The Summer That Changes Everything
Sailing, Scuba & Marine Biology Leadership Summer Programs For Teens Ages 13–18
Watch the video to see why thousands of students say ActionQuest was the best summer of their lives.
What is ActionQuest?
ActionQuest is a Caribbean summer adventure program for teens who want more than a typical summer camp. Here, students do not just try new things, they live them: learning to sail, scuba dive, study marine biology, and work together as a real crew while exploring the British Virgin Islands. On our yachts and shore-based programs, students take on meaningful responsibility, build practical skills, earn recognized certifications, and grow in confidence, independence, and judgment along the way. With small, supportive groups, exceptional instructors, and a culture that values real connection over screen time, ActionQuest helps young people discover what they are capable of. Since 1986, we have helped thousands of students grow through adventure, with risk management as our first promise and personal growth as our purpose.
Program Highlights
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Here Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About ActionQuest
Daily Life & The AQ Experience
What type of boats do we live on?
Our BVI programs typically operate aboard traditional double-hulled sailing yachts (catamarans), though we also use monohulls (single-hull vessels) when available. We use only high-quality charter yachts, generally in the 50-foot range. Each vessel has five cabins, a large salon that converts into a sixth sleeping space, and four full bathrooms (heads). The yachts are maintained to a high standard by Moorings/Sunsail, the world’s largest charter company.
What are the sleeping arrangements like?
Students live aboard full-time. Cabins are communal and assigned by gender, and most nights are clear so many students sleep on deck under the stars. Students use a sheet sleeping bag for hygiene and personal space—think camping, just on a boat.
What is a typical day at ActionQuest like?
No two days are identical, but most follow a similar rhythm. A typical day blends sailing, time in the water, with learning and exploration — plus crew responsibilities, meals, and plenty of shared fun.
What is life onboard like for students?
Life onboard is close-knit and high-energy! Students and staff live as a small crew, share responsibilities, and learn to work together day after day.
Do most students come alone or with friends?
Coming solo is normal at ActionQuest, and many students say it becomes one of the best parts of the experience. The crew structure makes it easier to connect quickly because students live close together. Friend groups form fast, and students don’t have to “break into” an existing social circle. That said, friends are welcome too, just not too many on one boat.
How many students are on each boat?
Typically 10–13 students per boat. That crew size keeps boat life personal, hands-on, and socially cohesive.
What is the student-to-staff ratio?
ActionQuest typically maintains a 4:1 to 5:1 student-to-staff ratio, so students get close supervision, real coaching, and meaningful support.
What responsibilities do students have each day?
Students rotate through real daily roles—like Skipper, Mate, Navigator, Bo’s’n, Engineer, and Chef—plus supportive roles that help the crew succeed.
What is the food like, and who prepares it?
Students cook with staff guidance, and meals are simple, hearty, and designed to fuel busy days, all within the natural limits of provisioning and cooking on a small yacht.
Risk Management
Is ActionQuest safe?
Any meaningful adventure comes with real risk, and we are honest about that. The difference is that we build a strong safety culture around the environment, so growth happens with confidence. We use clear procedures, practiced routines, strong supervision, and careful decision-making to manage risk day to day. Our goal is not to eliminate risk, but to manage it so students can learn and thrive.
How does ActionQuest manage risk day to day?
We manage risk through trained staff, clear procedures, consistent supervision, and a culture that takes safety seriously every day.
How are students supervised onboard and ashore?
Because this is a dynamic environment, supervision is active, not passive. On boats, staff are present to instruct, supervise, and manage safety decisions. Ashore, students operate within defined boundaries and expectations, and staff maintain oversight and regular check-ins. The exact approach varies by activity and location, but the principle stays the same: students have freedom within structure. This balance helps teens grow while keeping safety and accountability intact.
What is your approach to water safety and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)?
Water safety starts with clear expectations and consistent habits. Students are taught when and why flotation is required, and staff enforce those standards without negotiation. We also emphasize good seamanship, buddy awareness, and situational judgment so students learn to manage risk intelligently. The goal is not just compliance; it is teaching students to value safety as part of competence.
What is your approach to scuba safety?
Scuba diving is an incredible experience, but it comes with inherent risks, so we treat it with the respect it deserves. Instruction and supervision are structured, progressive, and aligned with PADI-defined safe training standards. Staff and instructors assess students’ readiness and comfort, as well as prevailing conditions, before progressing to the next dive site, skill, or certification level.
What medical training do staff members have, and what medical support is available?
Because we operate in an active environment, medical readiness is essential. All staff are trained to handle the common realities of a teen outdoor program: minor injuries, seasickness, dehydration, sun exposure, and routine health concerns. We also have staff with a higher level of medical training for when something goes beyond routine care. While we don’t have doctors on staff, professional medical resources are never too far away. Parents should feel confident that we take both prevention and response seriously.
What happens if a student gets sick or injured, and how are parents notified?
Most issues are minor and can be handled quickly with trained staff and standard protocols. When something requires more attention, we escalate appropriately to professional medical services and keep parents informed. Our goal is calm, competent handling without creating unnecessary alarm. Parents can expect clear communication if a situation is serious, requires outside medical care, or affects a student’s ability to participate normally.
Communication & Phones
How do students communicate with home?
ActionQuest is designed to help teens connect deeply with their crew, their environment, and themselves, which is hard to do when they’re constantly on their phones. For these reasons, we actively limit phone use to roughly once per week, but students write a daily trip log that gets posted on our website, along with pictures of the students and the activities, so parents can live vicariously! That said, we understand parents want to stay informed, so our team is available 24/7 if needed. The overall goal is a balance: meaningful connection to home without turning the program into “life on a phone, but on a boat.”
Are cell phones allowed at ActionQuest?
We encourage families to think of ActionQuest as a rare chance for teens to step out of their normal digital routine and become more present, confident, and socially connected. Many programs handle phones in a structured way: students may travel with them, confirm safe arrival, and then phone access is limited to about once every seven days to keep the program immersive.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is limited and not intended for regular student use. During those times when cell phones are allowed, students connect via shore-side wi-fi or cellular data.
How often can students call home?
We’ve found that structured communication works best for everyone. Teens settle in faster, homesickness often decreases, and parents get more meaningful updates when calls are planned. The exact timing depends on the session and itinerary, but it usually works out to be about once every seven days. Families are given guidance so they know what to expect. If something important comes up, we can communicate outside the normal cadence.
How do parents contact the program during the summer?
You’ll receive clear instructions before the program begins on how to reach our team. We prioritize being reachable for real needs without making the experience feel like a “remote-controlled summer.” If a parent needs to get a message through, we can help route it appropriately. In urgent cases, we have escalation paths to ensure communication happens quickly.
Will parents receive updates and photos?
We understand that parents want reassurance and a window into the experience. All programs provide structured updates and photos through our Trip Logs which are written by the students daily and then posted to the website when time and resources allow. The goal is to keep you informed while also preserving the integrity of the student experience. If your teen is thriving, the updates will reflect that; if a concern arises, you’ll hear from us directly.
Tuition & Insurance
How much does ActionQuest cost?
ActionQuest Tuition depends on the specific session and program focus. Because programs differ in length, location, and certifications, there isn’t one “universal” price.
What does tuition include?
Tuition is designed to cover the essential structure of the program, so families aren’t constantly surprised by “required add-ons.” In general, that includes the day-to-day experience of being in the program: trained staff supervision, instruction, meals, accommodations, and scheduled activities that define the program. Some program elements may vary by session, so we’ll always clarify what’s included for your specific program.
What is not included in tuition?
Most families should plan for a handful of additional expenses outside tuition. These usually include airfare, personal spending money, PADI scuba books, some personal gear items (mask & snorkel), and any insurance or travel protection you choose to purchase. If there are any required add-ons for a specific session, we’ll outline them clearly before you commit.
Are flights included?
Since students come from all points of the compass, travel to and from the program start location is not included in the tuition.
Do you offer payment plans? If so, what are the terms and deadlines?
Some families prefer a structured payment schedule, and we may be able to accommodate that depending on timing and the session. Payment plans work best when arranged well in advance, not at the last minute. The key requirement is that the balance must be fully paid by the applicable deadline for the program.
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
When aid is available, it’s typically limited and awarded based on need and/or fit with the scholarship purpose. Because resources can be finite, earlier conversations are better than later ones. If financial support is important, we recommend raising it early so we can guide you to the right process.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Program planning requires major commitments before students arrive, so refund policies are based on time. Deposits usually have a limited window during which a portion may be refunded, after which it becomes non-refundable. Tuition typically becomes non-refundable after the tuition due date. The closer you get to the program start, the fewer recoverable costs exist, so policies tighten accordingly. This is why trip cancellation insurance is important to consider.
What are the next steps to explore programs and apply?
Start by exploring the program options, request info, talk with our team, then enroll in the session that’s the best fit.
We hope to see you aboard soon!