Indian Ocean Yacht Charter Guide
Explore the lesser-chartered waters of the Indian Ocean — the Seychelles and Maldives offer uninhabited islands, pristine beaches, turquoise waters and sheltered anchorages
From the ocean idylls of the Maldives to the mountainous, jungle-covered islands of the Seychelles, the Indian Ocean is a tempting alternative winter destination to the Caribbean. The two archipelagos offer uninhabited islands, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, unique wildlife and sheltered anchorages, but that is where their similarities end. A cluster of 115 islands lying south of the Equator, the Seychelles archipelago is made up of ancient granite and coral atolls. The Maldives, meanwhile, lies off the southern tip of Indian and the slender chain of 1,000-plus coral dots barely nudges above the surface. Both offer endless cruising possibilities for a luxury yacht charter.
Sample Itinerary
Charter Experience
The traditional cruising grounds of the Mediterranean and Caribbean have long attracted the superyacht crowd, but those seeking a little more adventure can explore the lesser-chartered waters of the exotic and the remote Indian Ocean cruising grounds. Split into two swathes – the Seychelles to the west and the Maldives to the east, both archipelagos offer endless opportunities for a variety of activities, from relaxing and sunbathing on the beach to diving and fishing, but that is where their similarities end.
The Seychelles are made up of 115 equally postcard-perfect granite islands adrift in the Indian Ocean. Made up of two groups, the Inner Islands cluster around Mahé, the capital island, some of which are almost 1,000 meters above sea level, while the Outer Islands, and the world-famous atoll of Aldabra, are low-lying coral islands.
The Maldives comprises a string of coral atolls that are home to more than 1,000 desert islands spanning across 41,500 square miles. Around one in 10 are inhabited, generally by luxury resorts, and the best way to discover them is by boat. You can flit from resort to resort, exploring the outer islands and remote dive sites and game-fishing grounds with a luxury yacht charter. The only decision to make is which atoll to explore next.
Location Highlights
- Explore the underwater world of Kihaadhuffaru Thila where you will find stingrays and nurse sharks, Maldives
- Discover the historic Haani Tree on the island of Maroshi, Maldives
- Dive the relics around Maamakunudhoo, Maldives
- Explore Utheemu, the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, Maldives
- Dive at Angu Faru – a breeding ground for grey reef sharks, Maldives
- Step ashore at One&Only Rheeti Rah, Maldives