British Virgin Islands

Rescue Diver Course & Advanced Safety Training

This complete diver safety program leads to certification at the highest non-professional scuba level that PADI offers, and is a prerequisite for those looking to become a Divemaster or Instructor.

We recommend any certified diver advance to at least this level of training, as it prepares you thoroughly to deal with any emergency situation.

Sailing as part of our advanced diving fleet, students of our Rescue diver training camp plunge right in with beach and open water modules. With this Rescue diver course, you’ll become a PADI Oxygen Provider, as well as an EFR First Aid and CPR responder. Additional certifications in Underwater Navigation and Search and Recovery are taught at our diving camp, and depending on your previous experience, upon completion of this program you may qualify for the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating. You’ll get a first-hand introduction to the Divemaster course by helping guide the Neptune group through rescue scenarios.

While your Rescue diver training is the main focus of the voyage, navigating the BVI will provide ample opportunity to fine tune your sailing, water skiing and wakeboarding moves as well as explore island towns and hike the mountains.

  • Appropriate Age

    15 - 18

  • Student Groups

    Typically grouped aboard within 12/24 months of age

  • Students & Staff

    13 students & 3 staff per vessel

  • Vessel Type & Fleet Size

    Catamaran / 3-4 vessels

  • Flotilla Grouping

    Rescue shares a basic itinerary with Dolphin & Neptune

Session 1 6/15/25 - 7/5/25
Days 21 Availability Limited Tuition $7,970
Session 2 7/7/25 - 7/27/25
Days 21 Availability Waitlist Tuition $7,970
Share this adventure

The Adventure

It all starts here
ActionQuest Dive Map

Rescue Overview

Below you will find all the specific details about our Rescue diver training camp, but there’s no better way to learn more than to watch for yourself!

Padi Rescue Diver Program For Teens
Rescue Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (20-22 Dives)

PADI Rescue Diver Certification

Scuba divers describe the PADI Rescue Diver course as the most challenging, yet most rewarding course they’ve ever taken. Why? Because you learn to prevent and manage problems in the water, and become more confident in your skills as a diver, knowing that you can help others if needed. During the course, you learn to become a better buddy by practicing problem solving skills until they become second nature. Plus, the course is just fun – it’s serious, but still allows for lots of laughter in between the focused learning.

Advanced Scuba Training Padi
Rescue Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Search & RecoverY Specialty

It happens: People accidentally drop things from docks, off boats or even while scuba diving. If you’ve ever lost something in the water and wanted to go find it, then the PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty course is for you. There are effective ways to search for objects underwater that increase your chances of success. And there are good and better methods to bring up small, large or just awkward items. Search and recovery can be challenging, but a whole lot of fun.

Learn Diving Skills Rescue Teen Camp Best Summer Ever
Rescue Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty

Be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know where you are and where you’re going. The PADI Underwater Navigator course fine-tunes your observation skills and teaches you to more accurately use your compass underwater. If you like challenges with big rewards, take this course and have fun finding your way.

Learn Search And Rescue Skills Camp
Rescue Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Specialty

Knowing how and when to use emergency oxygen is a great skill to have and means you’re ready to help others should the need arise. Becoming a PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider lets you breathe easy knowing that you can recognize scuba diving illnesses treatable with emergency oxygen, and are prepared to offer aid.

ARRIVING TO ACTIONQUEST IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Your adventure 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 diving camp preparing for life aboard and getting to know one another while the sun sets behind the dock.

 

WATCH AQ SCUBA FOR YOURSELF

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 Diving Camp…

Race Flotilla
Scuba diving camp
Flotilla
ActionQuest brochure icon
Lifeworks Forum Teen Growth Summer Camp Development
Rescue Activities

Life Aboard AQ

Lifeworks Forum

It’s amazing how much you can learn about yourself when you are living in close quarters with a bunch of strangers…

Beyond all the exciting activities, it is this personal growth that we find equally important, and at AQ we highlight this growth through an element of all AQ programs called the Lifeworks Forum. Held at intervals throughout the voyage, the forum is designed to complement the learning that takes place through the everyday interaction aboard. Students have the opportunity to participate in – and lead – discussions on topics like personal responsibility, values, integrity, communication and goals. Of all the skills that students take from their voyages, it is the life skills that can carry them the farthest. At AQ, we feel that while building one’s life, it is important to be sure it is based on a foundation of compassion and personal integrity.

BVI Students Cooking
Rescue Activities

Life Aboard AQ

The Job Wheel

At ActionQuest, there are no passengers, only shipmates. Being a shipmate means that you will share the day to day responsibility of running a 50 ft. sailing vessel! While the staff are there to teach and help, your daily job will be assigned by using the famous “AQ job wheel”. Have you ever been the head chef for 15 people? You will with AQ! Each day, the wheel turns and you will get a new job, and at the end of the trip, you can truly say that you were involved in every aspect of making your adventure happen.

Summer Camp Life Changing Program Teens

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.

“Dear ActionQuest, Thank you for the endless memories. Every summer I come here I meet the most amazing people, whether they are shipmates or staff. Your programs have inspired me to be the best person I can be and to always try my hardest. I feel so blessed to have been able to experience 3 summers here. I plan to further my scuba education and to hopefully become an instructor someday too. Thank you again for the best summers of my life.”

Sophia G. / Potomac, MD
ActionQuest Dive Map

Rescue Overview

Below you will find all the specific details about our Rescue diver training camp, but there’s no better way to learn more than to watch for yourself!

ARRIVING TO ACTIONQUEST IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Your adventure 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 diving camp preparing for life aboard and getting to know one another while the sun sets behind the dock.

 

WATCH AQ SCUBA FOR YOURSELF

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 Diving Camp…

Padi Rescue Diver Program For Teens
Rescue Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (20-22 Dives)

PADI Rescue Diver Certification

Scuba divers describe the PADI Rescue Diver course as the most challenging, yet most rewarding course they’ve ever taken. Why? Because you learn to prevent and manage problems in the water, and become more confident in your skills as a diver, knowing that you can help others if needed. During the course, you learn to become a better buddy by practicing problem solving skills until they become second nature. Plus, the course is just fun – it’s serious, but still allows for lots of laughter in between the focused learning.

Advanced Scuba Training Padi
Rescue Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Search & RecoverY Specialty

It happens: People accidentally drop things from docks, off boats or even while scuba diving. If you’ve ever lost something in the water and wanted to go find it, then the PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty course is for you. There are effective ways to search for objects underwater that increase your chances of success. And there are good and better methods to bring up small, large or just awkward items. Search and recovery can be challenging, but a whole lot of fun.

Learn Diving Skills Rescue Teen Camp Best Summer Ever
Rescue Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty

Be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know where you are and where you’re going. The PADI Underwater Navigator course fine-tunes your observation skills and teaches you to more accurately use your compass underwater. If you like challenges with big rewards, take this course and have fun finding your way.

Learn Search And Rescue Skills Camp
Rescue Activities

Advanced Scuba Diving (Cont.)

PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Specialty

Knowing how and when to use emergency oxygen is a great skill to have and means you’re ready to help others should the need arise. Becoming a PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider lets you breathe easy knowing that you can recognize scuba diving illnesses treatable with emergency oxygen, and are prepared to offer aid.

Race Flotilla
Scuba diving camp
Flotilla
Lifeworks Forum Teen Growth Summer Camp Development
Rescue Activities

Life Aboard AQ

Lifeworks Forum

It’s amazing how much you can learn about yourself when you are living in close quarters with a bunch of strangers…

Beyond all the exciting activities, it is this personal growth that we find equally important, and at AQ we highlight this growth through an element of all AQ programs called the Lifeworks Forum. Held at intervals throughout the voyage, the forum is designed to complement the learning that takes place through the everyday interaction aboard. Students have the opportunity to participate in – and lead – discussions on topics like personal responsibility, values, integrity, communication and goals. Of all the skills that students take from their voyages, it is the life skills that can carry them the farthest. At AQ, we feel that while building one’s life, it is important to be sure it is based on a foundation of compassion and personal integrity.

BVI Students Cooking
Rescue Activities

Life Aboard AQ

The Job Wheel

At ActionQuest, there are no passengers, only shipmates. Being a shipmate means that you will share the day to day responsibility of running a 50 ft. sailing vessel! While the staff are there to teach and help, your daily job will be assigned by using the famous “AQ job wheel”. Have you ever been the head chef for 15 people? You will with AQ! Each day, the wheel turns and you will get a new job, and at the end of the trip, you can truly say that you were involved in every aspect of making your adventure happen.

ActionQuest brochure icon
Summer Camp Life Changing Program Teens

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.

“Dear ActionQuest, Thank you for the endless memories. Every summer I come here I meet the most amazing people, whether they are shipmates or staff. Your programs have inspired me to be the best person I can be and to always try my hardest. I feel so blessed to have been able to experience 3 summers here. I plan to further my scuba education and to hopefully become an instructor someday too. Thank you again for the best summers of my life.”

Sophia G. / Potomac, MD

Certifications

On top of all the other fun adventure sports and activities during the Rescue scuba summer camp, you’ll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:

Padi Logo

Scuba Certifications

  • Rescue Diver Certification

    Scuba divers describe the PADI Rescue Diver course as the most challenging, yet most rewarding course they’ve ever taken. Why? With our rescue diver training course, you learn to prevent and manage problems in the water, and become more confident in your skills as a diver, knowing that you can help others if needed…
    Learn More >

  • Search & Recovery Specialty

    It happens: People accidentally drop things from docks, off boats or even while scuba diving. If you’ve ever lost something in the water and wanted to go find it, then the PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty course is for you…
    Learn More >

  • Underwater Navigator Specialty

    Be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know where you are and where you’re going. The PADI Underwater Navigator course fine-tunes your observation skills and teaches you to more accurately use your compass underwater…
    Learn More >

  • Emergency Oxygen Provider

    Knowing how and when to use emergency oxygen is a great skill to have and means you’re ready to help others should the need arise. Becoming a PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider lets you breathe easy…
    Learn More >

EFR Logo

Safety Certifications

  • First Aid & CPR

    Take a step toward emergency preparedness and meet PADI Rescue Diver prerequisites with Emergency First Response. As one of the foremost international CPR and first aid training companies, Emergency First Response gives you the confidence to respond to medical emergencies…
    Learn More >

Need to know

Is this adventure right for me?

The Rescue scuba diving summer camp has been designed as a complete diver safety program. We recommend that any certified diver advance to at least this level of training, as it prepares you thoroughly to deal with emergency situations should one occur. It’s a pretty intensive program, and you’ll be in and out of the water a lot. Living aboard a yacht, you’ll learn to sail as well as have the opportunity to water ski and wakeboard. The rescue diving certification program is open to students 15 and older, who already hold an advanced level diving certification. You’ll earn three different diving certifications during the program, as well as First Aid, CPR and you’ll learn how to provide oxygen to an injured diver. Off the water, we’ll visit the islands, explore the towns, cook out on the white sand beaches and hike to the top of the tallest mountain.

What scuba experience do I need to join this Adventure?

The Rescue Diver Certification is the highest non-professional certification that PADI offers, so joining our program ready to jump right in is essential.

To join this Adventure, you need to be a fully certified PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or PADI Adventure Diver who has completed the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive.

Alternatively, if you learned to dive through an organization other than PADI, you need to prove that you hold a qualifying scuba certification beyond entry-level with documentation of underwater navigation experience.

How many people go on this adventure?

The Rescue Voyage is typically run aboard one single vessel that sails as part of our four-boat advanced diving flotilla. There will be between 12 and 14 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. For other advantages of Flotilla Sailing, please refer to the specific sections in the general FAQ’s

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 on 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?

Rescue runs exclusively aboard traditional double-hulled yachts (catamarans). 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 which 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.

ActionQuest adventure program sailing catamaran

Learn more about our vessels

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 14 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.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.

Two or three staff members live with you aboard your vessel full-time. There will be your skipper, your first mate who is typically your diving instructor, and a third staff member who could also be a diving instructor, EMT, Marine Biologist or someone with other special skills.

Learn more about the team

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.

Sample Menu Download

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.

Packing List Download

Nitty Gritty

Flights

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: [email protected]

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?

Visit the travel page

Tuition

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)
  • 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. $161)
  • 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 & Vaccinations

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.

Itinerary

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 14 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!

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: [email protected]

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?

Visit the travel page

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)
  • 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. $161)
  • 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 14 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!