The Mediterranean and the Caribbean have been the two biggest yachting destinations for superyachts from northern Europe for decades. However, this is changing as more luxury and charter vessels discover adventure and extraordinary experiences in the uncrowded seas of Asia Pacific’s friendly Indian Ocean tropical islands.

One of the last remaining frontiers for those seeking beautiful and exotic voyages, the Asia Pacific region is among the finest cruising grounds in the world, with the Indian Ocean offering elite luxury and adventure havens exemplified by Maldives, Seychelles and Phuket. These three destinations are a sampling of the allure of the Asia Pacific area, also highlighted by the exotic destinations of Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Andaman Islands of India and Malaysia.

Each of the following three island countries offer a special appeal to superyacht owners, captains and charterers in considering a South East Asia Indian Ocean cruising voyage.

Magnificent Maldives

The Maldives, often dubbed the ‘pearls of the Indian Ocean,’ is famous for the gorgeous atolls and rich marine life. With only 200 inhabited islands, the Maldives offer the ultimate luxury escape in complete privacy. Lured to the exotic atolls stretching across the equator, her shores are dotted with exclusive and elegant resorts and services. Made up of 26 atolls, the Maldives lies in a north/south chain in the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean.

Exploring the Maldives by superyacht means you can easily flit from one resort to the other en route your journey exploring the islands and remote dive sites and game fishing grounds. The Maldives lends itself to a variety of activities, from relaxing and sunbathing on the beach to diving, surfing, and fishing. The archipelago is home to rare underwater beauty, making this one of the most popular dive destinations in the world.

Along with the ocean’s bounty, you can also anchor in lagoons or alongside uninhabited islands to snorkel and dive. Fishing has been the lifeblood of the Maldivians since time immemorial. From the decks of your yacht, you can fish at sunrise when sailfish, dogtooth tuna, wahoo and red snapper are milling beneath the surface. The Maldivian waters are also among the top five places in the world for spotting whales and dolphins. With over 20 different species, ranging from the mighty blue whale to the diminutive Spinner Dolphin, you can watch on deck as they go about their regular routine, feeding offshore at night and coming into the atolls in the early morning before leaving late afternoon for the open ocean.

The North Malé Atoll is often the first port of call and the gateway to the entire archipelago. For picture-perfect idylls, follow the chain north to the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll to seek out a once in a lifetime underwater experience where the Hulhangu monsoon brings an abundance of plankton to the atolls between June and November, creating a feeding frenzy of underwater life. Characterised by its splendidly unique underwater life and ecology, the warm waters are home to a diverse array of exotic marine life, and visit Hanhushi’s coral reef, showcasing 1000 species of fish and 20 species of whales and dolphins.

Set amongst the exotic Kaafu Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon, the Yacht Marina @ CROSSROADS offers an impressive 30-berth quay, complete with world-class facilities and exclusive concierge services, catering to vessels from 10 to 60 metres.

The ideal times for cruising the Maldives are the shoulder months of April-May and October-November for calm, clear waters and diving. May-September offers excellent sailing with the southeast trade winds and despite some rougher seas; November-March brings lush green landscapes and whale sharks but with more rain, though showers are short.

Sensational Seychelles

The Seychelles welcomes superyachts with its awe-inspiring beauty. Home to a collection of picture-perfect islands, irresistible mainland attractions and the Eden Island Marina, Seychelles offers a range of unique experiences to those visiting this prized superyacht destination.

The Eden Island Marina is a deepwater marina on the western side of Eden Island with state-of-the-art facilities, capable of handling superyachts of up to 120 metres. The largest of the marinas, Eden Island links to the main island of Mahe by a short bridge, a luxury destination off the coast of Mahé in the heart of the Seychelles archipelago.

A premier Indian Ocean destination for superyachts, Seychelles offers year-round cruising outside the cyclonic zone of the Indian Ocean and provides secluded white-sand beaches, exceptional diving, and exclusive lush forestal excursions. Cruising the pristine waters surrounding the Seychelles’ 115 islands, yachting guests can discover idyllic anchorages at every turn, with unforgettable experiences awaiting both on the water and ashore.

Motor and sailing guests can choose to enjoy tranquil cruising grounds or immerse themselves in the thriving island life found on the islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Renowned for its rich vibrant culture and colourful festivals, the Seychelles is a captivating destination where music, dance, and cuisine come to life. With a diverse calendar of events held throughout the year, visitors have every opportunity to encounter and experience authentic local celebrations as they explore the islands.

Located in the Outer Islands, the Farquhar Atoll and Cosmoledo Atoll offer perhaps the most colourful dive sites, with a vast array of marine life found at a relatively shallow depth. Similarly, St. Francois Atoll, being designated as a Special Reserve, enjoys environmental protection that allows visitors to get up close and personal to a vibrant range of underwater species. It hosts major seabird populations (including red-footed boobies, terns, and shearwaters) and serves as an important nesting ground for hawksbill and green turtles.

‘The Monaco of Southeast Asia’

It is a new era for Thailand and Phuket. Sitting on the Andaman Sea on the coastline of the Indian Ocean and known as the ‘Superyacht Hub of Asia Pacific’, Phuket is the luxury yachting destination attracting an increasing number of superyachts. This is especially true now thanks to landmark updates to the country’s charter licensing and changes/streamlining of visa application and easing of regulations.

Thailand’s yachting industry has undergone significant expansion and the Thai government is working with the country’s yacht/superyacht services providers in easing restrictions to welcome more superyachts to Thailand.

The infrastructure for superyachts is in place with 4 modern and well-equipped marinas and a new Private Jet Terminal along with international airports. “We have been working with government to reduce red tape to ensure it is much easier for superyachts to visit the region. There have been major changes, with more changes expected.

“Owners are discovering the area and a quote heard often is, ‘Why didn’t we come here sooner! This really is paradise’,” enthused Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) co-founder & director Gordon Fernandes. “When in the Asia Pacific region, superyachts can have an entire beach, sometimes a whole island to themselves, unlike the crowded Caribbean. Crew also love it here and feel safe on shore.” From the diverse range of 5-star accommodations to the beauty of white sand beaches, vibrant nightlife and wide choice of fine dining, culture and warmth of the Thai people, the island offers an unparalleled paradise for international superyacht guests along with nearby islands’ amazing adventures.

Some of the country’s unique highlights are around Phang Nga Bay, site of filming ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ and the Similan Islands, where limestone karsts rise vertically out of the sea and hidden lagoons are only accessible by tender along with anchorages with no visible development. Another adventure awaits in Phi Phi Islands, famous as the location of ‘The Beach’ and home for whale sharks, manta rays and leopard sharks.

“Thailand isn’t trying to copy the Med or Caribbean. Our cruising season is opposite to the Med, and it also stands out because it delivers a completely different experience profile, especially for clients who’ve ‘done’ the traditional circuits”, explains Tanyuta ‘Jojo’ Singhmanee, co-founder of APS Phuket and board member of the Thai Yachting Business Association. Thailand’s hospitality culture is also a major, often underestimated edge.

Superyacht visitors will find these three destinations and other Asia Pacific cruising destinations the quintessence of island beauty, adventure, exotic culture and sea voyaging.

www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com