Sailing Gentlyvideo

Short PACIFIC cruise

22 October 2023 · 20 min · 5K views · South Pacific Ocean

What this video covers

A Pacific circuit from Panama to the South Pacific islands and back requires careful seasonal planning and significant administrative preparation. Transiting the Panama Canal in early December allows cruisers to reach the Galapagos Islands before the Christmas winds intensify.7:46 Entry into the Galapagos necessitates a boat visa, which costs approximately $2,000 and requires an agent to secure, alongside mandatory hull cleaning in Panama to prevent invasive species.9:52 From the Galapagos, the passage to the Marquesas Islands takes roughly 25 days.6:12 Subsequent stops include the Tuamotu atolls, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the isolated Cook Island of Suvaroff.2:48 Returning to the Atlantic involves sailing east against prevailing currents or navigating the Straits of Magellan during the Southern Hemisphere summer.16:56 Cruisers should budget for canal transit fees, agent costs, and potential boat repairs in Tahiti.9:33 While the route demands rigorous preparation and adherence to local regulations, it offers a manageable, downwind passage for those avoiding a full circumnavigation.

Watch on YouTube

More from Sailing Gently

Cruising through the Panama CanalOct 2026Blue Water CruisingOct 2026Struck by LightningSept 2026My Caribbean MarinaJul 2026

From Sailing Gently — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue