life activated - Edulingo Sprachreisen

Transcription

your adventure starts here.
L I F E AC T I VATED
TROPICAL MARINE
BIOLOGY
SAILING
WATER SPORTS
SCUBA
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
LAND & CULTURAL
EXPLORATIONS
MEDITERRANEAN
BRITISH VIRGIN
ISLANDS
ECUADOR
GALAPAGOS
AUSTRALIA &
GREAT BARRIER
REEF
TAHITI &
FRENCH POLYNESIA
it’s your summer.
spend it where you’ve always wanted.
activate a world of discovery
WhO WE ARE & WhAT WE DO.
ActionQuest is an incredible adventure that is yours for the taking.
For over 30 years, ActionQuest has consistently delivered high quality, expedition-based
summer programs for teenagers. Through hands-on experiential learning and adventure
travel throughout the world, we have successfully ignited the inherent leadership skills
within thousands of young adults.
Whether you choose a three-week voyage to the British Virgin Islands, the Caribbean’s Leeward
Islands, the Mediterranean, Galapagos, Australia or Tahiti and French Polynesia - you are in
for the adventure of a lifetime. Don’t take our word for it, speak to some of our alumni. Over
10,000 teenagers have taken the ActionQuest plunge. Go online, interact with past shipmates
and discover what they took away from their ActionQuest journey. Time and time again,
shipmates recount their ActionQuest voyage as their single most memorable life experience.
You will leave your ActionQuest voyage with new skills, talents and independence. The AQ
path offers action-packed adventures that focus on sailing, scuba diving, cultural immersion,
marine biology and global exploration – all in a ‘live-aboard’ environment unlike any other.
You will live on sailing yachts with a crew of 8 to 12 teens your age. Within this close-knit
team, you develop strong friendships by conquering daily challenges. Everyone plays a
part in running the vessel, with roles and responsibilities shifting daily. One day you may
be skipper, the next day chef, and perhaps, navigator the next. This active learning aids in
fostering accomplishment and self-reliance in a fun, interactive environment! The experience
is complemented by a committed, professional staff whose main goal is to support your
discovery. The individual attention and camaraderie between staff and shipmates makes
each voyage unique, as the entire team unites to accomplish the AQ mission of high action,
real-world learning.
Be prepared to be amazed by the places you will see, the people you will meet and the selfdiscovery you will find on an ActionQuest adventure. As Goethe said, “Whatever you can do,
or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”
Make your step aboard ActionQuest the journey of your lifetime.
2
ABOUT ACTIONQUEST
Our MissiOn
To guide diverse groups of young adults on exceptional global expeditions; challenging
them with high action, life-changing adventures that promote personal growth, teamwork
and leadership.
Our stOry sO Far…
As a young man, Jim Stoll developed a passion for sailing. He turned the usually quiet
summer season at his family’s boat yard into a thriving business by offering a sailing school
for teenagers. In 1970, Jim expanded the concept, taking his school to the water full-time.
Jim sailed the Atlantic waters aboard 156’ Te Vega and 175’ Te Quest, enrolling 86 teenagers
every year in a high school program of study and travel. Twelve years later, with children of
his own, Jim moved back ashore to develop his motivational programs for young adults. In the
mid eighties he once again headed to the water and ActionQuest was born.
In 1995, Jim was joined by Mike Meighan. A recent oceanography and marine biology graduate,
Mike dreamed of creating a truly interactive educational experience. Using the principles of
ActionQuest, Mike developed Sea|mester – a live-aboard college accredited semester at sea
program. Sea|mester brings academics from the textbook into real-life application. Voyaging
throughout stimulating environments, the expedition becomes the vehicle for gaining
knowledge, understanding, confidence and skills. Sea|mester acquired the 88-foot school
ship, S/Y Ocean Star, in 1998. After an extensive re-fit, she headed for the Caribbean and
continues to ply the waters of the Lesser Antilles today.
Looking to give something back to the communities that had supported ActionQuest and
Sea|mester for so long, in 2002, Jim and Mike created Lifeworks, a worldwide community
service-learning program for teenagers. Lifeworks teams up with local, national and
international organizations so students can embark on meaningful service projects around
the world. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to consider what contributions
they want to make to the world during their lifetime.
The steady growth of Sea|mester has allowed one of our biggest goals to be realized. Summer
2006 saw the completion of a new 112-foot school ship, S/Y Argo. Since her launch she has
circumnavigated the globe, offering Sea|mester students the chance to cross oceans while
furthering their educational and personal goals. Sea|mester plans to build additional vessels
in the future, based on the model of Argo.
Mike sails aboard with the British Virgin Island ActionQuest summer programs, preferring to
maintain his active role as director. Today, ActionQuest, Sea|mester and Lifeworks programs
span the world and have changed the lives of thousands of teenagers.
During Sea|mester’s infancy, Jim helped his teenage son, Jason, achieve a life goal - sailing
around the world. Between 1997 and 1999, Jim joined his son for parts of the voyage. Their
travels led to the creation of new AQ programs in the Galapagos, Tahiti, Fiji and Australia.
”
This has been the experience of a
lifetime; one I will not soon forget.
You have truly made my summer and
signiicantly impacted all of our lives.
We learned things here that we could
never have learned back home. I’ll
remember the people I met and how
wonderful it was to be in a place where
you were judged not by what you had
but by who you were.
”
ChrIs NormaN
sCoTTsdale, aZ
YOUR ACTIONQUEST
ADVENTURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT ACTIONQUEST
WhO WE ARE
WhAT WE DO
2
OUR MISSION
3
YOUR AQ ADVENTURE
ACTIVITIES
6
DESTINATIONS
8
VIDEO CLIP
VIDEO CLIP
click to watch
click to watch
ThE AQ DIFFERENCE
WhY ACTIONQUEST
STANDS OUT
10
SAFETY & STAFF
12
14 & UNDER PROGRAMS
BRITISh VIRGIN
ISLANDS
18
VIDEO CLIP
click to watch
15 & 16 PROGRAMS
BRITISh VIRGIN
ISLANDS
22
BRITISh VIRGIN
ISLANDS
30
GLOBAL
ADVENTURES
26
GLOBAL
ADVENTURES
35
FOR PARENTS
4
17 & OVER PROGRAMS
ThE NEXT STEPS
PERSPECTIVES
40
hOW TO ENROLL
44
FAQs
41
TRAVEL
INFORMATION
44
VIDEO CLIP
VIDEO CLIP
click to watch
click to watch
TABLE OF CONTENTS
YOUR ACTIONQUEST
ADVENTURE
(STARTS hERE!)
YOUR ACTIONQUEST ADVENTURE
YOUR AQ ADVENTURE
yOur actiOnQuEst
aDVEnturE
From introductory to advanced sailing and scuba, tropical marine biology, water
sports, land excursions, cultural immersion and community service – there is
something for every experience level and adventurer. From trekking through
rainforest jungles to night sailing under a blanket of stars, expect to see sights beyond
imagination and gain skills beyond expectations on every aQ journey!
sailing
scuba
Just you, your shipmates and the power of the wind. You knew nothing
about harnessing that power 10 days ago. Now, with the breeze in
your hair and the helm in your hands, you realize how far you and your
teammates have come. No longer passengers, you are crew – shipmates,
staff and adventurers united for this awesome voyage.
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. Through
crystal blue waters with incredible visibility, you come face-to-face with
spectacular marine life like hawksbill turtles, queen angelfish and schools
of mirror-like silver sides. Incredible.
At ActionQuest, we know sailing and so do our shipmates. Whether a novice or seasoned
sailor, you will advance your skills on the world’s most beautiful waters under the guidance
of ActionQuest’s knowledgeable staff. Our licensed, certified instructors teach shipmates
internationally recognized sailing courses. Many of them were ActionQuest shipmates when
they were teenagers, so they can relate to the power of extreme adventure and discovery
while under sail.
ActionQuest dives in the world’s hottest diving spots. Sites like the wreck of the RMS Rhone,
voted the best wreck dive in all of the Caribbean and Cod Hole on the Great Barrier Reef.
Night dives, naturalist dives, wreck dives – they are all within your reach.
AQ offers International Yacht Training (IYT) certifications so you can build on your sailing skills
through increasingly challenging courses. Whether your goal is to gain basic, advanced or
even professional sailing certifications, we have the program for you.
AQ has been teaching scuba longer than any other teen program and we have one of the
highest ratios of continuing education of any dive school. Just like our sailing certs, there is
a clear progression in the scuba certifications from the Introductory Open Water all the way
through to Professional Divemaster. With over 12 scuba specialties, you can continue to build
your skills with each new program.
yOur actiOnQuEst aDVEnturE
cOMMunity sErVicE
So you couldn’t picture yourself actually skiing. Think again! As you carve
through the water behind the ski boat, you feel the speed, the wind,
the exhilaration and the accomplishment of doing something you never
thought you could. You lean back and grin. What an extreme ride!
It has been a 10-minute chase through the water and finally you have caught
him. You and your shipmates measure, tag and take a DNA sample from
the baby hawksbill turtle. He needs a name too. Within minutes, you are
releasing “Rapido” back into his home waters to grow.
At ActionQuest you will find yourself learning and loving a variety of
water sports. Based on the program you choose, you could be surfing – wind & wave style,
wakeboarding, whitewater rafting, laser sailing and snorkeling … an AQ adventure is an
action-packed thrill ride.
Many ActionQuest voyages incorporate community service so shipmates can give back to the
community they are visiting. Projects vary by program, yet whether participating in a turtle
tagging and release project in the BVI, removing non-native species from the Galapagos
highlands or brightening a school with fresh paint in an Aboriginal Australian community, the
rewards are huge.
lanD & cultural EXplOratiOns
trOpical MarinE biOlOgy
You’ve conquered the 500 rock-carved steps of ‘The Ladder’ at Saba. Now
the path leads through lush vines over carpets of moss. Each new step
delivers a more mesmerizing view than the one before. You and your
team are steps away from the peak of The Quill – an almost perfectly
symmetrical extinct volcano on the island of Nevis. But that is just the
beginning. Holding onto vines, you descend into the crater itself. Whoa,
now that’s a view!
What the heck is that? You just asked the most common diving
question - and with good reason. Learning about tropical marine biology
opens your eyes to the infinite variety of life that resides on the reefs
below and being so close to the subject matter instills a profound sense
of environmental stewardship.
ActionQuest anchors at the most incredible places on earth – the perfect setting for hiking
and exploring. The sights you see on an AQ voyage vary according to the destinations you
visit, but all are extraordinary. Marvel in the beauty of the BVI Baths, where pools of crystal
water lap at the cavernous boulder rocks. Hike through Australian nature parks where you
can cuddle a real koala and hand feed a kangaroo. Whether brushing up your Spanish during
a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos, exploring archeological
excavations of the Huahine Island in Tahiti or seeing the renowned Colosseum in Rome, you
will revel in every expedition.
While reef and environmental awareness are always part of ActionQuest voyages, our
Neptune, Barracuda and Dolphin voyages go further. By combining scuba diving with
field studies and marine sciences, the AQ tropical marine biology voyages concentrate on
building environmental science knowledge. Learn by doing, seeing and experiencing things
that most people only read about in books.
CheCK oUT all The aCTIVITIes...
WaTCh oUr dVd
yOur actiOnQuEst
aDVEnturE
WatEr spOrts
yOur actiOnQuEst
aDVEnturE
thE british Virgin islanDs
The British Virgin Islands have long been regarded a sailor’s paradise and diver’s dream.
Situated at the very top of the Caribbean island chain, this cluster of 36 small islands
consist of steep lush hills and white sandy beaches all surrounded by the electric blue
waters of the Sir Frances Drake Channel. This idyllic setting is perfect for a wide range
of water sports, so it is no wonder that this is where we choose to offer our biggest and
broadest adventure training programs.
lEEWarD & FrEnch caribbEan islanDs
The Leeward Islands stretch from the Virgin Islands - south to Antigua and include
Saba, Statia, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Barts and St. Martin. The cultural and geological
diversity seen over such a small geographic area is enormous; customs and currencies
change as often as the language spoken; some islands are flat and dry, others
mountainous and lush. AQ Leeward adventures offer longer distance sailing for both novice
and advanced levels with many opportunities for shore adventure and island exploration.
thE MEDitErranEan
The Mediterranean is one of the most fascinating yachting playgrounds in the world. Our
fast-paced sailing and cultural expedition starts in the South of France, following the wake
of Ulysses to Corsica, Sardinia, over to Italy and then north to Monte Carlo and the French
Riviera. With an emphasis on sailing and history, shipmates visit famous sites like the
Vatican City and the Colosseum, hike to Napoleon’s place of exile on the island of Elba and
stroll through the streets of Monaco and promenades of Cannes and San Tropez.
EcuaDOr & thE galapagOs islanDs
The Galapagos archipelago, made up of over 100 islands, was formed about four
million years ago. Separated from South America by the Pacific, this once-lonely island
group is one of the most biologically important places on earth. Penguins, iguanas, sea
lions and giant tortoises are just a few of the incredible animals seen during our adventure.
The program is split between the mainland of Ecuador and the islands of the Galapagos,
and includes rainforest eco-tours, whitewater expeditions and community service projects.
australia & thE grEat barriEr rEEF
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and home to the Great Barrier Reef, the
world’s largest coral ecosystem. Extending some 2,000 kilometers from tip to toe, it is the
only living organism visible from outer space and provides the perfect backdrop for many
of our activities. Traveling from Sydney in the south to Cape Tribulation in the north, our AQ
Australian expedition includes sailing, scuba, surfing, trekking and community service.
tahiti & FrEnch pOlynEsia
Tahiti and French Polynesia are just part of the 118 islands in the Society group that was
formed about three million years ago by huge undersea volcanic eruptions. Nestled in the
heart of the Pacific trade winds, these islands offer world-class sailing, scuba diving and
snorkeling, as well as adventurous island trekking. Bora Bora, Papeete, Raiatea and Huahini
are just a few of the picture-perfect islands we explore during this exotic AQ adventure.
yOur actiOnQuEst aDVEnturE
ThE ACTIONQUEST
DIFFERENCE
ThE ACTIONQUEST DIFFERENCE
ThE ACTIONQUEST
DIFFERENCE
There are many reasons why ActionQuest outperforms every other summer experience. The positive outcomes and
insights gained through the environment we create keep both shipmates and staff coming back year after year. We
provide a place where our shipmates can develop into the person they want to be, and AQ inspires conidence and
dependability. This is a result of facing challenges, acquiring new skills, working as a team and exploring the world in
new and different ways. This environment attracts both shipmates and staff alike. The numbers speak for themselves.
seven out of ten shipmates join us because of a personal recommendation or are returning for a second summer.
Seventy ive percent of our professional staff return each year and over half were once shipmates themselves.
WhY DOES ACTIONQUEST STAND OUT?
experIeNCe
For over 30 years, ActionQuest has offered water-based
adventure training programs for teens around the world.
As the most experienced in teen adventure travel, we know
teens and the types of adventure they seek. Our combined
staff experience and long history of both shipmate and
parent satisfaction make us the natural choice for teens
looking beyond traditional summer programs.
progrAm phIlosophY & desIgN
The AQ experience is centered on small, co-ed, age
appropriate groups of 8 to 20 teenagers. This encourages
close friendships to form while fostering a unique, hands-on
experience. Programs are non-competitive, adventure-based
and most are run full-time aboard sailing vessels. This is a
core component of any AQ experience. Beyond the fun, living
and learning aboard a yacht offers a perfect environment
to develop leadership and communication skills, as there is
nothing contrived about teamwork when working together
as part of a tight-knit crew. Our programs have always been
grounded in experiential education. Shipmates have a greater
feeling of accomplishment from having completed things
themselves. In addition, their self-reliance and confidence
soar from achieving new skills and certifications.
Ninety percent of all activities occur within small teams, yet
many programs sail as part of a larger group that provides
a social and supportive backdrop. Shipmates have the
opportunity to interact with as many as 120 teens and 40
staff from just about anywhere. This adds another dimension
to the experience and is a lot of fun during activities like a
beach party or friendly boat race!
leAdershIp
We take great pride in the knowledge that our full-time staff
are some of the most highly qualified in the professional
yachting industry. Directors Mike Meighan and Jim Stoll
sail with our larger fleet in the British Virgin Islands every
summer, preferring to keep an active role within the program
that they created.
10
In addition, many of AQ’s head operational directors during
the summer are those who operate our year-round college
program, Sea|mester, during the rest of the year. The
collective experience that these individuals bring is not only
essential to the mission of ActionQuest but also unsurpassed
in our industry.
CoNTINUINg edUCATIoN
Unique to AQ is that in addition to our wide variety of
adventure programs, we also offer two other distinct
programs for those who wish to experience and learn more
with us. No other organization offers this level of diverse
instruction and experience.
globAl semesTer AT seA
VoYAges For College
sTUdeNTs ANd hIgh
sChool grAdUATes
Living full-time aboard our traditional schooners and
sailing through extraordinary destinations that span
the globe, Sea|mester teaches accredited academics
unconfined by the four walls of a traditional classroom.
Visit www.seamester.com for more information.
CommUNITY serVICe
sUmmer progrAms
For TeeNs
Lifeworks combines international community service projects
with cultural immersion, travel and outdoor adventure.
Lifeworks is about people and making a difference. Visit
www.lifeworks-international.com for more information.
A unique and fundamental element of all AQ programs
is 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.
Shipmates have the opportunity to participate in – and lead
– discussions on topics like personal responsibility, values,
integrity, communication and goals.
Of all of the skills that shipmates take from their voyages, it is
the life skills that can carry them the farthest. At ActionQuest,
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. For many, it is the Lifeworks Forum that helps teens
examine and strengthen this foundation.
”
CerTIFICATIoNs oFFered
Thanks to our excellent partnerships, AQ is able to offer our shipmates the best certifications in the industry. This
means that they are well prepared to handle the fun as well as the responsibility that goes with activities such
as sailing and scuba diving. Since our certifications are recognized internationally, once shipmates complete a
program, they can easily build on their skills anywhere in the world.
proFessIoNAl AFFIlIATIoNs
AQ’s commitment to professional excellence requires affiliations with organizations that are as committed to
safety and quality instruction as ourselves. We are proud to partner with the industry leaders below.
AQ is a PADI Association facility.
Instruction is offered in many
voyages. We offer certifications
from Open Water through
Divemaster, including numerous
specialties.
Over the last 30 years,
we have taught thousands
to ski and wakeboard in
affiliation with the American
Water Ski Association.
AQ has been awarded the PADI
Gold Palm 5-Star rating, the highest
possible PADI ranking, for our strong
emphasis on education, safety and
environmental awareness.
The American Red Cross
certifications in CPR and First
Aid are offered as part of many
programs in the British Virgin
Islands.
AQ is an International Yacht Training
Partner School. We teach through
the IYT International Yachting
Passport global scheme, a modular
training program designed to
develop skills from beginner
through to the professional level.
ActionQuest is a Divers Alert
Network sponsor and requires
all diving participants to be DAN
members. DAN is part of the
Duke University Medical Center.
Our Rescue instructors teach the
DAN Oxygen Provider course.
AQ is an accredited facility
of the American Sailing
Association and US Sailing.
As a Mistral windsurfing
school, we offer the curriculum
leading to certification in
windsurfing. ActionQuest is an
associate of the United States
Windsurfing Association.
I feel as though I pushed myself to face
challenges and overcome fears more
than ever before. And I feel as though I
might not have been able to do it were
it not for the supportive ActionQuest
environment. Thank you so much
for the incredible opportunities and
experiences that I have gained through
ActionQuest over the past three years.
They have altered my perspectives of
”
both myself and the world around me.
sUZY sIlVersTeIN
ChesTer, NJ
ThE ACTIONQUEST
DIFFERENCE
THe LifeWORkS fORUm
ThE ACTIONQUEST
DIFFERENCE
SAFETY: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER ThAN WORDS
Safety comes irst in everything we do at ActionQuest. Our activities are adventurous and
to say that there are no risks would be misleading. however, awareness of the potential
risks is the key to effective control and management. risk management and safety training
is a core part of operating our programs and is intergrated in a number of speciic ways.
”
I can honestly say that not one detail
was left for question. We felt clear on
everything. You are a well oiled machine
and you exceeded our expectations. We
are so pleased. our daughter felt safe,
had a blast, and has come home with the
passion of diving. she has never done any
camp before and was overjoyed, conident,
and wants to pursue diving to a higher level.
she will be back! our sincere thanks!
”
VANessA & CArl lINdgreN
UpperVIlle, VA
SAFETY IN PROGRAM
DESIGN & STRUCTURE
SAFETY ThROUGh OUR STAFF
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Safety is the foremost consideration of every aspect of program design. Since AQ is all about
hands-on learning, our staff place high emphasis on safety and risk management, passing
these critical elements on to their team. Throughout the voyage, shipmates learn safety
procedures via a number of different media. This learning is reinforced through practical
application, as shipmates demonstrate safe practices during every day activities. Through
repetition, simple precautions become second nature.
The quality and experience of our staff plays an integral role in our safety and success. Unlike
most summer programs, our core staff work with us year-round as educators and instructors.
These full-time professionals ensure the highest level of safety and instruction. Learn more
about our incredible staff on page 14.
For more INFormATIoN, log oN To:
12
FAIL SAFE
WITh PFD’S
SMALL GROUPS
WIThIN A FLOTILLA
STAFF
INTERACTION
SUN
SAFETY
ActionQuest staff live full-time with their shipmates and much of our success comes from
the strong working friendships that form as a result. Staff and shipmates are truly on an
expedition together. At times and locations deemed appropriate and safe by the AQ director,
shipmates have free time to explore ashore in small groups, yet for the most part our staff are
with their team to lead and guide.
AQ recognizes that sun safety is critical as we spend a lot of time outside during our
programs. There are biminis (awnings) covering the cockpits of all our vessels, yet
overexposure is still a concern and something we take seriously. Our staff set the example
through good practices, while educating and monitoring their shipmates. AQ recommends
that everyone take the following precautions:
• Regular application of a dermatologist-approved sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher.
• Wear good quality sunglasses that block out 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
• Wear a UV iltering surfer-style rash guard.
13
ThE ACTIONQUEST
DIFFERENCE
Whether aboard our larger vessels or our smaller boats, wearing a Personal Flotation Device
(PFD) is a must when sailing. The decision to wear PFDs is simple common sense. Safety
preparedness is as critical in times of blue skies and calm seas as it is in rough weather. The
US Sailing Association, the national governing body for sailing, requires all crew to wear US
Coast Guard approved PFDs whenever training vessels for youth are in motion. With good
reason, AQ instituted this procedure years before the regulation went into effect.
For those new to sailing, we typically recommend our BVI programs, because yachts sail
as part of a group or flotilla. Sailing and socializing within a larger group is a lot of fun
and traveling this way also offers significant safety advantages. We may have as many as
40 staff in one place at the same time, allowing our students to interact and learn from a
large number of highly trained teachers and role models. Back-up support is always available
with Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics close at hand. Additionally, it allows
ActionQuest Directors, Mike or Jim, to be present full-time to interact with students and staff
and to ensure our high safety standards.
ThE ACTIONQUEST
DIFFERENCE
MEET ThE ACTIONQUEST STAFF
With an average age of 27, our staff members are young,
dynamic teachers who live aboard with our shipmates
24/7. Most of our core operational staff work full-time as
educators with Sea|mester, our college-level marine science
program. Others are traditional teachers during the year,
joining us each summer to raise our staff to over 50. Each
team member brings unique talents and experience and
most have been with us for several years. In fact, 75 percent
of our staff return each summer and 56 percent were once
shipmates themselves, so they understand the dynamics of
an AQ adventure from both teen and adult perspectives.
The background and qualifications of our professional staff
are as diverse as the activities on an AQ adventure. Still, the
AQ staff is united by their love of teaching, their steadfast
integrity and their boundless dedication to their shipmates.
Every team member possesses the essential abilities for their
particular area of expertise, yet most are multi-talented,
combining the many skills necessary to operate a mobile
live-aboard training program.
Team members include U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains,
IYT/RYA Yachtmasters, PADI scuba instructors, marine
scientists, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and
other water sport instructors. All staff members are trained
first aid responders. New staff applicants are carefully
screened to ensure they posses the required qualifications,
experience and the ability to be a positive role model for our
shipmates. During pre-summer, staff complete an intensive
training program in the British Virgin Islands. Safety
procedures, risk management, equipment maintenance
and operation, itinerary planning as well as instruction in
teambuilding and communication facilitation are just a few
of the modules covered.
14
”
Thank you! Katy has had two wonderful trips with ActionQuest. both times
she has returned absolutely glowing
from the inside. she speaks so highly
of her staff. They sound like wonderful
role models, teachers and friends. The
opportunity to live in a group of peers
in such close quarters teaches kids the
values of lexibility, trust, laughter and
personal space in such a real way.
”
mArgo sTepheNs
NORWiCH, VT
Jim stoll
Mike’s love of the sea lured him
to scuba diving and sailing at
the age of 15. At 18, he voyaged
throughout the Mediterranean
and taught diving internationally
before entering Southampton
University in the UK. He
graduated with a First Class Joint
Honors degree in Oceanography
and Marine Biology.
Jim spent much of his youth aboard boats. As a
young man, he became an avid ocean racer crewing
many times aboard legendary racing yachts like Jack
Eckerd’s Panacea, S.A. Long’s Ondine and Jim Kilroy’s
Kialoa. In 1970, Jim and his wife, Elske, became
owners and captains of the 156-ft. schoolship
Te Vega, sailing with her sister-ship, the 175-ft.
Te Quest. This is where Jim first combined his passion
for the ocean and years of experience to teach
young adults sailing and hands-on academics. After
12 years and 50,000 miles of cruising throughout
European, Mediterranean, South American and
Caribbean waters, the Stolls moved ashore with
their children, Carina and Jason.
In 1995, Mike assumed the role
of ActionQuest marine biologist,
oceanographer
and
scuba
instructor.
Over the years, his love for experiential learning and the AQ programs led him to become
involved in all aspects of operations. His passion for teaching traditional academics in an
experiential way led to the development of Sea|mester in 1998. Today, Mike directs all
operations and activities in addition to developing new voyages, programs and course
curriculums. He sails with the BVI ActionQuest and Sea|mester programs full-time each
summer.
Jim revisited his passion for working with teenagers when he established ActionQuest. The
untraditional programs challenged young adults with high-action adventure and personal
growth. The concept was so successful that similar programs like Sea|mester and Lifeworks
were developed to further serve teenagers and young adults with both an academic and
community service focus.
The Meighan family has a deep-rooted affection for the water. Mike’s wife Jo spent several
summers as a PADI diving instructor with AQ in the BVI, and works in the Sarasota office
part-time. Mike and Jo live in Sarasota with their sons Joshua and Kai who are naturally
fond of the water and sail with the family every summer in the BVI.
Travis Yates
sam Williamson
Kyle Busacker
Kate mitchell
Travis joined AQ in 1995, after graduating
from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with
a degree in Marine Engineering. Always a
sailor, Travis competed at both national and
international levels, culminating in a bid for
the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team in 1996. Travis
holds an MCA/IYT International Master of
Ocean Yachts, US Coast Guard Captain’s
License and is an Instructor Evaluator for
US Sailing. He is also a PADI Master Scuba
Diver Trainer. As Marine Superintendent,
Travis is responsible for all AQ equipment.
Travis lives in Sarasota with his wife Laura
and their children Hannah and Luke.
Growing up outside of Boston, Sam learned
to sail during the summer on the Westport
River, and began diving shortly thereafter.
Graduating from Wake Forest University,
he decided to pursue scuba diving full-time
and began teaching diving in Thailand in
Koh Tao and the Similan Islands. Sam joined
AQ in 2007 and is now the director of the
British Virgin Islands Diving Program. Sam
holds certifications as an MCA international
Master of Yachts, and is a PADI Diving
Instructor. An avid traveler, he can be
found seeking out new adventures abroad,
such as Paragliding in the Alps and Jungle
trekking in Sumatra.
As Director of Enrollment for the Global
Expeditions Group, Kyle currently runs our
west coast office in Portland, Oregon. With
prior experience working with summer
programs, Kyle joined the AQ operational
team in 2006 and spent the next three years
working with all of our teen and college
programs. After taking a year’s hiatus in
the field of enrollment services in higher
education, Kyle brought his new knowledge
and passion back to our organization.
Kyle holds a B.A. in History and Business
Administration, an MCA Master of Yachts
Offshore 200 ton license and is a PADI
Scuba Instructor.
Learning to sail and scuba dive at a young
age on Lake Erie, Kate always had a passion
for the water. As a teenager, she was an
AQ shipmate. She then signed aboard with
Sea|mester for the maiden voyage. She has
been a scuba instructor and skipper since
1999 and an office team member since
2001. What Kate loves most about working
with AQ is being able to give back to the
program that impacted her at a pivotal time
in her life. Kate holds a US Coast Guard
Captain’s License and is a PADI Master
Scuba Diver Trainer.
thE actiOnQuEst
DiFFErEncE
Michael Meighan
thE actiOnQuEst
DiFFErEncE
Brendon ‘Boomer’ Baumeister
Julia riddle
Torin Tofferi
anna Johnson
Growing up on Florida’s waters, Boomer
sailed at an early age. After graduating
from the University of Florida, he set out
to work in the sailing industry. After a
few years, Boomer discovered his real
passion was teaching aboard sailboats.
He joined AQ in 2002 and is a captain
with Sea|mester. Boomer holds an MCA/
IYT International Master of Ocean Yachts
as well as a US Coast Guard Masters
License. A PADI Scuba Instructor and
avid windsurfer, he enjoys passing along
his love for the ocean to his shipmates.
A past shipmate, Julia joined the AQ team
as an EMT/mate in 2004. After graduating
cum laude from Georgetown University,
Julia decided to pursue sailing and
experiential education full-time and holds
certifications as a Master of Yachts 200-ton
Offshore, PADI Divemaster, and a CPR/First
Aid instructor. Currently studying at Bryn
Mawr College to become a medical doctor,
Julia remains involved with ActionQuest as
board member of the Global Expeditions
Group Foundation, our 501(c)3 non-profit.
Born and raised in Vermont, Torin’s
background is all about snow sports, sailing
and community service. He spends winters
coaching alpine ski racing while managing
his family’s ski shop and summers directing
all of our BVI service programs. Torin has a
long history in service, starting alternative
youth programs with the local recreation
and parks departments, as well as recycling
programs in the local schools. Torin holds
a 50 Ton Master Mariners License with the
United States Coast Guard and is also a
PADI Rescue Diver.
Granddaughter of school ship pioneers
Irving and Exy Johnson, Anna became an
AQ shipmate at 16 and even completed her
senior year of high school aboard S/Y Ocean
Star. A 2004 graduate from the University
of Vermont, with degrees in psychology
and sociology, Anna also holds an EMT
certification and has volunteered on a local
ambulance. Anna has worked with AQ since
the summer of 2000 and in addition to
her medical duties she is also in charge of
managing the trip update system and ships
stores.
sarasoTa sTaFF
Jo meighan
Gina Barnaba
Greg skinner
daniel meyer
Jenn lorman
aQ tEaM MEMbEr sincE
1996
2003
2003
2007
2008
hOMEtOWn
Kingston, Jamaica
hOMEtOWn
Utica, New York
hOMEtOWn
Allentown, Pennsylvania
hOMEtOWn
Seguin, Texas
hOMEtOWn
Sarasota, Florida
intErEsts / hObbiEs
ballet, photography, theater,
scuba diving, travel
intErEsts / hObbiEs
digital design, photography,
jewelry making, reading
intErEsts / hObbiEs
computer security, sailing,
scuba, business development
intErEsts / hObbiEs
hiking, backpacking, Flamenco
guitar, international travel
intErEsts / hObbiEs
volleyball, cooking, movies,
dog sitting
learN more aBoUT oUr sTaFF...
read oUr shIpmaTe VoYaGe BloGs:
WaTCh oUr dVd
thE actiOnQuEst DiFFErEncE
14 & UNDER
PROGRAMS
14 & UNDER PROGRAMS
14 & UNDER
PROGRAMS
BRITISh VIRGIN ISLAND ADVENTURES
N
W
We offer our biggest and most varied adventure programs in the British Virgin Islands.
The cool, steady trade winds, countless coves and bays, mind-blowing beaches and solid
anchorages have made the BVI a playground for sailors, water sport enthusiasts, explorers
and nature lovers alike. Situated at the top of the Caribbean Island chain, the BVI is the
perfect training ground. The electric-blue waters are ideal for sailing, water skiing and
wakeboarding. Thanks to the extraordinary array of marine life and incredible visibility,
the scuba diving is mesmerizing. To top it off, there are 36 lush, tropical islands to visit so
exploration changes from day to day.
ANEGADA
E
S
BRITISh VIRGIN ISLANDS
gUANA IslANd
JOST VAN DYKE
greeN CAY
The dogs
TORTOLA
Sailing through protected waters in a flotilla of four to eight 50-foot yachts, you and your
team of shipmates from all over the globe will take the helm and play a large part in
creating your own experience. Positions of responsibility change on a daily basis. One day
you may be skipper and perhaps chef the next. Working together in this way, you will
quickly become a team.
VIRGIN GORDA
roAd ToWN
The bAThs
gINger IslANd
WesT eNd
Cooper IslANd
sAlT IslANd
Our BVI voyages focus on adventure activities and earning certifications in sailing and scuba
diving. ActionQuest is more than qualified - we are a certification facility for International
Yacht Training (IYT), as well as a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Gold
Palm 5-Star training school.
peTer IslANd
NormAN IslANd
”
BVI adventures are split into four distinct programs that offer fun, challenging opportunities
for both the novice and the more seasoned sailor or diver. No matter which voyage you
choose, you will also be windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, grooving to the sound
of a local reggae band, doing the limbo at a beach barbecue or chilling in your hammock
on deck under the stars. The vessels anchor together for daily activities and evenings in
sheltered bays so you will spend time with teens your age from other AQ voyages. There
are even opportunities to test your team’s sailing abilities in friendly boat races with other
AQ crews. You’ll also explore ashore, whether it’s climbing granite boulders at The Baths,
hiking Mt. Sage or visiting the deserted Salt Island.
Thank you for all you did for me and all my shipmates in
making this one of the best summers of my life... I loved
the diving, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing,
”
water skiing and laughing. I had a great time.
Jose AKle
mexICo CITY, mexICo
18
14 & UNDER PROGRAMS
VEGA
QUEST
CARINA
BARRACUDA
LOCATION
British Virgin Islands
PROGRAM FOCUS
Intro to sailing & scuba
with water sports
Intro to sailing & water sports
with community service
Advanced sailing and / or adv. scuba
Dive, dive, dive! Jr. advanced
scuba with Marine Bio
DURATION
17 or 21 days
10, 17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
Sailing
Scuba
Snorkeling
Seamanship
Water Skiing, Wakeboarding
Windsurfing, Small Boat Sailing
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Sailing
Community Service
Seamanship
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Sailing
Scuba
Seamanship
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Scuba
Sailing
Tropical Marine Biology
Snorkeling
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
IYT International Crew Cert.
PADI Open Water Scuba Diver
IYT International Crew Cert.
Red Cross First Aid / CPR
PADI Advanced Diver, Naturalist &
Boat Diver Specialties
IYT Crew, Radio & Bareboat
Watchkeeper Cert.
PADI Jr. Advanced Diver
Night, Naturalist &
No previous
experience necessary
No previous
PADI Jr. Open Water Cert (or
equivalent, such as NAUI or SSI)
and/or a basic sailing certification
PADI Jr. Open Water Cert (or
equivalent, such as NAUI or
SSI) or a PADI referral
ACTIVITIES
CERTIFICATIONS
IYT = International Yacht Training
PADI = Professional Association of Diving Instructors
PREREQUISITE
VEGA VOYAGES
QUEST VOYAGES
Introduction to Sailing and Scuba in the British Virgin Islands
Sailing & Community Service in the British Virgin Islands
No Experience Necessary
Vega Voyages offer the broadest range of certifications and activities. They are ideal if you
are a beginner or have limited sailing experience. You will live aboard a 50-foot sailing
yacht in a small group of 10 to 12 shipmates your own age. Up to eight yachts sail together
in a flotilla, so you will also connect with other crews of teens from all over the USA and
the world.
The Quest Voyage is very similar to the Vega Voyage yet includes up to 20 hours of fun
community service projects in place of the PADI scuba diving course. The hours spent
participating in projects such as turtle population studies, mangrove reforestation and
beach clean-ups, are documented on a transcript that should satisfy school requirements.
Quest sails full-time with the Vega fleet, so in addition to learning to sail and earning
community service hours, you will pick up water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing,
navigation and seamanship skills. Through your community service, you will also be helping
to ensure that others can enjoy the adventures of the BVI for years to come.
Under the guidance of licensed sailing experts, your team will take charge of piloting
and running your vessel. You’ll have a blast while earning internationally recognized
certifications in sailing and scuba diving, and also learning water skiing, wakeboarding,
windsurfing, navigation and seamanship. Although the program emphasis is on water
sports, your crew will also hop ashore, to take on another crew at Ultimate Frisbee, climb
boulders at The Baths, hike Mt. Sage or take in a beach sunset.
For TrIp ITINerArIes, log oN To:
19
14 & UNDER
PROGRAMS
14 & UNDER
VOYAGES
14 & UNDER
PROGRAMS
CARINA VOYAGES
BARRACUDA VOYAGE
Advanced Sailing and /or Adv. Scuba in the British Virgin Islands
Jr. Advanced with Marine Biology in the British Virgin Islands
Prerequisite:
Prerequisite:
• PADI Jr. Open Water Cert (or equivalent, such as NAUI or SSI)
If you are a certified sailor or diver looking to diversify your skills and certifications, this is
the program for you. Specialty instructors are devoted to these advanced-level IYT sailing
and PADI scuba certifications. You and your shipmates will sail within the same fleet as
the Quest and Vega voyages. This program also includes wakeboarding, windsurfing, laser
sailing and even beach volleyball as we take on other AQ crews when the flotilla gets
together to dance the night away at our beach party. You will perfect advanced sailing
skills in the swift winds of Gorda Sound as well as during the sail over to Anegada, a
sand island surrounded by secluded reefs that once served as an old pirate hideaway. In
Carina, everyone scuba dives. If you are working on advanced scuba skills, the night dive
at Mountain Point and wreck dive on the RMS Rhone will awaken your sense of adventure
like nothing else!
• PADI Jr. Open Water Cert (or equivalent, such as NAUI or SSI)
or a PADI referral
If you are a certified diver and want to raise your certification level while learning about
marine biology, the Barracuda Voyage is for you. The Junior Advanced divemates typically
sail with the Vega fleet and receive a combination of both PADI scuba certifications and
tropical marine biology instruction. Not only will you gain additional diving certifications,
you will explore fascinating marine life. Fish and sea creature identification, slide shows,
reef ecosystems, fish dissections and basic oceanography are only part of this interactive
learning adventure.
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!
AlUmNI spoTlIghT: Where Are They Now?
AQ EXPERIENCE: “i gained conidence and interpersonal skills while seeing the world from the deck of a boat.
I thank ActionQuest for the courage and willingness to bring character building exercises like goal setting and
integrity development to teenagers.”
NAME: heather halstead
AQ ShIPMATE: 1990, 1991, 1992
WhERE IS ShE NOW?: Heather is the executive Director and Co-founder of Reach the World foundation. During three round the world voyages aboard her sailing vessel, heather has been dedicated to bringing real-world
course materials on history, language and world cultures to low-income schools.
20
14 & UNDER PROGRAMS
15 & 16
PROGRAMS
15 & 16 PROGRAMS
15 & 16
PROGRAMS
BRITISh VIRGIN ISLANDS ADVENTURES
ANEGADA
N
W
E
S
gUANA IslANd
JOST VAN DYKE
greeN CAY
The dogs
TORTOLA
For decades, AQ adventurers have flocked to the aquamarine waters and white sand islands
of the BVI. Now, it’s your turn to discover why. Situated at the top of the Caribbean Island
chain, the 36 lush tropical islands that make up the BVI have long been regarded a sailor’s
paradise and diver’s dream. And with good reason. The steady trade winds, countless coves
and bays, mind-blowing beaches and solid anchorages make it a perfect training ground.
You will learn to sail, scuba dive, water ski, wakeboard and windsurf while discovering
fascinating marine life and making new friends along the way. The BVI has so much to offer,
it’s no wonder that we choose this as the site of our broadest adventure programs.
VIRGIN GORDA
roAd ToWN
The bAThs
gINger IslANd
WesT eNd
Cooper IslANd
sAlT IslANd
peTer IslANd
NormAN IslANd
”
Our BVI voyages focus on adventure activities and earning certifications in sailing and scuba
diving. ActionQuest is more than qualified - we are a certification facility for International
Yacht Training (IYT), as well as a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Gold
Palm 5-Star training school.
I would like to thank you for making this the most
memorable summer yet. ActionQuest has opened up a new
In the BVI, six distinct programs deliver exploration, challenge and a whole lot of fun for
both the novice and the more seasoned sailor or diver. Sailing through these protected
waters in a flotilla of four to eight 50-foot yachts, you and your shipmates from all over
the world will take the helm and create your own adventure. You’ll go ashore for exciting
expeditions - whether it’s climbing granite boulders at The Baths, hiking Mt. Sage or visiting
the deserted Salt Island. You’ll dive famous sites like The Chimneys, Coral Gardens and the
wreck of the RMS Rhone. You might find some parts challenging, but most of all you’ll find
an excellent adventure that expands both your personal and geographical horizons!
gateway in my life to sailing and diving. This experience was
”
like no other. Thanks for making it possible.
breNT beloTe
peTAlUmA, CA
22
15 & 16 PROGRAMS
VEGA
QUEST
CARINA
NEPTUNE
DOLPhIN
RESCUE
LOCATION
PROGRAM
FOCUS
Intro to sailing &
scuba with water sports
Intro to sailing &
water sports with
community service
Advanced sailing
and / or adv. scuba
Dive, dive, dive! Advanced
scuba with specialties
Tropical marine biology
with scuba specialties
Rescue and diver
safety training
DURATION
17 or 21 days
10, 17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
ACTIVITIES
Sailing, Scuba
Seamanship
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Windsurfing
Small Boat Sailing
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Sailing, Snorkeling
Community Service
Seamanship
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Windsurfing
Small Boat Sailing
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Sailing, Scuba
Seamanship
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Windsurfing
Small Boat Sailing
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Scuba, Sailing
Ocean Education
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Snorkeling
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Scuba, Sailing
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Snorkeling
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Scuba, Sailing
Ocean Education
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Snorkeling
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
CERTIFICATIONS
IYT International
Crew Cert.
PADI Open Water
Scuba Diver
IYT International
Crew Cert.
PADI Advanced Diver,
Naturalist &
IYT Crew, Radio & Bareboat Watchkeeper Cert.
PADI Advanced Diver
Night, Wreck, Naturalist,
Boat & Equipment
Specialties
PADI Underwater Photo,
Naturalist, Night &
Research Diver Specialties.
PADI Rescue Diver
Search & Recovery,
Navigation Specialties
DAN Oxygen Provider
No previous
No previous
PADI Open Water Cert
(or equivalent) and/or a
basic sailing certification
PADI Open Water
Cert (or equivalent)
or a PADI referral
PADI Open Water
or a PADI referral
PADI Advanced Open
Water Cert (or equivalent)
PADI = Professional Association
of Diving Instructors
DAN = Divers Alert Network
PREREQUISITE
QUEST VOYAGES
VEGA VOYAGES
Vega is ideal if you are a beginner or have limited sailing experience, as it’s our biggest and
broadest adventure training program. Living aboard a 50-foot sailing yacht in a small group
of 10 to 12 shipmates your own age, you will experience the confidence of succeeding as
both an individual and as a team. Up to eight yachts sail together in a flotilla, allowing you
to connect with other AQ crews from all over the USA and the world.
If you are looking for a fast-paced sailing adventure that helps make the world a little
better, then Quest is for you. The Quest Voyage is very similar to the Vega Voyage yet
includes up to 20 hours of fun community service projects in place of the PADI scuba
diving course. The hours spent participating in projects such as turtle population studies,
mangrove reforestation and beach clean-ups are documented on a transcript that should
satisfy school requirements. Through your community service, you will also be helping to
ensure that others can enjoy the adventures of the BVI for years to come.
Under the guidance of licensed sailing masters and professional staff, you and your team
will take charge of piloting and running your vessel. You will earn internationally recognized
certifications in sailing and scuba diving, but that’s not all. Live it up while water skiing,
wakeboarding, windsurfing and learning about navigation and seamanship. Although the
program emphasis is on water sports, your crew will also explore ashore, hike Mt. Sage
and take in a fiery sunset during a beach barbecue. And, on completion of your scuba
certification, you’ll also dive the famous wreck of the RMS Rhone and see first-hand why
this was voted best wreck dive in all of the Caribbean.
The Quest crew sails full-time with the Vega fleet and many of the activities, skills and
certifications are the same. Besides mastering water skiing, you’ll also wakeboard, windsurf
and explore the islands. You’ll sail the incredible waters of the Sir Frances Drake Channel,
snorkel through the famous Coral Gardens and hang out at ‘Sydney’s Peace & Love’ with
other AQ crews from around the world.
23
15 & 16
PROGRAMS
15 & 16
VOYAGES
NEPTUNE
15 & 16
PROGRAMS
CARINA VOYAGES
Advanced Scuba & Specialties in the British Virgin Islands
Prerequisite:
Prerequisite:
• PADI Open Water Cert (or equivalent, such as NAUI or SSI)
This voyage is for you if you are a certified sailor or diver looking to boost your skills
and certifications while water skiing, windsurfing and exploring the islands. Specialty
instructors are devoted to these advanced-level IYT sailing and PADI scuba certification
programs. Carina shipmates sail within the same fleet as the Quest and Vega voyages.
You’ll circumnavigate the entire BVI during this voyage, perfecting your sailing,
seamanship and navigation skills. In Carina, everyone scuba dives. Along the way, you will
dive at reef walls, pinnacles, spurs and outcroppings like Mountain Point, The Chimneys,
Spy Glass and Coral Gardens. You will also manage to fit in some wakeboarding, laser
sailing and even a little beach volleyball as we take on other crews when the flotilla gets
together at our beach party.
or a PADI referral
If you have a basic scuba certification or PADI referral and want to take it to an advanced
level, check out Neptune! During this voyage, you will live aboard a 46-foot catamaran
and with step-by-step instruction achieve your PADI Advanced certification as well
as five PADI specialties. You’ll be spending action-packed days above and below the
surface. The BVI ranks among the best and most diverse diving areas of the Caribbean.
A majestic, serene and eye-popping world awaits you when you slip into the seascape
below. You’ll understand this better than anyone when you dive Muskmelon Bay, Blue
Chromis Reef, Coral Gardens and the wreck of the Chikuzen. This impressive 247-foot
ship is now home to hundreds of pelagic fish, and may put you face-to-face with a
300-pound grouper or a school of tarpon!
Sailing the short distances between dive sites, you’ll quickly become familiar with your
yacht as you share responsibilities aboard. Along the way, you will also water ski and
wakeboard, as well as explore the islands and kick back with our beach parties ashore.
AQ EXPERIENCE: “my desire to live life to the fullest and make an impact while I’m here on this earth came
from my time at ActionQuest. Appreciating the beauty of a coral reef or an island landscape instilled an environmental awareness within me that made me want to protect this beauty for other generations to experience.”
NAME: Josh buswell-Charkow
AQ ShIPMATE: 1995, 1996
WhERE IS hE NOW?: i am the Campaign Organizer for forrestethics, where i manage environmental
campaigns that protect endangered forests around the world. The values and lessons I discovered at AQ set
me on this trajectory of work and inspire me to continue it.
24
15 & 16 PROGRAMS
DOLPhIN VOYAGES
RESCUE VOYAGES
Prerequisite:
Prerequisite:
or a PADI referral
If you are fascinated by the exciting world of tropical marine biology and hold a basic
diving certification or PADI referral, this is your voyage. The Dolphin Tropical Marine
Biology program, run by our staff marine biologists and oceanographers, offers an up-close
opportunity to explore wonders of the underwater world. The qualifications and certifications
you earn can even be applied toward your high school transcript, as many schools award
credit for this program. During the voyage, you conduct research on the reefs while furthering
your diving certifications and learning to sail. The program runs aboard 46-foot catamarans
and 50-foot sloops, which become your home, floating classroom and lab.
The PADI Rescue Diver is the highest non-professional scuba certification and is a
prerequisite for those looking to become a Divemaster or Instructor. We recommend that
any certified diver advance to at least this level of training, as it thoroughly prepares you
to deal with any emergency situation.
Sailing as part of our advanced diving fleet, Rescue shipmates plunge right in with beach
and open water modules. You’ll become a DAN (Divers Alert Network) Oxygen Provider, as
well as a Red Cross First Aid and CPR responder. Additional certifications in Underwater
Navigation and Search and Recovery are taught, and depending on your previous
experience, upon completion of this program you may qualify for the PADI Master Scuba
Diver rating. Looking to go further? You’ll get a first hand introduction to the Divemaster
course by helping guide the Neptune group through rescue scenarios.
Earn four different diving certifications during the program and learn underwater photography
to capture the amazing sights you are witnessing on research dives. You will even explore
islands, barbecue on the white sand beaches and hike to the top of the tallest mountain. You’ll
also soak up some sailing, water skiing and wakeboarding.
While diving is the main focus of the voyage, navigating the BVI offers plenty of opportunity
to fine tune your sailing, water skiing and wakeboarding moves as well as explore the
island towns.
”
Your marine science program offers students an
opportunity to be exposed to the curriculum up close
and personal, outside the confines of a conventional
classroom. They return with a perspective and a heightened
awareness of our oceans and the environmental issues
affecting them.
”
• PADI Advanced Open Water Cert (or equivalent, such as NAUI or SSI)
CheCK oUT The dIVe sITes...
mrs. JoANN sChAper
sAlINAs, CA
WATCH OUR DVD
25
15 & 16
PROGRAMS
Tropical Marine Biology in the British Virgin Islands
Safety & Master Scuba Diver Certiications in the British Virgin Islands
15 & 16
VOYAGES
MINERVA
ODYSSEUS
DARWIN
BILLABONG
BORA BORA
LOCATION
Leeward & French Caribbean
Mediterranean
Galapagos & Ecuador
Australia & Great Barrier Reef
Tahiti & French Polynesia
PROGRAM FOCUS
Sailing expedition with water
sports and island exploration
Tall ship sailing adventure
along the coasts of
France, Spain & Italy
Eco-adventure travel with
community service
Travel adventure from
Sydney to the Great Barrier
Reef with scuba & sailing.
throughout the Polynesian
islands of Tahiti, Moorea
and the Motus.
DURATION
21 days
21 days
21 days
22 days
22 days
ACTIVITIES
Sailing
Scuba*
Seamanship
Shore Exploration
Trekking
Offshore Sailing
Night Sailing
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Dinghy Handling
Sailing
Seamanship
Cultural Experience
Shore Exploration
Trekking
Historical Tours
Dinghy Handling
Offshore Sailing
Night Sailing
Volcano & Jungle Adventures
Boat Expedition
Cultural Experience
Shore Exploration
Natural Sciences
Community Service
Snorkeling
Trekking
White Water Rafting
Scuba*
Sailing
Scuba*
Cultural Experience
Shore Exploration
Snorkeling
Rainforest Tours
Surfing
Trekking
White Water Rafting
Sailing
Snorkeling
Scuba*
Trekking
Shore Exploration
Cultural Experience
Dinghy Handling
Offshore Sailing
Night Sailing
No previous
No previous
No previous
experience necessary.
No previous
*Various options for certified
or non-certified divers
No previous
15 & 16
PROGRAMS
PREREQUISITE
*Option for certified divers
GLOBAL ADVENTURES
MINERVA VOYAGE
Leeward & French Caribbean Islands Sailing Expedition
Adventure travel with sailing, shore exploration and cultural experience
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The Minerva expedition is a fastATLANTIC
OCEAN
paced sailing, hiking and shore
ANGUILLA
TORTOLA
ST. MARTIN
exploration adventure that visits
ST. BARTHELEMY
10 different islands on a voyage
that stretches from the BVI to
the island of Antigua and back.
ST. EUSTATIUS
LE
ST. KITTS
EW
ANTIGUA
N
The Leewards form the Eastern
AR
W
E
NEVIS
D
IS
boundary of the Caribbean
S
and include impressive tropical
MONTSERRAT
islands like Saba, Statia, St. Kitts,
Nevis, St. Barts and St. Martin. Balmy trade winds, lush rainforests and pink sandy beaches
make this an ideal destination. The cultural and geological diversity seen over such a small
geographic area is enormous; customs and currencies change as often as the language
spoken. Some islands are flat and dry, others mountainous and green. Sailing aboard a 50-ft
monohull or 46-ft catamaran, the voyage’s main focus is sailing and island exploration, yet
there will be time to take advantage of these incredible waters by scuba diving, snorkeling,
water skiing and wakeboarding. Shore side, the mountainous terrain offers some of the most
challenging and rewarding hiking in the Caribbean. You’ll conquer the 500 rock-carved steps
of The Ladder at Saba, and reach the peak of The Quill - an almost perfectly symmetrical
extinct volcano on the island of Nevis. First you climb up… and then, while holding onto
vines, you climb down into the crater past huge trees, ferns and carpets of moss.
medITerrANeAN
LeeWARD & fReNCH
CArIbbeAN
eCUAdor
gAlApAgos
S
ND
LA
AUsTrAlIA &
greAT bArrIer
reeF
TAhITI &
FreNCh polYNesIA
ActionQuest offers adventures that span the globe.
Whether setting out to sail in the tropical south paciic
or dive on the great barrier reef, AQ encourages you to
seek your own challenge.
26
15 & 16 PROGRAMS
ODYSSEUS
DARWIN VOYAGE
Galapagos & Ecuador Expedition
Adventure travel with eco-tours, whitewater rafting and community service
The Mediterranean is one of
PORTO VENERE
the most fascinating yachting
FRANCE
ITALY
MONACO
playgrounds in the world and
NICE
CANNES
this voyage shows you why. Our
fast-paced sailing and cultural
ELBA
CALVI
ROME
expedition starts in the south
CORSICA
of France, following the wake
BONIFACIO
of Ulysses to Corsica, Sardinia,
N
PORTO CERVO
W
E
medITerrANeAN
over to Italy and then north to
seA
S
SARDINIA
Monte Carlo and the French
Riviera. The Odysseus Voyage is
your opportunity to develop basic and advanced sailing skills, explore a unique part of the
world and develop an appreciation for the abundant history and culture these renowned
destinations have to offer. Under the guidance of staff, you and your crew will take charge
of running the vessel. Focusing on navigation and boat handling, there will be overnight
sails to sharpen seamanship skills, as well as daytime sailing along rugged coastlines.
Once in port, the focus shifts to what each town and port has to offer. You will see historic
landmarks like the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, the Vatican City and the
Roman Forum. You’ll even hike to Napoleon’s place of exile on the island of Elba. On our
return, you’ll stop over at Paloma Beach for a game of frisbee and volleyball beside the
deep blue-green waters and even have time to explore the streets of Monte Carlo and
Promenades of Cannes and San Tropez.
Located 600 miles west of
W
E
S
Ecuador,
the
Galapagos
OTAVALO
GALAPAGOS ARChIPELAGO
Archipelago is made up of over
QUITO
YACHANA
COTOPAXI
SEYMOUR
PACIFIC
100 individual islands. They
OCEAN
BALTRA
TENA
PLAZAS
are among the most isolated
SANTA FE
SANTA CRUZ
islands in the world and the
ECUADOR
SAN CRISTOBAL
wildlife here is in a class of
FLOREANA
ESPANOLA
its own. Swimming with sea
lions twisting and turning
PERU
just inches away from your
mask and crouching beside a
blue-footed booby as it performs its distinctive courtship dance are samples of the
incredible animal encounters waiting for you.
N
PORT AYORA
The Darwin Expedition centers on adventure travel with an environmental twist.
Darwin is aligned with our community service program, Lifeworks, and offers both
high-paced adventure plus 20 to 40 hours of community service. Beginning with a 10-day
expedition in Ecuador, you will whitewater raft through spectacular gorges and canyons,
experience conservation first-hand at an eco-lodge in the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon
Rainforest and hike over the volcanic terrain of the Cotopaxi National Park.
In the Galapagos, you’ll take a 4-day boat trip with a naturalist guide who will lead you over
volcanic flows. Joining forces with the Galapagos National Parks, you will help preserve this
natural wonderland through service projects such as non-native species eradication and
biodiversity studies.
27
15 & 16
PROGRAMS
Mediterranean Tall Ship Sailing Voyage
15 & 16
PROGRAMS
BILLABONG
BORA BORA
Australia & the Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Tahiti & French Polynesian Islands Voyage
Adventure travel with sailing, scuba and community service
INDIAN
OCEAN
Traveling from Sydney in the south
to Cape Tribulation in the north, our
AQ Australian expedition includes
sailing, scuba, surfing, exploration,
trekking and community service.
Australia is the sixth largest country
in the world and home to the Great
Barrier Reef, the world’s largest
coral ecosystem.
CAPE TRIBULATION
CAIRNS
TUPAI
French Polynesia forms part of
N
the Society Islands that were
W
E
MAUPITI
S
BORA BORA
created about three million
TAHAA
years ago by huge undersea
HUAHINI
volcanic eruptions. The result is
RAIATEA
a group of 118 islands nestled in
PACIFIC
the heart of the trade winds that
PAPEETE
MOOREA
OCEAN
offer world-class sailing, scuba
diving and snorkeling as well
TAhITI
as adventurous island trekking.
Bora Bora takes you from the
picture-perfect island of… where else… Bora Bora, with its soaring volcanic peaks, lush
green colors and shimmering lagoon to the vanilla island of Tahaa and countless other
islands within this South Pacific paradise. Along the way, you’ll enhance your seamanship
skills, dive and snorkel the vivid reefs and hike the green mountaintops.
TOWNSVILLE
THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
PACIFIC
OCEAN
AUSTRALIA
SYDNEY
N
W
E
S
Billabong is a high-action thrill
ride. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, surf the waves at Manly Beach, circumnavigate
the Whitsunday Islands aboard a sailing yacht and join an intense scuba trip to the Great
Barrier Reef, where you are likely to encounter huge schools of jack, grouper and cod.
You’ll never forget whitewater rafting through some of the most inaccessible areas of
the rainforest or hiking through Cape Tribulation where the rainforest and the reef meet
at the water’s edge. In the nature parks, you’ll cuddle a real koala, hand feed a kangaroo
and pat a wombat! To see even more of the Aussie wildlife, we’ll catch a crocodile cruise
down the Daintree River and take a night safari through the rainforest which is reputed to
be home to the largest range of plants and animals on earth. You and your team will also
earn community service hours through projects like assisting indigenous landowners with
habitat restoration and building community infrastructure. The adventures in Australia are
as varied as the ‘down under’ wildlife!
These destinations are so enchanting that even folding your laundry amid this scenery is
inspiring! Now, imagine snorkeling through shallow crystal waters as the current rocks you
gently through an array of vibrant sea fans, sponges and angelfish. Imagine visiting the
serene Tahaa Bay Club and its exquisite botanical gardens. On the Bora Bora Voyage you
will do all this and more. Visiting archaeological excavations in Huahini, hiking through
rainforests in Raiatea, swimming above towering waterfalls in Papeete, snorkeling with
tropical fish and sampling (and preparing!) Tahitian cuisine are all part of this journey.
28
15 & 16 PROGRAMS
17 & OVER PROGRAMS
TAB – 17 & OLDER
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
BRITISh VIRGIN ISLAND ADVENTURES
ANEGADA
N
W
E
S
gUANA IslANd
JOST VAN DYKE
greeN CAY
The dogs
TORTOLA
VIRGIN GORDA
roAd ToWN
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
The British Virgin Islands’ breathtaking sunsets, lush green hills, surreal blue skies and
electric-blue waters offer the perfect backdrop for adventure and discovery. You aren’t the
first to seek exploration in the unbelievable beauty of these islands. Apart from thousands
of AQ alumni, pirates Henry Morgan, Sir John Hawkins and Blackbeard were frequent
visitors too. Perhaps they sought the same adventure and high-excitement you do! The
steady trade winds, countless coves and bays, mind-blowing beaches and solid anchorages
make it a perfect training ground for scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding,
windsurfing and discovering intriguing marine life.
The bAThs
gINger IslANd
WesT eNd
Sailing through these protected waters in a flotilla of four to eight 50-foot yachts, you and
your team of shipmates from all over the globe will assume the authority of your own
adventure. In fact, you will create it almost entirely for yourselves.
Cooper IslANd
sAlT IslANd
peTer IslANd
NormAN IslANd
The BVI voyages center around building skills in sailing, scuba and other water sports
and certifications. As a certification facility for International Yacht Training (IYT), as well
as a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Gold Palm 5-Star training
school, ActionQuest has the most experience leading sailing and scuba adventure training
programs for young adults.
”
The experience of bonding with a group of people in
such a short space of time was great fun and our staff
There are seven unique programs that deliver adventure, challenge and discovery for both
the novice and the more seasoned sailor or diver. The vessels anchor together for daily
activities and evenings in sheltered bays so you will interact with people your age at sunset
beach barbecues and island dance parties. Your team will also race against other crews for
some friendly sailing competition. You’ll also explore ashore - climbing granite boulders at
The Baths, hiking Mt. Sage or visiting the deserted Salt Island. Now’s the time for extreme
action and powerful experiences that will prepare you for your next adventures in life.
members really were fantastic. It is encouraging and a great
inspiration to see something that has been created just out
”
of one man’s passion for sailing.
sophIe greeN
oxFordshIre, eNglANd
30
17 & OVER PROGRAMS
17 & OVER
VOYAGES
VEGA
QUEST
CARINA
NEPTUNE
DOLPhIN
RESCUE
DIVEMASTER
LOCATION
PROGRAM
FOCUS
Intro to sailing &
scuba with
water sports
Intro to sailing &
water sports with
community service
Advanced sailing
and / or adv. scuba
Dive, dive, dive!
Advanced scuba
with specialties
Tropical marine
biology with scuba
specialties
Rescue and diver
safety training
Divemaster
professional
internship program
DURATION
ACTIVITIES
17 or 21 days
10, 17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
17 or 21 days
Sailing, Scuba
Seamanship
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Windsuring
Small Boat Sailing
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Sailing, Snorkeling
Community Service
Seamanship
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Windsuring
Small Boat Sailing
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Sailing, Scuba
Seamanship
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Windsuring
Small Boat Sailing
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Scuba, Sailing
Ocean Education
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Snorkeling
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Scuba, Sailing
Marine Biology
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Snorkeling
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Scuba, Sailing
Ocean Education
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Snorkeling
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
Scuba, Sailing
Ocean Education
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Dinghy Handling
Hiking
Shore Exploration
IYT International
Crew Cert.
PADI Open Water
Scuba Diver
IYT International
Crew Cert.
Red Cross First
Aid / CPR
PADI Advanced
Diver, Naturalist &
IYT Crew, Radio &
Bareboat Watchkeeper Cert.
PADI Advanced Diver
Night, Wreck,
Naturalist,
Boat & Equipment
Specialties
PADI Underwater
Photo, Naturalist,
Night & Research
Diver Specialties.
Tropical Marine
Biology
PADI Rescue Diver
Search & Recovery,
Navigation Specialties
Red Cross First
Aid / CPR
DAN Oxygen Provider
PADI Professional
Divemaster
Red Cross First
Aid / CPR
No previous
experience
necessary
No previous
PADI Open Water
and/or a basic
sailing certiication
PADI Open Water
or a PADI referral
PADI Open Water
or a PADI referral
PADI Advanced
Open Water Cert
(or equivalent)
18+ years of age
PADI Rescue Diver
40+ logged dives
CERTIFICATIONS
PADI = Professional Association
of Diving Instructors
DAN = Divers Alert Network
PREREQUISITE
VEGA VOYAGES
QUEST VOYAGES
This voyage is right for you if you are a beginner or have a limited sailing background, but
want to earn certifications and experience a wide range of exciting activities. Living aboard
a 50-foot sailing yacht in a small group of 10 to 12 shipmates your own age, you will create
the journey. You will also experience the confidence of succeeding as both an individual
and a team. Up to eight yachts sail together in a flotilla, allowing you to connect with other
AQ crews from all over the USA and the world.
This is your voyage if you are looking for a high-paced adventure that offers you an
opportunity to give back to the BVI at the same time. On the Quest Voyage, you will become
a seasoned sailor and earn up to twenty hours of community service in place of the PADI
scuba diving course. The hours spent participating in projects such as turtle population
studies, mangrove reforestation and beach clean-ups will satisfy any school requirement
and you’ll also be helping to ensure that others can enjoy the BVI for years to come.
With the collaboration of licensed sailing masters and professional staff, you and your
team take charge of piloting and running your vessel while working toward internationally
recognized certifications in sailing and scuba diving. Along the way, you will also pick up
skills in water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, navigation and seamanship. Although
the program emphasis is on water sports, you’ll also explore ashore. Check out the granite
caves, arches and boulders at The Baths and awesome views of surrounding tropical islands
from the peak of Mt. Sage. Blow the other Vega crews out of the water in the final exciting
race up the Sir Francis Drake Channel and dive the famous wreck of the RMS Rhone to learn
why this was voted best wreck dive in all of the Caribbean.
The Quest crew sails full-time with the Vega fleet and many of the activities, skills and
certifications are the same. Besides mastering sailing, you’ll also wakeboard, windsurf
and explore the islands. You’ll sail the incredible waters of the Sir Frances Drake Channel,
snorkel through the famous Coral Gardens and hang out at ‘Sydney’s Peace & Love’ with
other AQ crews from around the world.
reAd oUr sTUdeNT VoYAge blogs:
31
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
NEPTUNE
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
CARINA VOYAGES
Advanced Scuba & Specialties in the British Virgin Islands
Prerequisite:
Prerequisite:
and/or a PADI referral
Carina is perfect for certified sailors or divers looking to further their skills and certifications
while building experience in water skiing, windsurfing and seamanship. If this appeals to
you, take steps toward the Carina Voyage. Specialty instructors are devoted to advanced
level IYT sailing and PADI scuba certification programs. Carina shipmates sail within the
same fleet as the Quest and Vega voyages. You’ll circumnavigate the entire BVI during
this voyage, perfecting your sailing and navigation skills. In Carina, everyone scuba dives.
Along the way, you will dive at reef walls, pinnacles, spurs and outcroppings like Mountain
Point, The Chimneys, Spy Glass and Coral Gardens. You will also manage to fit in some
wakeboarding, laser sailing and even a little beach volleyball as we take on other crews
when the flotilla gets together at our beach party.
or a PADI referral
If you want to take your diving to the advanced level and already have a basic diving
certification or PADI referral, Neptune is for you. During this exciting voyage, you will live
aboard a 46-foot catamaran and with step-by-step instruction, you will achieve your PADI
Advanced certification as well as five other scuba specialties. You’ll be spending actionpacked days above and below the surface. The British Virgin Islands rank among the best
and most diverse diving areas of the Caribbean. Explore your world like never before while
diving at world-famous sites like Muskmelon Bay, Blue Chromis Reef, Coral Gardens and
the wrecks of the Chikuzen and RMS Rhone. Throughout the Neptune Voyage you will also
water ski, wakeboard and perfect your sailing as you and your team assume responsibilities
and take change of the running of the vessel.
AQ EXPERIENCE: “ActionQuest isn’t just a summer adventure. It’s a life-changing experience that gives you
tools that serve you throughout life and memories that last forever.”
NAME: Alexis Zinberg
AQ ShIPMATE: 1994, 1995
WhERE IS ShE NOW?: I am the Vice president of marketing for Thankyou Network, the Citigroup rewards
Program that manages the organization’s advertising, public relations, event marketing and agency coordination. The self-conidence, leadership and ability to be proactive in both my work and personal life are skills i
continue to use today and attribute to my AQ voyage over a decade ago.
32
17 & OVER PROGRAMS
DOLPhIN VOYAGES
RESCUE VOYAGES
Tropical Marine Biology in the British Virgin Islands
Safety & Master Scuba Diver Certiications in the British Virgin Islands
Prerequisite:
Prerequisite:
or a PADI referral
• PADI Advanced Open Water Cert (or equivalent, such as NAUI or SSI)
This complete diver safety program leads to certification at the highest non-professional
scuba certification 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, Rescue shipmates plunge right in with beach
and open water modules. You’ll become a DAN (Divers Alert Network) Oxygen Provider, as
well as a Red Cross First Aid and CPR responder. Additional certifications in Underwater
Navigation and Search and Recovery are taught, and depending on your previous
experience, upon completion of this program you may qualify for the PADI Master Scuba
Diver rating. Looking to go further? You’ll get a first hand introduction to the Divemaster
course by helping guide the Neptune group through rescue scenarios.
While diving 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.
Earn four different diving certifications during the program and learn underwater
photography to capture the amazing sights you are witnessing on research dives. 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.
CheCK oUT The dIVe sITes...
WATCH OUR DVD
33
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
If you are curious to learn more about tropical marine biology and hold a basic diving
certification or PADI referral, this is your voyage. The Dolphin Tropical Marine Biology
program, run by our staff marine biologists and oceanographers, provides an interactive
opportunity to explore the aquatic realm in a way that others only dream about. The
qualifications and certifications you earn can even be applied toward your high school
transcript, as many schools do award credit for this program. The real-world learning is
more inspiring than anything you will find in a text book. You will conduct reef research
while furthering your diving certifications and learning to sail. Other water activities
include water skiing and wakeboarding. The program runs aboard 46-foot catamarans and
50-foot sloops, which become your home, floating classroom and lab for the duration of
the voyage. The BVI is famous for incredible visibility, colorful coral formations and an
awesome array of marine organisms. You’ll see what we mean the first time you break the
liquid barrier and descend to the most incredible dive sites!
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
DIVEMASTER VOYAGES
AS A QUALIFIED DIVEMASTER, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO...
Professional PADI Training in the British Virgin Islands
• Work at local dive centers on live-aboard dive boats, yachts and exotic resort locations
Prerequisite:
• Assist PADI Instructors with students
• Age 18 prior to the course start date
• PADI Advanced & Rescue certiications (or equivalent)
• Minimum of 40 logged dives
• Lead PADI Scuba Divers on guided dive tours
• Teach and certify PADI Skin Divers
If you want to take your diving skills and knowledge to the first professional level and
are already a certified PADI Advanced and Rescue Diver, Divemaster fits the bill. PADI
Divemaster training is designed to develop leadership abilities by training shipmates to
supervise dive activities and assist instructors. We teach our Divemaster course as an
internship. This is the best way to learn and will prepare you well for the next jump to the
PADI Instructor level. Our shipmates are working full-time alongside our instructors for the
duration of a complete PADI Open Water course. No other training method allows for such
real life experience and, at ActionQuest, our flotilla sailing concept allows students to learn
techniques from up to 14 professional diving instructors. Divemasters who learn this way
possess a much better understanding of the ‘how’s and why’s’ of dive training, as it gives
a practical rather than purely classroom perspective.
• Teach PADI Discover Snorkeling programs
• Conduct PADI Scuba Review programs for certiied divers
• Lead certiied divers on Discover Local Diving experiences
”
I can truthfully say that this has been the best three weeks
of my life. Your program is fantastic. There are not many
As with all of our programs, you’ll be in the water a lot, but it’s not all dive, dive, dive. As
well as learning to sail, water ski and wakeboard, you’ll see all that the BVI has to offer;
swim off the deserted beaches of Anegada, visit island towns, sample the local food and
dance to the reggae beats.
opportunities in life when you can become close to people
from all over the world, sail, scuba dive and live in paradise,
all at the same time. I’m very fortunate to have been part of
”
something so great.
34
TAYlor CoTToN
NorThboro, mA
17 & OVER PROGRAMS
17 & OVER
VOYAGES
MINERVA
ODYSSEUS
DARWIN
BILLABONG
BORA BORA
LOCATION
Leeward & French Caribbean
Mediterranean
Galapagos & Ecuador
Australia & Great Barrier Reef
Tahiti & French Polynesia
PROGRAM FOCUS
Sailing expedition with water
sports and island exploration
along the coasts of
France, Spain & Italy
Eco-adventure travel with
community service
Travel adventure from
Sydney to the Great Barrier
Reef with scuba & sailing
throughout the Polynesian
islands of Tahiti, Moorea
& the Motus
DURATION
21 days
21 days
21 days
22 days
22 days
ACTIVITIES
Sailing
Scuba*
Seamanship
Shore Exploration
Trekking
Offshore Sailing
Night Sailing
Water Skiing
Wakeboarding
Dinghy Handling
Sailing
Seamanship
Cultural Experience
Shore Exploration
Trekking
Historical Tours
Dinghy Handling
Offshore Sailing
Night Sailing
Volcano & Jungle Adventures
Boat Expedition
Cultural Experience
Shore Exploration
Natural Sciences
Community Service
Snorkeling
Trekking
White Water Rafting
Scuba*
Sailing
Scuba*
Cultural Experience
Shore Exploration
Snorkeling
Rainforest Tours
Surfing
Trekking
White Water Rafting
Sailing
Snorkeling
Scuba*
Trekking
Shore Exploration
Cultural Experience
Dinghy Handling
Offshore Sailing
Night Sailing
No previous
No previous
No previous
No previous
No previous
PREREQUISITE
*Option for certified divers
GLOBAL ADVENTURES
MINERVA VOYAGE
Leeward & French Caribbean Islands Sailing Expedition
eCUAdor
gAlApAgos
AUsTrAlIA &
greAT bArrIer
reeF
TAhITI &
FreNCh polYNesIA
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
ANGUILLA
TORTOLA
ST. MARTIN
ST. BARTHELEMY
ST. EUSTATIUS
ST. KITTS
LE
EW
AR
D
N
W
E
S
IS
ANTIGUA
NEVIS
MONTSERRAT
The Minerva expedition is a fast-paced sailing, hiking and shore exploration adventure
that sails from the BVI south to the island of Antigua and back. Living aboard a 50-ft
monohull or 46-ft catamaran, you’ll visit 10 different islands. The voyage’s main focus is
sailing and island exploration, yet there will be time to take advantage of these incredible
waters by scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing and wakeboarding. Shore side, the
mountainous terrain offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking in the
Caribbean. The cultural and geological diversity seen over such a small geographic area is
enormous; customs and currencies change as often as the language spoken; some islands
are flat and dry, others mountainous and exotic.
ActionQuest offers adventures that span the globe.
Whether setting out to sail in the tropical south paciic
or dive on the great barrier reef, AQ encourages you to
seek your own challenge.
So go ahead and dash up to the edge of the rainforest at Golden Rock Estate for a peek
at the native Green Monkeys. Investigate Antigua’s paths overlooking the sea to scout
out artifacts. And watch a sunset so beautiful that it’s almost a spiritual experience
atop Shirley Heights, while listening to the thumps of a Caribbean steel band.
35
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
LeeWARD & fReNCH
CArIbbeAN
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
S
ND
LA
The BVI, Saba, Statia, St. Kitts,
Nevis, St. Barts and St. Martin are
a few of the impressive Caribbean
Islands that form the Leeward.
This spectacular setting makes
an ideal adventure destination.
With its balmy trade winds, lush
rainforests, clear ocean and pink
sandy beaches, you will soon
discover why.
medITerrANeAN
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
ODYSSEUS
DARWIN VOYAGE
Mediterranean Tall Ship Sailing Voyage
Galapagos & Ecuador Expedition
Adventure travel with eco-tours, whitewater rafting and community service
You will voyage from the south of
PORTO VENERE
France, around Corsica, Sardinia,
FRANCE
ITALY
MONACO
over to Italy and then north, via
NICE
CANNES
Elba to Monte Carlo, back once
again to the French Riviera on
ELBA
CALVI
ROME
the fast-paced Odysseus Voyage.
CORSICA
This adventure offers the
BONIFACIO
N
opportunity to develop basic and
W
E
PORTO CERVO
medITerrANeAN
S
advanced sailing skills, explore
seA
SARDINIA
a unique part of the world and
develop an appreciation for the
abundant history and culture that these renowned destinations have to offer. Under the
guidance of staff, you and your crew will take charge of running the vessel and navigate to
over 10 different ports of call along the deep blue Mediterranean Sea.
The 100 islands of the
W
E
S
Galapagos Archipelago were
OTAVALO
GALAPAGOS ARChIPELAGO
formed about four million
QUITO
YACHANA
COTOPAXI
SEYMOUR
PACIFIC
years ago. Separated from
OCEAN
BALTRA
TENA
PLAZAS
South America by the Pacific,
SANTA FE
SANTA CRUZ
this once-lonely island group
ECUADOR
SAN CRISTOBAL
is one of the most biologically
FLOREANA
ESPANOLA
important places on earth.
Each island is totally different
PERU
and their wildlife is unlike
any other. Run in conjunction
with our community service program, Lifeworks, the Darwin expedition explores both the
mainland of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, offering a combination of high-paced
adventure and 20 to 40 hours of community service.
Each country, town or port provides a different experience. Dialects and local customs
change almost daily as you sail back into history and follow in the wake of Ulysses. Focusing
on navigation and boat handling, there will be overnight sails to sharpen seamanship skills,
as well as daytime sailing along rugged coastlines. Once in port, the focus shifts to what
each town and port has to offer. You will see historic landmarks like the Colosseum, the
Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, the Vatican City and the Roman Forum. You’ll even hike to
Napoleon’s place of exile on the island of Elba. On our return, you’ll stop over at Paloma
Beach for a game of frisbee and volleyball and even have time to explore the streets of
Monte Carlo and Promenades of Cannes and San Tropez.
In Ecuador, you will whitewater raft through spectacular gorges and canyons, experience
conservation first-hand at an eco-lodge in the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest and
hike over the volcanic terrain of the Cotopaxi National Park. In the Galapagos, you’ll
soon be swimming with sea lions, floating eye-to-eye with a penguin or witnessing
a blue-footed booby perform its distinctive courtship dance. You’ll also explore the
islands’ desert landscapes, lush highlands and nutrient-rich waters. Speaking of
water - you’ll head out on a 4-day boat trip with a local naturalist guide. Joining forces with
the Galapagos National Parks for the remainder of the program, you will help to preserve
this natural wonderland through service projects such as non-native species eradication
and biodiversity studies.
N
PORT AYORA
36
17 & OVER PROGRAMS
BILLABONG
BORA BORA
Australia & the Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Tahiti & French Polynesian Islands Voyage
Adventure travel with sailing, scuba and community service
INDIAN
OCEAN
Created about three million
TUPAI
N
years ago by huge undersea
MAUPITI
W
E
BORA BORA
volcanic eruptions, French
S
TAHAA
Polynesia forms part of the
HUAHINI
Society Islands. The 118 islands
nestled in the heart of the trade
RAIATEA
winds offer world-class sailing,
PACIFIC
PAPEETE
MOOREA
OCEAN
scuba diving and snorkeling as
well as adventurous island
TAhITI
trekking. The Bora Bora
voyage takes you from one
picture-perfect island to the next - all with soaring volcanic peaks, lush green hillsides
and shimmering lagoons. Along the way, you’ll enhance your seamanship skills, dive and
snorkel the vivid reefs and hike the green mountaintops. Imagine circumnavigating the
entire tropical island of Bora Bora, all within its coral-fringed lagoon, exploring Tahaa on
horseback and feeding the blue-eyed sacred eels in Huahini. Immerse yourself in Tahitian
culture at Bastille Day celebrations, a month-long festival with everything from arts and
crafts, to dancing and canoe races. See a page in history come alive when you visit the
WWII cannons dragged up the Bora Bora hillsides by US troops to protect the islands from
Japanese attack.
CAPE TRIBULATION
CAIRNS
TOWNSVILLE
THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
PACIFIC
OCEAN
AUSTRALIA
SYDNEY
N
W
E
S
Billabong is a high action thrill
ride. Cross the Sydney Harbour
Bridge, surf the waves at Manly Beach, circumnavigate the Whitsunday Islands aboard a
sailing yacht and join an intense scuba trip to the famous Great Barrier Reef. Here, on the
world’s largest ecosystem, you’ll be blown away by the incredible corals and encounters
with marine life, like a 300-pound grouper. We guarantee you’ll never forget whitewater
rafting through some of the most inaccessible areas of the rainforest or hiking through
Cape Tribulation where the rainforest and the reef meet at the water’s edge. In the nature
parks, you’ll cuddle a real koala, hand feed a kangaroo, pat a wombat and join a crocodile
cruise through the Daintree Rainforest which is reputed to be home to the greatest number
of plant and animal species on earth. Still, you and your team find time to give a little back,
by helping indigenous landowners restore damaged habitats. The adventures in Australia
are as varied as the ‘down under’ wildlife!
On the Bora Bora Voyage you will do all this and more. Hiking through rainforests in
Raiatea, swimming above towering waterfalls in Papeete, snorkeling with tropical fish, and
sampling (and preparing!) Tahitian cuisine are all part of this journey.
37
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
Billabong is all about adventure,
exploration and leaving the
world a little better than you
found it. Traveling from Sydney
in the south to Cape Tribulation
in the north, our AQ Australian
expedition includes sailing,
scuba, surfing, trekking and
community service.
”
The whole trip was better than anything
I could have expected!
”
”
gIorgINA de lImoN
brUssels, belgIUm
As a 4-year ActionQuester, i’m qualiied to
say AQ rocks! I walk away from this program
with more and more each year. I learn so
much about myself, and who I want to be.
”
17 & OVER
PROGRAMS
JUlIA dImoN
ChICAgo, IllINoIs
38
17 & OVER PROGRAMS
FOR PARENTS
FOR
PARENTS
We understand that parents want
their kids to grow to be independent;
capable of making positive choices that
enable them to maximize their strengths,
overcome their weaknesses and reach
their fullest potential.
perhaps the hope for their happiness and success is at its strongest as kids reach the
formative teen years. This is a pivotal time in their lives because these experiences
and inluences build the bridge from the children they once were to the adults they will
become. actionQuest provides our shipmates with the tools they need to build a strong
foundation for this transition. We do this by creating an environment that promotes
self-discovery as well as social, emotional and intellectual growth.
over the years, actionQuest has received countless letters from our shipmates and
their parents that describe the impact aQ has had on them. Their words say more than
we ever could about our programs.
thE palMEr FaMily
”
The self-confidence, leadership and ability to be proactive in both my work and
personal life are skills I attribute to my AQ voyage over a decade ago. During one
of the Lifeworks Forums, I had a defining moment where I realized I could be the
kind of person that stands up and takes charge instead of letting others make
decisions for me. I carried that momentum with me while studying advertising at
Boston University, working at my first job, becoming a Senior Account Executive
at the age of 23 managing over 120 accounts and today, as the VP of Marketing
for the Citigroup Rewards Program, Thank you Network. ActionQuest isn’t just a
summer adventure. It’s a life-changing experience that gives you tools that serve
you throughout life and memories that last forever.
”
FOr
parEnts
ALEXIS ZINBERG (FORMERLY ALEXIS PALMER)
”
When Alexis came back from ActionQuest, it was clear that she had experienced an
incredible transformation. She came back a self-confident leader. She became the
VP of her youth group and then applied for early decision to college. I sent Alexis’s
little brothers Brent and Jared to ActionQuest this last summer. They came back
more self-confident, mature and responsible. Brent really began to take charge of
his future after his AQ experience. And when he talks about scuba diving, his eyes
just light up. He is absolutely a changed person. And Jared made so many friends.
As a parent, you can’t ask for anything more. You don’t think of a summer program
as having that kind of impact, but it does.
”
DEBBIE PALMER
MANHATTAN, NY
thE FOlEy FaMily
”
Dewey came home absolutely bursting with increased self-confidence and assurance. The
encouragement and positive support he received to push himself, try new things and
actually become a leader gave him a fullness of self that defies description. Abbie said
to me, ‘I thought I would just learn new skills, like sailing and diving and water skiing,
but what I really got was the opportunity to reflect on my life, my existence and goals...
I can’t thank you enough, Mom, for sending me to ActionQuest.’ Your attention to each
shipmate as an individual and your ability to teach them at a young age the value of living
proactively as opposed to reactively has given each one of my children a secret innerstrength that they will be able to draw upon for a lifetime. Both kids had great things to
say about the staff, the classes, the food, the yachts and the interpersonal growing that
must be achieved to live successfully and so intimately with virtual strangers.
”
SUSAN FOLEY
BIRMINGHAM, MI
thE ach FaMily
”
”
”
I felt [the program] inspired me to do new things in helping others.
MICHAEL ACH
Michael came to you as a bright, straightforward teenager, but I do not think he realized
this. His father, brother, sister and I have always realized just what a wonderful young man
he is. We sent Michael to you to show him what he could accomplish, the friends he could
make (without judgment) and the person he has yet to be. All we can say is thank you,
thank you, thank you. His experiences with his crew mates, staff and locals really changed
him. We see a new, more vital teenager on our hands. We hope to send Michael next year
so he can continue his ‘Quest’ into full adulthood.
”
THERESA, PAUL, CHRIS & SARAH ACH
BABYLON, NY
FOR PARENTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In the course of our 30-year history, we’ve answered our share of program questions. Below
are a few of the most common questions we receive. If you don’t see your question, or if you
would rather speak to us directly, please call any time at 800.317.6789 or 941.924.6789.
HOW DO i HeLP my TeeNAgeR CHOOSe THe
RigHT PROgRAm?
The variety of programs and destinations can be
overwhelming. The Vega Voyage is our biggest and broadest
program in terms of the activities we do and the certifications
shipmates earn. We recommend this program for those
with limited or no previous experience in sailing and scuba
who are looking for an exciting introduction to these and
other water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing and
wakeboarding. Beginning sailors and divers can also select
any program marked ‘No experience necessary’ and there
are plenty of those to choose from.
WHAT iS THe ‘AbOARD’ eNViRONmeNT Like?
ActionQuest’s programs are more than voyages with
instruction in sailing and diving; they are a total educational
experience. Participants arrive with the understanding that
they will be part of the ‘crew in training,’ ready to share the
work from food preparation to navigation, and everything
in between. Shipmates rotate positions each day for variety.
Evenings are largely devoted to program material aboard.
We are a co-ed program. Girls live in separate cabins. Privacy
is thus maintained even with 10 to 12 students all living
within 50 feet of each other! These are dry ships — no
alcohol or illegal drugs — and no smoking for health and
safety reasons. We expect all shipmates to maintain an
atmosphere of respect and consideration.
CAN I speAK To pAsT sTUdeNTs ANd
PAReNTS AbOUT THeiR AQ exPeRieNCe?
fOR ANSWeRS TO mORe fAQS, ViSiT:
This depends on which voyage you select. In most cases we
charter our vessels through Sunsail / Moorings, the world’s
largest charter company. Whether a traditional single-hulled
yacht (monohull) or catamaran, all are in the 50-foot range.
Each of these vessels has a minimum of 5 cabins, a large
salon which converts to a 6th cabin and four full bathrooms
(heads). Occasionally we utilize our 110-ft Sea|mester
schooner, S/Y Argo, for special voyages as she circumnavigates the globe. The vessel choice for the Billabong Voyage is
dependent on the number of enrolled students. For the past
couple of years, we have used Avatar, a 67-ft ocean-racing
trimaran.
WHeRe DO SHiPmATeS SLeeP?
For most programs shipmates move aboard their yacht
right away. Typically this is where we live full-time. With a
minimum of 5 cabins and a large salon that converts to a
6th, there’s enough room for us all to sleep down below. For
the most part, the evenings are clear and dry and most of us
like to sleep out on deck, swinging in a hammock under the
stars. During programs that contain a land based component
we typically stay in hotels or hostels.
WHAT DO i HAVe TO bUy TO PARTiCiPATe?
ActionQuest provides all equipment necessary for our
activities. This includes all scuba diving equipment (except
for wetsuits, if needed). We will send a clothing list of
general items to bring and information on spending money
needed for ice cream and souvenirs. We do require that all
participants join DAN (the Divers Alert Network) for their
membership benefits. Those enrolling in certain scuba
courses are required to purchase the necessary PADI books
and materials for their use after the program. (est. $35)
41
FOR
PARENTS
Yes, and we actively encourage it. While we guard our
parents’ privacy, 95 percent volunteer to act as references for
new parents. Upon request, we will be happy to pass along
names of past shipmates who are of a similar age and have
participated in the same voyage you are considering.
WHAT TyPe Of yACHTS DO yOU USe?
For more INFormATIoN, log oN To:
HOW mANy SHiPmATeS ARe ON A VOyAge?
WHAT AbOUT COmmUNiCATiON?
WHAT iS THe WeATHeR Like?
Our largest programs in the British Virgin Islands may have as
many as three small flotillas of four boats sailing together, each
with 8 to 12 shipmates aboard. This allows us to place teens
aboard based upon their age and grade. It’s a lot of fun sailing
as part of a larger group, where our shipmates can interact
with many other teens and staff from all over the world. Our
smaller voyages are limited to 20 shipmates or less.
We understand the importance of communication and
provide as much opportunity for shipmates to touch base
with home as we can. When sailing with us, a lot is learned
through total immersion in the program and group activities.
Personal phone calls can be disruptive to this process and,
for this reason, we do not allow cell phones to be carried
during the program. Alternative communication methods
are as follows.
The weather varies according to the destination. The chart
below indicates the average temperatures in these locations
from June through August.
WHAT iS THe STAff TO STUDeNT RATiO?
The staff to student ratio is 1:4. Staff members live aboard
full-time. There will be one skipper, your first mate who
is typically a diving instructor and a third staff member
who could also be a diving instructor, Emergency Medical
Technician, marine biologist, naturalist guide or someone
with other special skills. The voyage dictates the particular
staff count and staff type according to program activities.
WHAT iS THe fOOD Like?
Depends on who’s cooking! We send a container of
wholesome dry goods to the islands, which we supplement
with fresh vegetables and fruit. Still, we can’t claim gourmet
cuisine as the chef of the day makes all the difference. The
meal instructions are very simple so anyone can easily
prepare them. Contact us and we’ll send you a menu.
FOR
PARENTS
WHAT iS iNVOLVeD iN LeARNiNg SCUbA?
Learning to dive is safe and easy! The PADI training courses
involve learning through a number of media, reinforcing
knowledge and skills during academic classes, confined
water and open water training sessions. Shipmates begin
their training in shallow water (much like a swimming
pool). Once this is complete, they continue on to open water
training, always with an instructor.
oNlINe UpdATes:
During the summer, parents and friends can vicariously live
aboard by following the trip updates that we post to our
Web site. As often as possible, we’ll post short log entries
from each vessel written by the shipmates aboard. It is not
possible to post these updates daily and, being at the mercy
of someone else’s Internet connection, it can sometimes take
a week! We developed this system as a bonus for Mom
and Dad and ask that all parents understand our limitations,
supporting this system as an addition to - rather than an
expectation of - the program.
phoNe CAlls:
Phone access varies from program to program. In the BVI,
Mediterranean and Tahiti, we are in ports with reliable
public phones every 2-4 days. In Australia, phone systems
are efficient, but with a time difference of about 15 hours it
may be difficult for shipmates to call during daylight hours.
As a backup communication system, ActionQuest staff will
be in contact with our Sarasota office via cell or satellite
telephones most days.
mAIl:
With mail taking up to three weeks to reach many of our
program destinations this is not a viable option.
emAIl:
CheCK oUT lIFe AboArd...
WATCH OUR DVD
There are times when we are ashore and it is possible
to send and receive an email or two from an Internet
Café. However, our vessels do not have computers
or Internet connectivity, so email contact is limited.
42
AVERAGE TEMPS DURING VOYAGE
DESTINATION
AIR
WATER
BVI
83ºF
81ºF
MEDITERRANEAN
75ºF
73ºF
GALAPAGOS
78ºF
58ºF
SOUTh
PACIFIC
82ºF
82ºF
AUSTRALIA
SYDNEY
63ºF
62ºF
AUSTRALIA
WhITSUNDAY’S
72ºF
71ºF
In the Caribbean, trade winds blow a steady 8–14 knots and
the average summer temperature is 83ºF with 76 percent
humidity and 81ºF water temperature. (South Florida by
comparison averages 89ºF with humidity of 87 percent.)
We routinely monitor the weather and stay in touch with
the yacht base so that, in the unlikely event of a storm
passing through; we will have two or three days’ notice and
will be in absolute shelter. When ‘island hopping,’ we are
never out of sight of, or more than a few miles from land. In
the BVI, we also have cellular phones on board for instant
communication in the event of emergency.
FOR PARENTS
NEXT STEPS
NEXT
STEPS
We hope ThIs BroChUre has proVIded YoU WITh all oF The INFormaTIoN YoU
Need To deCIde IF aCTIoNQUesT Is rIGhT For YoU. IF YoU haVe aNY QUesTIoNs aT
all, please CoNTaCT <285$*(17(GXOLQJR6SUDFKUHLVHQ
READY TO BEGIN YOUR AQ JOURNEY? FOLLOW THE NEXT STEPS BELOW.
sElEct yOur VOyagE
Fully cOMplEtE thE EnclOsED
actiOnQuEst applicatiOn
and mail it to the address on the form with your application fee and berth
(space) deposit.
Most students enroll early to ensure a spot in the voyage of their choice, yet
there is no set application deadline. There are, however, a limited number of
spaces available so complete this step as soon as possible. If the voyage you
request is fully booked, you may, at your option, receive a refund or remain on
the waiting list. Deposits are fully refundable if you are not accepted into the
program of your choice.
bOOk yOur Flight anD
yOu’rE rEaDy tO gO!
TraVel INFormaTIoN
ask any prOgraM QuEstiOns
when we contact you to confirm registration and assure
compatibility among our shipmates.
rEaD thrOugh thE aQ
inFOrMatiOn packEt
Shipmates come from all points of the compass, so coordinated air travel is of vital
importance. For this reason, we require that all international tickets to non-Caribbean
destinations are purchased though our Travel Coordinator, so that all members of the team
can fly on the same prearranged, group itinerary. We highly recommend that shipmates
flying to the Caribbean also book through our Travel Coordinator as they regularly obtain
the best fares available, arrange group seating and provide close monitoring on travel days
in case of flight difficulties. As airlines often change their schedules, ActionQuest cannot be
responsible for the coordination of air flights not booked through our Travel Coordinator.
Speciic information on our travel coordinator, including all contact information is available
online and in the enclosed application booklet.
nEXt
stEps
and return necessary forms.
In March, ActionQuest will send an information packet with
checklists, medical form, clothing list, scuba program forms (if
applicable), summer communications information, travel and
contact instructions.
eNroll oNlINe TodaY, loG oN To:
NEXT STEPS
Dates and Tuition
Program Description
Voyage Name Age Group(s)
Start
End
Days
2016
Tuition
Intro. to Sailing, Scuba &
Marine Biology with
Watersports
Intro. to Sailing &
Watersports with
Community Service
Advanced Sailing & Scuba
Advanced Scuba Expedition
Voyages with Scuba
Junior Advanced
Scuba Voyages
Vega I
June 15 July 5
21
5,470
Vega II
July 7
July 27
21
5,470
Vega III
July 29
August
14
17
4,670
Quest I
June 15 July 5
21
5,370
Quest III
July 29
17
4,570
Carina I
June 15 July 5
21
5,670
Carina II
July 7
July 27
21
5,670
Carina III
July 29
August
14
17
4,970
Neptune I
June 15 July 5
21
5,670
Neptune II
July 7
July 27
21
5,670
Neptune III
July 29
August
14
17
4,970
Dolphin I
June 15 July 5
21
5,670
Dolphin II
July 7
July 27
21
5,670
Dolphin III
July 29
August
14
17
4,970
Barracuda I
June 15 July 5
21
5,670
Barracuda II
July 7
July 27
21
5,670
Barracuda III
July 29
August
14
17
4,970
LWBVI I
June 15 July 5
21
5,270
July 7
July 27
21
5,270
LWBVI III
July 29
August
14
17
4,570
Rescue I
June 15 July 5
21
5,670
Rescue II
July 7
July 27
21
5,670
Rescue III
July 29
August
14
17
4,970
Divemaster I
June 15 July 5
21
5,670
Divemaster II
July 7
July 27
21
5,670
Divemaster III
July 29
August
14
17
5,270
Focused Community Service LWBVI II
& Sailing
Rescue Diver &
Advanced Safety Training
Divemaster Internship
Program
August
14
Leeward Islands
Leeward & French
Caribbean Voyage
Minerva II
July 7
July 27
21
5,370
Odysseus
July 25
August
14
21
5,470
June 22 July 12
21
5,970*
July 14
21
5,370*
Mediterranean
Tall ship expedition
France - Spain - Italy
Galapagos & Ecuador
Adventure with
Community Service
Darwin
ServiceLWGPS
IILW GPS III
August 3
*Galapagos program tuition excludes cost of round trip flights from Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands and the
Amazon (est. 800)
Australia
Sailing, Scuba &
Travel Adventure
Billabong
June 22 July 12
21
6,270
June 15 July 24
40
10,870
Transatlantic Crossing
British Virgin Islands to the
Mediterranean
AQ Transat
About Your Participation...
ActionQuest programs are more than voyages with instruction in sailing and diving; they are a total educational experience. Participants
arrive with the understanding that they will be part of the crew in training, ready to share the work of the yacht from maintenance to food
preparation to navigation, and everything in between. Students rotate positions of responsibility each day for variety and well
roundedness. Evenings are largely devoted to program material aboard. These are dry ships — no alcohol or illegal drugs — and there
can be no smoking for health and safety reasons. We expect all students to maintain an atmosphere of respect and consideration. We will
not tolerate actions or attitudes detrimental to group cohesion and spirit or the healthy and pleasant environment aboard. Additionally, we
are a co-ed program. Girls live in separate cabins. Privacy is thus maintained even with ten to twelve students all living within 50 feet of
each other! Much is gained simply from living closely and in cooperation. In short, we are conscious of our good reputation and maintain
the tone of the program as one of positive, highly experiential, healthy, active fun.
Enrollment, Payment, Refund, Cancellation and Dismissal Agreements
Most students enroll early to ensure a space in the program of their choice yet there is no set application deadline. To enroll, complete
and return this application with the application deposit fee to ActionQuest. The deposit will hold your space up until the first half of tuition is
due. Standard application deposit is 750 before April 1st and 1500 on/after April 1st. We accept credit cards for this program deposit
payment. This deposit is fully refundable until January 1st in the year of your program; after that date the deposit and all subsequent
tuition payments are non-refundable so we strongly suggest participants select the trip cancellation insurance coverage.
On March 1st, one half of the tuition is due in order to secure your space up until the final tuition payment date. The tuition balance is due
April 1st. Applications are accepted after these dates where space is available. A 100 late fee will be applied to the balance of tuition
outstanding on May 1st. Payment and late fee extensions are given to those applying after these deadline dates, please call for details.
Tuition payments are accepted by check or wire transfer. Credit cards may also be used for tuition payments, but the tuition amounts will
be slightly higher, as our published tuition fees reflect a 3% discount for direct payment. Once enrolled, any request to switch programs in
the same summer will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It should be understood that it is not our policy to allow program switches
within 30 days of the program start date.
If any tour, program or activity is canceled or changed for any reason prior to commencement, ActionQuest shall have no liability beyond
the refund of deposits and monies paid to them. It is understood that the route and itinerary, facilities, personnel or activities of any
program may be changed at the discretion of the director to suit the needs of the program without notice or obligation. Except for flight
irregularities, failure to arrive on the designated program start date will be considered as a cancellation unless previously approved by a
Program Director.
The Director reserves the right to dismiss any Student who is: A. in breach of (or associated with those in breach of) any agreement as set
forth in the student agreement contract or B. anyone who is, in the Director’s judgment, detrimental to the program. In any dismissal case,
or in the event of a withdrawal from the program for any reason prior to or during a program, it is understood that all fees, including tuition
and deposits, are non-refundable. Also, it should be understood that the costs of any additional travel, housing and flights that are incurred
for both the departing Student and staff chaperone (when required) are the sole responsibility of the parents. In the unlikely event of a
medical emergency or dismissal, parents (or designee authorized to make decisions) must remain contactable at all times throughout the
program and hereby agree to be available to coordinate the return of their Student on the same day as receiving a call from a Program
Director. Enrollment for any two programs (including sister programs of ActionQuest) in the same summer will be considered as a single
program in the event of withdrawal or dismissal.
Please Note: Information on Trip Cancellation Insurance is available on our website HERE that offers a full refund for a small percentage
of the amount insured in the event of cancellation up to departure and including interruption after departure. We strongly recommend that
insurance is purchased to avoid any loss after fees are paid. ActionQuest reserves the right to cancel not fully paid applicants without
refund and accept others into the program.
Medical and Liability Release Agreement
In consideration of the services of ActionQuest, LLC., I understand and agree as follows:
ActionQuest Activities and Risks: ActionQuest activities have inherent risks, many of which cannot be eliminated without destroying the
unique character of the activities. These risks can cause loss or damage to a Student's equipment or person, including in potentially
extreme cases, disability or death. The activities and risks are described, in part, in the "Declaration of ActionQuest Activities and Risks"
that is available for download at www.actionquest.com/risks or call us for a copy. This Declaration must be read and understood by the
Student and Parent.
Assumption of Risks: I understand the nature of the activities and the risks described in the Declaration of ActionQuest Activities and
Risks, and that other risks may be encountered that are not described in the declaration; and I assume ALL risks of enrolling and
participating in the activities of ActionQuest, including the negligence of ActionQuest. If the participant is a minor, Parent has discussed
the activities and risks with the minor who chooses to participate. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, I take responsibility for
any injury or loss, including death, that I may suffer arising in whole or in part out of enrollment or participation in the activities of
ActionQuest, including the negligence of ActionQuest.
Release and Indemnity: I release and discharge (agreeing to make no claims, and not to sue) ActionQuest, LLC., its owners, employees,
trustees, officers and directors, and the owners and operators of any vessel on which the programs are conducted (individually and
collectively referred to as Released Parties) from all claims of injury or loss that I may suffer arising out of or in any way connected with
enrollment or participation in an activity of ActionQuest, including the negligence of ActionQuest. I indemnify the Released Parties from
any claim or demand brought at any time by the minor child, or me, or anyone else, arising out of or in any way related to the enrollment
or participation in an activity of ActionQuest, including the negligence of ActionQuest. I understand that Florida law may limit my authority
to execute a pre-injury release. I make the release and indemnity only to the extent that Florida law permits.
Additional Provisions: I verify that Student is physically and mentally capable of participating in his or her program, without causing
harm to himself, herself, or others and, prior to the commencement of the program, ActionQuest will be informed of all past or current
physical or psychological conditions that might adversely affect participation in program activities. In case of a medical emergency,
ActionQuest is authorized to administer first aid and to engage the services of a physician, dentist, or hospital. The physician or dentist
selected may hospitalize, secure proper treatment for, and order injection, anesthesia, or surgery for the Student. ActionQuest and any
third-party medical care provider are authorized to exchange pertinent medical information. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact
Parent or Emergency Contact if a medical emergency or serious illness occurs. The cost of all medical services and any costs incurred by
ActionQuest staff while accompanying the Student, including lodging, transportation and costs related to rejoining the group shall be paid
by the Student or Parent. Student and Parent authorize ActionQuest and parties designated by ActionQuest to use photos, videos,
recordings, statements and written reports, that may include the Student, in any manner ActionQuest chooses for advertising, display,
education, audiovisual or other use. If Student or Parent has any dispute with ActionQuest or other Released Party that cannot be settled
through discussion between the parties, they will attempt to settle the dispute by mediation before a mutually acceptable mediator whose
name appears in the registry of names recognized by Florida courts as qualified mediators. This contract shall be governed by Florida law
in any action brought under it or as a result of it or because of its existence. This contract shall not be construed for or against a party
because that party wrote it. The venue of any action or proceeding brought under this contract or resulting from it shall be brought only in
a state court of competent jurisdiction in Sarasota County, Florida. The parties waive any right to bring an action or proceeding in any
federal court. If this waiver is held invalid for any reason, then any action or proceeding brought in federal court shall be brought only in
the District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The parties waive any right to a jury trial in any action or proceeding under this contract
or resulting from it, whether for breach of contract, negligence, tort, products liability, strict liability or any other legal theory of a cause of
action. No party against whom an action is brought under this contract shall be liable for consequential or punitive damages. I agree that
the foregoing agreement shall be binding upon me personally as well as upon my heirs, personal representatives, and all members of my
family. I have carefully read this agreement and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract
between me and ActionQuest and its affiliated organizations and sign it of my own free will. This contract becomes valid once the deposit
has been accepted by ActionQuest. Adult Student or Parent will pay all costs and attorney fees incurred by ActionQuest or other Released
Party in defending a claim or demand if ActionQuest prevails. Student, including minor Student and Parent have read, understand,
acknowledge and accept the Declaration of ActionQuest Activities and Risks as well as all terms and conditions stated herein and agree
that this agreement shall, to the fullest extent allowed by law, be binding on each of them, their respective heirs, assigns and personal
representatives.
About fees...
For the most part, payments to ActionQuest are all inclusive. Aside from miscellaneous purchases ashore, there is no need to spend
money for additional items from the time one arrives aboard until departure. All aspects of the program are arranged for and covered by
tuition including: Sailing and diving equipment (except for wetsuits, if needed), instruction and certification costs, charter costs of the
yachts utilized, food, trips and excursions. Travel costs are not included. We do require that all participants join DAN (the Divers Alert
Network) for their membership benefits. Those enrolling in certain scuba courses are required to purchase the necessary PADI books and
materials for their use after the program (est. 35.) A one-time total tuition fee deduction of 5% is granted for any two voyages or for two or
more shipmates from the same family. Please make checks payable to ActionQuest.
Our 5 1/2- and 6-Week Voyages...
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 Lifeworks.) ActionQuest and/or Lifeworks 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.
For oFFice Use
registration and application
Received
sTUDeNT iNFormaTioN:
Voyage
pareNT iNFormaTioN:
STUDENT LEGAL NAME AS IT APPEARS ON PASSPORT
First name
Birthdate (MM/DD/YY)
Middle name
Height
/
Parent or guardian address to which all information should be sent
Name
/
Weight
Address
Last name
Current grade
City
Gender
o
Fo
State
Zip
M
Preferred Name
Country of Citizenship
Home Phone
(
)
Work Phone
(
)
Cell Phone
(
)
Fax
(
)
Parent email address: both before and during the trips we send many forms, updates and alerts to you via
email. It is critical that we are provided with a valid email address that parents check daily.
Student email address
Student cell phone number
Any scuba diving certifications?
None
o
Referral
o
Certified
Shoe size (for fins)
Any sailing certifications?
o
None
o
Certified
o
T-shirt (adult sizes)
Small boat experience
o
S
o
M
o Lo
XL
o
Alternate address (please identify) Other parent / residence
Name
Any prescription medications taken? Please list here.
o
Summer home
o Office o
Any dietary considerations, food or drug allergies (particularly antibiotics) or other medical considerations?
Address
Any history of asthma, sinus or ear problems?
City
State
Zip
Any physical or emotional difficulties or limitations?
Name and location of school
How did you hear about ActionQuest? Please be specific
Home Phone
(
)
Work Phone
(
)
Cell Phone
(
)
Fax
(
)
Parent email address
Edulingo Sprachreisen
Voyage iNFormaTioN
aboUT Fees …
In order to complete your voyage selection, please refer to the ActionQuest Program Selection Chart found in the Application Booklet or on our website,
www.actionquest.com. For extended voyage combinations, write in the two desired voyages. Note: Certain sinus, ear and respiratory problems, as well as
some prescription medications, may preclude a student from scuba diving. Please check with your doctor if you consider that this might be the case prior to
enrolling in any program where diving is a desired activity.
For the most part, payments to ActionQuest are all inclusive. Aside from miscellaneous purchases ashore, there is no
need to spend money for additional items from the time one arrives aboard until departure. All aspects of the program
are arranged for and covered by tuition including: Sailing and diving equipment (except for wetsuits, if needed), instruction and certification costs, charter costs of the yachts utilized, food, trips and excursions. Travel costs are not included.
We do require that all participants join DAN (the Divers Alert Network) for their membership benefits. Those enrolling in
certain scuba courses are required to purchase the necessary PADI books and materials for their use after the program
(est. $35.) A one-time total tuition fee deduction of 5% is granted for any two voyages or for two or more students from
the same family.
Voyage Name — 1st choice
Starting date
Voyage Name — 2nd choice
Starting date
oUr 5 ½- aND 6-Week Voyages …
Authorization for a one-time charge to my credit card to pay the standard
deposit according to the Terms and Agreements of this application.
Deposit: $750 through March 31 then $1500 on/after April 1
(alternatively leave blank and send check made payable to ActionQuest)
o
o
o
Do you plan on enrolling for trip
cancellation insurance?
Yes
o
No
o
Billing address of credit card (if different from primary parent/guardian address)
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 programs, Lifeworks and/
or Arc Expeditions.) ActionQuest and/or Lifeworks / Arc 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.
V.2014
Card number
Name as it appears on credit card
Expiration date (MM/DD/YY)
Cardholder’s Signature
Application form must be completed and signed on reverse ...
This is page 2 of the ActionQuest application form for:
registration and application
(print Student’s name here)
Please read the following carefully. It contains important information about your ActionQuest program and may affect your legal rights if an injury or other loss occurs. It must be signed by all students in ActionQuest
programs who are 18 years of age at the time of signing or will become 18 during the program (adult Student). If the Student is a minor at the time of signing, at least one parent or guardian (parent and guardian being
referred to as Parent) must also sign as evidence of his or her understanding of, and agreement to, these terms and conditions, on their own behalf and on behalf of the minor Student. When used below, “I” refers to the
adult Student and to the Parent of a minor Student.
Enrollment, Payment, Refund, Cancellation and Dismissal Terms and Agreements
Most students enroll early to ensure a space in the program of their choice yet there is no set application deadline. To enroll, complete and return this original application by mail with the application deposit fee to ActionQuest. The
deposit will hold your space up until the first half of tuition is due. Standard application deposit is $750 before April 1st and $1500 on/after April 1st. We accept credit cards for this program deposit payment. $500 of this deposit is
fully refundable until January 1st if your plans change for any reason; after that date the deposit is forfeit or up to $750 is applicable to any future participation by the same family over the next 24 months. On March 1st, one half of
the tuition is due in order to secure your space up until the final tuition payment date. The tuition balance is due April 1st. Applications are accepted after these dates where space is available. A $100 late fee will be applied to the
balance of tuition outstanding on May 1st. Payment and late fee extensions are given to those applying after these deadline dates, please call for details. Tuition payments are accepted by check or wire transfer. Credit cards may also
be used for tuition payments, but the tuition amounts will be slightly higher, as our published tuition fees reflect a 3% discount for direct payment. Once enrolled, any request to switch programs in the same summer will be considered
on a case-by-case basis. It should be understood that it is not our policy to allow program switches within 30 days of the program start date. If any program is canceled prior to commencement, ActionQuest shall have no liability
beyond the refund of deposits and monies paid to them. It is understood that the route and itinerary, facilities, personnel or activities of any program may be changed at the discretion of the director to suit the needs of the program
without notice or obligation. Except for flight irregularities, failure to arrive on the designated program start date will be considered as a cancellation unless previously approved by a Program Director. The Director reserves the right
to dismiss any Student who is: A. in breach of (or associated with those in breach of) any agreement as set forth in the student agreement contract or B. anyone who is, in the Director’s judgment, detrimental to the program. In any
dismissal case, or in the event of a withdrawal from the program for any reason prior to or during a program, it is understood that all fees, including tuition and deposits, are non-refundable. Also, it should be understood that the costs
of any additional travel, housing and flights that are incurred for both the departing Student and staff chaperone (when required) are the sole responsibility of the parents. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency or dismissal,
parents (or designee authorized to make decisions) must remain contactable at all times throughout the program and hereby agree to be available to coordinate the return of their Student on the same day as receiving a call from
a Program Director. Enrollment for any two programs (including sister programs of ActionQuest) in the same summer will be considered as a single program in the event of withdrawal or dismissal. Please Note: Information on Trip
Cancellation Insurance is available on our website that offers a full refund for a small percentage of the amount insured in the event of cancellation up to departure and including interruption after departure. We strongly recommend
that insurance is purchased to avoid any loss after fees are paid. ActionQuest reserves the right to cancel not fully paid applicants without refund and accept others into the program. Your signature on this form indicates agreement
with all terms, conditions and refund policies published on our website, in the brochure and on this registration and application form.
Medical and Liability Release
In consideration of the services of ActionQuest, Inc., I understand and agree as follows:
ActionQuest Activities and Risks: ActionQuest activities have inherent risks, many of which cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activities. These risks can cause loss or damage to a Student’s equipment
or person, including in potentially extreme cases, disability or death. The activities and risks are described, in part, in the “Declaration of ActionQuest Activities and Risks” that is available for download on the ActionQuest website
at www.actionquest.com/risks or call us for a copy. This Declaration must be read and understood by the Student and Parent.
Assumption of Risks: I understand the nature of the activities and the risks described in the Declaration of ActionQuest Activities and Risks, and that other risks may be encountered that are not described in the declaration;
and I assume ALL risks of enrolling and participating in the activities of ActionQuest , including the negligence of ActionQuest. If the participant is a minor, Parent has discussed the activities and risks with the minor who chooses
to participate. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, I take responsibility for any injury or loss, including death, that I may suffer arising in whole or in part out of enrollment or participation in the activities of ActionQuest,
including the negligence of ActionQuest.
Release and Indemnity: I release and discharge (agreeing to make no claims, and not to sue) ActionQuest, Inc., its owners, employees, trustees, officers and directors, and the owners and operators of any vessel on which the
programs are conducted (individually and collectively referred to as Released Parties) from all claims of injury or loss that I may suffer arising out of or in any way connected with enrollment or participation in an activity of ActionQuest
, including the negligence of ActionQuest. I indemnify the Released Parties from any claim or demand brought at any time by the minor child, or me, or anyone else, arising out of or in any way related to the enrollment or participation
in an activity of ActionQuest , including the negligence of ActionQuest. I understand that Florida law may limit my authority to execute a pre-injury release. I make the release and indemnity only to the extent that Florida law permits.
Additional Provisions: I verify that Student is physically and mentally capable of participating in his or her program, without causing harm to himself, herself, or others and, prior to the commencement of the program, ActionQuest
will be informed of all past or current physical or psychological conditions that might adversely affect participation in program activities. In case of a medical emergency, ActionQuest is authorized to administer first aid and to engage
the services of a physician, dentist, or hospital. The physician or dentist selected may hospitalize, secure proper treatment for, and order injection, anesthesia, or surgery for the Student. ActionQuest and any third-party medical care
provider are authorized to exchange pertinent medical information. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact Parent or Emergency Contact if a medical emergency or serious illness occurs. The cost of all medical services and any
costs incurred by ActionQuest staff while accompanying the Student, including lodging, transportation and costs related to rejoining the group shall be paid by the Student or Parent. Student and Parent authorize ActionQuest and
parties designated by ActionQuest to use photos, videos, recordings, statements and written reports, that may include the Student, in any manner ActionQuest chooses for advertising, display, education, audiovisual or other use. If
Student or Parent has any dispute with ActionQuest or other Released Party that cannot be settled through discussion between the parties, they will attempt to settle the dispute by mediation before a mutually acceptable mediator whose name appears in the registry of names recognized by Florida courts as qualified mediators. This contract shall be governed by Florida law in any action brought under it or as a result of it or because of its existence. This
contract shall not be construed for or against a party because that party wrote it. The venue of any action or proceeding brought under this contract or resulting from it shall be brought only in a state court of competent jurisdiction
in Sarasota County, Florida. The parties waive any right to bring an action or proceeding in any federal court. If this waiver is held invalid for any reason, then any action or proceeding brought in federal court shall be brought only
in the District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The parties waive any right to a jury trial in any action or proceeding under this contract or resulting from it, whether for breach of contract, negligence, tort, products liability,
strict liability or any other legal theory of a cause of action. No party against whom an action is brought under this contract shall be liable for consequential or punitive damages. I agree that the foregoing agreement shall be binding
upon me personally as well as upon my heirs, personal representatives, and all members of my family. I have carefully read this agreement and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract
between me and ActionQuest and its affiliated organizations and sign it of my own free will. This contract becomes valid once the deposit has been accepted by ActionQuest. Adult Student or Parent will pay all costs and attorney fees
incurred by ActionQuest or other Released Party in defending a claim or demand if ActionQuest prevails. Student, including minor Student and Parent have read, understand, acknowledge and accept the Declaration of ActionQuest
Activities and Risks as well as all terms and conditions stated herein and agree that this agreement shall, to the fullest extent allowed by law, be binding on each of them, their respective heirs, assigns and personal representatives.
Parent or legal guardian signature (Signed individually and on behalf of the student)
Date
Student signature (required if 18 or over during the voyage)
Date
LQIR#HGXOLQJRGHRGHU)D[
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2ULJLQDOSHU3RVWVHQGHQDQ
(GXOLQJR6SUDFKUHLVHQ
]+G/\GLD.UH\HU
$GPLUDO+LSSHU6WU
:HLOKHLP

life activated - Edulingo Sprachreisen

Transcription

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