May 21-30
US$6,433
6 spaces available
Depart the dramatic volcanic peaks of the Marquesas and sail south-west into the low-lying coral atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago. This 900-nautical-mile passage aboard SV Sea Dragon blends rewarding offshore miles with some of the most spectacular lagoon anchorages in the South Pacific. Leaving Taiohae Bay, we settle into open-ocean sailing before the horizon begins to change—low coral atolls edged with palm trees slowly emerging from the sea, their reef-fringed lagoons glowing in brilliant shades of turquoise. The Tuamotus demand careful navigation and tidal planning, offering hands-on experience in reef pilotage and lagoon approaches. Our voyage concludes in Papeete, Tahiti, where the energy of French Polynesia’s capital provides a lively contrast to the remote serenity of the atolls. You’ll also get to Sail a classic South Pacific trade-wind passage Navigate coral atolls and practice reef pilotage (weather permitting) Experience remote lagoon anchorages in the Tuamotus Develop confidence in passage planning and watch systems Arrive in Tahiti after a rewarding island-hopping expedition 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: $9,190 Dates: 21 May – 30 May 2027 (10 Days) Start: At anchor, Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva End: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia 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 Taiohae Bay Arrive aboard SV Sea Dragon at anchor in Taiohae Bay, meet the skipper and crew, and prepare for departure. Day 2: Safety briefings & departure Following safety and vessel briefings, we weigh anchor and head south-west into the open Pacific. Days 3–4: Offshore to the Tuamotus Bluewater sailing under steady trade winds. Crew rotate through watches and take part in navigation, sail trim, and daily routines. Days 5–7: Exploring the Tuamotu Atolls Careful approaches through reef passes and time at anchor inside turquoise lagoons, conditions permitting. Days 8–9: Final leg to Tahiti Depart the atolls and make the final passage toward Tahiti, arriving into Papeete by Day 12. Day 10: Disembark in Papeete After a final clean-down and debrief, guests depart 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.
The crew trades the volcanic peaks of the Marquesas for the turquoise lagoons of the Tuamotu Archipelago, tackling 900 nm of trade-wind sailing before making landfall in Papeete.
4.8/5•5 ReviewsWe are an adventure sailing company that offers immersive, hands-on sailing expeditions around the world aboard a 72ft steel-hull vessel. It’s not a simple cruise — participants become part of the crew and learn real offshore sailing skills while exploring remote seas, exotic islands, and major blue-water passages.
True adventure runs through Panexplore's veins! Their voyages take you far offshore and into remote waters, with a hands-on approach where everyone is part of the crew. The team behind it combine serious seamanship with a real enthusiasm for teaching, creating trips that are adventurous, educational and genuinely memorable.
Your specific vessel is assigned based on your selected dates. All vessels meet our high standards for comfort and safety.
Challenger - 72
LOA: 72ft (22m)
Beginner
No sailing experience required. Perfect for newcomers.
Intermediate
Some sailing experience helpful. Comfortable on the water.
Advanced
Significant sailing experience required. Challenging conditions.
Active Crew Member
Full participation in all sailing activities.
Optional Involvement
Participate as much or as little as you like.
Passenger
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Yes
Sharing the cooking & washing up
18
You are joining a working voyage as a full member of the crew. As such, you will be involved in virtually all aspects of the trip and operations. On board you will be part of a crew of up to 15 people in total, including yourself. Our expectations of you are fairly straightforward and your team will depend on you to fully participate in everything on the boat. You will be expected to work hard to the best of your ability, to be conscientious, alert, to look after the boat and to care for each other. You will not be asked to do anything you are not comfortable doing. Tasks and activities involved in life on board SV Sea Dragon include: helming (steering), navigation, sail handling (hoisting, adjusting, stowing), keeping a look out, meal preparation and helping to keep the boat clean and tidy.
No optional extras
Tried and tested sailing experiences, from our pick of the world's best operators
All our trips are led by qualified skippers and sailing instructors
We only work with the most reputable sailing operators and yacht providers
Perfect for solo sailors looking to join a crew or groups wanting to charter
Our team is on-hand 24/7 to help you before, during and after your adventure
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