be welcoming, cheerful, and unfailingly obliging. Whether it’s picking up a beach soccer game with local kids in Durban or lending a hand to the people of Cocos Keeling – you’ll find meaningful connections every step of the way.

Play Video
seamester-sailing-video
Rite of Passage
Sailing without seeing land

One unique aspect of this journey is that the passages get longer as you move towards your final destination. We’ll follow in the wake of Captain Cook’s first European expedition through this part of the world with stops that look as pristine as they did centuries ago.

As we turn our bow to the southwest outside of Indonesia, the rhythm of the trip shifts. With the fundamental knowledge in place, we now embark on the next phase of the expedition. Days are no longer split between day and night, but rather between on and off watch. You’ll be an integral part of a watch team sharing the responsibility of navigation, bow watch, engine checks, sail trim and steering the ship to its next port.

Study-abroad-south-africa
Anchors Down – Mauritius
(3-5 Days)

Mark Twain once said, “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius…” After roughly 14 days of exhilarating downwind sailing over rolling seas, you’ll find that this wildlife refuge is the perfect place to find your shore legs again. You’ll get one last taste of tropical diving and discover the island’s seemingly limitless ecosystem in days of exploring the abundant wildlife, lush highlands, and eclectic cuisine.

>Next stop: South Africa
study-abroad-south-africa
Richard’s Bay, South Africa
(1-3 Days)

You will feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment when you finally step foot on the mainland of Africa – take a deep breath, you’ve just crossed an ocean! Okay now get going, there’s so much to experience! Your first stop in South Africa will include a Safari tour of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, shore time, and maybe a chance to catch a rugby or cricket game. You’ll also get a chance to supplement your Marine biology classes with a hands-on shark dissection.

>Next stop: Durban
study-abroad-south-africa
Durban, East London, & Port Elizabeth
(3-5 Days)

With the wind and current coming from the bow, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to seek shelter on shore. As South Africa’s third largest city, metropolitan Durban is a brilliant cacophony of colonial architecture retaliating against art deco buildings which contrast with the contemporary waterfront. You’ll wait for a break in the weather by reconnecting with home, catching some rays on the beach, and exploring the street markets in this fast-paced international city.

>Next stop: Cape Town
study-abroad-south-africa
Cape Town
(5-7 Days)

You’ll feel excitement and nostalgia as you dock Argo for the last time after rounding the Cape of Good Hope. In the shadow of the iconic Table Mountain, you’ll soak in the last moments as a full crew and reflect on how far you have come together. A picturesque hike up the Lion’s Head and an excursion to “penguin beach” at cape point are essential to any Cape Town visit. During the final night out on the V&A waterfront you’ll realize that while the places have been amazing, it’s been the people you met along the way that have made the trip so life-changing.

>Next stop: Real Life
Seamester Study Abroad Gap Year Brochure
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accredited-academics-seamester
Academics Aboard
9-12 USF Credits

Throughout the voyage, it’s easy to forget that this is College even though academics are an integral part of the experience. Our instructors schedule 3 or 4 lectures, discussions, or labs per class each week and each course includes quizzes, research projects, midterms, and finals.

Learning in an environment that combines academics with experience allows you to truly interact with your education. It brings academics to life, adding relevance and practical application to the material. Learning has never been this fun.

captains-license-semester-abroad
First Step to Becoming a Captain.
Academics

For those who have the prior requisite experience, a passion for sailing, and hope to work in the maritime industry, all our 80 & 90-day voyages aboard S/Y Argo ans S/Y Vela offer the Professional Skipper and Crew Training course (PSCT).

Typically only 3 to 4 students will choose to take this course. Students have the opportunity to work towards their Master of Yachts 200 Ton Offshore License by completing the theory portion, which means passing a series of in-depth examinations covering subjects such as Meteorology, Navigation, Tides & Currents, and Collision Regulations.

Time to Say Goodbye

The best way to explain what it means to say goodbye after such an incredible experience is to use the words from someone who had to do just that…

With the date so close, everyone is already talking about what's next, and it’s amazing to hear so many things have changed since the beginning of the trip. We’ve all grown so much, we’ve learned new things, experienced places like Cocos Keeling where very few people have been, we’ve crossed a whole ocean, and the 30 of us have become a family. I believe we’ve all changed, matured, and many of us are forming ideas of our futures. Maybe we all don’t know exactly what we want to be, but we have a better idea of who we want to be, what we want to do with our lives, and where we want to go next.

Keanna R. Cape Town, South Africa

Trip Logs

no-image-image-1
Day 12
By Ava R.

Chasing little kids in the rain

Labaun Bajo did not see us coming… Our day started with overnight oats made by the master of oats himself…

Read More
Learningto2709_10
Day 14
By Travis P.

Learning to Fly (underwater)

Despite the fact that today, like every other day, was packed full of activity, we floated through it with ease.…

Read More
no-image-image-1
Day 13
By Allie I.

Makassar? I hardly even know her

GOOOOOOD MORNING! Welcome to one of the greatest days in our collective lives. Is that dramatic? Maybe. The morning began…

Read More
JisJ2809_1
Day 14
By Gabe C.

J is J

Last night Amanda M, Amanda D, Juliette, Kiley, Hannah, Ava, Travis, Ainsley, Ali, and Charlie all agreed to be woken…

Read More
Desbaleine2909_1
Day 15
By Ali L.

Des baleines et des cookies

Aujourd’hui on a eu la possibilité de se réveiller a 11h30 car on est en plein passage. Juste avant le…

Read More

Need More Information?

Contact Us Request A Viewbook

Vocational Certifications

Depending upon previous experience, students will have the opportunity to complete a number of the following certifications during their voyage.

Seamester is a PADI 5 Star Resort

Scuba Certifications

Open Water Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Rescue Diver
Divemaster
Learn more about scuba
 

Seamester is an International Yacht Training partner school

Sailing Certifications

International Crew
VHF Operator
Navigation Master
Master of Yachts 200 Ton Offshore Theory
Learn more about sailing

Seamester Safety Certifications

Safety Certifications

Emergency First Response - First Aid & CPR

Need To Know

Our 90-day Global Sea|mester Voyages offer the most comprehensive experience in terms of the geographical area covered and both academic and vocational classes and certifications earned. During the program, up to 12 academic credits are offered for the Seamanship, Student Leadership, Oceanography, and Marine Biology classes taught aboard. In addition, there are several vocational courses offered for those looking to further their professional development in the maritime industry. For more information on our classes, please visit our academics page.

None at all. All you need is a great attitude and a willingness to fully participate in every aspect of the experience.

Six professional staff members live aboard full-time. There will be the Skipper, the First and Second Mate and two Marine Biologists (who are typically scuba diving instructors) and a sixth staff member who could also be an EMT or someone with other special skills. Take a look through our team page for more information.

Meet our team

In Indonesia, we’ll be experiencing spring and early summer conditions which should be very stable and pleasant. It is likely that we will see varying tropical weather conditions during our westbound offshore crossings to Africa. Once in South Africa, we will sail in cooler weather with highs in the mid 60’s and upper 70’s (degrees Fahrenheit).

When we are ashore or close at anchor there will be plenty of opportunities to communicate with friends and family at home. That said, while aboard we have guidelines as to when it is appropriate to use your personal communications devices. The environment we strive to create relies heavily on each individual remaining focused on the group and our experience. Being tied to the modern world of “instant communications” can, in certain circumstances, be a hindrance to the personal and group processes aboard.

Cell Phones: Check with your provider before you go, but so long as you have a sim card, your cell phone will likely work in most global locations.

Internet: While our vessels are not wifi equipped, another way to communicate is by email, text, Facetime or Skype using shore side internet. The internet is often free or available to purchase in most of the locations that we visit.

Both on the vessel and ashore, the answer is up to you. The vast majority of the meals during your trip are prepared and eaten aboard. For meals aboard, each person on the crew takes a turn as head chef to plan and cook the meals for an entire day with the help of another person acting as sous-chef. We all work to stay within a budget, with both students and staff responsible for stocking the vessels. We endeavor to accommodate everyone aboard while providing what any alumni will tell you, was a great dining adventure. During your free time ashore you will have the opportunity to eat more adventurously. With the voyage starting in Indonesia we’re sure that you’ll have the opportunity to sample some traditional Balinese food like Babi Guling and Betutu before heading out. Once across the Indian Ocean, the African influence will be in full force with Biltong jerky being a favorite snack on the last trip we made to South Africa.

Sea|mester students range in age from 18 through to about 22. Average age is right around 20, yet this can change from voyage to voyage. Give a call through to the office if you are interested in learning more about the student crew.

Nitty Gritty

Students come from all over the world, so coordinated travel is vital.

You can choose to book on your own, yet we suggest that you start by requesting a quote from one of our recommended travel partners as they will provide you with service on-beyond an online booking service or search engine.

This voyage is scheduled to:

  • Start in Bali, Indonesia (airport code DPS)
  • End in Cape Town, South Africa (airport code CPT)

When booking travel, students should be aware that the program start date is the date upon which students should arrive aboard the vessel. The program end date is the date on which students should depart the vessel and start their travel home.

Recommended Travel Agents

a. TRC Travel Center

Leah Hernandez is our primary travel coordinator, and she works for a company called TRC Travel Center. Leah obtains great fares and provides close monitoring and assistance on travel days in case of flight difficulties. Leah will also maintain your flight details in the Student Portal on your behalf, ensuring their accuracy in the event of flight changes. Connect with Leah –
Phone: +1.281.528.7727 (9am – 5pm Central Time)
Email: leahctn68@hotmail.com

b. Global Marine Travel

An alternative is to contact Global Marine Travel (GMT) to request a quote for a “Marine Fare” ticket. Marine Fares may be cheaper or more expensive than a regular fare, but in most cases will be more flexible should you need to change your ticket and will include the provision for a larger number of checked bags. Do the research to figure out which ticket suits you best. Connect with GMT –
Phone: +1.954.761.9595 (24hrs)
Email: info@flygmt.com

When contacting GMT, you will need to reference the following:

  • Organizational Name: Global Expeditions Group
  • Vessel Name (select): Ocean Star, Argo or Vela
  • Vessel Registry: British Virgin Islands

c. Other Booking Options – Air Miles & Self Booking

We cannot be responsible for coordinating flights booked in this way, so please ensure that you are booking the correct itinerary (dates/destination) before purchasing a ticket online or through a source other than our recommended travel partners. If you have any questions regarding the date or time of arrival for your voyage, please call us to confirm any proposed flight itinerary before you book it. Once booked, you will be required to enter, then maintain accurate flight details in the relevant section of the Student Portal.

Passports

Your passport’s expiration date is of utmost importance to the immigration officials in the countries we visit. Each government mandates a “minimum validity,” with many using a six-month rule, meaning that the visitor’s passport must remain valid for six (6) months AFTER the last day of travel in that country. A few nations have more lenient minimum validity rules, but since we typically visit multiple countries throughout the voyage, meeting the six-month standard is compulsory in most cases. If your passport expires sooner than six months after the final day of your program, we recommend that you talk to the passport office about their backlog and renewal timeframe. You may also contact our office to learn more about whether you would be able to travel on a passport that expires earlier than six months after your trip ends.

Visas

US Citizens: Those traveling on a US passport rarely need to apply for specific country visas in advance of the program. In certain circumstances, we are required to process a vessel cruising permit or visitation visa on your behalf before the trip. If this is the case, we’ll let you know in advance whether there are any steps that we need you to take.

Students traveling on non-U.S. passports: Aside from needing a valid US ESTA to transit through the United States (if applicable), students traveling on a Canadian or an EU passport rarely need to apply for any other specific country visas in advance of the program. Learn more about the ESTA requirements, and whether this applies to you here – https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

Citizens of Asian, African, and South American nations may need to apply for specific visas. Since we cannot apply for visas on your behalf, you must take the following steps as soon as you can.

  • Contact our office and request a definitive list of the countries we will visit on the voyage. Please do not rely on the sample itineraries listed on our website.
  • Verify visa requirements for your nationality by contacting the local embassy or consulate for these destination countries.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

We do not currently require proof of vaccination in order to enroll.

Other Immunizations

We know that each individual has unique medical considerations and understand that families have varying opinions on immunizations as a whole. While we are not physicians and cannot provide official or specific medical advice, we recommend that you talk with your healthcare provider to discuss the trip and check that all standard immunizations and boosters are up to date.

The CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website at www.cdc.gov contains an excellent section that focuses on Travelers’ Health. This is a useful resource as you consider which precautions you might want to take. When completing your research, bear in mind that your voyage is almost 100% coastal. Many of the CDC’s recommendations are specific to agricultural or rural areas or regions within the country which we do not visit.

Sea|mester tuition includes the following:
  • Sea|mester academic instruction for the applicable courses offered during the voyage
  • University of South Florida (USF) academic credit for all academic classes offered during the program.
  • Full room and board
  • All group excursions, field trips and destination-focused educational experiences
  • Non-professional sailing instruction and certification costs
  • Non-professional scuba instruction and certification costs
Not included in the Sea|mester tuition:
  • Travel expenses from home to the program (flights, visas, ferry, taxi, baggage, taxes, etc.)
  • Required International SOS and MedAire membership & emergency evacuation insurance. (20-day voyages = $100 | 40-day voyages = $175 | 80 & 90-day voyages = $250) LEARN MORE >
  • Vaccinations (if required/selected)
  • PADI required course books and materials
  • Personal spending money
  • Travel & Tuition Protection insurance – LEARN MORE >

Though the fundamentals of our voyages do not change, specific logistics evolve over time and can be subject to change based on any number of factors, most of which relate directly to risk management planning.

For this reason, the map and voyage timeline portions of this page should give you a basic understanding of the places we’ll go and activities we’ll do, but you should expect your voyage to be unique. If you take a look through the Trip Logs for previous voyages, you’ll see that they can differ significantly.

With that in mind, we encourage all students to “live in the moment” while on the program. Travel, even on organized trips, requires flexibility and a willingness to accept adversity and change. We hope you’ll take the bumps in stride, and enjoy the adventure!

Students come from all over the world, so coordinated travel is vital.

You can choose to book on your own, yet we suggest that you start by requesting a quote from one of our recommended travel partners as they will provide you with service on-beyond an online booking service or search engine.

This voyage is scheduled to:

  • Start in Bali, Indonesia (airport code DPS)
  • End in Cape Town, South Africa (airport code CPT)

When booking travel, students should be aware that the program start date is the date upon which students should arrive aboard the vessel. The program end date is the date on which students should depart the vessel and start their travel home.

Recommended Travel Agents

a. TRC Travel Center

Leah Hernandez is our primary travel coordinator, and she works for a company called TRC Travel Center. Leah obtains great fares and provides close monitoring and assistance on travel days in case of flight difficulties. Leah will also maintain your flight details in the Student Portal on your behalf, ensuring their accuracy in the event of flight changes. Connect with Leah –
Phone: +1.281.528.7727 (9am – 5pm Central Time)
Email: leahctn68@hotmail.com

b. Global Marine Travel

An alternative is to contact Global Marine Travel (GMT) to request a quote for a “Marine Fare” ticket. Marine Fares may be cheaper or more expensive than a regular fare, but in most cases will be more flexible should you need to change your ticket and will include the provision for a larger number of checked bags. Do the research to figure out which ticket suits you best. Connect with GMT –
Phone: +1.954.761.9595 (24hrs)
Email: info@flygmt.com

When contacting GMT, you will need to reference the following:

  • Organizational Name: Global Expeditions Group
  • Vessel Name (select): Ocean Star, Argo or Vela
  • Vessel Registry: British Virgin Islands

c. Other Booking Options – Air Miles & Self Booking

We cannot be responsible for coordinating flights booked in this way, so please ensure that you are booking the correct itinerary (dates/destination) before purchasing a ticket online or through a source other than our recommended travel partners. If you have any questions regarding the date or time of arrival for your voyage, please call us to confirm any proposed flight itinerary before you book it. Once booked, you will be required to enter, then maintain accurate flight details in the relevant section of the Student Portal.

Passports

Your passport’s expiration date is of utmost importance to the immigration officials in the countries we visit. Each government mandates a “minimum validity,” with many using a six-month rule, meaning that the visitor’s passport must remain valid for six (6) months AFTER the last day of travel in that country. A few nations have more lenient minimum validity rules, but since we typically visit multiple countries throughout the voyage, meeting the six-month standard is compulsory in most cases. If your passport expires sooner than six months after the final day of your program, we recommend that you talk to the passport office about their backlog and renewal timeframe. You may also contact our office to learn more about whether you would be able to travel on a passport that expires earlier than six months after your trip ends.

Visas

US Citizens: Those traveling on a US passport rarely need to apply for specific country visas in advance of the program. In certain circumstances, we are required to process a vessel cruising permit or visitation visa on your behalf before the trip. If this is the case, we’ll let you know in advance whether there are any steps that we need you to take.

Students traveling on non-U.S. passports: Aside from needing a valid US ESTA to transit through the United States (if applicable), students traveling on a Canadian or an EU passport rarely need to apply for any other specific country visas in advance of the program. Learn more about the ESTA requirements, and whether this applies to you here – https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

Citizens of Asian, African, and South American nations may need to apply for specific visas. Since we cannot apply for visas on your behalf, you must take the following steps as soon as you can.

  • Contact our office and request a definitive list of the countries we will visit on the voyage. Please do not rely on the sample itineraries listed on our website.
  • Verify visa requirements for your nationality by contacting the local embassy or consulate for these destination countries.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

We do not currently require proof of vaccination in order to enroll.

Other Immunizations

We know that each individual has unique medical considerations and understand that families have varying opinions on immunizations as a whole. While we are not physicians and cannot provide official or specific medical advice, we recommend that you talk with your healthcare provider to discuss the trip and check that all standard immunizations and boosters are up to date.

The CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website at www.cdc.gov contains an excellent section that focuses on Travelers’ Health. This is a useful resource as you consider which precautions you might want to take. When completing your research, bear in mind that your voyage is almost 100% coastal. Many of the CDC’s recommendations are specific to agricultural or rural areas or regions within the country which we do not visit.

Sea|mester tuition includes the following:
  • Sea|mester academic instruction for the applicable courses offered during the voyage
  • University of South Florida (USF) academic credit for all academic classes offered during the program.
  • Full room and board
  • All group excursions, field trips and destination-focused educational experiences
  • Non-professional sailing instruction and certification costs
  • Non-professional scuba instruction and certification costs
Not included in the Sea|mester tuition:
  • Travel expenses from home to the program (flights, visas, ferry, taxi, baggage, taxes, etc.)
  • Required International SOS and MedAire membership & emergency evacuation insurance. (20-day voyages = $100 | 40-day voyages = $175 | 80 & 90-day voyages = $250) LEARN MORE >
  • Vaccinations (if required/selected)
  • PADI required course books and materials
  • Personal spending money
  • Travel & Tuition Protection insurance – LEARN MORE >

Though the fundamentals of our voyages do not change, specific logistics evolve over time and can be subject to change based on any number of factors, most of which relate directly to risk management planning.

For this reason, the map and voyage timeline portions of this page should give you a basic understanding of the places we’ll go and activities we’ll do, but you should expect your voyage to be unique. If you take a look through the Trip Logs for previous voyages, you’ll see that they can differ significantly.

With that in mind, we encourage all students to “live in the moment” while on the program. Travel, even on organized trips, requires flexibility and a willingness to accept adversity and change. We hope you’ll take the bumps in stride, and enjoy the adventure!

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