Guide to the most beautiful destinations, coasts and islands in the Indian Ocean
From the white-sand beaches of the Maldives to the towering reefs of Thailand and the tropical islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles, each day's sailing will offer you unique vistas you've never seen before.
Sailing or catamaran sailing in the Indian Ocean can be an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. Sailing conditions are generally calm and tides moderate, making it suitable for both experienced and novice sailors.
Sailing here means being surrounded by the world's most spectacular coastlines and crystal clear waters. In fact, underwater visibility is exceptional, ideal for snorkeling and diving. The Indian Ocean is known for the variety of marine life it hosts; sightings of dolphins, whales, sea turtles as well as endless tropical fish are common. In some areas, such as the Maldives, one discovers remote islands and atolls far from civilization that offer a sense of adventure and isolation hard to find elsewhere.
The best time of year
The Indian Ocean is very vast and touches areas that are also different and far apart. Therefore, climate and temperatures may vary depending on the sailing area you choose.
Seychelles: May to early October is a low rainfall period with warm, sunny days and a pleasant breeze, ideal for a sailing vacation.
Mauritius: the dry season is from May to October and the hot and humid season from November to April. The southern part of the island is subject to year-round rainfall, so the western and northern areas are preferred. Trade winds blow most intensely from June to August.
Maldives: the best time is from December to April, corresponding with the western winter and spring. During these months the skies are mostly clear with weak and sporadic rainfall.
Thailand: for a vacation between the coast and Thai islands, the best time is between November and March, when rainfall is low and the temperature is between 28 and 32 degrees.
Featured vacation in the Indian Ocean
The most beautiful archipelagos and islands in the Indian Ocean
Seychelles
The Seychelles is an archipelago of just over 100 islands with a unique natural heritage. Wild and unspoiled islands, crystal clear waters and calm seas, a veritable Eden for sailing enthusiasts.
Gems not to be missed include Mahé with nearby Saint Anne Marine National Park; La Digue, the so-called "Neverland," where time seems to stand still; and the island of Praslin where the famous Coco de Mer grows. You also cannot fail to stop at the island of Curieuse home to a hundred giant tortoises.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a true oasis of peace lost in the vastness of the Indian Ocean that captivates every visitor. The contrast of colors, cultures and flavors make it a pleasant destination for an unforgettable vacation. The inhabitants are welcoming, warm and smiling with tourists; in fact, they are known for their generosity and hospitality.
This island is an ideal destination for water sports such as kite surfing and snorkeling, you can find the necessary equipment aboard your catamaran or sailboat. During your boating vacation there will be no shortage of shore excursions during which you can observe the giant water lilies in Pamplemousses Gardens, visit Black River Gorges National Park and Aigrettes Island.
Maldives
They count more than 1,000 islands grouped into 26 natural atolls located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. An incredible biodiversity unique to the world has formed around these atolls, making the Maldives a Biosphere Nature Reserve. These islands are the ideal destination for those seeking a completely relaxing experience aboard comfortable catamarans with a skipper and hostess. The fine white sandy beaches and shallow waters also make this destination suitable for family travel, during which the little ones will enjoy safe swimming among colorful fish.
Thailand
Thailand is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world to explore by sailboat. In what other country is it possible to sail among limestone peaks jutting out into the sea? For those looking for an unforgettable, adventure-filled vacation, this is the right destination!
The largest island is Phuket, which is in fact the base for most sailing vacations. There are hundreds of inhabited and uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea with miles and miles of beaches all to explore, emerald sea to dive into, coral reefs and beautiful landscapes to admire. Sailing south from Phuket, one can reach Phi Phi Islands, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The most developed island, Phi Phi Don, is washed by crystal-clear waters. Also of interest are the Similan Islands about 54 miles northwest of Phuket; they are a group of nine granite islands and covered with dense tropical jungle.
A whole ocean to discover, by sailboat or catamaran.
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6 places not to miss during your sailing vacation
1
Ari Atoll, Maldives
This atoll consists of a collection of islands not far from Malé protected by coral reefs. It is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible spots for snorkelers. The seabed in the southern part of this atoll is among the most beautiful in the Maldives and has large reef formations that are still intact. Among the most striking islands you will find Ukulhas, an inhabited island where you can dine in a good local restaurant.
2
Praslin, Seychelles
It is said that paradise on earth is located on this island, because it is here that Adam and Eve's famous "Tree of Good and Evil," or Coco de Mer, grows. With a short excursion to the island, it is possible to visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3
La Digue, Seychelles
Peace and silence reign supreme on this island. A stop in the roadstead at Anse Source d'Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world, surrounded by pink granite rocks, fine sand, turquoise water and a rich coral reef, is a must. Admiring it aboard a catamaran will be an unforgettable experience.
4
Flic en Flac, Mauritius
This is one of the longest beaches on the island and is sprinkled with bits of coral from the very nearby coral reef that protects the lagoon. Here you can enjoy the sea and the beach, snorkel the nearby reef, and watch a fantastic sunset at one of the seaside clubs.
5
Deer Island, Mauritius
This is a small island located east of Mauritius and within the reef. It was named after the deer that were brought by the Dutch for hunting trips. On this island you will find very white sand, crystal clear water and mangroves. Easily accessible by catamaran, and you can take the opportunity to visit the nearby Grand Rivière Southeast waterfalls.
6
Koh Phi Phi, Thailandia
Koh Phi Phi is a small archipelago in Krabi province in southern Thailand. Don Island is the largest island and the only one with permanent inhabitants. The smallest, however, is Koh Phi Phi Leh and is famous for being the place where the movie "The Beach" was filmed in 2000. This small archipelago is famous for its beauty and endless coves that can only be reached by boat, such as Maya Bay, one of the most photographed places in all of Thailand.
Catamaran cruises in the Indian Ocean
F.A.Q.
Guides & tips
Where to travel
Maldives by catamaran
Where to travel
Seychelles by sailboat or catamaran
Where to travel
British Virgin Islands by catamaran
First time on a boat
Guide to catamaran interior spaces
Travel ideas
Sailing and catamaran flotilla holiday
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Sailing vacations for singles and solo travellers
Where to travel
Maldives by catamaran
Where to travel
Seychelles by sailboat or catamaran
Where to travel
British Virgin Islands by catamaran
First time on a boat
Guide to catamaran interior spaces
Travel ideas
Sailing and catamaran flotilla holiday
Perfect for
Sailing vacations for singles and solo travellers
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