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Tonga to Papeete

18 Nights / Sailing Passage / 1,600nm / 18 May - 5 Jun 2027 / Silver Fern / From AUD$11,150
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Stopovers at Niue and Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Set sail on an unforgettable 1,600nm journey through the heart of the South Pacific, where azure waters, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes await. This 18-night sailing adventure takes you from the remote islands of Tonga to the secluded shores of Niue, the pristine Cook Islands, and finally to the bustling waterfront of Papeete, Tahiti.

Along the way, explore untouched beaches, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Pacific Islands. Experience the warm hospitality of Polynesian communities, witness breathtaking sunrises over the open ocean, and embrace the thrill of offshore sailing through some of the most untouched waters on the planet.

Whether you're drawn by the challenge of long-distance sailing, the allure of island-hopping exploration, or the chance to disconnect and embrace life at sea, this extraordinary voyage offers the perfect blend of adventure, discovery, and relaxation in one of the world’s most spectacular cruising grounds.

Highlights

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Sail 1,600 nautical miles across the heart of the South Pacific
Journey from the tranquil anchorages of Tonga to the remote shores of Niue and the Cook Islands, finishing in vibrant Papeete, Tahiti—an unforgettable route through rarely visited cruising grounds.

Island-hop through some of the Pacific’s most pristine destinations
Explore crystal-clear lagoons, unspoiled coral reefs, and idyllic beaches, with stopovers that include Niue’s limestone caves, the Cook Islands’ reef-fringed atolls, and the dramatic volcanic peaks of Tahiti.

Enjoy true blue water sailing across vast ocean passages
Experience the thrill of open-ocean adventure with long offshore legs that test your seamanship, build confidence, and immerse you in the rhythm of life at sea.

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Snorkel, swim, and paddle in vibrant marine ecosystems
Dive into some of the South Pacific’s richest underwater worlds, teeming with tropical fish, coral gardens, and, depending on the season, dolphins and whales.

Connect with Polynesian culture and warm island hospitality
Meet welcoming local communities, discover traditional customs, sample regional cuisine, and witness the enduring spirit of Polynesian life across different island nations.

Embrace the pace and beauty of life at sea
Rise with the sun, sail under star-filled skies, and feel the profound peace that comes with life at sea—perfect for sailors seeking challenge, discovery, and restoration.

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Map

1. Pangaimotu Island

Pangaimotu Island, Tonga

2. Niue

Niue

3. Cook Islands

Cook Islands

4. Papeete

Papeete 98714, French Polynesia

The experience

A taste of what you'll experience onboard
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Watch duties

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

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Weather

Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination. View gallery

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Navigation

Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s. View gallery

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Leadership

Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication. View gallery

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Safety

Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures. View gallery

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Personal wellbeing

Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard. View gallery

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Passage planning

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

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Sailing

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

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Training

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

Activities

While on board, there are a range of activities to do:
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Adventures ashore

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

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Coastal exploring

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

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Dining out

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

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Fishing

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

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Historic places

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

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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

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Snorkelling

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

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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

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Wildlife watching

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

The Yacht

Silver Fern - 21.8m (72 foot)
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Sleeps 8 Guest Crew in 2 Cabins

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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.

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Itinerary

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You'll fly into Tonga (Fuaʻamotu International Airport, Tonga) to join the yacht.  

We’ll aim to be tied up in Tahiti by 3pm on the day 18 for our final crew dinner and you can plan to depart Tahiti from day 19 onwards (Fa'a'ā International Airport, Papeete, Tahiti).

18 May 2027

  • Arrive at the vessel in Tonga by 3pm

  • Crew training and safety familiarisation 

  • Crew welcome dinner

19 May 2027

  • Clear Customs and depart Tonga around 12pm

19 May - 3 Jun 2027

  • Sail to Papeete, stoping at Niue and Cook Islands along the way

4 Jun 2027

  • Arrive in Tahiti by midday

  • Complete Customs and Bio-Security processing

  • Crew farewell dinner

5 Jun 2027

  • Depart Tahiti via Fa'a'ā International Airport, Papeete, Tahiti

Inclusions

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Inclusions and Exclusions

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: AirBNBBooking.comWotif & HomeAway.

Booking

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Booking

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.

Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?

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.