After years spent exploring the Caribbean, Ikigai is preparing to begin a new chapter of her journey around the world.
From the islands of Panama, we plan to sail north along Central America’s Pacific coast until we reach Baja California, Mexico. We hope to spend the winter there, exploring the Sea of Cortez and its islands, before turning south again to prepare for our Pacific Ocean crossing.
A new chapter in our journey
Until the end of May 2027, we will continue living and sharing our experiences in the Guna Yala archipelago, the San Blas Islands.
In June, we plan a short sail to Bocas del Toro, followed by a passage through the Panama Canal and time exploring some of the islands off Panama’s Pacific coast.
Ikigai will then be hauled out at a boatyard, where we intend to focus on maintenance and preparation for the long passages ahead.
Our aim is to return to sea between late October and November 2027, making our way north along Central America’s Pacific coast towards the Baja California peninsula.
The exact route, stops and dates will depend on sea and weather conditions, as well as the time needed to prepare the boat.
Why Baja California?
Some places draw us in long before we have ever been there.
Baja California is one of them.
A long peninsula where the desert meets the sea, mountains overlook secluded bays, and the landscape keeps changing with the land, the water and the light.
The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is home to exceptional marine biodiversity. Whales, dolphins, sea lions and many other species inhabit its waters.
Yet what fascinates us is not just the richness of its nature. It is the chance to explore it slowly, following the wind, lingering in anchorages that invite us to stay and making room to encounter a world so different from the Caribbean we have come to know.
For Ikigai, sailing also means this: continuing to discover the world, while never losing the feeling that we are part of the nature around us.
A winter between sea and desert
We hope to spend December, January and part of the winter season exploring Baja California and the Sea of Cortez.
As always, our days will follow the rhythm of the sea and the natural conditions around us.
We will sail when conditions allow, explore bays and islands, go ashore for walks through desert landscapes and make time for snorkeling, freediving and observing marine life.
We will continue to cultivate what makes life aboard Ikigai what it is: movement, conscious breathing, meditation, food prepared with care and the pleasure of sharing unhurried days.
No rigid schedule, no rush from one attraction to the next.
Just the desire to truly get to know the places we travel through.
Christmas and New Year in Baja California
Our hope is to spend Christmas and New Year 2027 in the Sea of Cortez, surrounded by these landscapes and by the company of those who choose to share this part of the journey with us.
A different way to experience this time of year: the sea as our home, nature as our companion and enough time to enjoy simple things.
This part of the programme is still taking shape. We will share itineraries, boarding possibilities and participation details once they are more clearly defined.
Towards the great crossing
In February 2028, we expect to head south again, towards mainland Mexico, in the La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Puerto Vallarta area.
It will be the final stage of preparation before our next great adventure.
Our aim is to set sail in early March 2028, crossing the Pacific Ocean to reach the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.
Explore our planned Pacific crossing
Would you like to join us?
We are still defining the routes, dates and boarding arrangements for the winter of 2027–2028.
We hope to welcome people who would like to share periods of life aboard with us, sailing and exploring Baja California at Ikigai’s pace and in her spirit.
Bookings are not open yet. You can, however, leave us your contact details to receive updates as the programme takes shape.
The programme is indicative and may change according to weather, navigational safety and the operational needs of the boat.