Inspiring Indian Ocean adventures.

Top five Maldivian marvels

The Maldives consists of a string of coral atolls that comprise more than 1,000 desert islands. Around one in 10 are inhabited, generally by luxury resorts, but the ultimate way to escape to some of the truly desert islands is aboard a superyacht.

1. Beneath the surface

The Maldives are billed as the ultimate diving experience and a superyacht provides the opportunity to access unexplored reefs and virgin dive sites. Non-divers can also see clear down to nine or ten metres in most areas, so snorkelers can spot pretty much everything a diver can.

The waters provide some of the most exciting fishing in the world. Fish at sunrise when dogtooth tuna, saltfish, red snapper and wahoo mill beneath the surface.

2. Beach bound

For the ultimate island fantasy, the crew can set up cushions and loungers on your own deserted island while your chef barbecues the catch of the day.

3. Adrenaline junkies

The islands offer everything from diving and snorkelling to surfing and fishing, but the glut of watersports equipment on board your yacht will provide adrenaline-fuelled activities in these warm Indian Ocean waters.

4. Spa stars

Sybarites can indulge at a number of award-winning spas. Whatever your preferred type of treatment, the Maldives has something for every spa goer. Reethi Rah, Huvafen Fushi, Velaa, VommuIi, Amilla Fushi … simply drop anchor and take the tender ashore for a mind-blowing massage, a sunset yoga session or an indulgent full day of treatments.

5. Cultural acclaim

Exploring the Maldives by superyacht allows you to visit remote communities. Step ashore to discover the heritage site Redhinge Usgandu on the island of Ugulu; anchor outside the Kudarikilu lagoon and take the tender to discover local island life with a visit to the village school and the market, there are ample opportunities to discover the islands’ varied cultures.

Top five Seychelles experiences

Adrift in the Indian Ocean, the 115 postcard-perfect islands of the Seychelles are the perfect cruising ground for an alternative winter charter. Sailing or cruising the islands is easy, thanks to relatively short distances between the main islands and the good anchorages available. The Inner Islands, which consist of some 41 granitic islands, are the most popular due to their proximity to Mahé, while the Outer Islands are famed for their shallow-lying coral reefs and provide stunning diving and snorkelling spots.

1. On the surface

From big-game fishing to paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling and surfing, the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean offer ample opportunities for non-motorised watersports.

2. Blue Planet

The underwater topography of the Seychelles is a reflection of what lies above. Massive boulder formations lay strewn across the sea floor, providing hiding places for all manner of sea life and an adventure playground for divers and snorkellers alike.

3. Sunset strolls

The beaches that fringe the islands are peppered with immense boulders and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. On board a superyacht you can discover some of the best beaches in the world, including the pink coral of Anse Lazio, Coco Beach and Anse Source d’Argent, to name but a few of the beaches that regularly top the lists of the world’s finest strands.

4. Birdwatching

The Seychelles are a paradise for birdwatchers. You can visit the various conservation areas and spot a number of critically endangered and endemic species as you cruise throughout the archipelago. The area is home to some of the world’s most spectacular seabird colonies with islands such as Praslin, La Digue, Bird, Aride, Frégate, Cousin and Aldabra home to 13 species and 17 subspecies that cannot be found anywhere else on earth.

5. Eco hideaways

The islands are home to a host of uber-luxurious eco-resorts. Spend a few days anchored off North, Cousine and Frégate private islands, stepping ashore to take part in conservation projects with the joy of returning to discuss the day’s events over dinner on the aft deck.

Talk to your Burgess charter expert and start planning your alternative winter adventure.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.