ABOUT
NAUTIC HORIZONS

OUR MISSION .

Nautic Horizons is a unique educational project that offers participants the opportunity to combine their academic studies with practical sailing experience . By traveling to different cities on three different continents , participants aged 14-17 ( lower and upper secondary school) experience different cultures up close and broaden their horizons. The program combines challenging academic courses with maritime training to promote both intellectual and personal development. Participants not only learn to navigate a ship but also develop skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and intercultural understanding. Nautic Horizons thus offers a transformative learning experience that goes far beyond the traditional classroom. Your classroom under sail awaits you!

STAY ABROAD

Nautic Horizons – School at Sea Study Abroad Program

Nautic Horizons offers high school students aged 14–17 (grades 10 and 11) the unique opportunity to study abroad on a traditional sailing ship – without interrupting their education at home.
Our mission: students return to their home school seamlessly and continue their studies without academic gaps.

Flexible Options – Three or Six Months Abroad

Students can choose how long they want to join the voyage:

Amsterdam → Panama (first three months)
Panama → Amsterdam (second three months)
Full six-month transatlantic journey

This flexibility makes it easy to match school requirements and personal goals.

Academic Learning On Board – Structured and Supported

Classes take place six days a week in a clear routine:

08:30 – 12:00: Core subject instruction by certified teachers
13:00 – 15:00: Individual study time and small group sessions with teacher support

Weekly Planning and Transparency

Every Sunday, teachers and students create a weekly study schedule documented in the onboard logbook. This ensures clarity, accountability, and progress for the week ahead.

Modern Digital Learning Platforms

We use platforms such as To Teach and School to go, which integrate state-specific curricula.
Before departure, our teachers align the home school’s curriculum with our onboard study plan.
AI-powered tools generate personalized learning materials, always reviewed and guided by teachers.
Progress, completed assignments, and feedback are tracked digitally and accessible to students, parents, and home schools.

Exams and Academic Records Abroad

At the request of the home school, tests and oral exams can be taken on board. Results are transmitted digitally.

At the end of the voyage, students receive:

a transcript of grades,
a subject-specific performance evaluation,
a portfolio of their learning journey,
and a certificate plus recommendation letter for future applications.

Cooperation With Home Schools – Simple and Clear

To connect smoothly with the home curriculum, we only need:

the relevant curriculum for the absence period,
exam requirements or materials (if needed),
and formal approval for the study abroad leave.

Nautic Horizons takes care of all other organization – lesson planning, monitoring, exam coordination, and documentation – with no extra workload for the home school.

Learning Beyond the Classroom – Life at Sea

Students grow far beyond academics as they actively contribute to daily life at sea:

rotating watch duty (navigation, weather observation, sail handling),
teamwork in projects and practical ship tasks,
shared activities both on board and during land stays.

This builds teamwork, resilience, leadership, and intercultural competence – skills that last a lifetime.

Who Should Join Nautic Horizons?

The program is ideal for motivated, adventurous students (14–17 years old) who are:

open to new ways of learning,
responsible and independent,
curious, team-oriented, and eager to explore the world.

A leave of absence from the home school is required, and Nautic Horizons provides all necessary documents to support recognition as an official study abroad program.

Why Choose Nautic Horizons?

Nautic Horizons combines school at sea, cultural exchange, and global adventure in one program. With structured teaching, innovative learning tools, and close coordination with home schools, academic progress is guaranteed – while students gain unforgettable life experiences, language skills, and personal growth.

A truly unique study abroad experience – without losing track of your educational path.

A WORLD FULL OF HORIZONS

Nautic Horizons: Your Atlantic Adventure

In six months, you will sail over 12,000 nautical miles and visit up to 14 countries. On board, you’ll study according to the German curriculum, take on responsibilities in daily ship life, and experience unique land-based projects with direct cultural exchange. This way, you combine academics, adventure, and personal growth.

Europe – Starting in the Netherlands and Portugal

Your journey begins in the Netherlands, sailing along the European coasts to Portugal. Here, the first highlights await: team training, surf lessons, and interactive challenges designed to strengthen group spirit.

Canary Islands & Cape Verde – Nature and Marine Protection

On Tenerife, you’ll climb the Teide volcano and visit an international school.
In Mindelo (Cape Verde), you’ll explore the underwater world, learn about sea turtle protection, and discover the island culture.

Atlantic Crossing – Two Weeks on the Open Sea

The transatlantic passage is an unforgettable adventure: you’ll navigate, stand watch, and work as a team to cross the ocean. This challenging stage pushes you to your limits and bonds the crew together.

Caribbean – Nature, Community, and Local Schools

In the Caribbean, you’ll explore jungle trails, waterfalls, and share daily life with local communities. On Dominica, you’ll help with the cocoa harvest. In Jamaica and other island nations, you’ll visit schools and exchange ideas with local students.

South & Central America – Learning from Indigenous Cultures

In Colombia, you’ll spend several days in an indigenous village, support social projects, and learn about ancient traditions. In Panama, you’ll travel in small groups across the country – with a fixed budget and plenty of independence. This phase builds self-organization and responsibility.

Mexico – History and Adventure

Here you’ll discover the diversity of Mexico: Maya pyramids, cenotes (underwater caves), and cultural exchange at an international school.

Return via Bermuda and the Azores

On Bermuda, you’ll dive into maritime history and seafaring traditions. In the Azores, a unique challenge awaits: a 24-hour survival training in nature, similar to 7 vs. Wild – an adventure that will push you beyond your own limits.

Homecoming in the Netherlands

After around six months, you’ll return with new friendships, strengthened confidence, and a backpack full of experiences. You will not only have traveled across countries but also learned to take responsibility and see the world from new perspectives.

YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE ON THE REGINA MARIS

Life on Board: Your Daily Routine on the Sailing Ship

On board Nautic Horizons, your daily life is divided into two main parts: school and watch duty. This unique combination allows you to not only engage in hands-on responsibilities at sea, but also stay fully on track with your regular schoolwork. The mix of practical experience and academic learning makes your time at sea both dynamic and educationally meaningful.

Responsibility and Personal Goals

Life on board means taking responsibility for yourself and your immediate surroundings. You'll learn how to organize your personal space by keeping your cabin tidy and managing your belongings. At the same time, you’ll set personal learning and development goals, helping you grow in independence and self-discipline. You’ll track your progress in a learning journal or blog, giving you space to reflect and grow through your experiences.

A Typical Day at Sea (with Night Watch)

Life on board follows a well-structured rhythm that includes lessons, hands-on tasks, and free time – especially when you're assigned a night watch.

07:00 – Wake-Up & Morning Routine
The entire crew is woken up. Those not on night watch get out of bed.

Breakfast is served either on deck or below deck.
In the daily briefing, you'll learn about the weather, planned maneuvers, and the schedule ahead.

08:30 – Classes & Practical Training

Academic lessons include core subjects like math, languages, and sciences.
Depending on the weather, classes are held either below deck or in small groups on deck.
You'll also receive practical sailing instruction, such as knot-tying, navigation, and meteorology.

12:30 – Lunch & Break

Lunch is shared as a group, with freshly prepared meals – often cooked by the crew themselves.
Afterward, you’ll have a short break to relax, read, write, or unwind.

14:00 – Ship Duties, Sailing Maneuvers & Afternoon Lessons

Your watch group takes on tasks like navigation, sail handling, or deck work.
Others may help in the galley or perform maintenance around the ship.
When conditions are right, sailing maneuvers take place – and you're actively involved.

18:30 – Dinner & Night Watch Prep

Dinner is shared, and the day is reflected upon.
The schedule for night watch duties is reviewed again.

20:00 – Free Time or First Watch

Those off-duty can relax, read, or chat.
The first group begins their night watch.

Night Watch Duties

The night is divided into several shifts, for example:

20:00–00:00
00:00–04:00
04:00–08:00

Each shift lasts about 3 to 4 hours. During your watch, you'll take on important responsibilities:

Steering the ship and maintaining course
Monitoring the weather and ship’s movement
Checking sail positions
Making logbook entries at regular intervals
Waking other crew members if needed for maneuvers

These night watches are truly special – whether under a sky full of stars, in total darkness, or during a breathtaking sunrise.

After Night Watch

After your shift, you can head straight to bed.
Your next day starts later or with fewer responsibilities.

A day with night watch duty requires organization and teamwork. Even with an unusual sleep rhythm, standing watch under the night sky and steering the ship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Academics: Staying on Track

You’ll continue learning familiar subjects, guided by qualified teachers who support you closely. This ensures your progress remains aligned with that of your classmates back home. After the voyage, you can return to your regular school routine without delay. Through our digital learning platform – tailored to your individual plan – you’ll have access to all essential materials at any time.

Meals on Board: Cooking as a Team

At the beginning, an experienced cook will show you how to plan and prepare meals for the entire crew. Over time, you and your team will take on this task yourselves. You'll learn how to organize meals, coordinate with others, and take responsibility for the wellbeing of everyone on board.

Ship Takeover: Stepping into Leadership

One of the program’s highlights is the Ship Takeover. For a set period, you'll take on a leadership role on board – as captain, engineer, or in another key area. This experience strengthens your decision-making skills, sense of responsibility, and ability to lead.

Personal Growth

Regular reflection sessions help you identify your strengths and work on areas of development. These go beyond academics – they’re about personal growth. You’ll build self-confidence, gain insight into your own character, and grow by facing new challenges head-on.

Conclusion

Life on board gives you the chance to experience school and daily life in a truly unique setting. You’ll gain practical skills, deepen your academic knowledge, and discover what you're capable of. These experiences will shape you long after your time at sea is over.

YOUR DEVELOPMENT ON THE HIGH SEAS

School at Sea with Nautic Horizons – Personal Growth on the Open Ocean

Nautic Horizons is more than a sailing trip – it’s your journey of growth. In the middle of the Atlantic, far from everyday life, you’ll discover a world full of new experiences. You’ll learn to face challenges, take responsibility, and grow with every wave. The diversity of countries and cultures you encounter during your study abroad year at sea will open new perspectives, sharpen your intercultural understanding, and nurture a global mindset.

Challenges as Opportunities – Growing with Every Wave

Every day on board brings new learning moments:

navigating through changing weather conditions,
structuring your own study plan,
or tackling the many different tasks of daily ship life.

You’ll meet people from diverse cultures, experience new ways of life, and realize how enriching diversity can be. The close-knit community on board strengthens your teamwork, communication skills, and conflict management – abilities that will serve you in school, your career, and everyday life.

Building Your Core Competencies

On board, you’ll grow both academically and personally:
✅ Self-confidence – mastering unfamiliar situations and overcoming obstacles
✅ Responsibility – making decisions and taking ownership
✅ Resilience – using setbacks as opportunities to learn
✅ Leadership – taking initiative and motivating others
✅ Intercultural competence – engaging with diversity openly and respectfully
✅ Global mindset – gaining new perspectives and broadening your horizons

Guidance and Reflection – Your Growth in Focus

You won’t be on this journey alone. Experienced teachers and crew members will support you, give feedback, and help you strengthen your abilities. Through regular reflection sessions, you’ll recognize your progress, set new goals, and receive inspiration for both your academic and personal development.

Your Reward – A Journey That Shapes You

You’ll return with unforgettable memories and new friendships – and with lifelong skills that will guide you in school, university, and your career. You’ll face challenges with courage, confidence, and an open mind.

Set sail with Nautic Horizons and discover what lies within you – school, adventure, and personal growth in a truly unique study abroad year.

THE COSTS

Here you will find all the details and comprehensive information about the prices.

Stop by and find out more!

COST

ABOUT NAUTIC HORIZONS