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:

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.

2. Help save the environment and explore the coastline of Sandnessjoen, Norway

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!

3. Help restore an old sailing catamaran on the beaches of Phang Nga, Thailand

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...

4. Sail the summer away cruising the Caribbean on a yacht

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…

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.

6. Join a floating theatre company on their ship in British Colombia, Canada

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!

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!

8. Sail around off-grid Greece and film your adventures

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!

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