Embark on a spectacular 21-night sailing expedition across some of the South Pacific’s most breathtaking and remote cruising grounds. Departing from the tropical heart of French Polynesia in Papeete, Tahiti, this 1,500-nautical-mile journey takes you westward through the Cook Islands, over submerged atolls, and into the cultural heart of Tonga’s Vavaʻu Group.
Our first major stop is Rarotonga, the vibrant capital of the Cook Islands, where volcanic peaks rise above turquoise lagoons and Polynesian culture thrives. From there, we sail to Beveridge Reef, an uninhabited, completely submerged atoll where we anchor in surreal isolation surrounded by reef and ocean—a sailor’s dream. Continuing west, we make landfall at Niue, the “Rock of Polynesia,” known for its dramatic limestone coastline, sea caves, and warm local hospitality. After exploring its crystal-clear waters and welcoming villages, we cross the final stretch to Tonga.
Our expedition concludes in the Vavaʻu island group, a sailor’s paradise of deep channels, lush anchorages, and coral gardens. With a mix of open ocean sailing, remote reef exploration, and rich cultural encounters, this is a true South Pacific passage for adventurous souls seeking challenge, connection, and unforgettable experiences at sea.
Sail 1,500 nautical miles across the heart of the South Pacific
Journey westward from Papeete through rarely visited island chains and open ocean, gaining hands-on experience in true blue water passage-making.
Visit iconic and remote destinations
Explore Rarotonga’s volcanic peaks and vibrant island life, anchor inside the surreal, submerged Beveridge Reef, and visit Niue’s dramatic sea caves and coastal cliffs.
Anchor in the uninhabited Beveridge Reef
Experience one of the Pacific’s most extraordinary and isolated anchorages, with reef-protected waters rising from thousands of metres below.
Explore Niue, the Rock of Polynesia
Swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel dramatic drop-offs, and enjoy the warmth of one of the smallest and friendliest countries in the world.
Conclude in the Vavaʻu Group of Tonga
Cruise through a stunning island network of lush anchorages, deepwater passages, and vibrant marine ecosystems in one of the South Pacific’s premier sailing destinations.
Engage in celestial navigation and offshore sailing
Take part in watches, helm time, and navigation across a wide variety of conditions—from calm trade winds to powerful open-ocean swells.
Connect with Polynesian cultures along the way
Step ashore to experience traditional island life, taste local food, and share stories with the people who call these remote places home.
Papeete
Bustling capital of Tahiti with vibrant markets, waterfront cafés, and a lively blend of Polynesian and French culture
Ideal starting point for provisioning, exploring local crafts, and enjoying traditional music and dance
Rarotonga
Lush volcanic island encircled by a lagoon and coral reef
Offers excellent snorkelling, hiking, and a warm, welcoming island community
Beveridge Reef
Remote, submerged atoll in the South Pacific accessible only by boat
Known for crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and a sense of complete isolation
Niue
One of the world’s largest raised coral atolls with dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine waters
Famous for diving, snorkelling, and humpback whale encounters in season
Vava`u Group
Cluster of Tongan islands known for sheltered anchorages, vibrant coral reefs, and relaxed island life
Excellent for whale watching, kayaking, and exploring hidden coves
Neiafu
Welcoming port for clearance, provisioning, and connecting with the local cruising community
Popular base for exploring the wider Vava`u Group
Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls. View gallery
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination. View gallery
Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s. View gallery
Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication. View gallery
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures. View gallery
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard. View gallery
Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan. View gallery
Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather). View gallery
Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions. View gallery
Onshore activities include hiking and bushwalking to scenic lookouts, exploring local towns, and discovering the unique charm of each destination. Enjoy cultural immersion through local traditions, relax with games, or uncover hidden gems as you explore islands. View gallery
Coastal exploring offers the thrill of venturing to remote places using a RIB, uncovering hidden gems like pristine reefs, secluded beaches, and winding rivers. Discover shipwrecks teeming with history, indulge in beach combing for unique treasures, and experience the untouched beauty of coastal landscapes. View gallery
Dining out offers the chance to enjoy local flavours, explore regional specialties, and experience unique culinary traditions. From seaside cafes to hidden gems, each meal is an opportunity to savour the culture and cuisine of the destination. View gallery
Fishing provides an opportunity to connect with nature, whether casting a line from the shore or exploring deeper waters. Enjoy the thrill of the catch, the serenity of the surroundings, and the chance to bring home a fresh, rewarding meal. View gallery
Exploring historic places offers a glimpse into the past through ancient sites, architectural landmarks, and local stories. These visits bring history to life, connecting you with the culture, traditions, and events that shaped each destination. View gallery
Kayaking
Kayaking allows you to glide through serene waterways, explore hidden coves, and get up close to nature. It’s a peaceful yet adventurous way to discover rivers, coastlines, and marine life from a unique perspective. View gallery
Snorkelling offers an up-close view of vibrant underwater ecosystems, from colourful coral reefs to fascinating marine life. It's a relaxing and immersive way to explore the wonders beneath the surface of the water. View gallery
Wildlife watching offers unforgettable encounters with nature, from observing birds and dolphins to spotting whales, turtles, and sharks. Discover diverse marine life, from playful fish to delicate starfish, in their natural habitats. View gallery
Swimming
Swimming offers refreshing escapes in stunning settings, from crystal-clear bays and tranquil rivers to diving off the back of the boat into azure waters. It's a perfect way to relax and be rejuvenated by nature. View gallery
Step aboard Silver Fern, a sleek and spacious sailing yacht crafted for comfort, camaraderie, and coastal exploration. Whether you're navigating hidden bays, sharing stories over dinner on deck, or trimming sails on an offshore leg, Silver Fern offers the ideal balance of relaxation and hands-on adventure. With warm hospitality, inviting living spaces, and a spirit of discovery at its core, every journey on Silverfern feels like coming home—only at sea.
You can fly directly into Tahiti (Fa'a'ā International Airport) to arrive at Silver Fern in a marina in Papeete.
We’ll complete crew training and safety familiarisation and weather permitting, we’ll depart on day 2 for our first open-ocean leg to Rarotonga, then continue westward with extended stopovers at Beveridge Reef, Niue, and the Vavaʻu Group in Tonga.
15 Aug 2027
Arrive at the vessel in Papeete Marina by 3:00pm
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Crew welcome dinner
16 Aug 2027
Clear Customs and depart Papeete by midday.
16 Aug - 3 Sep 2027
We'll had west stopping at Rarotonga, Beveridge Reef and Niue along the way, spending 2 days in each location.
Finally we'll sail to Neiafu, Tonga, clear Customs and then spend 4-5 days sailing around the famous Vava'u Group.
4 Sep 2027
Arrive back in Neiafu by mid-afternoon.
Final crew dinner celebrating the expedition completion and stay onboard.
5 Sep 2027
Depart via Lupepauʻu International Airport or onward ferry/flight
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; meals and accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
Eligibility
You will need to complete a 5-hour online or 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
Accommodation
If you plan to fly in a day earlier, or stay onboard the night after we return to port, an extra night's accommodation is available onboard, prior to departure and/or after arrival as an add-on, for $100 per person, per night. This can be purchased through your We Travel account during the booking process or prior to departure.
Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Book and pay
Click Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from bank account, debit card or credit card options available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
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Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
100% cancellation guarantee
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, 100% of your payment will be issued as a credit, that you can apply to any future event/s. For a full refund of sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.
Members
Check for Member's availability here before booking this event, using Members Benefits. When you book Reserve your place here.