This isn’t a cruise.
It’s a life shared under sail.
Since 2004, Karaka has welcomed people from around the world to sail, learn, work together and explore remote places.
Become crewWhat is Karaka?
A boat, a crew,
a different rhythm.
Karaka isn’t a passenger boat. Everyone becomes part of the crew and contributes to daily life on board.
Discover Karaka →Live as a crew
Share the everyday life of a small crew where everyone contributes, supports each other and creates memories together.
Learn more about life aboard →
Become more capable
Learn by doing. From sailing and cooking to freediving, spearfishing, repairs and problem solving, everyday life aboard is the best classroom.
Explore sailing and life at sea →
Rediscover simplicity
Slow down, explore and reconnect. Discover remote anchorages, vibrant reefs, local communities and simple moments, whether you’re snorkeling, making music, sketching or simply watching the sunset.
Explore our philosophy →
Before you apply
Is Karaka for you?
There is no perfect profile. What matters most is your attitude: curiosity, team spirit and the desire to take part.
You may love Karaka if…
- You want a genuine human adventure, far from mainstream tourism.
- You enjoy sharing daily life, helping others and making compromises.
- You are excited to learn life at sea, teamwork and self-reliance.
- You can live simply, without abundant water, comfort or constant internet.
- You are flexible about schedules and willing to take initiative.
Karaka probably isn’t for you if…
- You are mainly looking for a cheap passage or an organised holiday.
- You expect privacy, comfort, service or a fixed itinerary.
- You need constant internet or struggle to disconnect.
- You want someone else to organise everyday life for you.
- Your personal project always comes before the needs of the crew.
Applying does not guarantee a place. We speak with each candidate and build a balanced crew for every journey.
Understand the complete plan →Meet Tom & Emma
The people you’ll share this life with.
Karaka is our home, and we’re here year-round. For many years, we’ve welcomed new crew to share this way of life with us. Every crew is different, but our goal remains the same: to create an environment where people feel welcome, grow in confidence, and enjoy the adventure together.
We don’t believe there’s only one way to experience life at sea. But we do believe that trust, curiosity, and a willingness to help one another are what make a crew work.
Current voyage
From Colombia
to Panama.
Karaka is currently in Cartagena, Colombia. The next journey will take us towards Panama, with the route shaped by weather, conditions and life along the way.
Current crew positions are full, but new opportunities open regularly.
If you’d like to hear about future voyages, join Sail with Karaka →
Think you’d enjoy this way of life?
Come aboard
as crew.
Take the time to understand life aboard. If the project still feels right, tell us who you are and why you want to join.
Become crew Support Karaka →