British Virgin Islands
Junior Advanced Scuba with Marine Biology
If you are a junior certified diver and want to raise your certification level while learning about marine biology, the Barracuda Voyage is for you.
The Junior Advanced students receive a combination of both PADI scuba certifications and tropical marine biology instruction. Not only will you gain additional diving certifications at this scuba diving summer camp, you will explore fascinating marine life. Fish and sea creature identification, reef ecosystems and fish dissections are only part of this educational scuba diving travel camp.
After refreshing your scuba skills, the real fun begins. Our PADI Staff Instructors take you and your dive buddy – one step at a time – toward your advanced certifications. Your first night dive may seem spooky, but any apprehension will disappear as you scope out the colorful nocturnal world. Seeing the diversity of marine life on dive sites like the wreck of the RMS Rhone, voted the best wreck dive in all of the Caribbean, will blow your mind!
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Appropriate Age
12 - 14
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Student Groups
Typically grouped aboard within +/- 12 months of age
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Students & Staff
12 students & 3 staff per vessel
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Vessel Type & Fleet Size
Typically Monohull / 6-8 vessels
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Flotilla Grouping
Barracuda shares a basic itinerary with Vega, Quest, Carina, Polaris & Aquarius
| Dates | Days | Availability | Tuition | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 6/17/24 - 7/7/24 | 21 | Limited | $7,970 | ||
| Session 2 | 7/9/24 - 7/29/24 | 21 | Waitlist | $7,970 | ||
| Session 3 | 7/31/24 - 8/16/24 | 17 | Open | $7,270 |
The Adventure
It all starts here
Barracuda Overview
Below you will find all the specific details about our Barracuda marine biology summer camp, but there’s no better way to learn more than to watch for yourself!
Barracuda Itinerary (Days 2-5)
via West End, Norman Island, Savannah Bay, and The Baths
After the first night spent sleeping in your new floating home alongside 11 other students, our scuba diving summer camp officially begins…
- Day 2 – Embark on your first sail to Norman Island, snorkel the caves.
- Day 3 – Long practical sailing day en route to the beautiful Savannah Bay on Virgin Gorda with a stop at Ginger island for an adventure dive!
- Day 4 – Activity rotation day! Advanced scuba dive, ski/wakeboard, and windsurf.
- Day 5 – Explore “The Baths”, a truly world famous site, then enjoy your first time in port in Spanish Town. Afternoon sail to North Gorda Sound.
ARRIVING TO ACTIONQUEST IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Your teen scuba camp begins! The majority of students will be flying to St. Thomas (STT) in the US Virgin Islands . For students flying via STT, ActionQuest’s professional staff meet them and assist with the beautiful ferry ride to Tortola then on to the entire camp which awaits you in West End, Tortola. There you will go through the formal check in process and make your way to your new comfortable and clean floating home. For those flying directly into the BVI (EIS), students are met by an airport representative.
Students then get to spend the rest of the first day of our scuba diving summer camp preparing for life aboard and getting to know one another while the sun sets behind the dock.
Watch AQ Scuba For Yourself
At our marine biology summer camp, you’ll be submerged in a completely different world – a world where “exotic” doesn’t begin to describe what’s in front of your eyes, that’s AQ Scuba…
Barracuda Itinerary (Days 6-10)
via Vixen Point, Anegada, and Mt. Point
- Day 6 – Now in the North Gorda Sound, spend an activity rotation day going for another advanced scuba dive, skiing/wakeboarding and windsurfing.
- Day 7 – Activity rotation day! Even more scuba diving! In the evening you get to practice your dance skills during the incredible ActionQuest Beach Party!
- Day 8 – Time for a real sailing passage! Spend your day sailing to the beautiful island of Anegada and play on its white sand beaches for lunch.
- Day 9 – Activity rotation day at Mt. Point! Advanced scuba dive, dinghy sailing, and big boat handling practice. Time to explore the underwater world at night on your first ever night dive!
- Day 10 – Activity rotation day! Scuba diving,
skiing/wakeboarding, more big boat handling practice.
Barracuda Itinerary (Days 11-16)
via Muskmellon Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Sandy Spit, and Jost Van Dyke
- Day 11 – Dive Day! Today you get to dive the Dog Islands! Finish the evening with some time on shore with a Lifeworks Forum at Marina Cay.
- Day 12 – Explore the local artwork at Trellis Bay shops and enjoy some sail training to Muskmelon Bay on the north side of Tortola.
- Day 13 – Activity rotation day! Scuba diving, dinghy sailing and skiing/wakeboarding. Finish the day with a camp wide beach BBQ!
- Day 14 – Back to Muskmellon Bay for your final activity rotation day! Finish the day with a relaxing downwind sail to Cane Garden Bay.
- Day 15 – Start the day with a camp wide hike up Mt. Sage, compete in a camp wide sand castle contest, and finish the day at Sydney’s Peace and Love for dinner.
- Day 16 – Enjoy a good day sailing while your shipmates take their IYT sailing exams. Finish the day at the beautiful Green Cay.
Barracuda Activities
Marine Biology summer camp
The Marine World Through Scuba
At our scuba diving summer camp, Barracuda students get the opportunity to better understand the marine environment by putting more conservation and marine biology intention into their scuba diving and dive chats.
Alongside your time in the water you’ll be covering the following topics:
- About environmental issues in the ocean commons and coastal zones.
- About fisheries challenges and sustainability problems.
- What’s happening to coral reefs and reef inhabitants.
- Your role in protecting aquatic environments.
- Key differences between the terrestrial and aquatic worlds.
- Major aquatic life groupings, interactions and information that dispels myths.
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Barracuda Itinerary (Days 17-21)
via Peter Island, Salt Island, Road Town, and West End
- Day 17 – Race #1 & #2. Test your skills in 2 high speed races against the rest of the fleet.
- Day 18 – Today you get to dive the famous wreck of the Rhone, hike to the top of Salt Island and finish with a movie night.
- Day 19 – Shore day in Road Town, Tortola’s capital!
- Day 20 – Begin the last full day of our marine biology summer camp with your final race against the other boats, then spend the evening soaking it all in with a BBQ in West End.
- Day 21 – Fly Day!
Time To Say Goodbye
There’s always a mix of emotions on departure day. The excitement to go home is always overwhelmed by the realization that the Adventure is over and that it’s time to say goodbye to the people you’ve grown so close to over the last few weeks. Day 1 will simultaneously seem like the day before and a lifetime ago as you and your crew take a private ferry for the last leg of your journey together.
“Ian learned more about himself. I think the combination of confidence in learning a fun sport, both sailing and scuba, meeting new people, and talking about life have been valuable for them. I see that he has interest in studying marine biology and that is new. For Ian this year, I think he gained confidence in himself and that is not something that can be bought or given!”
Need More Information?
Certifications
At our scuba diving summer camp, on top of all of the other fun adventure sports and activities, during the Barracuda Adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
Scuba Certifications
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Advanced Open Water Diver Certification
Exploration. Excitement. Experiences. That’s what the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about. You don’t have to be “advanced” to take it – it’s designed to build confidence and expand your scuba skills through different Adventure Dives…
Learn More >-
Project AWARE Specialist
Project AWARE’s philosophy is to mobilize a global force of scuba divers and water enthusiasts who care about protecting the world’s water resources and choose to make a difference – one dive at a time…
Learn More > -
Boat Diver Specialty
Much of the world’s best scuba diving is accessible only by boat. Whether you’ve never made a boat dive or you’ve logged dozens, the PADI Boat Diver Specialty course will benefit you because boats in various parts of the world do things differently…
Learn More > -
Underwater Naturalist Specialty
During this course you’ll see new things, even on the most familiar scuba diving sites. Why? Because when you know more about symbioses, underwater ecology, and aquatic plant and animal habitats, you notice behaviors and see creatures you may have previously missed…
Learn More >
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Need to know
Is this adventure right for me?
If you are between ages 13 and 15, already hold a basic scuba certification and want to dive, dive, dive, then the Barracuda outdoor adventure camp is the perfect choice for you. You’ll also learn a ton about the underwater world, as there is an introductory Marine Biology component to this program, too. Outside of the diving, you’ll sail, water ski and wakeboard. Off the water, we’ll visit the islands, explore the towns, cookout on the white sand beaches and hike to the top of the tallest mountain.
What scuba experience do I need to join this Adventure?
Since the Barracuda teen scuba camp includes advanced certification training, joining the program ready to dive is important. While you don’t need a whole lot of experience, you need to have your Jr. Open Water scuba certification from a diving agency such as PADI, NAUI, SSI, CMAS or BSAC completed prior to the trip. Please note that this needs to be a complete Jr. Open Water Certification as even the PADI Jr. Scuba Diver Certification does not meet this minimum requirement.
If you’re not able to complete the full certification but still want to join this Adventure there may be an opportunity to sign aboard with a valid PADI Diving Referral. A referral is when a student performs the Academic and Confined Water (swimming pool) training at home, then we finish the course by completing the Open Water dives during the first couple of days of the Adventure.
How many people go on this adventure?
On our marine biology summer camp, you’ll sail with up to eight boats in a flotilla, each with 10 to 12 students aboard. It’s a lot of fun sailing as part of a larger fleet, where you can interact with many other teens and staff from all over the world.
How do you split up the ages across the boats?
Given that we have a number of yachts sailing together, this allows us to berth teens aboard based upon their age and grade. We try to make this as appropriate as possible and typically you can expect to be aboard with other students within about a year of your own age (plus or minus). Please contact us if you have any specific considerations in this regard.
What type of boat will I be on?
The Barracuda marine biology and scuba summer camp typically runs exclusively aboard double-hulled yachts (catamarans), but we also use monohulls (single-hull vessels) when available. We use only the finest charter yachts available, all of which are in the 50-foot range. Each vessel has 5 cabins, a large salon that converts to a 6th cabin, and 4 full bathrooms (heads). The world’s largest charter company, Moorings/Sunsail, maintains all of our yachts to the highest standard.
Where do we sleep?
From the moment you arrive, you’ll move aboard your yacht and live on board full-time. It’s true to say that living on a boat is A LOT tighter than living at home. With up to 12 students and 3 staff living together, it can feel cramped for those not used to it, yet this close community environment is where so much of the experience is created.
All of our vessels have 5 cabins and a large salon that converts to a 6th. While there’s just about enough room for everyone to sleep down below should it rain, on our typical clear and dry evenings many of us like to sleep out on deck, swinging in a hammock under the stars.
Who will be my staff?
AQ is proud to attract and recruit the best in our field. Our summer staff includes professional maritime captains, professional PADI dive instructors and medical professionals. Above all, we hire responsible and experienced facilitators and educators. All members of our team are dynamic, multi-talented, and passionate individuals with a devotion and commitment to the safety and experience of our students.
What's the food like?
At AQ, we strive to provide meals that meet the fundamental needs of all members of our team, yet when considering our experience, it is important to remember that there are natural limitations when provisioning in remote places and cooking for a large group on board a small yacht.
We understand that each individual has personal preferences and that some students have specific dietary restrictions or limitations. While we strive to accommodate these as best we can, our meals maybe a little different from what you are used to at home. We design our menu around meals that are simple to prepare, quick to clean up, suit the majority of teenager’s palates, and deliver the calories needed for long, busy days on the water.
Mealtime is often a highlight of each day! Students prepare all of the meals with help from the staff using a combination of packaged and canned goods we import from the US and fresh produce we pick up locally about every four days. While we mostly eat all meals onboard the vessel, occasionally, students have the option to eat at a restaurant during shore time.
After enrollment, we ask families to inform us of all dietary restrictions and allergies. We can accommodate vegetarians, and vegans, as well as those with various food allergies. However, if you have a severe allergy or specific dietary expectations, please call our office before enrolling.
What do I need to bring?
Given that all students will be living aboard a sailboat for the duration of their adventure, we recommend that you keep things simple and avoid over packing. Students are given the opportunity to do laundry once in the middle of the trip, so there’s no need to pack several weeks’ worth of clothing.
Our hope is that families will have minimal purchases prior to the trip, so we’ve compiled our packing lists in a way that you’ll find most of what you need in your closet at home. Around mid to late March, we make available our Pre-Trip Packet to enrolled students, which contains a detailed packing list for this year’s adventures. If you’d like to see last year’s packing list as an example, you can download it here.
Nitty Gritty
Are flights included in the tuition?
Since students join us from all over the world, the cost of transportation to and from the British Virgin Islands is not included in the program tuition.
Who should we contact to book travel?
Helping to coordinate our students’ travel is of vital importance – and a mammoth task! For this reason, we strongly suggest that all families start by contacting our travel coordinator:
Leah Hernandez – AQ Travel Coordinator
Tel: +1.281.528.7727
Toll Free: 800.329.9000
Email: leahctn68@hotmail.com
Even if you are not originating in the U.S., Leah will be able to provide options and guidance.
How do we get there?
Our recommended route is via St. Thomas (STT) in the USVI although students also have the option of flying to Beef Island (EIS).
Does AQ provide support on travel days?
Yes. We understand that travel days can be stressful for both parents and students, so no matter what time of the day or night, our office team actively monitors and supports our participants during travel. We require students to travel with a mobile phone with domestic data capability so we can monitor their progress and communicate directly if necessary.
For students flying via St Thomas, ActionQuest arranges for a staff member to assist with the transfer to Tortola via ferry. After arrival in Tortola, students are met at the ferry dock by more of ActionQuest’s professional staff, then collectively continue onto a taxi that takes them to the boats.
Looking for more detailed information on travel?
AQ Tuition Covers the following:
- All accommodation and group meals once the adventure is underway
- Vessel charter and related government fees
- Staff, local guides, and tips
- The use of all sailing, scuba and water sports equipment (except for wetsuits, if needed)
- Sailing and scuba diving certification costs
Not included in the AQ tuition:
- Travel expenses from home to the program start location in the British Virgin Islands – flights PLUS ferry, taxi, baggage, taxes, visas, etc. (est. add’l $235)
- Required emergency evacuation insurance & International SOS and MedAire Membership (est. $100) LEARN MORE >
- Medical insurance, and optional trip cancellation insurance
- PADI required course books and materials (est. $99)
- Spending money for souvenirs, drinks/meals ashore – We recommend $300 – $350.
- Emergency money for unanticipated events such as doctors visits etc. – We ask that all students bring $300, which is held by staff and returned at the end of the program.
Discounts and Savings
- A one-time total tuition fee deduction of 5% is granted for any two adventures or for two or more students from the same family.
- Any two consecutive programs may be joined to form one extended course. In the interim between programs, students stay with staff. The total cost is determined by combining the cost of each program and subtracting the 5% extended course discount. (This discount also applies toward any trips adjoining our sister program GoBeyond.) ActionQuest and/or GoBeyond enrollment for any two programs in the same summer will be considered as a single extended program in the event of withdrawal or dismissal from the trip at any time.
Travel Docs & Visas
All students traveling to the BVI need to have a passport which is valid for a minimum of three months after the date of departure from the BVI. Visitors from certain countries other than the US, UK, and Canada may require visas.
For the most up-to-date and thorough information, please visit travel.state.gov. Students traveling on non-U.S. passports should verify passport and visa requirements for your nationality by contacting your local British Embassy or consulate or the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office.
One important point to mention is that most students joining us in the BVI do so by flying via St. Thomas, which is part of the US Virgin Islands. This means that those students not flying on a US or Canadian passport need to consider whether they need to apply for a U.S. visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Please call us with any questions.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
We do not currently require proof of vaccination in order to enroll.
Other Immunizations
For visiting the BVI, the CDC recommends that all travelers are up-to-date on routine vaccinations that most of us had as children (measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine.
That said, we understand that families have varying opinions on vaccinations. Some greatly desire the precaution; others prefer to avoid possible side effects of certain medications. Coupled with the fact that each student has unique medical considerations known best by his or her doctor, AQ does not supply medical advice. For this reason, we recommend that all families refer back to the expertise of the CDC from time to time (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel), their health care providers, and/or a travel clinic to gain the most up to date information.
Fleet Sailing
Beyond the strong friendships that naturally form while living aboard a sailing vessel, one of the truly great and unique parts of AQ is the experience of sailing as part of a larger fleet, or ‘flotilla’ of boats.
A flotilla is defined as a group of yachts that voyage together and there are many reasons why sailing in this way may be preferable for both a novice and more seasoned sailor. While 90% of all activities are done with your tight-knit team of 10 to 13 aboard, being part of a larger group is a ton of fun when we are ashore to explore, for a beach BBQ or party night! Plus, we’ll get some friendly competition going between all the boats on our race days too! Flotilla sailing also offers the big advantage of having backup support if necessary. It allows us to have medical staff, trained to a higher level than would otherwise be possible, to be on site, traveling with the group full-time. It also allows our directors to interact with all of our students and staff, maintaining our high level of professionalism, teaching and safety standards throughout the entire program.
Living in the moment
Though the fundamentals of our adventures don’t change, specific logistics evolve as we get closer to the summer and then day by day based on weather. The animated map along with the adventure overview portions on this page should give all families a basic understanding of the kinds of activities we do on the voyage. We also suggest looking through last summer’s Trip Logs for a more detailed travel log created by the students.
With this in mind, we encourage all participants to “live in the moment”. Traveling by boat requires flexibility and a willingness to accept adversity and change. We hope you’ll take any bumps in your stride, and enjoy the adventure!
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Focused Tropical Marine Biology with Scuba Specialties
Requirements
- PADI Open Water (or equivalent) or PADI referral
- Ages 15 and up
Certifications
- AQ Tropical Marine Bio Course
- Research Diver Distinctive Specialty
- + 3 Additional PADI Specialties
Sessions
| 21 Days | 6/17/24 - 7/7/24 | $7,970 |
| 21 Days | 7/9/24 - 7/29/24 | $7,970 |
| 17 Days | 7/31/24 - 8/16/24 | $7,270 |
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Requirements
- PADI Open Water (or equivalent)
- Applicable for all ages
Certifications
- PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver
- + 2 PADI Specialities
- IYT Introductory Sailing Skills
Sessions
| 21 Days | 6/17/24 - 7/7/24 | $7,770 |
| 21 Days | 7/9/24 - 7/29/24 | $7,770 |
| 17 Days | 7/31/24 - 8/16/24 | $7,070 |
