Sailing. Nature. Awareness.
Sailing trips that connect you with the sea, nature, and yourself.
I'm Max, a professional skipper and swim guide.
I accompany people on journeys that are more than just vacations: they are opportunities to slow down, become more mindful, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.
Immerse yourself and connect with nature and vibrant, indigenous cultures.
Your skipper & companion
Max Sendtner-Voelderndorff
For me, the sea is more than just water and waves. It is power, beauty, and tranquility all at once. On sailing trips, I experience how we come into contact with nature—and thereby also with our own inner nature.
As a professional skipper, I organize and lead sailing trips all over the world. Some are private trips on request, others I offer as fixed tours, sometimes together with seminar leaders.
My aim is always to create a space for relaxation, awareness, inspiration – and simply for the joy of being.
About me
Born in Berlin, I was lucky enough to sail on the Baltic Sea as a baby. As a child, I lived on a sailboat for two and a half years and explored the Mediterranean, the Azores, and Madeira with my family. Since then, I have felt more at home on the water than on land.
Over the past twenty years, I have sailed many of the world's most beautiful seas as a professional skipper – the Mediterranean, the North Sea and Baltic Sea, the Atlantic, the Azores, the Caribbean, French Polynesia, Hawaii, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. I have crossed the Atlantic seven times and met countless wonderful people along the way.
My life is characterized by the joy of being, wonder at nature, and a deep desire to explore humanity and consciousness. I want to share this connection between the sea, nature, and inner experience.
So I trained in kinesiology, coaching, and breathwork and accompanied people on their travels – including encounters with wild dolphins in Hawaii and the Bahamas.
In 2016, I encountered humpback whales in Moorea and since then, every year from August to November, I accompany small groups as a swimming guide to encounter these impressive creatures.
I speak fluent German, English, and French and can also communicate well in Italian and Spanish.
My travels
Whether in the South Seas, Mexico, or Europe—my trips take you to special places, far away from everyday life. Some are fixed offers, others can be planned individually.
Each trip can be tailored to the wishes of the participants and the weather.
All of them are dreams come true.
French Polynesia
Immerse yourself in Polynesian culture and oceanic consciousness – between the Society Islands and the Tuamotus.
🌴 travelogues
From Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine, Bora Bora, and Maupiti
Between the turquoise lagoons and green volcanic islands of the Society Islands lies one of the most fascinating sailing areas in the world.
From Raiatea, we explore the lagoon and the sister island of Tahaa, sail on to Huahine, Bora Bora and – if wind and weather permit – to Maupiti, one of the most unspoilt islands in Polynesia.
This trip can be arranged for one or two weeks.
Alternatively, we start in Tahiti, visit Moorea, and sail overnight to Huahine – a route that makes the transition from civilization to nature particularly intense.
The focus is on experiencing the sea, the lagoons, and the fascinating underwater world – but also on encountering Polynesian culture. We visit ancient temple sites, known as marae, and immerse ourselves in the history and worldview of the people who have lived in harmony with the ocean for thousands of years.
A spiritual sailing trip through the Society Islands
This special trip is an invitation to experience the visible and invisible Polynesia. Together with a local Tahua (priest), we sail from Tahiti to various islands, where we anchor in front of ancient marae.
At these sacred sites, the Tahua will introduce us to traditional ceremonies and open up access to the subtle, invisible realms of these places.
Four generations ago, his family decided to keep the ancient knowledge secret – today, he is reopening it to people who feel the call.
This journey combines sailing, nature experiences, and spiritual depth. It is aimed at people who want to connect with the culture, wisdom, and spirit of Polynesia – and encounter themselves in the process.
Far from civilization, pure nature
North of Tahiti lies the Tuamotu Archipelago, a vast world of coral atolls, lagoons, and secluded sandbanks—a haven for those seeking peace and quiet.
There are no cities here, hardly any roads, just the sea, the wind, and the light.
We sail between the atolls, dive into the crystal-clear water, encounter an incredible variety of marine life, and feel what I call oceanic consciousness – the feeling of being completely at one with the rhythm of life.
These trips invite you to let go – of everyday life, of patterns, of noise. Here you can simply be, in connection with nature, the sea, and yourself.
Baja California, Mexiko
a sea full of life, a desert full of vitality
🌴 travelogues
Between desert, sea, and whales
From La Paz, we sail through the Sea of Cortez—one of the world's most pristine marine areas, stretching along the Baja California peninsula to Loreto.
Here we are far away from modern civilization, often without cell phone reception, in the middle of a landscape that is wild, quiet, and untouched. Between barren rocks, red mountains, and turquoise water, nature reveals itself in breathtaking vitality.
The Sea of Cortez is considered one of the most species-rich marine areas on earth. We encounter humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, fin whales, orcas, dolphins, rays, and sea lions—a place where the sea and life reveal themselves in all their abundance.
The ideal time to travel is February to April, when the large whales migrate here from the Arctic to mate or give birth to their young.
This trip is an invitation to experience the vastness and silence, to feel the rhythm of nature – and to let yourself be touched by the sea.
Together with Leina Sato, who teaches freediving in a special, conscious, and gentle way, this trip becomes an inner experience as well as a dive into the water.
Greece
Sailing from island to island, daily stages through the Aegean Sea, accompanied by mythology and the cradle of our culture.
🌴 travelogues
Islands, mythology, and the light of the Mediterranean
Our trips in Greece usually start in Lavrion, just about 30 minutes by taxi from Athens Airport—right at the gateway to the Aegean Sea. From here, a wide area opens up with the Cyclades, an island world full of history, sun, and tranquility.
We sail to the quieter and more unspoiled islands: Kea, Kithnos, Syros, Rinia/Delos, Serifos, Sifnos, or Milos.
We sail for about 3–4 hours each day, leaving plenty of time in between to arrive, swim, explore, or simply enjoy.
Away from civilization, we find bays, anchorages, and places with a special energy—some with ancient temples or ruins, others simply beautiful in their simplicity.
A special highlight is the island of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and once one of the spiritual centers of the ancient world.
These trips combine the experience of sea, wind, and sun with history, culture, and awareness. They invite you to feel the roots of our European culture – and the lightness of the Greek summer.
I organize some of these trips together with Annika Hofmann, whose work brings an additional dimension of mindfulness, body awareness, and inner balance to the experience.
Encounters with humpback whales, Moorea
Small groups, intense encounters: as a swimming guide, I accompany you into the water—to experience how these wonderful creatures make contact with us.
Travel on request
I organize individual cruises for 1–8 people in many locations worldwide. Whether catamaran or monohull, with friends, family, or as a retreat group—we tailor the trip to your wishes.
dates
January 17, 2026 - January 31, 2026
Tahiti Society Islands
An initiatory sailing trip with a Polynesian priest.
March 7, 2026 - March 14, 2026
Mexico
La Paz - Loreto
March 14, 2026 - March 21, 2026
Mexico
Loreto - La Paz
June 6, 2026 - June 13, 2026
Greece
Lavrion Cyclades
June 13, 2026 - June 20, 2026
Greece
Lavrion Cyclades
July 11, 2026 - July 18, 2026
Greece
Annika Hofmann
November 7, 2026 - November 21, 2026
Tahiti Society Islands
An initiatory sailing trip with a Polynesian priest.
The boat as a space for development
Sailing is movement, nature, rhythm. A boat thus becomes the ideal seminar room—for self-awareness, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, or massage.
I enjoy working with people who want to connect their work with the element of the sea.
What participants experience
Many of my guests are on a sailboat for the first time. Others come back again and again because they can recharge their batteries, enjoy themselves, let go, and rediscover themselves.
Sailing with Max is pure inspiration and joie de vivre.
A trip couldn't be more beautiful.
An absolutely unique experience.
Max gives you space to discover sailing for yourself.
All I can say is that it was hard for everyone when it was time to say goodbye.
None of us wanted to leave the boat.
Sailing with Max is an experience of a lifetime! Thank you for creating such a powerful bond and allowing us all to experience the magic of sailing. It will stay with me for a long time to come. I felt so safe at all times in your patient, competent, and open presence. Thank you for the unexpectedly profound experience. I am happy for everyone who gets to sail out to sea with you.
Hey Max!
How wonderful that I was able to be part of your sailing crew.
I' more of a Heidi type who got to live and work in the mountains for a while.
Now I got to rock the waves with you as skipper at 11 knots and felt it to the fullest. The bays we sailed into were also beautiful and it was great to snorkel in them. Thank you for this wonderful experience.
Keep up the good work, you two.
Dear Max,
I was deeply impressed by your subtle way of sensing and guiding all crew members.
I felt so safe at all times. And I learned a lot about the wind and sailing. I still haven't quite returned to everyday life, so I'm revelling in the wonderful feeling. Paradise!!!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🙏
I think a word that describes you very well is “cool.” You have a great and very clear way of explaining to others how things work on a sailing ship. You always know exactly how to behave and are therefore able to keep the crew together perfectly because you make everyone feel safe. At the same time, you have a great sense of humor and a lot of patience when explaining things. On the ship, you radiate a certain calmness that is very good for the group. Thank you very much for the wonderful time.
Thanks, Max. You're the first skipper I've had the pleasure of working with... I find it hard to believe that anyone could top you. Clear, friendly, patient in your instructions on what to do, where, and how. The same goes for the rules on board. Even in “extreme” waves, you always remained calm and exuded confidence. Even when the boat was listing. 🫣😅
Would return anytime⛵
A hui hou
Dear Max, thank you so much for taking me on this ride over the waves! I enjoyed it even more this time than last year. You are so open-minded, without ever losing sight of your responsibility as skipper. You have made me long for the sea. Thank you so much for gliding and guiding us through the power of water and wind.
Frequently asked questions
No. Most of my guests are on a sailboat or at sea for the first time. I explain everything important step by step.
Usually 1–8 people, depending on the boat and trip. Small groups create a personal, safe environment.
The size of the boat can be adjusted to suit the number of people.
First, we go shopping together. Then we have everything we need on board and can enjoy the great outdoors independently. Snacks such as nuts or protein bars are good to take with you, as they are often difficult to find when you're out and about.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear, and sailing gear
- Sun protection (Lycra shirt, sun hat, sunglasses)
- Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker
- Water bottle (refillable)
- If snorkeling is planned: your own mask, snorkel, and fins (often expensive or unavailable on islands)
- Optional: waterproof bag for personal items
The boats are modern and safely equipped. As skipper, I am responsible for providing instruction. Even those who have never sailed before will quickly feel at ease.
Above all, credit cards and some cash in local currency (e.g., XPF in Polynesia, euros in Greece, pesos in Mexico). Cash is useful for markets, small purchases, or taxis.
- Hitchhiking is common and safe on the islands.
- There are taxis, rental cars, scooters, and e-bikes.
- Buses run in some places, but irregularly.
- Many restaurants offer shuttle service upon reservation.
In most countries where I sail (e.g., French Polynesia), tipping is not customary and is not expected.
If you arrive a day early or leave a day late, you will find accommodation in all price ranges—from simple Airbnbs to hotels. I am happy to provide tips or put you in touch with contacts.
Fancy a trip to the sea?
Write me your wishes and questions – I look forward to hearing from you.
