Overnight Voyages Under Sail

Multi day live aboard programs where students sail, learn, and live as crew members aboard Denis Sullivan.

Bring Your Students Aboard

Quick Facts

Ages: Middle School +

Program Length: 2 Days - 2 Months

Locations: US Eastern Seaboard and St Croix

Capacity: 18 Students and Chaperones

More than a field trip

World Ocean School overnight voyages transform our tall ships into immersive floating classrooms. Students do not simply visit the ship. They become active crew members responsible for sailing, teamwork, navigation, and life aboard.

Through hands on challenges, shared responsibility, and time away from shore, students build confidence, resilience, leadership, and community in a way few classrooms can offer.

I learned more about myself in those two weeks than I ever had before.

— Niarah, BINcA '24
“I used to be incredibly nervous around the water, but now I am considering a career in sailing.”

—Sophia, AAP '25
“By the end of the program, it felt like I was leaving family.”

—Avery, SAP 23, SAP 25

Program Formats

East Coast

3–10 day voyages sailing from Boston to destinations ranging from New York City to Southern Maine.

Students sail between ports, anchor offshore, stand watch, and explore coastal communities and islands throughout the Northeast.

Typical experiences include:

Overnight anchoring
Island exploration
Navigation & seamanship
Team building
Swimming & shore excursions

Offshore

Our Offshore Voyages are immersive transit style programs designed for students ready for a deeper challenge at sea.

Programs may include extended offshore passages such as our annual 14 day voyage from St. Croix to Charleston.

Typical experiences include:

Overnight watches
Offshore sailing
Long distance navigation
Increased responsibility aboard ship
Life at sea far from shore

Caribbean

5-10 day live aboard programs exploring the Caribbean aboard Denis Sullivan.

Students combine sailing, island exploration, teamwork, and marine science while living aboard a traditional tall ship.

Typical experiences include:

Snorkeling & swimming
Overnight anchoring
Tropical island exploration
Seamanship & navigation
Team building
Stargazing & life at sea

The Experience

Every voyage is different. Students may sail alongside dolphins, anchor near remote islands, watch the stars from the deck, or wake up in a new harbor. The challenges, routines, and moments of discovery aboard ship create memories that last long after the voyage ends.