Exchange / Paid Boarding

Ikigai Sailing is a life project, a voyage around the world in stages, blending sailing, exploration, personal growth, and immersion in nature.

Category:

Description

Join the Ikigai Crew

On board Ikigai, a 14-meter Catana 47 performance catamaran, we don’t just offer unique experiences of sailing, freediving, kitesurfing, and ocean life: we are building a community.

If you feel the call of the ocean and want to challenge yourself, there are two ways to become part of our crew:

Volunteers

Do you want to learn, grow, and gain hands-on experience on board?

We are looking for motivated people who wish to approach the world of sailing and the disciplines we practice: sailing, freediving, kitesurfing, apnea, and onboard life management.

  • You will dedicate about 2–3 hours a day to support activities (boat management, small tasks, assisting the crew).
  • In return, you will have free boarding and the opportunity to experience the sea as a true protagonist.
  • You will share common expenses with all of us by contributing to the onboard fund (cassa di bordo).

Skill Exchange

We also welcome volunteers who want to contribute with their professional skills instead of daily practical tasks.

If you are a videomaker, storyteller, travel blogger, photographer, or content creator, you can propose a collaboration based on exchange: boarding in return for your services.

This is the perfect opportunity if you have little sea experience and want to learn in the field, or if you want to put your creative talent to use while living and telling a unique adventure.

Professionals

If you already have experience in the nautical sector and want to contribute in a more specific way, we are looking for hostesses and deckhands with skills in boat management and maintenance.

  • You can apply as an experienced crew member.
  • We offer a dynamic and stimulating environment, where your skills will be valued and put at the service of the project.

Why apply?

  • To live the sea as a home, not just as a simple vacation.
  • To be part of a project that combines sport, nature, and community.
  • To grow as a person and as a sailor, sharing experiences and responsibilities.
  • To contribute with your work or creative skills to an authentic and ever-evolving project.

Send your application

Tell us who you are, your experience, and why you want to join Ikigai. Whether you are a volunteer seeking adventure, a creative wishing to exchange your skills, or a professional ready to give concrete support, our crew is waiting for you.

Logistic

Your journey to IKIGAI begins with your arrival at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, with flights typically scheduled for the afternoon or evening.

Because of this, an overnight stay in the capital will be necessary, offering you the perfect opportunity to explore the city and perhaps stroll through the charming alleys of Casco Viejo, its UNESCO World Heritage historic center.

The choice of hotel is entirely up to you, ensuring maximum flexibility. Transfers from the airport to your hotel and back are included, as are the round-trip transfers to the San Blas Islands.

The following morning, a private taxi shuttle will pick you up directly from your hotel, driving you towards the Caribbean coast. After about two and a half hours traveling through the picturesque Guna Yala forest, a local boat will take you to IKIGAI, where you’ll arrive around 10:30 AM.

At the end of your stay, on departure day, you’ll follow the same route in reverse: a local boat will pick you up from IKIGAI at dawn, taking you to the mainland, where a taxi shuttle will drive you directly to the airport, in time for your return flight.

The entire journey will be organized by us in collaboration with trusted local contacts, guaranteeing you smooth and secure logistics from the beginning to the end of your experience. For any special needs, such as early flights, delays, or extended stays, please let us know in advance so we can find the most suitable solution together.