• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • HOW TO JOURNEY
  • CONTACT

DONATE

About Sea MD

At the heart of Sea MD journeys is the belief that everyone, irrespective of ability, deserves to revel in the magnificence of our world. Sea MD offers safe, professional, adaptive sea programs that empower participants to seize every opportunity to explore life's wonders. We navigate seas on the way to secluded beaches, dive to depths and study coral reefs, and transform dreams into tangible experiences. Our motto, "The time to do...is now!" urges us to embrace every moment and relish life's adventures.

Sea MD Mission

Sea MD is dedicated to supporting young people living with Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, and other neuromuscular diseases and conditions. Sea MD journeys empower young people through the unique and liberating medium of SCUBA Diving while living aboard an accommodating, and stable, ocean catamaran.  

Sea MD journeys are inclusive, welcoming any young person with challenged mobility. Our mission is to offer both physical and psychological therapeutic benefits through the transformative experience of Adaptive SCUBA Diving and Sailing. Our week-long journeys foster a sense of pride and accomplishment as each participant discovers inner powers waiting to be harnessed!

Sea MD crew members are experienced in dealing with a range of challenges, including physical and developmental, vision and hearing, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and more.

Join Sea MD on an adaptive Sailing and SCUBA Diving adventure that goes beyond limitations and opens lives to newfound possibilities.

Discover Adaptive SCUBA Diving and Sailing adventures in the Caribbean, or Baja Sur, Mexico with Sea MD.

6 days of sailing, SCUBA, and adventure!

5 nights aboard an adaptive catamaran

Sea MD Reef Science and ongoing studies

Airport Transfers

All meals included

Sea MD Personal Care Crew included

Sea MD participants experience the wonders of Adaptive Sailing and SCUBA Diving, where Sea MD provides unforgettable, life-changing, adventures.

Register to Journey

Adaptive Catamarans

The Journey

View Sea MD 2-Day Reef Science Curriculum

Support a Participant

The Crew

Each Sea MD Journey Crew incudes a licensed boat Captain, a Sea Companion Personal Care Provider, as well as a Registered Nurse for the safety and well-being of participants.  
Sea MD Crew Members provide assistance with:
Dressing, hygiene, and using the bathroom
Taking medications and managing personal care
Getting in and out of bed and help with moving about
All adaptive activities including swimming, beachcombing, paddle boarding and kayaking, as well as Sailing and SCUBA Diving.

Support the Crew

Meet Sea MD Crew Members

Destinations

Depending on the time of year, divers can expect to spot whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, sea lions, mobula rays, several species of whales, and a myriad of other local and migratory species. There is so much marine life in this area that La Paz is included in the Sea of Cortez UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport for U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Gracious and hospitable locals extend a heartfelt welcome to what can only be described as America’s ultimate Caribbean sanctuary. Beneath the allure of untouched beaches caressed by crystalline waters exists an unparalleled biodiversity that graces its shores, and welcomes our restorative research.

Upcoming Sea MD Journeys

La Paz International Airport

Aeropuerto Internacional de Cabo San Lucas

Manuel Márquez de León Airport, (La Paz)

We recommend flying directly to La Paz (LAP) Airport, which is 9.2 km away from La Paz.

Cabo San Lucas International Airport is a 2 hour shuttle ride to La Paz.

Some recent fares:

Cyril E. King Airport, (IATA: STT, ICAO: TIST, FAA LID: STT)

Cyril E. King Airport serves as the premier gateway to luxurious getaways in the United States Virgin Islands, strategically nestled just a short distance from the vibrant heart of Charlotte Amalie on the picturesque island of St. Thomas.

Some recent fares:

Cyril E. King Airport

The Founders

Dawn and Stu Hicks fell in love in the Pacific Northwest but realized that life could be more fulfilling than 9-5 jobs (even in their idyllic mountain town.)

Stu was diagnosed with Adult Onset Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 41, and began to chart a course of life with MD that would include serving those less fortunate than himself - especially young people with MD, ALS and other muscular degenerative diseases.  

A lifelong lover of the ocean (Stu was certified as a SCUBA Open Water Diver at the age of 16,) he began focusing on adaptive sports adventures and immediately recognized the need for truly life-changing experiences through Sea MD Adaptive Sailing and SCUBA Diving journeys!

Dawn is a natural care-giver, an artist, and a licensed Registered Nurse, whose experiences providing care for all ages and disabilities is a natural fit for Sea MD participants who experience our journeys away from any family members - some for the first time!  

We love serving others together, building our own boys' sense of community and confidence. Ethan (11) and Erath (9) are developing new skills and gaining self-esteem! Sarah (23), Thayer (21), and Caroline (17) join in between school and young adult obligations!

Thank you for your support!

A lover of learning, books, creativity, and faith, Dawn creates a home away from home atmosphere on Sea MD Journeys!

Support Sea MD