Why sailing yacht charter destinations are getting more and more exotic

Island hopping in the Tropics from one lush palm tree-lined beach to the next is a popular choice for those looking for a paradise sailing yacht charter holiday writes Sue Pelling…

French Polynesia, in the South (central) Pacific Ocean, with its vibrant blue lagoons and Robin Crusoe-style remote, pure white sandy beach-lined islands, is just one location that evokes a sailing yacht charter holiday paradise. From the picture-perfect lagoons of Bora Bora and beyond to the rugged beauty of the Marquesas Islands, there’s a wealth of natural wonders to explore by yacht.

But it’s not just French Polynesia that offers an abundance of charter opportunities. As the demand for charter holidays in far-flung places increases, more and more charter companies are now operating regularly in places like Thailand, the Seychelles, Maldives, Australia, and even Zanzibar or Madagascar in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa.

To satisfy your hunger for pure indulgence, sailing companies such as Dream Yacht Worldwide, Nautilus Yachting, Seafarer, Moorings, and Sunsail, plus the huge range of yacht charter agents such as Click&Boat, borrowaboat.com, and Helm.yt, have plenty of choice exotic charter holidays, with many advertising seasonal offers.

Most of the equatorial tropics are in the trade wind zone, which means depending on what time you travel, you’ll probably experience good, steady sailing winds which can reach up to 30kts. It is therefore worth bearing this in mind before you book. Most charter companies will advise on weather conditions expected vs. sailing experience required.

Seafarer, and other companies like The Moorings have bases in Thailand and the Seychelles, but if you are contemplating Australasia, Cumberland Charter Yachts that specialises in charter holidays in that region, is worth considering.

Other companies that cover the Whitsunday Islands include Sunsail, or Nautilus Yachting which is one of the UK’s leading independent yacht charter agencies with over 30 years of experience.

The Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean is good year-round charter holiday destination with the islands of Praslin, Mahe and La Digue offering a range of paradise exploration opportunities.

Nautilus Yachting’s Seychelles option offers two choices of week-long itineraries covering the period November to April with northwest winds, and May to October with southeast winds (the two distinct seasons).

Both charters start from its base on the island of Praslin, and have a good selection of multihull charter yachts on offer including Bali, Fountaine Pajot, and Lagoons up to 52ft.

Nautilus Yachting’s other Tropical regions include Thailand, and Tahiti (French Polynesia) which are hugely popular. This company, which always has a consistent uptake of bookings for charter in the Tropics, was keen to share news of its current special offers for 2024 at some of its destinations including up to 15% off Tahiti, up to 30% off Thailand, and up to 30% off the Seychelles.

Despite its name, Med Sailing Holidays doesn’t just cover the Mediterranean, it has a selection of tropical options too including Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Thailand and The Whitsunday Islands, so it’s worth taking a look at the company’s simple-to-navigate website. 

If you are thinking of a charter slightly ‘off the beaten track’ in the Indian Ocean for example in places like of Zanzibar, Mozambique, Madagascar, or Mauritius, then East Africa Yacht Charters has a good selection of yachts and holiday packages with a choice of different types of charter.

When researching ideas for your dream holiday you’ll find it pays to be flexible particularly if you are not restricted to set dates because some companies also offer last minute deals. You will, however, need to consider requirements such as size and type of yacht, and special requirements including air conditioning.

Also, depending on who you are travelling with, such as family or groups (including youngsters or older members), keep in mind the length of flight and the ease/convenience of transfer to the holiday sailing base. 

By the cabin charter is a growing sector in the yacht charter business which is good news for solo travellers who are keen to enjoy a relaxing, exotic holiday with like-minded guests.

Dream Yacht Worldwide is a good choice because it understands its customers’ needs and has several destinations available with its Cabin Charter including Tahiti, the Seychelles, Thailand and the Bahamas.

To make your holiday booking process as simple as possible, Dream says: “All you need to do is book your flights, pack a bag and check in.” The yacht will be crewed by skipper and hostess, which means once onboard you can settle into your cabin, meet your fellow travellers for welcome drinks, sit back and relax, and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime in total paradise.

East Africa Yacht Charters also specialise in By the Cabin charter as well as its bareboat and crewed charter in this area. On the Zanzibar Cabin Cruise you’ll explore the more protected north, south or west coastlines with anchorages aplenty in the secluded coral and marine-rich waters.

If you are looking for bareboat charter, there is no shortage of yacht agency companies who can help narrow down the search. Click&Boat’s, simple and straightforward website does exactly ‘what it says on the tin’. Enter you preferred destination, click the type yacht you require, and other options such as skippered or bareboat, then take your pick.

Finally it’s worth mentioning that although flotilla holidays in the Tropics are nowhere near as popular as they are in the Mediterranean, they do exist. Nautilus Yachting for example (in conjunction with Seafarer Holidays) offer a flotilla route exploring the picture-perfect islands in the Andaman Sea lying to the south of Phuket.

The flotilla route is within the protected tidal waters, and the wind averages Force 3, which means you’ll have a good, exciting sail from the Nautilus base at Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket. Also, with just a 20-minute journey from Phuket International Airport to the marina, this is a good choice for families.

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