World ARC Itinerary
Leg 1 – St. Lucia to Panama – SOLD OUT
Leg 2 – Panama to Galapagos – 11 February to 02 March 2024
Panama City – Las Perlas – Santa Cruz
Join the crew in Panama City. You will be making final preparations for the passages that you have ahead. Before that, you will sail one day to Las Perlas Islands, an archipelago formed when North and South America were separated some 3 million years ago. As a result of its white sandy beaches, snorkeling, and sheer beauty, this location is favored by the rich and famous.
You will meet with other yachts taking part in this expedition on January 13, then make the 850NM (6-8 days) trip to the Galapagos on the following day. The journey will take you across the Equator, where you must pay homage to King Neptune. Once you arrive in San Cristobel, you must undergo a strict clearing process. The amount and diversity of wildlife is incredible! From the giant tortoise to the blue footed booby, inquisitive seals to black tipped shark. The area has it all.
In order to protect the fragile ecosystem, yachts are not permitted to cruise freely so you will be based in the three main harbours of Cristobel, Isabella and Santa Cruz. The best way to experience all that Galapagos has to offer is to take one of the many organised tours led by local guides. The adventure ends in Santa Cruz on the 2nd of March.
Leg 3 – Galapagos to Marquesas – 04 to 30 March 2024
Santa Cruz – Marqueses archipelago – Nuka Hiva
Come along with the crew to Santa Cruz, Galapagos. You will be preparing for the amazing journey that lies ahead. You will leave the island of Galapagos behind two days later and cross the Pacific Ocean 2980 miles away. By the end of your first full day, you will have gotten accustomed to the steady SE trade winds and gentle equatorial current. The passage is expected to take 15-18 days. Watches will be running smoothly, galley duties will be assigned, and the music playlist will be agreed upon.
Your fishing line will be deployed, and your sea legs will be established. After the first full day, you may not be able to see your fleet on the horizon, but you will still be able to hear them on VHF. By the end of the first week, this is unlikely. You will land on the majestic and historical island of Hiva Ou. It is known for its untamed landscape, giant stone tiki, and Paul Gauguin’s final resting place.
As you cruise your way up through the island chain to Nuka Hiva, the largest of them all, you will be stepping foot on some of the most remote islands in the world. This island is served by direct flights from Tahiti making it a convenient place to say farewell.
Leg 4 – Marquesas to Tahiti – 01 to 27 April 2024
Nuka Hiva – Tuamotus archipelago – Papeete
Direct flights from Tahiti make this an accessible joining point. You will be finalizing preparations for your journey. Two days later, you leave one of the most remote areas on earth and head west.
After a three-day crossing, you will arrive at Tuamotus, a small French Polynesian island, where you will explore for 17-20 days. Over an area, roughly the size of western Europe, the cluster of just under 80 islands and atolls is the world’s largest chain of atolls. White sandy beaches surrounded by coconut trees and clear crystal waters have an abundance of underwater life.
Pearl farms produce jewels that are unmatched in colour and shade. You will finally set sail for the final 220NM trip to Papeete, Tahiti, where you will say your final goodbyes. With the international airport only ten minutes by taxi your travel will be easy to co ordinate.
Leg 5 – Tahiti to Tonga – 05 May to 09 June 2024
Papeete – Society Islands – Borra Borra – Cook islands – Nuie – Vava’u
Join in Papeete, a 10 minute taxi ride from the international airport, as you complete your final preparations to set sail. You will make the 160NM passage stopping to explore the Society Islands, possibly named by the explorer James Cook in honour of his sponsor the Royal Society in 1796.
Although these tropical islands are home to a wide variety of rare animals and plants, their most famous feature is their strong fragrance from the gardenia flower – the most fragrant flower in the world, and one that has been protected for centuries.
Corals cover the atolls surrounding the islands, which are home to a variety of marine life species. The Society Islands are a snorkelers paradise. Upon arrival at Bora Bora, you meet up with other World Arc yachts and have the opportunity to experience all the island has to offer, including hiking, quad biking, sitting on black sandy beaches, or visiting a turtle sanctuary. After sailing 690 NM (4-6 days) to Suwarrow in the Cook Islands, you will have a short 24-72 hour stopover to explore the island.
Then onward to Nuie, one of the worlds largest raised coral atolls where once again you are afforded a 24hr to 72hr stopover. This island does not boast long sandy beaches but rather dramatic limestone cliffs. Explore the impressive caves, chasms and coral formations around the island before you complete your final 2 day sail to VaVa’u, Tonga. There are many flight options when leaving VaVa’u depending upon your final destination.
Leg 6 – Tonga to Fiji – 11 June – 02 July 2024
Vava’u – Port Denerau
Join the crew in Vava’u, before heading off for three weeks of idyllic island hopping. The airport is served by numerous flights depending upon your approach. With both Tonga and Fiji to explore and only a three day passage between them, this is one trip you’ll never forget. 61 islands make up this azure tropical paradise, covered in coral gardens, deserted beaches, and sparkling clear lagoons. Visit the local market, hire a car, or visit the botanical gardens.
The 580NM passage from Tonga to Fiji offers a pleasant one with the trade winds behind. Once in Fiji, you are welcomed with another idyllic paradise blessed with 333 tropical islands and some of the friendliest people on earth. In a utopia that many people consider a ‘must visit’, there’s bound to be a lot to see and do – stroll through the many markets, visit a temple, experience Cloud 9, Fiji’s floating bar, climb the small hill with incredible views on the island where Castaway was filmed, or just visit a local village. A 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport will take you to Port Denerau where you will say your goodbyes.
Leg 7 – Fiji to Australia – 11 July to 10 August 2024
Denerau – Vanuatu – Mackay – Whitsunday Islands – Airlie Beach
Fly in to Nadi International Airport and join us in Denerau Marina – a 20 minute taxi ride away. After picking you up, you will be transported to Muskat Cove, a secluded and uncrowded hideaway that embodies the essence of Fiji. As you sail toward Vanuatu, you stop to visit Mamanucas and Yasawa, two volcanic islands off the coast of Nadi. You will be awed by the crystal clear waters, palm fringed beaches and live coral reefs that make this area one of the most beautiful in Fiji. From Yasawa, you make the 450-NM (2-4 day) downwind passage to Vanuatu.
In addition to being the world’s largest carbon-negative country, Vanuatu intends to phase out all fossil fuels by 2030. Your first port of call will be Aneiytum. After making your way north, you’ll cruise the island chain. A volcano on Tanna has an active volcano with lava dancing across the sky like fireworks. Visit Millennium Cave and hope waterfall. Snorkel over Million Dollar Point, where tanks, cars, and guns were simply dumped at the end of WWII. Your journey through Vanuatu ends at Port Vila where you meet up with World Arc yachts as you gather and set sail for the 1050NM downwind passage to Australia (6-8 days).
You make your approach through The Great Barrier Reef before taking a rest at Mackay. After a few days, you cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, which boast blue waters, coral seas, and coastal views fit for a postcard. Your journey ends in the laid back tropical resort town of Airlie Beach Australia. With Prosperine Airport only 12 miles out of town there is easy access from all of Australia’s major cities.
Leg 8 – Australia to Indonesia – 14 August – 18 September 2024
Airlie Beach – Great Barrier Reef – Darwin – Lombok
In this tour, you set off from Airlie Beach, Australia to explore the Great Barrier Reef – perhaps the world’s most magnificent natural wonder. After leaving Airlie Beach, you visit the Whitsundays, a jewel of 74 islands with bottle green forests that are home to an unparalleled abundance of marine life. The island of Hamilton Island has coral reefs that fringe its coast and tours are available for a close look at koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and kookaburras. In the east, Passage Peak offers views of the surrounding islands.
The islands to your east will shield you from the Pacific swell as you head north. Aside from walking along the pristine beaches and snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs, you will anchor in secluded coves. As you watch the lemon sharks and giant grouper swim about the yacht, you will see giant clams below. You may spend a day or two in Cairns to see the Daintree rainforest, 60 million years older than the Amazon rainforest. Further up the coast, You might stop at Lizard Island, a sacred site for the Dingaal indigenous people.
After traveling over 1400 NM, you will arrive in Darwin where you will explore the area and meet up with other World Arc travelers. Known for its outdoor tropical lifestyle, this capital is thriving. The World Arc yachts gather and set out for the final 920NM leg (5-7 days) to Lombok, where you say farewell. With waterfront dining, crocodile adventures, and a rich history, there is something for everyone.
Leg 9 – Indonesia to Mauritius – 20 September to 25 October 2024
Lombok – Christmas Island – Cocos (Keeling) – Port Louis
Join the crew on the beautiful island of Lombok. This island is home to sugar white beaches, spectacular falls, and Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano. You leave all that behind as you set sail for Christmas Island (625NM). There are red crabs, sea birds, whale sharks, and spectacular coral reefs on the island, which is known as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. In three to four days, you reach the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The islands are almost perfectly circling each other, but only two of them are inhabited. Then you gather with other yachts for the crossing of the Indian Ocean. Settle in for the 2350NM journey.
Swim over coral reefs, learn about the Malay people, or simply relax on the beach. Estimations for crossing are somewhere between 12 and 18 days but the unknown is what makes an adventure an adventure. By the end of your first full day you will have found your rhythm. Watches will be running smoothly, galley duties allocated and the music playlist agreed upon! You will have deployed the fishing line and have found your sea legs. When you reach Port Louis, you will feel really accomplished. Not many people can say they have sailed across the Indian Ocean. With the airport only a 33 minute taxi ride away then things couldn’t be easier.
Leg 10 – Mauritius to South Africa – 27 October – 30 November 2024
Port Louis – Reunion Island – Richards Bay – Cape Town
Join the crew in Port Louis, just a 33 minute taxi ride from the international airport, as you prepare to set sail. Your first stop is the island of Reunion. You will spend about six days exploring this small piece of Europe set in the Indian Ocean. You prepare the food to be interesting and exotic because of the melting pot of cultures and nationalities absorbed into the cuisine. There have been 150 recorded eruptions of the volcano on Reunion since the 17th century – the most recent occurred in April 2021. You’re welcome to climb it!
The island offers hiking opportunities, as well as idyllic beaches. Your voyage from Reunion to Richards Bay is 1370NM (8-11 days). Hopefully, you will be able to get together with your fellow World Arc friends and explore the KwaZulu-Natal National Park. From Richards Bay, you will hop around the coast, stopping at Knysna Quays. Due to its sandstone cliffs, which separate it from the pounding surf of the Indian Ocean, this gem of South Africa stands out with its streets lined with cafes, galleries, independent shops, and seafood restaurants.
You can explore the Featherbed Nature Reserve and take guided hikes through Knysna forest, or travel along the famous Garden Route and Elephant park. Onward to your final destination of Cape Town where you will say your farewells.
Leg 11 – South Africa to Brazil – 09 January to 15 February 2025
Cape Town – Namibia – St Helena – Salvador da Bahia
Join the crew in Cape Town as you prepare to make the 785 NM (4-6 day) passage north to Namibia. A brief 3 – 4 days for recharge and exploration then west to St Helena. This tiny island lies 1215 NM west of the Atlantic Ocean is your next destination.
In addition to being the island of Napoleon’s exile, this island is also home to Jonathan, the oldest living animal on earth. This giant tortoise celebrated his 190th birthday in 2022. With its ancient wrecks, giant stairways, grand forts, natural wonders, and extraordinary walks, you will spend several days on this far-flung island. After being refreshed, you continue west for a passage of 1900NM (11-15 days) to Salvador, Brazil. This is an ideal place for farewell since there are direct flights from Europe (London 1 stop).
Leg 12 – Brazil to Grenada – 19 February to 27 March 2025
Salvador da Bahia – Cabadelo – Devils Island – St George’s
After arriving at El Salvador International Airport, join the marina and prepare to cruise the Brazilian coast. As you hop your way north through Carnival week, you will be sure to be wowed by the multi-coloured parades and pageants, with lots of dancing and singing to be heard. As you finish your Brazil adventure in Cabadelo, you meet your other World Arc adventurers and embark on the 1330NM (6-9 day) passage to Devils Island with your other World Arc adventurers.
Although it looks like a paradise with palm trees and sparkling waters, its beauty belies its horrifying truth. Tens of thousands of inmates died in this prison between 1852 and 1953 from malnutrition, disease, and futile escape attempts. It was the most feared prison in modern history. The horrific tales are left behind as you cruise through the Caribbean to Grenada. A 4 to 6 day passage. You bid your farewells at St George’s.
Leg 13 – Grenada to St Lucia – 02 April to 20 April 2025
St George’s – Grenadines and St Vincent – Rodney Bay
Begin your trip in St. George’s, Grenada’s capital, and spend the next two days preparing for your journey. Take some time to explore St. George’s harbour and Carenage Harbour, and take in the colourful homes, Georgian buildings and early 18th century Fort George that stands guard at the harbour.
The island of St. Lucia is a sailing wonder known for its volcanic scenery and perfect diving conditions. Anchor off in the north end of Rodney Bay marina, St. Lucia, where you will end your trip and have a prize giving for the whole of the World Arc Trip. Unwind and join one of the street parties that happen every Friday, where the roads are closed off in Gros Islet town, the party takes over, and the tastes and sounds of the Caribbean escape.
Grenada is a chain of islands, rich with history and wonderful things to do. Spend the day at Grand Anse Beach in St. George Paris paired with some underwater diving, or go on a spice tour at Dougaldston Spice Estate and discover Grenada’s rich history with spices.
Sail to the Grenadines and the archipelago of the Tobago Cays and stop off to explore their beauty. Very few islands are inhabited, but the ones offer amazing scenery. In the southern Grenadines sit the Tobago Cays, five beautiful, uninhabited islands surrounding a clear lagoon just waiting for you to snorkel and swim in. Catch sight of some local turtles and amazing coral, or visit one of the beaches or cays the area is famous for.
St. Vincent is a volcanic island made up of submerged volcanic mountains. Explore the island on foot through one of the forest trails and see some of the native flora and fauna. On the island sits the 1,234-metre active volcano of La Soufrière, which has impacted the island’s history.
When sailing the west coast of St. Vincent, you will pass by the Pitons and Marigot Bay. The Pitons are two dormant mountainous volcanic peaks in St. Lucia, made up of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, taken in the World Heritage Site. Pass through Marigot Bay in St. Lucia, an idyllic bay famous for being a backdrop to a few Hollywood movies.
At the end of your trip, sail up to the north end of Rodney Bay for the World Arc prize-giving to celebrate the end of the adventure.
