Experience life at sea, learn how to sail and enjoy the rugged beauty of nature on this 17-day journey from Rotterdam to the northeast of Scotland and back. Be part of the team of professional sailing crew, scientists and impactmakers.

Help us conduct scientific research into (micro)plastics and learn all about plastic pollution first hand. We’ll engage in dialogue with locals, gain and share knowledge and unite with one another to collectively put weight behind the problem. Together we’re making a journey in our awareness to spread our knowledge, findings and ideas in our surroundings.

Next to actively being involved in one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, this expedition is all about enjoying life at sea. Experience a different dimension of time, make friends for life and enjoy sailor songs, divine food and lots of workshops. And of course, all the beautiful things to planet has to offer.

Aboard the ship and in Scotland we run a program including workshops, lectures, discussions, beach cleanups and more – all centered around plastic pollution. We’ll visit interesting organizations with different perspectives on the problem: science/education, local government, businesses, NGOs and/or media. Participation is optional; feel like hanging out on deck, watching the endless blue, scanning the waves for marine life? Be our guest! Our professional crew will make sure you have the best time – it is your holiday after all!

We believe that if we all work together we can really do something to reduce plastic pollution. In a positive way. That’s why we’ve created the participants’ fund in which 20% of all participation fees are collected. Expedition members can decide themselves which other (startup) organizations that are involved in reducing plastic pollution they want to support. Not only financially, but also with knowledge, ideas and contacts. Details will become clear during the expedition.

• The menu consists of three meals a day and everything in between. Fresh food is made daily. Most of the menu is vegetarian, fish will only be eaten when caught by ourselves. 🙂 (dietary preferences are of course taken into account)
• The spoken language on board is English. All other languages aren’t forbidden though. 🙂
• Price: 2500 euro all-in, excluding soft drinks and alcohol, of which 500 euro is put in the participants’ fund. We offer a money-back guarantee if we don’t find any plastic at sea. 🙂

• Day 1-3: crossing the North Sea, from Rotterdam to Fraserburgh
• Day 4-14: exploring the Northeast coast of Scotland
• Day 15-17: crossing the North Sea, back to Rotterdam

note: route may change slightly, depending on our program and conditions

”By the Ocean we Unite has given me an unforgettable journey “Up to Norway”; a beautiful sailing experience combined with contributing for cleaner/plastic free oceans. The trip was very well organized with valuable information upfront, a balanced program during the trip and good attention afterwards” – Nadim Bou-Rached, expedition member ”Up to Norway 2016”

”This trip has been impressive in so many ways, the By the Ocean we Unite crew has been very inspiring with their views.” – Fabio Bartali, expedition member ”Up to Norway 2016”

Did you know..

• that it is estimated that 80% of the plastic pollution in our oceans comes from land-based sources?
• that on average eight billion kilos of plastic ends up in our oceans every year? That is 23.000 kilos every single minute!
• that plastic in the oceans fragment into ever smaller particles, which potentially cause harm to marine life and humans?

source: Marine Litter Vital Graphics

Want to be an expedition partner? We are more than happy to discuss the opportunities. Get in touch!