Learning Under Sail

The heart of Spike Africa’s mission is providing meaningful, on-the-water experiences for students. Aboard a historic schooner on San Diego Bay, students step beyond the classroom and become active participants in their own learning - hauling lines, helping raise sails, taking a turn at the helm, working together as a crew, and exploring real-world ocean science firsthand.

We believe time on the ocean can be both educational and transformative. Through hands-on sailing, students are challenged to try something new, communicate with one another, build confidence, and develop a deeper connection to the marine environment. Our goal is for every student to leave the boat with more than new knowledge: a stronger sense of self-efficacy, an understanding of teamwork and leadership, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and a spirit of curiosity and exploration.

Programs for Every Group

Curriculum Aligned
Field Trips

Work directly with our crew to tailor educational modules to your classroom syllabus. Have your own curriculum? We can design your trip around it and our crew can help deliver it! Interested in our curriculum? We can develop educational modules inspired by Common Core math, science, and/or history standards that can be adapted by grade level.

Boy & Girl Scout
Troops

Fulfill badge requirements for seamanship, navigation, and weather through structured maritime activities and team challenges. Step aboard as a troop, disembark as a crew.

Homeschool &
Youth Co-Ops

Customizable small-group charters providing flexible scheduling and multi-age interactive learning on the water. Bring your classroom out to our deck!

What Every Sail Includes

Every youth trip combines active seamanship with marine science, engaging students in practical oceanography and teamwork.

Hands-On Seamanship

Marine Science Topics

Curriculum Alignment

Students take the helm, haul halyards, and learn basic seamanship, navigation, and knot-tying under professional captain instruction.

Interactive modules can cover San Diego Bay ecosystems, ocean currents, coastal marine biology, and water science dynamics.

We coordinate with educators to align on-the-water learning with California NGSS and STEM standards for all grade levels.

Let's set sail!

Contact us today to get your group on the water!

Email

education@spikeafrica.org