At SeaTrees, we believe in the power of collective action to restore and protect our ocean ecosystems. This September, our team had the unique opportunity to join Virgin Voyages for a celebration sailing through Spain and France, where Leah and Haley brought our mission to life onboard. Through interactive activities like educational talks, hands-on workshops, and a snorkeling tour of our MedGardens restoration project in Mallorca, they connected with sailors and crew to raise awareness about the urgent need for ocean regeneration. Their journey was not only inspiring but also a testament to the impact we can create together for the health of our blue planet.
Dive into the journey below:
Day 1: Leah and Haley boarded the Scarlet Lady in Barcelona. The ship’s sleek red and grey design, complete with a blonde mermaid on the bow, was a stunning sight. After settling in, they met Jill, Virgin Voyages' Senior Director of Social Impact & Sustainability, who introduced them to the senior leadership team and even some Virgin Galactic astronauts. The evening ended with a delicious dinner alongside Jill and two environmental officers, where they discussed the ship's impressive sustainability efforts.
Day 2: The duo spent the day exploring Marseille, where Haley convinced Leah to hike the steep President Trail in the Calanques. Towards the end of the hike, they encountered a wildfire and had to reroute. After the excitement, they cooled off with a dip in the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters. Back onboard, they set up at the chart table to sell raffle tickets for prizes, including a Virgin Voyage, hotel stays, and SeaTrees gift bags.
Day 3: They took a relaxed approach to Cannes, shopping and lounging on the beach before returning to the ship for another evening of raffle ticket sales. Dinner was shared with Jill and the Director of Operations, making for a memorable night.
Day 4: A day at sea allowed Leah and Haley to fully engage with the sailors. They hosted two ceramics workshops with Mallorca-based artist Pini Ponce, teaching sailors how to make ceramic tiles for the MedGardens project. The workshops were a hit, with 48 participants creating 140 tiles. After lunch, they held their first SeaTrees talk and trivia session, attracting 25 attendees despite competing with a Virgin Galactic astronaut event. The day ended with more raffle ticket sales.
Day 5: In Mallorca, they joined a kayaking and snorkeling excursion with crew and sailors, exploring the MedGardens project run by the Cleanwave Foundation. It was Haley’s first time snorkeling over seagrass, and despite some jellyfish, the experience was breathtaking. They enjoyed a family-style Spanish lunch overlooking the bay before returning to the ship for Scarlet Night, a vibrant party headlined by Boy George as DJ and attended by Sir Richard Branson.
Day 7: Leah and Haley spent the morning relaxing on Ibiza’s beach before drawing raffle winners and celebrating raising over $8,500. They ended the day with a final dinner with Jill and the Sailor Services team, followed by music and last goodbyes to the crew.
Day 8: They disembarked the Scarlet Lady in Barcelona, sad to leave but proud of the impact they made. Leah continued on to Mallorca to meet with the Cleanwave Foundation, while Haley returned to California. The voyage had been a huge success for SeaTrees and their ocean regeneration mission.
Leah and Haley’s voyage aboard the Scarlet Lady was a powerful reminder of how collective action can drive meaningful change. Through engaging activities and impactful conversations, they not only raised over $8,500 for SeaTrees but also inspired countless sailors and crew to join the mission of ocean regeneration. This experience showcased the incredible potential of partnerships and community-driven efforts to protect and restore our ocean ecosystems. As they disembarked, the success of their journey echoed a larger truth: When we come together with a shared purpose, we can create lasting, positive impacts for the future of our planet. Join us on this journey today!