Volunteering & Working Opportunities: Crew / sail around the world for free

Mention sailing and the chances are most of us will conjure up romantic images of wind in the hair and freedom on the waves ...  💙🌊

But bring up sailing to someone who has owned a boat, the response will likely be more measured!
solo female traveller workaway sailboat dream travel bucket list ideas

Although the rewards are great, maintaining a boat requires dedication, commitment and hard work. Finding the time to dedicate to the upkeep of any boat can be challenging, and the addition of an extra pair of hands can help enormously!


So if you are eager to discover the sailing / boating way of life regardless of the challenges— we think you are about to have a grand adventure!


We have been noticing a steady stream of amazing opportunities on Workaway involving boats and sailing from Northern Europe to the Caribbean, to as far away as the Pacific Islands and Brazil! Let’s take a quick look at some the most EXCITING possibilities out there for anyone with a seafaring interest:

 Australia

  • Cultural exchange
    Cultural exchange
Come and help our family and join us when we go boating in Hervey Bay, Australia
We are an agile mature couple with a sense of adventure and a love of travel, especially throughout SE Asia, well off the tourist trail! When we are not traveling we spend a lot of time boating/sailing around the beautiful waters of Hervey Bay. Both ......
(10)

hervey bay australia workaway sailing boat family adventure

If you haven’t sailed before, and you want to start learning while still living on land, this is the perfect starter host! This friendly couple are seasoned sailors offering a comfortable homestay and looking for some light help around their property, right by the pristine waters of Hervey Bay. Relax in this stunning spot, take in the wonderful scenery of the area, and be prepared for spontaneous boat trips to explore the nearby islands and beaches.

 Norway

  • Sustainable project
    Sustainable project
  • Cultural exchange
    Cultural exchange
Sailing and beach-cleaning along the beautiful coastline of Northern Norway
LIVING ON SAILBOATS IN ARCTIC WATERS, CLEANING BEACHES Since 2017, we have removed more than 1700 tons of plastic pollution from the Norwegian coastline. Our teams are mobile, and we stay in the middle of the most polluted areas, doing cleanups 4-5 ......
(41)

solo workawayer smiling at camera while volunteering at norway coastline marine conservation boat opportunity


This host is looking for Workawayers who are interested in sustainability, protecting sea life and of course sailing! The project mostly involves getting involved in beach clean-ups, but you’ll also learn to sail and show off your science skills by testing for micro plastics. In your time off, enjoy activities like hiking, stand-up paddle boarding and free diving with the other volunteers. If you’re passionate about protecting the planet, check out their community now and send them a message in a bottle!

 Thailand

  • Language exchange
    Language exchange
  • Cultural exchange
    Cultural exchange
Join us in rebuilding a 35 years old 12m sailing catamaran on a beach in Phang Nga, Thailand
We are a Swiss-Italian and Thai couple. Luca is retired from an adventurous life and now, with the help of our Burmese worker Sawsaw, is rebuilding his sailing catamaran 'Namaste' on which he sailed to Thailand from the Med 40 years ago. Elle, who ......
(16)
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thailand workaway projects catamaran boat restoration learning skills

Bring a 40-year old sailing catamaran back to its former glory while exploring the stunning Phang Nga bay and its surrounding islands! The area is right on the beach and at the fringes of a beautiful National Park,  so this is the perfect spot for immersing yourself in nature while enjoying local experiences at nearby villages and small towns. Help with painting, woodwork, composite and more, and gain valuable knowledge on boat restoration while listening to the sound of the waves...

 Guatemala

  • Language exchange
    Language exchange
  • Cultural exchange
    Cultural exchange
Learn how to sail, live aboard my cruising yacht on the Caribbean side of Guatemala
I'm Dmitry, 49yo, living in tropics on my sailboat. Wanted neat helpers: - a cook (also shopping, and keeping the boat clean) - a handyman for projects: carpentry (power tools), mechanic (diesel engine, outboard motor, bicycle, etc), electric ......
(25)

caribbean yacht cruising best workaway opportunities for adventure sea nature

Spend your summer sailing in the Caribbean side of Guatemala, with a passionate crew! This host is hands-on, so a serious interest in learning how to sail is required. But if the work is hard, so is the play - expect to enjoy a variety of activities in your time off such as kayaking, swimming and even exploring different sides of the Caribbean. Mingle with a community of sailors from all over the world, and enjoy feeling like you’re starring in your very own movie as you man the deck while watching a technicolour sunset…

Updated 

 Panama

  • Language exchange
    Language exchange
  • Cultural exchange
    Cultural exchange
Join our island hopping tours in the San Blas islands between Panama and Colombia
We are an adventure tour company running 5 days island hopping tours with fast lanchas (speedboats) in the San Blas islands, taking guests one way from Panama to Colombia or from Colombia to Panama. We are looking for the next true adventurer to ......
(8)

group of workaway volunteers smiling at camera on san blas islands tropical travel destination

Come explore with an adventure tour company running 4-day island hopping tours with speedboats! This host is looking for someone adventurous and friendly to assist with tours and help with general boat maintenance. As the company works closely with the Guna, the local indigenous community, you really get to submerge yourself into their culture and these breathtaking islands at the same time.

Updated 

 France

  • Cultural exchange
    Cultural exchange
Be part of a unique theatre experience in Martigues, France
We are a Canadian theatre company that have been touring contemporary professional theatre for 53 years that has toured internationally with large spectacle performances staged on the deck and in the rigging of a 30 meter tall ship. This theatre ......
(25)

sailing in canada bc floating theatre company boat unique experiences travel abroad workaway

This theatre company is based on a thirty meter tall ship! These hosts have been bringing innovative theatrical productions on to the deck and in the rigging of a ship theatre for over four decades. Help ranges from ship maintenance to working on future productions. Sail around with a crew of artists, singers, builders and dreamers, and create meaningful connections on the sea. These warm and welcoming hosts are waiting for you to join their buzzing atmosphere, and if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, this is it - if you time it right, you might even catch one of their performances!

Updated 

 France

  • Language exchange
    Language exchange
  • Cultural exchange
    Cultural exchange
Join me in my boat to cruise the inland waterways of France
Retired single male English boat owner (78) who spends six months each year cruising in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Expecting to cruise south from Toul to Chalon sur Saone, then North to Friesland by October for hivernage.
(13)

rural france workaway slow travel experience opportunity europe sailing travel


This host is looking for help with some general maintenance and painting to keep their quirky boat afloat! This is a fantastic choice if you love living on the water, but you like a slower pace of life than sailing in the open sea. Starting in Friesland, you’ll get to explore rural France in an unhurried way, with bicycles available for your days off on land. This lovely host has Workawayers singing their praises - you should expect to learn a lot, good conversation, and great food!

 Greece

  • Language exchange
    Language exchange
  • Cultural exchange
    Cultural exchange
Help with DIY tasks and digital projects on an off grid sailboat in Alinda, Greece
Hello. I am Dennis. I am the builder and owner of the boat. It is an 18m aluminium electric-powered sailboat. The pictures should explain more. She is currently parked in Greece getting ready for the 2025 summer season with thoughts of beyond. We ......
(1)

off grid greece sailboat travelling volunteering with kids marine life encounter

Help create videos and digital marketing content, assist in everyday boat maintenance and crew life while learning about a different side of Greek culture on sea. The host (and the builder of the boat!) is interested in welcoming creative, adventurous people to board his electric-powered sailboat. The most exciting part about it all? They haven’t decided where the boat is going to go - it all depends on YOU and everyone else who joins the crew! 

‘Water’ you waiting for? ;) Sign up to the site and find your next adventure right now!

crew boats boating sailing

About Alicia Lyt

Alicia first started Workawaying in 2012 and has been hooked on meaningful travel ever since. She has backpacked, volunteered, and wandered through many corners of ... show more...

Now part of the Workaway team, she helps share the magic of cultural exchange with more travellers and hosts while also supporting the Workaway Giving Back Project. She believes travel is at its best when it opens doors, builds community, and gives something back along the way. Usually with one eye on the next adventure, Alicia is happiest near the sea, chasing waves, sunshine, and tropical island life, or finding joy in dance, karaoke and the occasional snowy escape.

View all posts by Alicia Lyt


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