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 ...  💙🌊

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!

1. Enjoy boating trips with this friendly couple and explore Hervey Bay, Australia

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

3. Maintain a traditional wooden sailing boat in Langkawi, Malaysia

Experience life on a traditional Malay wooden junk schooner while exploring the stunning island of Langkawi! The island is covered with virgin rainforest, so this is the perfect spot for immersing yourself in nature while enjoying local heritage and culture. Help with general boat maintenance and rope work (don’t worry, the host will teach you!) and gain valuable knowledge on what sailing life is all about.

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

5. Sail around Rio de Janeiro and help with filming in Guanabara Bay, Brazil

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

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!

7. Give this host a hand on board and explore the rivers and waterways of rural France

8. Join a family in the jungles of Golfito, Costa Rica and help repair their wooden catamaran

Get out of your comfort zone, and probably a bit sweaty, helping this couple fix up their charming catamaran for future voyages. Learn how to make your own coconut milk, see all kinds of wildlife in the lush jungle, and enjoy the privacy of the boat-only access tropical beach. It’s an exciting time to join this project … they’ve nearly finished renovations, so you might even be there to witness the maiden voyage!

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