Dive into History

And discover the lost Maurepas Treasures

June - Nov 2025


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STEP BACK IN TIME

In 1699, a 17th-Century French frigate, Maurepas, carried gold, silver, and jewels for King Louis XIV of France, a gift from Charles II of Spain, to fund his war against Britain.  

Records from the Darien Papers document that the ship never made it to Europe and the Maurepas met its fate near the Scottish Colony of "The Isthmus of Darien," an area that remains uninhabited and isolated to this day. 

The French Captain, Duvivier Thomas, miraculously survived and was among the 22 survivors out of a total crew of 56. Captain Duvivier stayed for three months, determined to find a way to salvage the treasure. However, the relentless sea had already buried the wreck under sand, and no objects could be recovered. 

Since 1699, the Guna Yala Tribe has known the wreck's location and has fiercely protected it. Their waters are sacred, and diving in these waters is strictly forbidden.

Until now. 

Be written into History


Available to ambitious treasure hunters, join a rare and privileged expedition onboard a catamaran into the heart of Panama’s undiscovered Guna Yala waters, to go in search for the shipwreck and its lost treasure. ​ 

This is an extraordinary opportunity to be part of this historic discovery, take a share of the estimated $24m treasure whilst empowering the Guna Yala community.

On top of this, an award-winning film crew will capture the expedition as part of a feature documentary.

Your Piece of the Treasure


Should the estimated $24m treasure be found, 70% of the sales will go back to the Guna Yala community and each treasure hunter will then receive 4.94% return of the 30% share of the sales as well as a $25 000 bonus from the film. 

"This is a phenomenal chance to make history - uncovering the legendary Maurepas and its lost treasure in waters no one has ever been allowed to explore. With the sacred trust of the Guna Yala tribe, this expedition isn't just about discovery but its also about legacy, impact and rewriting the story for this community."

Geordie Mackay-Lewis

Pelorus Co-Founder and CEO

Trip Highlights

LOCAL ENCOUNTERS: With Guna Yala

Visit the Guna Yala community and be welcomed as family. Share meals, listen to generations-old stories, and sit side by side with the locals whose connection to the sea runs deep. This is a rare chance to be embraced by a culture that has guarded its traditions - and its waters - for centuries.

Meet: the experts

In the evenings, unwind with fireside talks exploring the rich history behind the expedition - from the legend of the Maurepas and the champagne ship Jönköping, to the life of a modern treasure hunter and the mystery of the Baltic Sea Anomaly. You'll also get a rare glimpse into the art of capturing it all on film.

Exploring: Undiscovered waters

Spend your days exploring untouched waters, scanning the seabed with a magnetometer, salvage diving and observing the recovery process on the seabed alongside the dive team. Note: If the cannons are located early, the recovery will begin sooner.

The Guna Yala Tribe

Located in the remote parts of the San Blas archipelago is the Guna Yala community. Steeped in tradition, the Guna Yala have preserved their unique way of life for centuries, maintaining a deep connection to their ancestral roots and nature. 

According to Guna Yala, their ancestors descended from the skies, originating from distant realms in the cosmos. This profound belief, passed down through captivating storytelling, is central to their cultural identity. 

In a rapidly modernising world, the Guna Yala remain committed to preserving their heritage, living in harmony with nature through traditional practices and sustainable living.  

The Ocean X Team have been granted exclusive permission to search their sacred waters. The invitation stems from their groundbreaking discovery of ‘The Baltic Sea anomaly’ sparking global interest in their work, and what the Guna Yala people believe to be the interstellar vessel their ancestors descended from the skies in. 

In 2012, a representative of the Guna Yala, contacted the Ocean X Team with a private invitation to meet the Caciques, the leaders within the indigenous community, to discuss the rights to salvage Maurepas in their protected waters. 

The Guna Yala look to the lost treasure to help bring prosperity and justice. And, with 70% of proceeds going back to their community, this will make a meaningful difference to the lives of the tribe.

Your Impact

Beyond the hunt, your journey will create a lasting impact. This expedition is built on deep respect, restoration, and partnership with the Guna Yala people. This mission will support the community by returning lost treasure, training new explorers, and helping to rebuild a once-thriving community whose spiritual connection to the ocean remains at the heart of this extraordinary collaboration. 

PRIVATE YACHT CHARTER

To enhance your treasure hunt experience, Pelorus can charter a luxury super yacht to be your base for the expedition. This will suit a group or family wanting to experience the discovery together, and provide a superb base for additional water activities.  

kontiki wayra above yacht

SECURE YOUR PLACE IN HISTORY


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