THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard VAHI for a 2.5–3.5 hour sail from downtown West Palm Beach and experience rare wing-like Chinese lug sails, close wildlife encounters, and golden-hour views around Peanut Island. Small-group charters led by Captain Xela make this an intimate, educational outing that’s equal parts sailing lesson and marine safari.
Step aboard VAHI for a 2.5–3.5 hour sail from downtown West Palm Beach and experience rare wing-like Chinese lug sails, close wildlife encounters, and golden-hour views around Peanut Island. Small-group charters led by Captain Xela make this an intimate, educational outing that’s equal parts sailing lesson and marine safari.
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Operated by XELA Expeditions · Riviera Beach, Florida
SAIL VAHI unfurls like a living museum of sailcraft off the coast of Palm Beach. Launching from 138 South Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33401 United States, this 2.5–3.5 hour outing puts you aboard VAHI, a 41-foot Polynesian-inspired catamaran whose double-masted Chinese lug sails look and move like wings. Under Captain Xela—an ocean guide, freedive instructor and boat builder—guests glide through the Intracoastal and around Peanut Island to explore warm, clear tropical waters, hunt for coastal wildlife, and watch the sun lower above the Atlantic.
VAHI’s broad, flat decks, forward and aft netting, and big boarding ladder make her both photogenic and practical for swimming or snorkeling when conditions allow. The sailplan is notable: Chinese lug sails are an ancient design, roughly 900 years old, that create dramatic silhouette and efficient power; when the wind is right, VAHI “flies” in a way modern rigs rarely match. That combination of old-world rigging and modern catamaran stability makes this an unusual day sail in South Florida.
The trip begins with a fast shuttle ride from the downtown docks, followed by a short briefing and an easy transfer aboard VAHI. The captain tailors each sail to wind and sea so you’ll spend more time under canvas when possible; motoring out to the ocean beyond the inlet happens only when necessary. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins riding the bow, sea turtles taking breaths, and coastal birds quartering the water. Peanut Island provides a scenic waypoint and a calm spot to anchor or snorkel.
SAIL VAHI is more than a pretty photo op. The crew offers sailing education—guests can help hoist the halyard or learn basic sailing principles—and Captain Xela’s years guiding wildlife expeditions inform a running commentary on local ecology. That local expertise turns a short sail into a compact marine-naturalist lesson, making it ideal for families, small groups, and anyone who wants a hands-on day on the water without committing to a full-day charter.
Practical notes: arrive 15 minutes early at the downtown dock, be ready to step across a short gap from shuttle to vessel, and consider reef-safe sunscreen. Alcohol is allowed responsibly; smoking is not. Whether you’re chasing golden-hour light, snorkeling in shallow reefs, or simply feeling the wind in the wing-like sails, VAHI delivers a distinctive and human-scale seafaring experience that stands out on the Palm Beach waterfront. Bookings are limited to small groups of 1–6 for an intimate outing; private customizations are available for celebrations, proposals, and photography-focused sails—ask about extended hours if you want more time at sunset or to push beyond the inlet when conditions allow. Contact Captain Xela directly to discuss accessibility and special requests.
Meet at 138 South Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33401 United States; arrive 15 minutes early for shuttle departure.
Standard sails run 2.5–3.5 hours; additional time can sometimes be added by request and subject to scheduling.
Snorkeling is possible when conditions allow; VAHI has a boarding ladder and plenty of deck space—bring your own gear or request rentals if available.
Boarding requires basic mobility to step from dock to shuttle and shuttle to VAHI; contact the operator if you weigh over 350 lbs, are elderly, or have limited mobility.
Guests 21+ may bring reasonable amounts of alcohol; smoking is strictly forbidden onboard.
Common sightings include bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles, plus coastal birds and occasional nearshore fish aggregations.
XELA Expeditions is a West Palm Beach, Florida-based adventure outfitter specializing in shark encounters, Bahamas expeditions, and freediving education. The company operates guided day and night shark drift dives, half-day Big Shark Drift outings, and multi-day Bahamas expeditions that include private accommodations and chef-prepared meals. XELA Expeditions conducts Molchanovs Wave 1 and Wave 2 freediving courses, teaching pool and open water skills up to advanced depths with a focus on safety and technique. All trips depart from the Palm Beach area aboard the eco-friendly Ghost Drifter and are led by Captain XELA and trained guides familiar with local currents, shark behavior, and marine conservation practices. The team emphasizes sustainable operations, extended water time for quality encounters, and small-group experiences to maximize safety and immersion. For Bahamas expeditions, itineraries feature diving with eagle rays, mangrove exploration, blue hole visits, and encounters with dolphins when opportunities arise. XELA Expeditions markets experiences to divers, snorkelers, and travelers seeking guided marine wildlife encounters with professional oversight. The company provides customizable multi-day trips and specialized freediving training, pairing technical instruction with practical safety protocols. Safety briefings, experienced leadership, and an eco-conscious vessel establish a foundation of trust for clients. Prospective guests can book specific trips such as the Seven Day Bahamas Expedition, Five Day Bahamas Expedition, Day Shark Dive, Night Shark Dive, and Big Shark Drift to match skill level and interest. Reservations, detailed itineraries, and safety prerequisites are available through the company’s booking channels, customer support, and worldwide travel partners for each listed experience.
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