2026 Palmyra Expedition
Honolulu to Palmyra to Kiritimati (Christmas Island) - 26 days
Departure: Wednesday, October 21
Arrival: Monday, Nov 16
12 days total expedition time
Distance: Around 1500 nautical miles
Cost: $14,000 per single berth with $5,000 deposit
Fly into Honolulu (HNL) | Fly out of Kiritimati (CXI)
**We’ll coordinate arrival timing and logistics once your berth is confirmed.
A Once in a Lifetime Expedition
Very few sailors ever receive permission to visit Palmyra Atoll.
Even fewer experience arriving by their own yacht after a thousand-mile offshore passage across the Central Pacific.
Palmyra is one of the most protected and biologically significant coral atolls on Earth. Entry is tightly controlled, permits are extremely limited, and every vessel must satisfy rigorous inspection requirements before arrival. For most sailors—even experienced bluewater cruisers—this opportunity simply never comes.
This expedition combines two remarkable offshore passages with several unforgettable days exploring one of the Pacific's last truly wild places before continuing onward to Kiritimati (Christmas Island).
If you've ever dreamed of sailing somewhere few people on Earth will ever visit, this is that voyage.
Safety Comes First
This expedition is unlike any other offered by Koru Expeditions.
Because Palmyra permits are extremely limited and weather conditions during late October must be suitable for both the offshore passage and safe operations at the atoll, we've built flexibility into our schedule.
While October remains our primary departure window, we have also secured permits for a backup departure window of April 6–27, 2027.
Should a named tropical system, developing weather pattern, or any other condition make the October departure unsafe, we will postpone the expedition to the April window. In addition, individuals will have a chance to consider another (safer) destination with us should that prove wise.
Our commitment is simple:
We will never depart simply to meet a schedule.
Every participant should reserve both:
Primary Expedition: October 21 – November 16, 2026
Backup Window: April 6 – April 27, 2027
Although we fully expect to sail in October, maintaining flexibility allows us to preserve what matters most—the safety of our crew and the quality of the expedition.
Expedition Overview
This is not just another offshore passage.
It is a complete expedition to one of the most remote and carefully protected marine environments in the world.
Departing Honolulu, we'll settle into offshore life during the passage south before making landfall at Palmyra Atoll. After completing arrival procedures, we'll spend several days exploring this remarkable ecosystem before continuing southeast to Kiritimati.
Throughout the voyage, expedition members will participate in celestial navigation, weather forecasting, sail handling, watch leadership, route planning, and every aspect of operating a modern offshore sailing vessel.
This is offshore sailing at its finest.
Why Palmyra?
Palmyra Atoll is one of the rarest destinations accessible by private yacht anywhere in the world.
Located roughly 1,000 nautical miles south of Hawaiʻi, this U.S. National Wildlife Refuge has no permanent civilian population, no hotels, no marinas, and no commercial tourism. Entry is tightly controlled to protect one of the most pristine tropical marine ecosystems remaining on Earth.
Unlike nearly every other destination in the Pacific, visiting Palmyra requires advance authorization. Permits are extremely limited, every visiting vessel must meet strict inspection requirements, and access is granted only after an extensive review process. Even experienced offshore sailors may never have the opportunity to visit during their lifetime.
Those who do are rewarded with an extraordinary experience. Crystal-clear lagoons, thriving coral reefs, abundant sharks and rays, nesting sea turtles, and millions of seabirds offer a glimpse of the Pacific as it existed centuries ago.
Few private vessels are granted access each year, making this not simply another offshore passage, but a genuine expedition to one of the most protected and least-visited islands on Earth.
Diving & Snorkeling
Palmyra Atoll protects one of the most intact coral reef ecosystems remaining on Earth.
Because access to the atoll is tightly controlled and human activity has been kept to an absolute minimum, its reefs remain remarkably healthy. Large schools of fish, healthy coral communities, nesting seabirds, sea turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and countless other marine species thrive in an ecosystem that has changed very little over the past century.
As part of our expedition permit, participants will have the rare opportunity to snorkel and dive in designated areas of the atoll under the conditions of our authorization. Exploring these reefs offers a chance to experience an underwater world that few divers will ever see.
Whether drifting over vibrant coral gardens, observing reef sharks cruising effortlessly through crystal-clear water, or watching green sea turtles feed along the reef, every dive provides a reminder of what a truly protected marine ecosystem can become.
Above the water, Palmyra is equally remarkable. Coconut forests and native vegetation provide habitat for one of the largest seabird colonies in the central Pacific. Frigatebirds, boobies, terns, and other seabirds fill the skies while hermit crabs, coconut crabs, and other native wildlife occupy the islands below.
This is not simply another tropical dive destination—it's an opportunity to explore one of the world's most carefully protected marine environments alongside experienced expedition leaders, where conservation comes first and every visit contributes to preserving this extraordinary place for future generations.
Offshore Sailing
The passages between Honolulu, Palmyra, and Kiritimati provide outstanding offshore sailing.
Crew members can expect to experience:
Ocean passage planning
Celestial navigation
Trade wind sailing
Watch rotations
Heavy weather preparation
Sail trim and performance
Weather routing
Night sailing
Ocean wildlife encounters
Long-distance passage making
Every participant is an active member of the crew.
Life Aboard
With only six expedition members aboard, everyone plays an important role.
You'll rotate through navigation, cooking, cleaning, sail handling, weather analysis, maintenance, and watch-keeping while learning practical offshore seamanship from experienced instructors.
By the end of the voyage, you'll have accumulated nearly a month of real offshore experience.
Included
All onboard instruction
Accommodations aboard Koru
All meals aboard Koru
Palmyra permits
National Wildlife Refuge access (subject to permit conditions)
Fuel
Dockage and mooring fees
Safety equipment
Starlink internet (when available)
Expedition workbook
Not Included
Airfare to Honolulu
Airfare from Kiritimati
Hotels before or after the expedition
Personal travel insurance
Medical evacuation insurance (required)
Alcohol
Personal expenses
Is This Expedition Right for You?
This voyage is designed for adventurous sailors seeking an authentic offshore expedition rather than a vacation.
Participants should be comfortable living aboard for extended periods in close quarters, standing overnight watches, contributing to daily operations to maintain vessel and crew, and embracing the unpredictable nature of ocean exploration.
In return, you'll visit one of the most exclusive and least-visited destinations on the planet while gaining nearly a month of real offshore sailing experience.
