From Colima
12 Days in the Most Remote and Least-Known French Territory
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to discover Clipperton Atoll — one of the most isolated and mysterious French territories.
This unique journey brings you aboard The Perseverance, an eco-friendly ship specially designed for comfortable ocean exploration. Accompanied by marine and birdlife specialists, you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe the untouched wildlife and ecosystems of Clipperton.
A dedicated scientific team will be conducting research on the impact of microplastics on seabirds and coral reefs, and will join us for the return leg of the journey to share insights and findings.
This is a one-time expedition — no future trips open to the public are currently planned. Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to be part of a truly unforgettable experience.
Tour leader
Manuel Grosselet
From
€12,600 (departure from Manzanillo)
Housing
Expert guide
Authentic Local food
Local transportation
Car insurance
24/7 Support
Swarovski Optik
Next tour
22 November 2025
Trusted by World travellers
Embark on a unique and unforgettable journey across the Pacific Ocean to one of the most remote and least-known French territories: Clipperton Atoll.
This is not just a trip — it’s a true scientific expedition open to the public. Sail aboard the eco-friendly Perseverance, accompanied by expert ornithologists and marine researchers, on a 1,300 km pelagic route from Manzanillo, Mexico, to Clipperton.
This expedition is designed for comfort and learning, offering a rare chance to explore the open sea and a pristine atoll teeming with birdlife. Upon arrival, we will land and explore the island, home to hundreds of breeding boobies and other seabird species.
As night falls, enjoy incredible opportunities for astrophotography under a perfectly dark sky, free of light pollution — an ideal setting for capturing the stars.
Seabirds such as White Terns, both Black and Brown Noddies, several tern species, boobies, shearwaters, and storm-petrels will accompany us along the way. With luck, we may even encounter Markham’s Storm-Petrel — a species that could be new for Mexican waters.
This journey is more than birding; it’s a collaborative scientific mission. The onboard research team will study the effects of microplastics on seabirds and coral reefs and will share their knowledge with participants during the return trip. This is your chance to take part in conservation-focused ecotourism and contribute to ocean awareness.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No future trips to Clipperton are currently planned for the public.
Highlights
- Sail aboard the renowned Perseverance, an eco-friendly vessel
- Visit one of the most remote atolls on Earth
- Travel with experienced bird specialists and scientists
- Comfortable onboard cabins and relaxed sailing
- See rare and seldom-seen seabird species
- Contribute to and learn from cutting-edge oceanic research on microplastic pollution
13°C to 33°C / 55 °F to 90 °F
Temperature
6 to 8
Peoples
Key birds in Clipperton
5% of the trip cost is donated to bird banding stations in Oaxaca.
Itinerary
Day 1 to 2 - Paris – Manzanillo
Arrival in the coastal city of Manzanillo in the morning. Meet Manuel Grosselet, your expert birding guide for the trip.
Depending on your schedule and interests, enjoy either free time or guided birdwatching around Manzanillo with Manuel to explore the species of the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Possible sightings include: White-faced Jay, San Blas Jay, Cheerful Wren, Yellow-winged Oriole, Heermann’s Gull, Elegant Tern, Citrine Tanager, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, Roseate Spoonbill, Blue Heron, Brown Pelican, Elegant Woodpecker, Social Flycatcher, Long-tailed Grackle, Wagler’s Rail, Canebrake Ani, Squirrel Cuckoo, Great Horned Owl…
Boarding the Perseverance in the evening.
Days 2 to 4: High Seas Crossing in the Pacific Ocean
Welcome aboard and introduction to the scientific team and expedition program. Departure from Manzanillo heading west toward the unknown — Clipperton Atoll.
Three days of open-sea navigation, with the endless blue ocean as your only horizon and pelagic seabirds surrounding the ship (storm-petrels, puffins, frigatebirds, gulls, terns, etc.).
Onboard lectures cover marine biodiversity, ecological challenges, and the unique features of Clipperton. Learn about the management and conservation of marine protected areas.
Evenings will be dedicated to stargazing under a pristine, light-pollution-free sky.
Days 5 to 8: Clipperton Atoll
Approach the surreal vision of Clipperton Atoll in the middle of the Pacific.
Step foot on an uninhabited land and familiarize yourself with the exploration sites. Meet the LPO (BirdLife France) scientific team who have been working on-site for several weeks.
Activities during these 4 days on land include:
- Birdwatching and photography
- Snorkeling among coral reefs, tropical fish, sharks, and manta rays
- Scientific walks across the atoll, exploring seabird colonies and invasive crab populations
- Beach explorations
- Evening debriefings and discussions with scientists, sharing experiences and discoveries under the stars
- Optional camping on the island with sleeping bags if desired
Key locations to visit: Clipperton Rock, Bougainville Grove (coconut trees), the central lagoon, and southeast coral reefs… and for birders, thousands of nesting seabirds and rare migratory species.
Nesting birds: Masked Booby, Cocos Booby, Grant’s Booby, Red-footed Booby, Fuliginous Tern, Red-billed Tropicbird, Brown Noddy, Black Noddy, Pacific Frigatebird, White Tern, Puffin, American Coot, and American Moorhen.
Migratory birds (varies greatly, often with surprises): Magnificent Frigatebird, Violet-green Swallow, White-cheeked Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Black-headed Duck, Osprey, Ringed Kingfisher, Rufous Hummingbird, Bronze-winged Sandpiper, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Kelp Gull, Prairie Falcon, and various warblers…
Days 9 to 11: Return Voyage Across the Pacific Ocean
Three more days at sea, with opportunities to continue observing new pelagic bird species with the expert eyes of your guide, Manuel Grosselet.
Continue sharing experiences with the onboard scientists and savor the final moments on the blue waters of the Pacific.
Return to Manzanillo on Day 11, with a transformed perspective.
Day 12: Manzanillo
Morning free time or optional final birding session with Manuel Grosselet before your return flight.
Flight back to Paris via Mexico City.
Day 13: Paris
Cost
Guide
Manuel Grosselet
Next date
From November 22 to December 4, 2025
6 spots left
Cost
€12,600 (departure from Manzanillo)
€14,000 (departure from Paris, flight cost covered).
Or contact us via WhastApp
Included
- Full board accommodation aboard the sailing vessel Perseverance , in shared cabins with bunk beds.
- Sailing from Day 3 to Day 12, including landings at Clipperton Atoll.
- Guided by Manuel Grosselet, with onboard activities led by the Perseverance team.
- Round-trip economy-class flights between Paris and Manzanillo.
- Donations to partner associations.
Not Included
- Private cabin options : Double bed cabin (larger cabin for 2 people): +€2,550 per person. Shared bunk cabin (private): +€6,930. Double bed private cabin: +€10,836. Single cabin option (subject to availability upon request): price on request.
- Tips and other personal expenses.
- Alcoholic beverages not included in the meal plan.
- Transportation from or to your home to the meeting point (train station, accommodation, etc.) or to/from the airport for flights.
- In case of air travel: additional flight surcharges for excess baggage or fuel increases.
- Optional multi-risk travel insurance.
Costs related to force majeure situations not attributable to Escursia (e.g., adverse weather conditions, geopolitical issues, etc.).
