Optional Courses on Sail Caribbean
Sail Caribbean summer adventure camps offer lots of optional courses.
Our range of optional courses is designed to meet your unique interests, skills, and goals. While many students feel our regular program activities offer plenty to do, others choose electives to get even more from their stay in the Caribbean. These courses require commitment; some involve prerequisites. Some have additional fees, have limited enrollment and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Marine Biology
Available on all Alpha, Early Bravo, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo programs as optional seminars. Core curriculum on Foxtrot, Tango, Belize and Bahamas.
The clear blue water, coral reefs, and rock formations of the Caribbean Islands are an expansive habitat for extraordinary sea creatures and plant life. Using our own curriculum, Fringing Reefs of the British Virgin Islands and Guide to Marine Sciences of the Caribbean, our experienced staff lead in-depth studies with practical hands-on lessons. On all our programs, students participate in a series of seminars and local reef explorations. On our Foxtrot and Bahamas programs, you can participate and learn just for the enjoyment or go a step further and study Marine Biology for academic credit through your school's independent study program (a faculty sponsor must review and approve our curriculum in advance). Whether for credit or not, this is serious fun. More on Marine Biology options...
Basic Keelboat Certification
Available on Early Bravo, Bravo 1, 2, & 3, and is part of regular curriculum on Echo
If you're arriving at Sail Caribbean with prior sailing experience, why not take this opportunity to gain a nationally recognized certification from the American Sailing Association? You'll participate in seminars, then demonstrate your sailing and seamanship skills during two intensive days on Rhodes 19s or IC-24s. A written exam fulfills the requirements and you’ll have an official lifelong certification. Additional fee of $90 on Early Bravo and Bravo programs. More on Basic Keelboat Certification...
Lifeguard Training
Available on Early Bravo and Bravo 1, 2, & 3
Learn the American Red Cross lifeguard techniques that will qualify you to work as a professional. We'll take you through 25 hours of instruction in lifeguarding techniques, including towing and carrying a victim to safety, managing a spinal injury in the water, and using rescue equipment to help a distressed or drowning victim. You must be at least 15 years old and have proof of current certification in American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuer, as well as in First Aid Basics. Lifeguard Training is strenuous, and you must be a strong swimmer to complete this course. Additional fee of $90. Learn more about Lifeguard Training...
Discover Scuba
Available on Alpha, Bravo, Delta, Foxtrot, Tango and Echo Programs.
Want to dip your toe into the world of scuba diving without plunging into a full certification program? Our Discover Scuba course is the perfect place to take your first underwater breaths. You'll learn diving safely and slowly as our expert staff demonstrates safety essentials and equipment use. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you'll take two or three dives, starting in waist-deep water off the beach, then gliding gradually into 20-30 feet of crystal-clear tropical water. (Additional $50 fee, includes basic instruction and one supervised open water dive, on Alpha and Tango. $75-90 fee, includes basic instruction and 2-3 supervised open water dives, on Foxtrot, Echo or Delta. There is no extra charge on Bravo.)
Recreational Diving
Available on all Sail Caribbean programs
Ever imagine diving on a Coral Garden or drifting through a Rainbow Canyon? Certified divers can enjoy recreational diving in the BVI with our own Sail Caribbean Divers, and outside the BVI with trusted local dive companies. You must bring proof of certification from a recognized agency, such as PADI, NAUI, YMCA, NASDS. (Additional $50 fee, includes one 2-tank dive, on Alpha and Tango. $75-150 fee, includes two to four 2-tank dives, on Echo, Foxtrot or Delta. No extra charge on Bravo, Charlie, Bahamas or Belize)
To learn more about Discover Scuba and Recreational Diving, visit our Dive Education page.