Pelorus is inviting travellers to join a real shipwreck salvage mission in Panama, diving for artefacts from a 17th-century French frigate while living aboard a private yacht. Robbie Hodges reports

Experiential travel company Pelorus is offering travellers the chance to take part in a live underwater salvage operation in Panama, centred on the wreck of the Maurepas, a French frigate that sank in 1699 carrying gold, silver and jewels.

The ship was reportedly transporting treasure gifted by Charles II of Spain to King Louis XIV of France to support his war efforts against Britain. More than three centuries later, the wreck remains in the waters of the San Blas archipelago, within a protected marine region.

Pelorus has already completed an initial phase of the project with clients earlier in 2026. It is now opening the next stage to new guests, who will be able to join the active recovery mission alongside specialist teams including Deep Blue Explorers and Ocean X.

The seven-night itinerary places travellers at the centre of the operation. Guests will take part in guided salvage dives, observe how artefacts are recovered and documented, and spend time with the explorers, filmmakers and historians working on the expedition. The experience is designed to give participants a direct role in the process rather than simply observing from a distance.

During the trip, travellers will also visit the Guna Yala community, the Indigenous people who live across the San Blas islands. Pelorus says the expedition has been developed in partnership with the community, with a focus on supporting local livelihoods and recognising their long-standing relationship with the surrounding waters.

A key feature of the experience is the opportunity for guests to acquire artefacts recovered during the mission. Participants are given first right of acquisition on items that are not designated for museum collections. Each object will be independently valued before any public sale, allowing travellers to take ownership of pieces linked directly to the shipwreck.

Accommodation is provided on a fully crewed catamaran or private yacht, which serves as both a base for diving operations and a way to explore the surrounding islands. The setup combines expedition logistics with a more comfortable onboard environment, including full board dining, drinks and crew support.

The journey will also be documented by a professional film crew producing a feature documentary. Guests have the option to appear in the film, adding another layer to the experience as both participants and on-screen contributors.

Geordie Mackay-Lewis, co-founder and CEO of Pelorus, says: "This is an exciting opportunity to join the inner circle and discover what it’s like to be a modern day explorer, uncovering the Maurepas’s treasure and enjoying the rare access to a fascinating salvage operation."

Prices for the seven-night Maurepas Treasure Hunt start from £175,000 for a group of eight guests, including all diving and salvage equipment, guiding and onboard accommodation. Smaller group options are also available, with pricing from £100,000 for two participants, £128,000 for four and £160,000 for six.

The concept reflects a wider shift in high-end travel towards participatory experiences, where guests take an active role in scientific, cultural or exploratory projects. In this case, the appeal lies in combining historical discovery with hands-on involvement, offering travellers a rare level of access to an ongoing underwater recovery mission.