Leg 2 — Society Islands to Southern Cook Islands
From Moorea's Peaks to Rarotonga's Shores.
Moorea → Rarotonga | April 26 – May 7, 2027
12 Days | Approximately 600–660 Nautical Miles | Maximum 6 Expedition Members
Single Berth: $8,900 per person | Shared Berth: $8,400 per person
Imagine beginning your journey surrounded by Moorea's towering green mountains and brilliant lagoons, then setting sail across the open South Pacific toward the welcoming shores of the Cook Islands.
Along the way, experience the extraordinary rhythm of offshore sailing, explore some of Polynesia's most beautiful waters, and become part of a small crew navigating between two distinct island cultures.
This expedition combines spectacular island scenery with a genuine ocean passage—and the freedom to discover what the journey brings.
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The Passage: From Island Exploration to Open Ocean
Our adventure begins in Moorea, one of French Polynesia's most spectacular islands. Dramatic volcanic peaks rise above sheltered bays, coral reefs, and turquoise lagoons.
Depending on weather and available time, we may explore Moorea or visit another of the Society Islands before heading west toward the Cook Islands. Islands such as Huahine or Bora Bora offer intriguing possibilities, but the ocean will determine which opportunities fit our passage.
Once underway, we'll settle into the rhythms of offshore sailing. The generally easterly trade winds may provide favorable sailing conditions, while shifting weather, ocean swell, and occasional squalls keep navigation and seamanship central to the experience.
You'll participate in sailing Koru, trimming sails, managing watch rotations, interpreting weather, and navigating across hundreds of miles of open Pacific.
Days bring the changing blues of the ocean, shared meals, and hands-on learning. Nights offer remarkable stars, celestial navigation opportunities, and the unforgettable experience of sailing far from land.
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, downwind sailing, and reefing techniques
Weather interpretation and passage routing
Celestial navigation and electronic navigation
Vessel systems, seamanship, and offshore safety
You'll share in the daily responsibilities of life aboard, developing your confidence and experience as part of a working offshore crew.
With no more than six expedition members, there's ample opportunity for individual instruction and meaningful participation.
Each expedition member receives one complimentary ASA course, subject to eligibility and availability. Qualified sailors may have opportunities to pursue ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking certification when passage conditions and course requirements permit.
[Download the Detailed Expedition Brief]
Rarotonga — A South Pacific Welcome
After days of open ocean, Rarotonga's green volcanic mountains appear on the horizon, rising above a ribbon of turquoise lagoon and coral reef.
Rarotonga is the cultural and geographical heart of the Southern Cook Islands—a place of lush tropical scenery, welcoming communities, beautiful beaches, and rich Polynesian traditions.
Depending on our arrival and available time, there may be opportunities to explore the island, snorkel its protected lagoon areas, or arrange a dive with a qualified local operator.
Whether you're experiencing your first international landfall under sail or adding another ocean passage to your sailing experience, arriving in Rarotonga promises to be a memorable moment.
As always, our priority is a safe and rewarding journey. Intermediate stops and time available for exploration depend on weather, routing, and clearance requirements.
Expedition Details & Pricing
Departure: Moorea, Society Islands (MOZ, via PPT) — April 26, 2027
Arrival: Rarotonga, Cook Islands (RAR) — May 7, 2027
Duration: 12 days
Distance: Approximately 600–660 nautical miles
Mandatory Safety Briefing: April 25 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 ($16,800 total).
Each expedition member receives one complimentary ASA course, subject to eligibility and availability.
A $1,000 refundable deposit secures your berth, subject to our reservation and cancellation terms.
Ready to Discover the South Pacific?
Whether you're expanding your offshore sailing experience, pursuing sailing qualifications, exploring remarkable islands, or simply drawn to the freedom of crossing an ocean 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.
