Darwin’s Passage | Panama City → Galapagos

Set sail from the Pacific gateway of Panama City on an unforgettable offshore passage to the legendary Galápagos Islands. This 900-nautical-mile voyage aboard SV Sea Dragon is a true bluewater adventure, tracing a route once sailed by explorers and naturalists—including Charles Darwin himself. After departing Panama’s Pacific coast, we’ll head southwest into the vastness of the open ocean. This is uninterrupted passage-making: steady watch systems, deep-ocean swells, and the rhythm of life far from land. As we close in on the Galápagos archipelago, anticipation builds—volcanic silhouettes rising from the sea, seabirds wheeling overhead, and the unmistakable sense of arrival in one of the world’s most iconic natural environments. Making landfall at San Cristóbal Island marks the culmination of a rewarding ocean crossing and the beginning of your time in this extraordinary corner of the Pacific. You’ll also get to Experience a true Pacific offshore passage of 1,000 nautical miles Stand regular watches and develop confidence in open-ocean sailing Learn about weather routing, currents, and Pacific passage planning Participate fully in navigation, sail handling, and onboard routines Celebrate landfall in the remarkable Galápagos Islands Sailing with Panexplore means you’re not just along for the ride. You’ll be part of the crew—standing watches, trimming sails, navigating, and learning as you go. Whether you’re building miles, confidence, or simply a deeper connection with offshore sailing, Panexplore voyages are designed to be immersive, educational, and rewarding. Our onboard cuisine is inspired by the places we sail through. Our galley follows a local & ocean-inspired philosophy—prioritizing local produce, coastal flavors, and fresh catch when the ocean provides. We can cater to specific diets, just let us know! > Key Details Distance: 900 nautical miles Cost: $10,990 Dates: 2 Apr – 11 Apr 2027 (10 Days) Start: Panama City, Panama End: San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador Tentative Itinerary While the exact route and timing will depend on weather and skipper decisions, a typical voyage may look like this: Day 1: Join in Panama City Arrive in Panama City, meet your skipper and fellow crew, settle aboard SV Sea Dragon, and prepare for departure. Day 2: Safety briefings & departure Following comprehensive safety and vessel briefings, we depart the marina and head into the Pacific, establishing our watch system as land slips below the horizon. Days 3–7: Offshore Pacific passage Life settles into the rhythm of bluewater sailing. Expect long ocean swells, night watches beneath brilliant stars, and full involvement in sail changes, navigation, and daily life aboard. Days 8–9: Approach to the Galápagos Seabirds and changing water colour signal our approach. We prepare for landfall and navigate carefully toward San Cristóbal Island, arriving into port on the evening of Day 9. Day 10: Disembark in San Cristóbal After a final clean-down and debrief, guests depart the vessel in the morning. Please note: This sailing adventure is weather-dependent. Stopovers, timing, and the exact route will be determined by the skipper to ensure safety and the best possible experience.