Location
Multiple Locations +6
  • Fiji
  • Cook Islands
  • Tahiti
  • Australia
  • Tonga
  • Vanuatu
Term
Summer
Subject Areas
Communications Environmental Studies Marine Biology Oceanography

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma
Housing
Boat
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
$18,000 USD
Price Details
12 academic credits from the University of South Florida

International Yachtmaster Training (IYT): International Crew Certificate, Navigation
Master and Master of Yachts 200 Ton Theory (course based on experience)

PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue or Divemaster Certification

Over 4000 nautical miles
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare
Oct 31, 2019
Nov 30, 2019

About Program

Sailing from Tahiti to Australia is known as one of the world's most amazing trade wind sails; yachtsmen the world over call it "The Coconut Run."

It begins when you cast off your stern line from the dock in Papeete and 66 days, 3500 nautical miles and 6 credits later, the voyage ends as you tuck your bow behind the Great Barrier Reef into the protected waters of Queensland, Australia.

In between, you get to hoist and lower the sails of a beautiful schooner, anchor in secluded lagoons, catch fish straight from the Pacific Ocean, anchor off the reefs of Raratonga, climb and hike with natives of the Tonga Archipelago and participate in a Kava ceremony with the chief of a Fijian village. Are we missing something here? Not likely - but YOU will be missing something to tell your grandkids someday if you don't sign up early enough to be among those fortunate enough to remember every day along the way.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Become A Certified Scuba Diver
  • Learn to Sail
  • Earn 9 - 12 College Credits
  • Sail Across the South Pacific

Scholarships

Seamester Scholarships

Seamester Scholarships & Financial Aid

Seamester offers a number of Financial Aid and Scholarship options available for those looking toward funding to make their experience possible.

Value
$500 - $10,000

Program Reviews

9.89 Rating
based on 9 reviews
  • 9-10 rating 100%
  • 7-8 rating 0%
  • 5-6 rating 0%
  • 3-4 rating 0%
  • 1-2 rating 0%
  • Academics 8.4
  • Support 9.8
  • Fun 9.9
  • Housing 9.3
  • Safety 9.8
Showing 1 - 8 of 9 reviews
Default avatar
Margaret
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience you’ll never forget!

There’s honestly no words that would sum up my experience: From sliding down natural water slides in Fiji to watching the sunrise with kangaroos on the beach in Australia to being able to celebrate Independence Day in Vanuatu. One thing for sure no day was the same! One time in middle of a passage we were able to jump off the boat with no land in sight being it was beyond calm that day and moments like those truly makes you appreciate life while you feel at peace. It’s amazing how close you become to the other people, even the staff was amazing at making our experience unforgettable. I miss the days where you could just hope off a boat and be in a new place and get to explore it, so I ended up doing another trip with them the next summer!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go in open minded, no trip is the same but it will be unforgettable!
13 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Meg
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best 80 Days of My Life!!

I can not even begin to explain how incredible my summer on Argo was sailing from Tahiti to Australia. Every day was different and exciting. I initially went on this trip to spend the summer sailing and diving. I did not anticipate that I would meet my best friends as well. From scuba diving, sailing, hiking to waterfalls, exploring so many new islands, the classes, and spending virtually every minute outside, I learned more than I can ever put into words. This experience pushes you as well. From all the midnight watches, cooking, and keeping Argo in tip top shape, I learned so much about myself as well as the world around me. If I could go on this trip again I would!! I am so grateful to Seamester for giving me the best experience of my life.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Every moment is a photographers paradise! Take as many pictures as you can! You get to experience all the beautiful stars, sunrises, and sunsets so cherish it.
13 people found this review helpful.
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Default avatar
Griffin
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life Changing Experience...

I was fortunate enough to sail on Argo for 80 days from Tahiti to Australia in the summer of 2017. It was an incredible experience is so many ways. We got to see and explore amazing islands in the pacific, we got SCUBA certified in some of the most beautiful dive spots in the world, and we sailed almost 5,000 nautical miles. There are definitely challenges associated with living in close quarters and just being on a ship, but for anyone looking to push themselves outside their comfort zone, those “challenges” will probably become the things you miss most about the trip. Also the crew were fantastic. Incredibly knowledgeable and helpful despite some occasionally very challenging teaching conditions. If you know you want to go abroad on the water, and are particularly interested in doing as much sailing, and diving as possible, Seamester is the way to go.

16 people found this review helpful.
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Default avatar
Garison
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life-Changing Decision

I often find myself wanting to be back on S/Y Argo. There, I found a great community of friends who all pushed each other to achieve more than we thought we could. Since coming home, I've told people how much I miss being in a community where everyone is working hard and motivating others to do the same. Because of this communal work ethic, there was never a wasted day. An important note on this, though, it is very important that you are willing to not only contribute, but do your best in each of your jobs every day. I'm not saying people were perfect, but the ones who tried hard were the ones who made the trip better for the entire boat. So a willingness to fully commit to each task (even night watch from 12 a.m. - 4 a.m., or deep cleaning the boat) is a must. As far as classes go, the workload is challenging, not because the subject matter is impossible. but because each day is so full. Every student found the right balance for them, though, between academics and exploring the South Pacific on the trip. One important thing to note is that the twelve college credits from the trip will make you a transfer student at many colleges. I was a gap year student, and did not realize this until I tried to apply to colleges in the fall, and was told to apply in March as a transfer student. So, if you are on a gap year, make sure you know what your future college's credit requirements are for freshman. Finally, here are some of my favorite memories from S/Y Argo: cooking while underway (aptly described as traumatic yet satisfying), swimming with humpback whales, bow watch (sitting at the front of the boat with one other watch team member) while the sun sets, and scary stories under the beautiful stars on night watch. I left Argo more self-confident and motivated, and was very happy I made the decision to make it part of my gap year.

What would you improve about this program?
More night dives, and finding the good spots to dive in each location. Sometimes, we would dive and see very little despite being in some of the best diving locations in the world. This was because the crew didn't have the means to get to better sites.
13 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Henry
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Take Chances, Adventure!

I had an incredible time living on Argo this past summer, sailing the Coconut Run. I met great friends, some students and some staff, that have made lasting impacts on me. But it's important to remember that nothing is perfect, and neither is Sea|mester. Our summer was a challenging one, with many hurdles to overcome, but that was part of the journey I signed up for. If you are intrinsically motivated and desire the most out of your experience, this program has fruitful offerings. I became a divemaster, navmaster, competent crew member, and true adventurer. Have reasonable expectations about this impressive journey and channel optimism in the hard times. Any opportunity to sail, study, and dive is precious--a worthwhile investment for life.

What would you improve about this program?
Best if crew is mature. The older students are, the better the boat will float--hoping everyone equally buys into the system. Sea|mester is expensive, so the more diverse the socioeconomic background of students, the better. Best if crew members are not fired in the middle of excursion, that was extraordinarily divisive. Strong leadership skills from staff is essential. Would benefit the program if students were allowed to drink per occasion, given certain restraints. We learned about the struggling marine environment daily, and grew to love it--yet we poured bleach into it everyday and used environmentally unfriendly materials. Surely, for the cost of the program, funds can be harnessed to invest in effective and environmentally safe tools. This was disturbingly ironic.
12 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hayes
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Go

I stumbled upon SeaMester not knowing what to expect as I boarded Argo to sail from Tahiti to Australia. I’m fortunate to have family that signed me up for this trip and pretty much forced me to go. I am not required to write this review but have never had a better experience in my life and therefore feel compelled to. We saw humpback whales swim along our schooner. We dove the Great Barrier Reef. We danced in small island bars across the South Pacific, and best of all we formed a bond as a crew that will never be broken. These memories were etched into our minds to be cherished for a lifetime. These are things I never thought I would do and it brings tears to my eyes to think I almost missed out on these experiences, these people. Don’t hesitate like I did. Sign up now and take the first step towards something you will never regret.

What would you improve about this program?
its perfect just go
12 people found this review helpful.
Blake
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

80 Day (Tahiti - Australia) Summer Trip

I have wanted to do the SeaMester program for 3 years before I finally made the call to do it. I can say that not only was it worth the wait, but I am so glad I did not decide to go with any other program out there. SeaMester is literally EXACTLY what I was looking for and not only met my expectations but exceeded them ten-fold. I had the opportunity to travel to some of the most remote and beautiful places on earth and places that most will ever dream of going. Along with that, I also go the sailing knowledge and skill that I was looking for. When you add all of this onto the amazing people on the trip, you get an experience that you will tell for the rest of your life. I can relive almost every day of the trip and I would not change anything if I had the chance. I am so glad I made the choice to participate in such a program and I can promise anyone that decides to go will be nothing but grateful for the time spent aboard.

14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Zoe
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Graded >10

So grateful to have had the opportunity to study with Seamester this past summer (Tahiti-Australia 80 day). In addition to visiting unique places I probably never would have seen, I also made lifetime friends who have become a second family to me. Despite difficulties of seasickness or no personal space, this program is worth it because you grow and change into the person you want to be. I've learned so much, and I know that my Seamester family will always be there to support me if I need them. I've left with my head full of new knowledge from the classes, and wonderful memories I will cherish always. Thanks Seamester, for the incredible summer and all the opportunities. I still can't believe it's over.

What would you improve about this program?
Make it longer, or find a cure for seasickness. Honestly, this was one of the best experiences of my life, and even the difficulties have transformed me in a good way.
13 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers