Pelorus Travel expedition will search for sunken treasure near Panama
Want to embark on a treasure hunt for $24 million in gold, silver and gems?
Look no further than Pelorus Travel. The bespoke luxury tour operator is offering a rare and ambitious experience this summer: to participate in a hunt for the Maurepas shipwreck and its treasure.
The ship disappeared in 1699 near the Isthmus of Darien. The Guna people, an indigenous community in Panama, has known the shipwreck's location but kept it secret to protect their waters, Pelorus said. Diving in their waters is forbidden.
But now, the community has granted exclusive access to the tour operator to try to unearth the fortune. If the treasure is located, 70% of the sales will go to the Guna Yala community and each treasure hunter will receive 4.94% return of the 30% share of the sales, the operator said.
The expedition will be operated June through November alongside the Ocean X team and is also the subject of a documentary. Travelers will receive a $25,000 bonus from the film if the lost treasure is located.
Pelorus is billing this adventure as a once-in-lifetime opportunity. The itinerary will feature the opportunity to explore the Guna Yala waters on a luxury catamaran or yacht; go diving to explore the seabed alongside the Ocean X team; and connect with the Guna people.
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Travel Weekly
9 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Pelorus Travel expedition will search for sunken treasure near Panama
Want to embark on a treasure hunt for $24 million in gold, silver and gems? Look no further than Pelorus Travel. The bespoke luxury tour operator is offering a rare and ambitious experience this summer: to participate in a hunt for the Maurepas shipwreck and its treasure. The ship disappeared in 1699 near the Isthmus of Darien. The Guna people, an indigenous community in Panama, has known the shipwreck's location but kept it secret to protect their waters, Pelorus said. Diving in their waters is forbidden. But now, the community has granted exclusive access to the tour operator to try to unearth the fortune. If the treasure is located, 70% of the sales will go to the Guna Yala community and each treasure hunter will receive 4.94% return of the 30% share of the sales, the operator said. The expedition will be operated June through November alongside the Ocean X team and is also the subject of a documentary. Travelers will receive a $25,000 bonus from the film if the lost treasure is located. Pelorus is billing this adventure as a once-in-lifetime opportunity. The itinerary will feature the opportunity to explore the Guna Yala waters on a luxury catamaran or yacht; go diving to explore the seabed alongside the Ocean X team; and connect with the Guna people.
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And fortunately for me, I was staying at the newest hotel on the island, which has no shortage of turquoise ocean views: The St. Regis Aruba Resort. The hotel feels like an extension of the sandy beach it occupies, with shades of white and beige paired with wooden furniture and decorative accents. Along with the nature-inspired palette and decor, another recurring theme throughout the accommodations and public areas is spaciousness, which also felt like a continuation of the endless turquoise expanse just outside the hotel's doors. Oliver Reschreiter, the resort's general manager, explained that the interiors indeed draw inspiration from the island's abundant natural beauty and cultural richness, as well as the Casibari Rock Formations, Aruba's monolithic boulder phenomena. "The St. Regis Aruba Resort's design blends Dutch-Caribbean culture with the storied legacy of The St. Regis Brand," Reschreiter added. 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St. Regis is famous for creating the bloody mary back in 1934 at The St. Regis New York's King Cole Bar, and here, guests can take a complimentary daily class to learn how to prepare the classic cocktail, or one with an Aruban twist—the Bon Bini Mary is made with lime, habanero, and the island's iconic papaya hot sauce. Private classes are also available for $60 per person. During my visit, the hotel coordinated a private tour of the island with De Palm Tours that took us to key spots like California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, the Ayo Rock Formations, Baby Natural Bridge, and a detour to San Nicolaas, the island's second largest city boasting a thriving street art scene. However, if you would rather spend your days being pampered at the hotel, book a cabana ($350; excluding the service charge) and enjoy some snorkelling time. Don't miss another St. Regis staple—the evening Champagne sabrage taking place daily on the hotel's terrace. Interior of a Spa Treatment Room. 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