Leg 1 — Marquesas to Tuamotus to Society Islands
Three Archipelagos. One Extraordinary Passage.
Hiva Oa → Moorea | March 31 – April 11, 2027
12 Days | Approximately 830 Nautical Miles | Maximum 6 Expedition Members
Single Berth: $8,900 per person | Shared Berth: $8,400 per person
Imagine beginning your journey beneath the towering volcanic peaks of the Marquesas, crossing hundreds of miles of open Pacific, discovering the turquoise lagoons of the Tuamotus, and finishing among the breathtaking mountains of Moorea.
Three remarkable island groups. Three distinctly different Polynesian environments. One unforgettable sailing expedition.
Join Koru's small crew as we explore some of French Polynesia's most beautiful and remote waters, combining genuine offshore passagemaking with opportunities for island exploration, snorkeling, diving, and cultural discovery.
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The Passage: Three Worlds of French Polynesia
Our adventure begins in Hiva Oa, among the dramatic volcanic islands of the Marquesas, where lush green valleys, towering cliffs, and traditional Polynesian culture create an extraordinary setting for the start of our journey.
Depending on weather and routing, we may explore nearby islands such as Fatu Hiva, celebrated for its spectacular scenery, remote anchorages, and welcoming communities.
From the Marquesas, we'll set sail southwest across the open Pacific toward the Tuamotu Archipelago. The landscape transforms from high volcanic islands to low coral atolls, brilliant lagoons, and reefs alive with marine life.
If conditions permit, we may stop at Fakarava or another suitable atoll, discovering a world of coral gardens, reef fish, sharks, and remarkable underwater scenery.
Our final destination is Moorea, where steep green mountains rise dramatically above turquoise waters—a spectacular conclusion to a journey through three very different island environments.
This is a genuine sailing expedition. Weather, sea conditions, and safe navigation determine our route, creating opportunities for discovery along the way.
What You'll Experience and Learn
Every Koru expedition is hands-on. You'll be an active participant aboard our 50-foot performance sailing catamaran, with opportunities to develop skills in:
Offshore watchstanding and nighttime navigation
Sail handling, reefing, and passage sail trim
Weather interpretation and routing decisions
Celestial navigation and electronic navigation
Reef awareness, anchoring, and safe atoll approaches
Vessel systems, seamanship, and offshore safety
You'll participate in daily sailing operations, navigation, and watch rotations while experiencing life as part of a small offshore crew.
Our maximum of six expedition members allows meaningful individual attention and instruction throughout the journey.
Each expedition member receives one complimentary ASA course, subject to eligibility and availability. This expedition may offer opportunities to pursue advanced sailing qualifications, including ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking when passage conditions and course requirements allow.
[Download the Detailed Expedition Brief]
Beyond the Sailing — Discover the Islands
The South Pacific offers extraordinary opportunities both above and below the water.
In the Marquesas, dramatic landscapes, ancient Polynesian traditions, and remote villages offer a fascinating introduction to island life.
The Tuamotus present a very different world, where luminous lagoons, coral reefs, and thriving marine ecosystems invite exploration. Depending on our route and conditions, opportunities may include snorkeling with tropical fish and rays, visiting a pearl farm, or arranging scuba diving with a qualified local operator.
And in Moorea, we finish surrounded by breathtaking mountains, sheltered bays, and tropical scenery.
We deliberately leave room for the unexpected. The ocean determines our schedule, and intermediate island visits and activities depend on weather, safe access, and available time.
Expedition Details & Pricing
Departure: Hiva Oa, Marquesas (AUQ) — March 31, 2027
Arrival: Moorea, Society Islands (MOZ, via PPT) — April 11, 2027
Duration: 12 days
Distance: Approximately 830 nautical miles
Mandatory Safety Briefing: March 30 at 6:00 PM local time
Embarkation / Disembarkation: 10:00 AM local time
Single Berth — $8,900 per person
Your own berth, with no requirement to share with another expedition member.
Shared Berth — $8,400 per person
Two expedition members sharing one double berth save $500 each, a combined savings of $1,000.
Each person receives one complimentary ASA course, subject to eligibility and availability.
A $1,000 refundable deposit per person secures your berth, subject to our reservation and cancellation terms.
Ready to Explore the South Pacific?
Whether you're looking to expand your offshore sailing experience, pursue advanced sailing qualifications, explore remote islands, or simply discover the extraordinary beauty of French Polynesia under sail, we'd love to explore whether this expedition is right for you.
Koru expeditions are personal, participatory adventures built around learning, exploration, and meaningful connections.
