Leg 7 — Society Islands to Southern Cook Islands
Follow the Trades. Discover the Southern Cooks.
Moorea → Rarotonga | July 8–18, 2027
11 Days | Approximately 710 Nautical Miles | Maximum 6 Expedition Members
Single Berth: $8,900 per person | Shared Berth: $8,400 per person
Imagine leaving the dramatic volcanic peaks of Moorea behind and setting sail across the open South Pacific toward the beautiful islands of the Southern Cooks.
This expedition combines the freedom of ocean sailing with the possibility of discovering some of Polynesia's most extraordinary lagoons and island communities along the way.
Depending on weather and routing, our journey may include a visit to Aitutaki, renowned for its brilliant turquoise lagoon, palm-covered motus, and spectacular marine life.
Join Koru's small expedition crew for eleven days of hands-on sailing, island discovery, and the unforgettable experience of crossing between two distinct Polynesian cultures.
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The Passage: Following the Trades West
Our adventure begins in Moorea, where towering green mountains rise above sheltered bays, coral reefs, and beautiful turquoise lagoons.
From here, we'll set sail westward toward the Southern Cook Islands, navigating across hundreds of miles of open Pacific.
The prevailing easterly and southeast trade winds may provide favorable reaching or downwind sailing conditions, while changing weather, ocean swell, and occasional squalls make navigation, sail handling, and routing decisions an essential part of the experience.
You'll participate in Koru's offshore watch rotations, helping trim sails, interpret weather, navigate by instruments and stars, and manage the systems that keep an ocean-going vessel operating safely.
Days unfold with the changing colors of the Pacific, shared responsibilities, and the extraordinary rhythm of life at sea. Nights bring brilliant stars, navigation opportunities, and the remarkable experience of sailing far from land.
Depending on our progress and conditions, we may have an opportunity to explore Aitutaki before continuing south toward Rarotonga.
Alternatively, we may sail more directly, allowing the ocean passage itself to become the centerpiece of our expedition.
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 trade-wind sailing
Weather interpretation and offshore passage routing
Celestial navigation and electronic navigation
International passage planning and safe island approaches
Vessel systems, seamanship, and offshore safety
You'll share in the daily responsibilities of life aboard, developing confidence and experience as part of a working offshore crew.
With a maximum of 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]
Beyond the Sailing: Aitutaki and the Southern Cooks
One of the most exciting possibilities along this journey is an opportunity to discover Aitutaki, home to one of the South Pacific's most remarkable lagoons.
Surrounded by a protective coral reef, Aitutaki's lagoon stretches across miles of luminous turquoise water, dotted with small palm-covered islands and beautiful white-sand beaches.
If conditions permit a safe visit, we may arrange a locally guided lagoon excursion, with opportunities to snorkel among tropical fish and giant clams, explore secluded motus, or learn about the island's history and Polynesian traditions.
Aitutaki's shallow waters, reef passages, and limited yacht access require careful planning. Any visit will depend on safe conditions, available time, and suitable local arrangements.
Our destination, Rarotonga, offers a spectacular contrast, with lush volcanic mountains rising above tropical forests, beaches, and coral reefs.
Depending on our arrival and available time, there may be opportunities to explore local markets, hike through the island's beautiful interior, snorkel, or arrange diving with a qualified local operator.
As always, our priority is a safe and rewarding passage. Intermediate island visits and activities are opportunities rather than guaranteed components of the expedition.
Expedition Details & Pricing
Departure: Moorea, Society Islands (MOZ, via PPT) — July 8, 2027
Arrival: Rarotonga, Cook Islands (RAR) — July 18, 2027
Duration: 11 days
Distance: Approximately 710 nautical miles, route-dependent
Mandatory Safety Briefing: July 7 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 per person secures your berth, subject to our reservation and cancellation terms.
Ready to Follow the Trades?
Whether you're expanding your offshore sailing experience, pursuing advanced sailing qualifications, exploring remarkable islands, or simply drawn to the freedom of crossing the South Pacific 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.
