Take a look at our sample itinerary that lets you experience the wonders of the Caribbean with a private on-board tutor. Unlock more from every port, every reef, every day.
Can you imagine your daughter calculating SOG (speed over ground) using the trigonometry she learned that morning, while your son practises French with local fishermen in a charming harbour in Martinique? It’s certainly not your typical school day.
“Our morning snorkel was our science lesson today - coral reef ecology!”
Winter sailing in the Caribbean offers more than just an escape from the cold; it’s an opportunity to turn every experience into an enriching learning adventure. With Sea Tutors, a division of Tutors International, every day becomes an unforgettable journey of discovery. Joanna Dunckley, one of our seasoned yacht tutors, explains, "Every destination is a chance to learn something new."
Recently, Joanna spent a season sailing through the Caribbean with a young student, transforming each day into a hands-on educational experience.
“Our morning snorkel was a marine biology lesson, exploring vibrant reef ecosystems. In the afternoons, we practised French with the locals in Martinique and used geometry to chart our course to the next island.”
Real learning happens in real life
Would you prefer to learn about currency exchange from a worksheet, or by shopping for fresh fruit in a bustling Caribbean market? Why should your children be any different?
With a Sea Tutor on board, everyday experiences become unforgettable teaching moments. Spotting a rare night heron at dawn becomes an ornithology lesson. Navigating to the next harbour offers practical applications of geometry and meteorology. Snorkelling around a historic shipwreck brings history to life in ways no classroom can match.
As Tutors International founder and CEO, Adam Caller, is known to say, “The best education for your children will not be found in the classroom!”
Sample Itinerary: 7 Days in the British Virgin Islands
Day 1-2: Norman Island & The Indians – Introduction to Ecosystems, Photography, and History
- Morning: Begin at Norman Island with an introduction to Caribbean marine ecosystems. Students explore coral formations at The Indians while engaging in underwater photography, learning about light refraction, camera angles, and underwater techniques.
- Afternoon: History lesson on pirate lore surrounding Norman Island, thought to have inspired Treasure Island. Study navigation charts, discussing how explorers and pirates charted territories.
- Evening: Learn about bioluminescence with a night snorkel. Later, discuss biological adaptations and write a creative reflection based on the experiences.
Day 3: Anegada's Mangrove Forests – Ecology, Conservation, and Art
- Morning: Glide silently through Anegada's mangrove forests by kayak, learning about coastal ecosystems and their role in protecting shorelines. Discuss physics concepts like buoyancy and water resistance.
- Afternoon: Students participate in water sampling, identifying species and observing mangrove ecology. Sketch the unique scenery, using art to reinforce their understanding of ecology and species diversity.
- Evening: Reflect on the day's learning with a discussion on human impact on ecosystems and conservation efforts. Students present their sketches, discussing what they observed.
Day 4-5: Virgin Gorda – Geology, Geography, Literature, and Environmental Science
- Morning: Explore the geological formations at The Baths. Study rock types, discuss erosion, and examine the forces that created these unique landscapes. Practice using maps and compasses to understand topography and elevation.
- Afternoon: Creative writing session inspired by the landscape. Students write poems or short stories, capturing the essence of Virgin Gorda’s natural beauty.
- Evening: Watch Mission Blue documentary, discussing global conservation efforts. Compare these projects to Virgin Gorda’s protected areas and brainstorm ideas for sustainable tourism.
Day 6: Peter Island – Citizen Science, Physics, and Astronomy
- Morning: Engage in hands-on conservation, participating in coral restoration activities. Learn about symbiotic relationships within ecosystems and discuss global warming's effect on coral.
- Afternoon: Participate in a physics activity by measuring currents and learning about global water displacement and learning about water displacement and how it impacts marine life.
- Evening: Astronomy workshop on celestial navigation, understanding the movement of stars and their historical importance to navigation. Students practise reading the stars to determine direction, connecting scientific knowledge with ancient seafaring skills.
Day 7: Peter Island – Literature, Maths, and Reflection
- Morning: Discuss nautical literature inspired by maritime adventure. Read excerpts from novels like Moby Dick or The Old Man and the Sea and analyse their portrayal of the sea.
- Afternoon: Final navigation and maths challenge where students apply geometry to plot the course back to their starting point.
- Evening: Reflect on the week’s journey, sharing insights from each subject area and discussing how the hands-on approach has shaped their learning experience.
Why choose Sea Tutors?
We pair excellence in education with the spirit of adventure. Our tutors aren’t only experts in their subjects; they’re also seasoned adventurers who can turn the smallest moment into a chance to learn. We recruit each one carefully, so every tutor on your journey is:
- As comfortable teaching algebra as they are helping to crew the vessel, ready to dive into any lesson, whether it’s maths or maritime skills.
- Inspired to bring science to life - imagine impromptu lessons about the coral reefs below or the spices you encounter at a bustling market.
- Flexible, rolling with the waves and embracing the surprises that come with life at sea.
- And most of all, they’re warm, engaging, and fun - a friendly role model and team player who’s as invested in your child’s experience as you are.
We’ve been awarded several accolades for our dedication to excellence, like our recent win: ‘Best Onboard Education Provider’ by the Marine Tourism Awards 2024.
Before that, we were named ‘Tutoring Company of the Year’, selected from over 31,000 nominations in the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2023/24, and "Best Specialist Private Tuition Company 2023 - UK" in Corporate Vision Magazine's Education and Training Awards.
“The key to their success lies in a bespoke approach to tutoring, acknowledging the distinctiveness of each family and student.”
- Judging panel, Corporate LiveWire Global Awards
Let's start your journey
Planning an unforgettable educational journey takes time, so we suggest starting at least three months before you set sail. This gives us the time to find a tutor who fits not only your educational goals but who truly connects with your family.
