Embark on a 9-day tropical sailing passage from Fiji to Vanuatu, navigating one of the South Pacific’s most beautiful and remote ocean routes. Beginning in Savusavu, we sail westward and make landfall in Luganville, Vanuatu.
This offshore journey offers steady trade winds, brilliant sunrises, and starlit skies across deep blue open water. Along the way, you’ll gain practical experience with offshore navigation, weather routing, sail trim, and international clearance procedures. It’s an ideal expedition for adventurous sailors, whether you’re building offshore miles or experiencing your first long passage.
Expect warm breezes, vibrant marine life, fresh fish on the line, and the peaceful rhythm of life at sea. This is more than a delivery—it's a rare opportunity to blend sailing skill-building with cultural discovery, remote exploration, and pure ocean serenity.
Sail the South Pacific trade winds
Enjoy reliable easterly breezes and gentle following seas as you sail through tropical latitudes—perfect for smooth, fast offshore cruising.
Hands-on offshore skill building
Helm under sail, trim for speed, stand night watch, and practise ocean navigation. Gain confidence with weather routing, passage planning, and international clearance.
Visit remote Tikopia Island
Anchor off one of the Pacific’s most isolated and culturally preserved islands. A rare opportunity to witness traditional Polynesian village life, untouched by mass tourism.
Explore Astrolabe Reef and Nununga Island
Discover vibrant coral reefs, clear lagoons, and pristine anchorages. Swim, snorkel, or simply relax in one of the South Pacific’s hidden corners.
Wildlife encounters in rich Pacific waters
Watch for dolphins, flying fish, seabirds, and migrating whales. Cast a line for mahi-mahi or wahoo under a warm tropical sky.
Tropical sunrises and starlit nights
Experience the magic of life offshore with breathtaking sunrises, glowing horizons, and uninterrupted views of the Milky Way.
Make landfall in Luganville, Vanuatu
Sail into Espiritu Santo’s historic port town, where lush volcanic landscapes, freshwater blue holes, and vibrant local culture await.
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 Te Kaihopara, a purpose-built South Pacific cruising ketch designed for modern explorers seeking connection, challenge, and discovery at sea. From remote coastlines to open ocean passages, Te Kaihopara delivers comfort, capability, and adventure in equal measure. With a strong, ocean-tested build, hands-on sailing opportunities, and space to relax and reflect, every voyage is a chance to immerse yourself in the rhythm of the ocean and the raw beauty of the natural world.
With $1m spent on a refit, new electronics, a full rewire and the latest safety equipment in 2023, the yacht meets the highest safety standards.
With a generous galley, 4 fridges and a freezer, the yacht is able to be well provisioned for long distance cruising.
With a saloon and wheelhouse that seat up to 16 people, there are ample indoor and outdoor seating choices.
Berth and Cabin and options
Moana Stateroom: Booking option for couple or up to 3 singles. Private ensuite. 240v and 12v power outlets. 4 large and 2 small port hole windows. Private ensuite.
Tiritiri Suite: Booking option for couple or up to 3 singles. Private ensuite. 240v and 12v power outlets. 1 small port hole window. Private ensuite.
Mokohinau Cabin: Booking option for up to 4 occupants with private ensuite. 240v and 12v power outlets. 2 small port hole windows. Private ensuite.
6 August 2027
Fly into Labasa or Savusavu Airport (via Nadi) and transfer to the yacht
Join the vessel at Savusavu Marina by 3:00pm
Crew introductions, yacht briefing, and welcome dinner ashore
7 August 2027
Onboard safety briefing, equipment checks, and sail training
Passage planning, weather review, and customs clearance
8 August 2027
Clear out of Fiji and set sail from Savusavu
Begin offshore passage under steady trade winds
8 – 13 August 2027
Sailing passage to Luganville, Vanuatu
14 August 2027
Arrive in Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Complete customs and biosecurity clearance
Celebratory crew dinner ashore
15 August 2027
Transfer to Santo-Pekoa International Airport (15 minutes from the marina)
Plan to depart after midday
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.
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.
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.