U.S. Virgin Islands Sailing Expedition
7 day trip anytime from January-June
Sailing in the Virgin Islands
While sailing through the islands for 7 days the group will live aboard 40 - 50 ft yachts. Each yacht has 4-5 cabins and 2-4 bathrooms. Each and every day we will drop anchor in a protected bay where students can jump off the boat and snorkel amongst sea turtles, stingrays and a multitude of other fish. Students will enjoy the opportunity to experience island culture, dig into the archipelago’s history, learn about marine biodiversity, reef health, and ocean conservation. Students will have a variety of projects to participate in throughout the week, matching both their passions and learning objectives. If interested, students will have the opportunity to experience the amazing phenomena of bioluminescence where oceanic plankton light up the water at night. The group will quickly find why this is the Robinson Crusoe or Jacques Cousteau Adventure of the Virgin Islands.
What you can expect
Daily Academic / Research Opportunities
Each day the students may help conduct marine life surveys, reef surveys, map the hiking trails, learn about the local marine ecosystem, learn about the plants, animals, and conservation on the islands, as well as visit the cultural sites to learn about the people on the islands. Evenings are spent debriefing the day, playing group games, completing field notes and enjoying some stargazing
Marine Life
Sailing around the islands and cays that make up the Virgin Islands students will be surrounded by incredible marine life including soft and hard coral reefs. Every time you jump off the back of the boat you may see eagle rays, common sting rays, green and hawksbill sea turtles, and a multitude of reef fish. It’s common to see a clam or two or three, as well
Bioluminescence!
If visiting during a new moon or partial moon phases, the students will have the opportunity to jump into the water and experience bioluminescence!
Beaches
The U.S. Virgin Islands attract visitors from around the world and for good reason. There’s plenty of calm white sand beaches and warm water.
Learn to sail
Students and chaperones will have the opportunity to learn how to navigate, handle rigging, tack and jibe, and steer the boats.
Itinerary
Day 1
Group flies to St. Thomas and will be greeted by Global Treks staff, then travels to the marina 5 min from airport
First day, everyone gets settled on the boat, completes boat orientation (boat safety) and participates in group community-building and leadership development activities.
Evening walk around St. Thomas waterfront
Day 2-6
Day 2 we sail 4 hours to St. John’s
Anchor each night in a quiet protected bay next to land
Each subsequent day we sail 1 – 2 hours to the next anchorage
Students have the opportunity to sail, navigate, collect marine life data, snorkel and conduct interviews ashore with local island citizens and professional scientists
All meals will be on the boat with optional opportunities to eat in small groups on the islands
Each boat has a small boat tender (dinghy) used to transfer people from boat to shore.
Once anchored, daily activities include: snorkeling, going to shore to hike the trails, walking into town, meeting with local experts, etc.
Day 6 the group sails back to the marina at St. Thomas.
Day 7
Fly Home
Trip Highlights
expedition SAILBOAT
Travel Costs: $2,500
What’s included: Lodging, food, local transportation in St. Thomas, sailboat charter, licensed U.S.C.G. Captains, supplies, activity fees, snorkeling gear and mooring costs.
What’s not included: Flights, souvenirs, personal spending money, and optional travel insurance.