Snorkeling Programs in Australia

The program has been absolutely amazing! I have loved everything about Australia, formed a lot of new friends/relationships, and made so many great memories so far. I would 100% recommend it to others, I think everyone should get to experience this beautiful place. My favorite part was the camping trip on Frasier Island, but I have also loved sky diving, snorkeling, and all of the nights out have been a blast. Overall, this has been the best experience I’ve ever had and I’m so glad I got out of my shell and booked it.

Pacific Discovery gave me one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. The 10-week gap year program was a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and personal growth. The staff were very knowledgeable, and always there to encourage us. I left with lifelong friends and memories, plus a newfound appreciation for nature and different cultures. If you're looking for a meaningful, eye opening adventure, I can't recommend Pacific Discovery enough!

The Australia and New Zealand semester was the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on! From the beautiful beaches of AUS to the stunning southern alps of New Zealand, every single activity and view on this trip was amazing. There is nowhere I would rather have spent the last 70 days, and no group I would rather have been with!

I was really nervous before coming on program about how i was going to make friends and what the people would be like and it was everything i’d hope for the people were amazing and my instructors made sure everything was perfect this trip truly changed me and i am so grateful i went no matter how scary it seemed at first

This program implements so many elements of self discovery and growth. I did the Australia mini semester and I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. Not only about the culture and activities here in Australia but myself as well. I faced many positives, a few challenges, and I am equally grateful for both! As I wouldn’t be who I am now without the hardship. I have come out of this program with a better sense of self and for that I am very grateful!

I had an amazing time with amazing people on the Australia New Zealand Gap semester! It was an incredible program that showed us how to live and travel more sustainably, make the most of our time with every experience, and learn from others we meet along the way! I definitely recommend this program!!

My daughter just returned from her trip to Australia and Fiji. She said the group became very close and that, miraculously, all 15 of them got along and appreciated each other. She loved her leaders, she said they were fun but also good about letting them know the boundaries. In fact, my daughter mentioned that the Fiji guide told the group that they always love to have ARCC on the island bc the group is the most respectful of the teen groups. ARCC seems to attract a service-minded, community-minded teen. This is our third trip with ARCC and we couldn't be more pleased with the resulting mindset, memories and friends that our daughter has when she returns home. We love the no cell phone policy, and our daughter has said that it has been so nice to unplug. She said it forces the group to bond, sing songs, do skits, and be goofy bc they don't have any other choice but to be social with each other. My daughter didn't end up getting her diving certification as she panicked in the water training at the last minute, but they accommodated the change by letting her snorkel and stay on the boat with the group so she didn't miss out. Fantastic trip. I did ask my daughter to tell me which trip with ARCC has been her favorite so far, and she said, they are all so different that she can't compare. She attended the Costa Rica La Pura Vida, Ecuador and Galapogos and now Australia and Fiji. She is already ready to select her next trip.

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.

The three times our daughter has participated in Action Quest summer camps all three have surpassed ours and her expactations, in all aspects. It has giving her so much confidence, knowledge, it has helped empower her to become an independent and resposible teen. Ready for her next adventure, anywhere she so chooses!

I loved my experience at Action Quest so much, I ended up going three years in a row! The BVIs are such an amazing place and the sailing, scuba, and activities make it even more rewarding. I’ve also made some of my life long friends at AQ, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

This experience absolutely blew my mind. You are surrounded with the best people, while having the time of your life. We live on a sailboat for either 17 or 21 days, learning to sail, scuba dive, as well as many other activities. The counselors and staff are the best I have ever had at a camp, always supporting, encouraging, and helping us along the way. The community that is built on your boat is one of a kind, I have made lifelong friends who come from all over the world. Furthermore, you are able to learn and improve many life skills, like teamwork, collaboration, or small things like cooking and cleaning. Some may think that close quarters is frustrating and cramped, but I have never minded, it teaches you to share your space and made me even closer with my roommates. Additionally, we are able to learn and explore the beautiful BVI's. You develop such a love for the islands, and some programs even get to help restore the BVI's from past hurricane damage. I have done the Vega and Carina programs, furthering my diving and sailing skills each year. I have no negative memory from camp, except from the day that we had to leave and go home. Being in the fleet is such an empowering and amazing feeling, whether it was race day or barbeques at Sandy Spit. I have had so many people at school and back home ask about ActionQuest, asking me how it was and wondering if they should go. Every single time, I always encourage them. I truly believe that this was the best experience I could ever ask for. Compared to every other summer/sleepaway camp I've done, the community created outdoes everything else. When I walked into the marina for my second year, I immediately was greeted by my friends and counselors from the year before. The memories created aboard will never leave you, and the family that you form with your "shippies" will live on forever. ActionQuest most definitely exceeded every single expectation that I had.

I would suggest this program to anyone. I met some of my best friends, learned so much about diving and sailing, and even used it to get into all my desired colleges by writing my essay about my experience.

Action Quest gave me a opportunity that I never would see myself doing, In 3 weeks I was able to learn to scuba dive, sail and make friends, The people I met inspired and encouraged me and made me feel like they were my family, I felt safe and respected by everyone there, I’m proud to call Action Quest my second home!!

My whole family has engaged in Action Quest's programs. I specifically went to please my family, yet I found myself having the time of my life. During my time in the Vega program, I made friends, had unforgettable experiences, and got to know cultures and areas I otherwise wouldn't have been exposed to. When people ask me what I do during summer, I jump at the chance to say: I spent 3 weeks sailing the caribbean and getting "scuba certy" with 11 other kids at THE summer camp known as Action Quest. The first questions I most frequently recieve are: How did you all fit on a sail boat? How did you sleep? and, What did you eat? To which I reply: We managed our space well thanks to our VERY organized and well-prepped counselors, We often slept on the tramp at the bow like burritos and we'd fall asleep quite easily to the smell of salty air, the star-filled sky, and the slight sound of the ever so often coming gusts of wind. The cooking, on the other hand, fell into the explanation of the chore chart and how, even as lazy teenagers, we'd come together and pull our load! Experience wise, AQ gave me everything they had to offer, the staff were always present, aware, and engaging. As I'd experienced a serious alergic reaction to a jellyfish sting years prior which led to a three day hospital visit, the day I arrived I met with James who assured me they'd do their best to keep me safe, with epi-pens on board, extra shower buckets if necessary, etc. The activities were fun but always required safety (which was greatly appreciated on those wakeboarding wipeouts), the "townhalls" with Mike brought the community together, our trip to spanish town brought only laughs to our crowd, the bbq night was filled with dance and sights of pure joy. After every dinner we'd have our nightly session of "squeeze" where the skipper otd would pose a question to which everyone would contribute a special and unique answer, and if we got lucky, we'd get a special guest appearance from the 3 ft long barracudas swimming below us. When a boat had a covid outbreak, it was delt with flawlessly and all of us took the required measures to keep healthy. Action Quest for me was a life changing experience that taught me independence, responsability, compassion, and more importantly, it brought me closer to the world of sailing and diving of which I'm so fond of. Now, I know I could keep spouting about the wonders of AQ endlessly so I'll keep it short and mention simply one more thing. Do it. Go. and don't miss out because I PROMISE you won't regret it.

Having been to an action quest camp for 2 years it has easily been the best thing I have ever done. From living on a boat with some of the coolest people to diving the most beautiful places in the world every second of the camp is amazing.

I did the trip from Palau to Thailand in 21 and it was so much fun. I learnt so much, made so many great friends and got to see and experience some of the coolest stuff I’ve seen to date. The staff are all very cool, approachable and great teachers. I got 12 credits and it didn’t even feel like a semester because it was so fun. If you like adventure, travel and the ocean I couldn’t recommend this program more.

I grew up in New York City surrounded by bright lights and skyscrapers. I found myself longing for nature. I wanted something new: I wanted to immerse myself in a new way of life. I was drawn to Australia’s unique culture and breathtaking landscapes. I decided to sign up for Pacific Discovery’s summer program in Australia. I was really nervous before my trip because I had little experience hiking and camping. Looking back on my experience, I had nothing to worry about. I was welcomed with open arms and nothing but positive smiles. My group traveled up the coast of Australia, starting in Sydney and ending in Cairns. My favorite memories include surfing in Crescent Head and skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef. My group worked alongside National Parks staff in endangered landscapes. We participated in bush regeneration projects and numerous beach cleanups. We also learned about Australia’s unique environmental and ecological history, emphasizing the lasting presence and influence of aboriginal people. The trip would not have been the same without our amazing group leader, Tari Kumari. She is a constant source of positive energy. She pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow to become the individual I am today. I could not have asked for a more perfect mentor. Her enthusiasm, selflessness, and kind heart are inspiring. When I grow up, I hope to be like Tari. I can truly say that I came back from Australia as a more open-minded and open-hearted individual. The trip gave me a positive outlook on life that I carry with me every day. I long for adventure and more experiences like the one that Pacific Discovery gave me. Thank you for everything Tari and Pacific Discovery. I highly recommend this trip!

Was so much more than I expected. Met amazing people and leaders. Would highly recommend this to anyone as you will have the trip of a lifetime and you will never look back at it with regret. Helps you step out of your comfort zone with likeminded people.

This trip is amazing for those who may not have much experience in travelling much like myself , it’s been a great experience and i have had the time of my life the gap force team have been amazing and i have enjoyed everything moment of the trip would definitely recommend to anyone.

Gapforce responded to this reviewDecember 10, 2022

Thanks Daniel - we're so glad you had an amazing time!

Action Quest provided me with a second home and family. Currently, my favorite people on the entire planet are the ones that were on my boat this past session. Scuba diving and sailing are the most amazing activities ever, and I cannot believe I was able to breathe underwater and see many creatures you never get to see on a regular basis. Sailing is so calming and it helped me to forget everything stressful in my life and just focus on the waves and horizon. I seriously cannot say enough about how close I got to my shipmates and the impact they've had on me as a person. I hope that everyone can experience something like this once in their life, and I am so grateful to have done so myself. The best thing about Action Quest is the people that you meet; there are no connections like the ones you make living on a boat with someone.