2026-3 | FALKEN | Costa Rica-Galapagos
The exotic Galapagos Archipelago is FALKEN’s destination after having spent a month in routine maintenance in Costa Rica. Join the boat in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica and get ready to sail south towards the famed islands explored and documented by Darwin. This is an 800-mile offshore passage, so will be roughly 5 days at sea, yet we’ve allowed ample time to explore the Galapagos islands on arrival.
The Passage
Rough itinerary
All 59º North passages are very much subject to weather. We pick our routes based on the "correct" time of year to be sailing in the different regions we visit, and we always build-in enough time to give us some margin for weather windows. The skipper has final say on departure dates and weather windows, but generally speaking, the intinerary for this passage will look like this:
March 17, 2026
Crew arrive to FALKEN at 1300 in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica. FALKEN orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard FALKEN.
Prep Days
Between the joining and departure dates, all pre-passage preparation, provisioning, and safety briefings will be completed. The specific pre-departure schedule will be outlined and posted onboard FALKEN by the skipper.
March 19, 2026
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
March 29, 2026
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart FALKEN from San Cristobal, Galapagos.
PASSAGE DETAILS
We are planning to end the passage in San Cristobal, Galapagos, there are no marinas in the Galapagos and we’ll be on anchor in the harbor.
To help you plan your flights, there are two airports in Galapagos, on San Cristobal and Seymour Airport on Baltra Island. You can fly out from either, there is a ferry in between the two islands. Things may change and if we would end up on a different island, there are inter-island flights and ferries so please come with a flexible attitude.
We will not be cruising the Galapagos islands when we arrive and encourage you to explore the islands on your own, after the passage.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Playa Flamingo
San Cristobal
Weather conditions
Expect a warm, tropical passage that starts settled but turns increasingly lively as you near the equator, with steady trades filling in and a few squally patches keeping the crew on their toes—generally a fast, downwind-favored ride.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
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Why it costs what it costs...
"Adventure, education, majesty... I can't imagine a better pair to introduce people to the sublime enterprise of offshore sailing. This trip will always live amongst my cherished memories. Thank you!"
"What an incredible experience! I am so grateful to have been on the leg from Reykjavik to Stornoway over the solar eclipse. ISBJØRN is an incredible ship—sturdy, safe, comfortable (not to mention her amazing and somewhat scandalous history!). Feeling ever grateful to 59º North for this journey."
"Sailing on ISBJØRN with Captain Naxo during the Sail Training Camp was an incredible experience. His ability to adapt his teaching to each person's skill level built confidence throughout the crew and turned us into a cohesive team. I wholeheartedly recommend 59º North and Captain Naxo."
"As this was my first major passage, I wasn't sure what to expect. You have to have a lot of respect for people who choose offshore sailing for their profession. Erik and Ben were top-notch professionals, and my experience with 59º North was great!"
"I had always wanted to do an ocean crossing but never felt comfortable doing it myself. Experiencing a bucket list item with 59º North was deeply special and has me considering how I can design my life for more adventures like this. Thank you for creating 59º North and allowing others to experience the magic of the seven seas!"
"This was my second trip with 59º North, my first being a fantastic heavy weather crossing of the Irish Sea on ISBJØRN. I signed up for the Canary Islands to Caribbean trip, thrilled to be chosen as crew. The attention to detail in equipment, vessels, and crew at 59º North is world class, making ocean sailing both safe and unforgettable. I will definitely be sailing again with 59º North."
"59º North runs the most professional offshore training program you can find, and it shows in their professionalism, leadership, skill, and service. I felt honored to be part of the maiden voyage of FALKEN—she's a beauty, and the 59º North refit crew did an amazing job! Shout out to Nikki Henderson (Captain) and Alex Laline (Mate) for inspiring, knowledgeable, and caring leadership. I can't imagine having a better experience with any other."
THE BOAT
Farr 65
'
FALKEN
'
🇬🇧
FALKEN is ideally set up for long-distance offshore sailing. We fully rebuilt the boat in 2022 to our exacting specifications and with the help of legendary yacht designer Bob Perry. She's comfortable belowdecks and each crew has their own dedicated sea berth & gear locker. On deck she has a huge cockpit which easily seats 10 people for our daily meals offshore, and allows for plenty of room to move about when handling lines and trimming sails. She's also easy to maintain, fast and fun to sail! FALKEN sails with 8 crew plus a Skipper & Mate and the occasional apprentice.
packing lists & notes
Between Passages
After some nice rest and time to explore the Galapagos, it's now time to welcome a new crew to FALKEN and start a new adventure!
Galapablog
You’d think this crew bonding is borne on the back of shared mild discomfort - life’s steadfast instructor. But we have all of the mod cons - showers 2 - 3 times a day*, ice in our drinks **, great food (without fail!).
Life of luxury
Today started with a Blue-Footed Booby on the bow amongst his Red-Footed, Nazca, and Brown Booby friends.
A Dark & Stormy Night
We were guided by the Southern Cross off the bow, and approximately 35 Brown Boobies who were hitching a ride.
Under Way!
AND WE WENT SWIMMING TODAY!
Lectures and food
Big thumbs up to the crew for listening to my voice for that long.
Playa Flamingo, Gyrocopter Style
I can’t say that taking a spin in a gyrocopter was on my 59° North bingo card.