In 2026, the Brigantine NEPTUN sets sail on an extraordinary homecoming voyage, carrying crew and trainees across the world’s great oceans toward a triumphant return to Marstal in August 2027.

From Palau to Bali, across the Indian Ocean to South Africa, onward over the South Atlantic to Brazil, and through the Caribbean into North America and Europe — every leg combines seamanship, adventure, and cultural discovery.

On board NEPTUN, you are not a passenger. You are part of the crew. Together with our captains and professional team, you will stand watch, set sails, navigate, and learn traditional seamanship while exploring iconic ports and remote anchorages.

The journey begins 3 January 2026 in Palau and runs through December, divided into four sailing legs followed by a yard period in Trinidad:

1. Leg 1 (3. Jan – 1. May): Palau → Philippines → Borneo → Singapore → Bali
2. Leg 2 (1. May – 1. Aug): Bali → Cocos Islands → Mauritius → Reunion → Madagascar → South Africa
3. Leg 3 (1. Aug – 1. Nov): South Africa → Namibia → Atlantic crossing → St. Helena → Brazil
4. Leg 4 (1. Nov – 15. Dec): Brazil → Surinam → Trinidad

1. Palau to the Philippines

The first leg of NEPTUN’s 2026 voyage begins in Palau, famous for its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and dramatic limestone islands. It’s a paradise for divers and sailors alike, and the perfect starting point for the year ahead.

From Palau, NEPTUN sails westward to the Philippines, where the crew takes part in a short shipyard period. This is not just maintenance — it’s hands-on training. Trainees learn seamanship at its most practical level: working aloft on rigging, assisting with repairs, and seeing first-hand what it takes to keep a tall ship ocean-ready.

Beyond the shipyard, the Philippines offers rich culture and natural wonders. From bustling harbors to quiet island anchorages, it’s a place where history, tradition, and modern life intertwine — and where the crew experiences both the working side of seamanship and the welcoming spirit of island life.

2. Borneo: Into the Wild

From the Philippines, NEPTUN heads south to Borneo, home to some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on the planet. Here, rainforest meets sea, and towering mountains rise above dense jungle. For the crew, it’s a chance to witness rare wildlife, explore riverside towns, and see first-hand the cultures of one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse islands.

Anchoring off Borneo, trainees balance life at sea with the opportunity to step ashore into landscapes that feel untouched by time. It’s an immersion into raw nature and a reminder of the sheer scale of the voyage.

3. Singapore and the Strait

Next, the ship sails into one of the busiest waterways in the world — the Singapore Strait. Here, the contrast could not be sharper: from the quiet of Borneo’s jungles to the dazzling skyline of Singapore.

Sailing a tall ship into Singapore is an education in navigation, traffic management, and teamwork. Ashore, there’s time to experience the city’s unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and traditions — a crossroads of Asia where east meets west.

Leg 1 concludes in Bali, a destination known worldwide for its beauty, spirituality, and warm hospitality. After months of training and thousands of nautical miles, crew and trainees arrive in one of the most iconic islands of Southeast Asia.

3. Bali: A Sailor’s Landfall

In Bali, volcanic landscapes, lush rice terraces, and vibrant ceremonies provide an unforgettable backdrop. It’s the ideal finale for the first leg of the voyage: a chance to rest, reflect, and prepare for the great ocean crossings ahead.

1. Cocos Islands

Sailing west from Bali, NEPTUN makes landfall at the remote Cocos Islands. These sparsely inhabited coral atolls, with their turquoise lagoons and palm-fringed beaches, feel like a world apart. The crew will find out why the island group is called “Australia’s Galapagos” and discover all kinds of rare marine life.

2. Mauritius

The passage continues across the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, an island of dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and cultural crossroads. Here, crew step ashore to explore a blend of African, Asian, and European influences while enjoying a welcome break after weeks at sea. Mauritius is also home to a large group of giant tortoises that are well worth a visit!

3. Réunion

The voyage pauses at Réunion Island, where the brigantine NEPTUN comes to rest after a long passage. Stepping ashore in Le Port, the crew finds a mix of French charm and Creole life — open markets, fresh spices, and warm island welcome. Towering volcanic peaks rise inland, from the calm Piton des Neiges to the fiery Piton de la Fournaise, with black-sand beaches and winding mountain roads in between. It’s a rugged, beautiful place and a fitting stop before the next ocean crossing begins.

4. Madagascar

The voyage then reaches Madagascar, a land of extraordinarily unique biodiversity and coastal communities shaped by centuries of maritime life. Anchoring along its wild shores gives crew the chance to experience rare wildlife and rich traditions. Due to geographical isolation, this is an opportunity to see hundreds of species of plants and animals that exist nowhere else in the world, such as the famous lemurs.

5. South Africa & Capetown

This leg culminates in one of the great milestones of sailing: rounding the Cape of Good Hope. Arriving in South Africa marks the successful completion of a full Indian Ocean crossing — a true seamanship achievement that will remain with every crewmember for life! Crew will have the chance to learn why brightly colored Capetown has been repeatedly called the best city in the world and the best city for travelers.

1. Namibia

After departing South Africa, NEPTUN sails north along Namibia’s stark Atlantic coastline. Here, desert meets ocean in dramatic fashion, with rolling dunes dropping straight into the sea. It’s a land of wide horizons, unique wildlife, and cultural encounters that feel worlds away from the bustle of port cities.

2. The Atlantic Corssing

Leaving the African coast behind, NEPTUN embarks on the great South Atlantic passage. This is classic bluewater sailing — days and nights of watchkeeping, celestial navigation, and teamwork under vast skies. It’s a demanding and rewarding experience that forges true seamanship and camaraderie among the crew.

3. St. Helena

Mid-ocean, the ship reaches the legendary island of St. Helena — once a vital waypoint for centuries of sailing ships and the place of Napoleon’s exile. Remote and mountainous, the island offers crew the chance to step into history, hike rugged trails, and experience the isolation that has shaped its character.

3. Brazil

This leg concludes on the vibrant coast of Brazil, where the rhythms of South America welcome the crew ashore. From bustling ports to tropical landscapes, Brazil provides a colorful and celebratory landfall after weeks at sea. It’s the perfect finale to the South Atlantic crossing and a milestone in every sailor’s logbook.

1. Brazil

The voyage begins on Brazil’s vast Atlantic coast, where lively port cities meet stretches of wild, tropical shoreline. From colonial waterfronts to remote anchorages fringed with rainforest, Brazil is a colorful and welcoming starting point. Here the crew makes final preparations before setting out to sea, leaving behind samba rhythms and bustling markets as NEPTUN heads north.

2. Surinam

Continuing up the continent, NEPTUN makes landfall in Surinam. A cultural crossroads where Dutch, Caribbean, and South American influences meet, Surinam offers a unique mix of colonial architecture, tropical forests, and warm local hospitality. It’s a rare and fascinating stop few travelers ever reach.

3. Trinidad

The year concludes in Trinidad, gateway to the Caribbean. Known for its lively culture, rich traditions, and vibrant music, Trinidad provides a celebratory finale to the 2026 voyage. For crew and trainees, it’s both a moment of achievement after months at sea and the exciting beginning of NEPTUN’s Caribbean circuit in 2027.

A Voyage of Discovery

This part of the circumnavigation across Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic is more than a passage — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure aboard the 30-meter brigantine NEPTUN. Sailing from the remote islands of Palau and the Philippines, through the busy straits of Singapore and the spice-laden waters of Borneo and Bali, across the vast Indian Ocean to Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar, and South Africa, and onward through the South Atlantic to Brazil and the Caribbean, this journey offers an unmatched chance to explore cultures and seas few travelers ever reach.

For adventurous spirits, it is an invitation to step away from the rush of modern life and move with the rhythm of wind and sail. Days are spent standing watch, navigating, and working the rig; nights bring stars over open ocean and the quiet satisfaction of a ship well run.

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or completely new to tall ship life, NEPTUN offers hands-on training in traditional seamanship — sail handling, navigation, maintenance, and watchkeeping. Each leg is a blend of challenge, learning, and discovery, turning distant oceans and unfamiliar coasts into a personal adventure and a true growth experience at sea.

The NEPTUN world voyage offers a rare chance to combine global exploration with true hands-on tall ship sailing. Joining this crew means more than travel — it’s about learning the art of seamanship while crossing some of the planet’s greatest oceans.

This adventure is perfect for anyone seeking personal growth and an authentic connection to the sea — building confidence, resilience, and community while exploring some of the world’s most striking and seldom-visited regions.