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Seamester: Transpacific, Fiji to Bali - 80 Days

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Overall Rating
6Reviews
1998Year established

Program Overview

Sailing from Fiji to Bali, known as "The Coconut Milk Run," is one of the world's most amazing tradewind sails. It begins when you cast off your stern line from the dock in Fiji. Then, 80 days, 5800 nautical miles, and up to 9 credits later, the voyage ends as you tuck your bow into the protected waters of Bali.

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, study the plankton with your resident marine biologists, anchor off the reefs of Raja Ampat, climb and hike with natives in Komodo National Park, and participate in a Kava ceremony with the chief of a Fijian village.

Are we missing something here? Not likely. But YOU will miss something to tell your grandkids someday if you don't sign up early to be among those fortunate enough to remember every day along the way.

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Program Highlights

Travel to pristine destinations: Fiji Islands, Palau, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Gili Islands, and Bali.
Earn nine academic credits from the University of South Florida for the Nautical Science, Marine Biology, 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 a 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 4000 nautical miles and being responsible for every aspect of life aboard a sailing vessel.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Group Meals
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Required Equipment
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Training
Academic Advising
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Micro-Credential(s) / Certification(s)
Textbooks / Reading Materials
Course Materials
Academic Credit
Letter of Recommendation
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Bali, Indonesia
  • Multiple Countries
  • Fiji
  • Palau

Fields & Subjects

  • Communications
  • Environmental Studies
  • Marine Biology
  • Leadership

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027
  • Terms Available
  • Summer

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some college credit, no degree

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Other

Application Procedures

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

Age Requirement

18-25

Duration

  • After College
  • During College
  • Post High School

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

4.7
6 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
4
4
2
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Community
5.0
Program Administration
4.8
Living Situation
4.5
Cultural Immersion
4.3
Health & Safety
4.3
Academics
4.2

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-6 of 6 reviews

Maxwell AitkenUnited States · September 2026

Experience of a Lifetime

Studying abroad aboard Argo en route from Fiji to Bali (via Palau) was an experience I don't think I will ever forget. In addition to academics I also learned how to sail, how to scuba dive, and (I think most importantly) how to live and thrive in unique and seemingly uncomfortable conditions. The program is one of a kind, as are all the people who you will embark on it alongside. I loved it!

Emily KeeferUnited States · July 2026

Life Changing

Living on Argo was the most incredible experience of my life, I absolutely loved my voyage with 30 of my favorite people! I sailed from Fiji to Palau on the 40 day voyage, and I loved every minute of it!

Olivia SucicoUnited States · December 2024

Best Summer Yet

I sailed with Sea|messter for 3 months from Fiji to Palau and Indonesia. I joined the boat with no sailing or scuba experience and ended up a rescue diver with multiple sailing certifications. All the staff and students were so friendly and the 22 strangers that I met on day one turned into a tight-knit family that was impossible to say goodbye to on day 80. The program is definitely challenging and will push you out of your comfort zone with long-passage and some rough nights but I now look back on those as some of my fondest memories. The boat transforms into a home with people who were put together by chance and now know some of the strangest stories about each other's lives. Nothing can ever beat the feeling of jumping off the boat to swim with manta rays just feet from our floating home or back-rolling off the dinghies to scuba dive across the equator or helming through 360-degree sunrises and sunsets in the middle of the ocean with some of your closest friends. This experience teaches you to be comfortable going outside your comfort zone and to always say yes, it may just turn into one of the best memories of your life.

Photos

Kirstyn GuevaraOctober 2023

Journey of a lifetime

Seamester was a trip that exceeded all of my expectations. I had an opportunity to visit places some people may never see in a lifetime and I got to make countless memories with amazing new people. I grew a bond with not only the students but also the staff that could never be replaced. Everyday I wish I could go back and relive it all just once more.

Simon Curtis-GinsbergUnited States · September 2017

Best Summer of my Life

This trip was the best summer of my life, the experience of living on a 112 foot boat sailing from island to island with 30 other people who thought the trip become people you cant imagine living without having met is life changing. From scuba diving, to sailing at night, to having class snorkeling in the ocean i have had so many unique experiences that i will always treasure.

Katie LeakeApril 2015

The most unique program

Seamester is the most unique program because not only do you get to visit many different places around the world in a span of 3 months, but you also make life long friends with the 25 or so shipmates. Not only are you living with these people, but you are also cooking, and sailing, and taking classes with them as well. In a matter of 90 days you will be able to say that you have met another group of people that you can call your family. My favorite part of my program besides the amazing places we visited, the amount of miles we were able to sail, the wonderful classes that we had the opportunity to take, the beautiful scuba diving we were able to partake in was the magnificent people that became my second family. Seamester impacts my life at home on a daily basis. It has taught me to live in the moment and to appreciate everything around me. I have learned the essence of adventure, and the importance of incorporating adventure in my day-to-day life. I have become the person I am today because of Seamester.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Gap Year Association Accredited member

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