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Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
Seamester: Bali to South Africa - 90 Days logo

Seamester: Bali to South Africa - 90 Days

by: Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

9.5 (4)Verified

Cast off from the idyllic island of Palau, one of 500 islands in an archipelago that forms part of the Micronesia region in the western Pacific Ocean, and spend a semester at sea aboard S/Y Argo or S/Y Vela following in the wake of Captain Cook from Indonesia across the southern Indian Ocean to South Africa. This academic adventure breaks from the beaten path to visit some of the world’s most remo...

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Program Highlights

Discover picturesque destinations such as Bali, Gili Islands, Komodo, Christmas Island, Cocos Keeling, Mauritius, and South Africa.

Earn twelve academic credits from the University of South Florida for the Nautical Science, Marine Biology, Oceanography, and Leadership classes taught aboard.

Achieve the International Crew, Navigation Master, and even Master of Yachts 200 Ton Theory sailing certifications from IYT (International Yacht Training).

Learn to scuba dive and earn the PADI Open Water certification or further your experience by completing the PADI Advanced Open Water, Rescue, or Divemaster courses.

Fine-tune your leadership skills as you become an integral part of the crew, sailing over 7500 nautical miles and being responsible for every aspect of life aboard a sailing vessel.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • South Africa
  • Multiple Countries
  • Mauritius
Availability
Year(s) Offered2026, 2027Terms Available:
  • Fall
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Eco Tours
  • Sailing
  • Scuba
Subjects & Courses:
  • Communications
  • Environmental Studies
  • Leadership
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.5

Total Reviews

4

amazing experience

December 26, 2025by: Wylie Sweetstevens - United States

Program: Seamester: Bali to South Africa - 90 Days

9

Seamester Bali to South Africa was an awesome way to study abroad. The classes can be difficult with little time to study and complete assignments. It is also easy to feel exhausted all the time due to lots of physical activity and no so much sleep, but that is all part of the fun. The classes are also everyday, including weekends, for the most part, which is weird at first but you get used to it. It is definitely a big lifestyle change, but as the trip goes on, you definitely adjust to it and enjoy it. You get super close with the friends you make here and don't want to leave at the end. Although it can be a lot of work, you learn so much. Amazing study abroad opportunity for anyone into sailing and diving.

Fun times in the middle of the Indian ocean

December 25, 2025by: Zeke Zelonish - United States

Program: Seamester: Bali to South Africa - 90 Days

9

I had a great time! I’d say the best thing to do is keep and open mind because you may find yourself doing stuff that’s not your favorite, but if you think of it with an open mind it will be super fun. I can also promise you will enjoy passage much more then you expect, it is one of the most fun things I’ve ever experienced and definitely a highlight of the trip.

Greatest Experience Ever!

October 14, 2015by: Taylor Shedd - Orcas Island, Washington

Program: Seamester: Bali to South Africa - 90 Days

10

SeaMester was truly the best experience of my life! I learned so much about myself, academics, practical skills, soft skills, and cultures all while sailing aboard a yacht across an ocean. Living on a boat is amazing and living so close to other students and your professors is a wonderful way to learn and grow. Some of my best friends are from this trip and they include the staff members on board. Along with all of this, SeaMester is so much fun!

Learning to NavigateChasing the Suntropical paradise

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • South Africa
  • Multiple Countries

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Eco Tours
  • Sailing
  • Scuba

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Terms Available:
  • Fall
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • During College

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Letters of Reference
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Transcript

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Josh Kester

Participated in 2014

Alumni

Show Full Interview
Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

9.5Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Cast off from the idyllic island of Palau, one of 500 islands in an archipelago that forms part of the Micronesia region in the western Pacific Ocean, and spend a semester at sea aboard S/Y Argo or S/Y Vela following in the wake of Captain Cook from Indonesia across the southern Indian Ocean to South Africa. This academic adventure breaks from the beaten path to visit some of the world’s most remote visions of paradise. This voyage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail across the Southern Indian Ocean to Cape Town via Bali, 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 emphasizing blue-water sailing skills development, SCUBA divin...

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