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The Indian Ocean by Sailboat or catamaran

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.

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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Practical info

Territory

The Indian Ocean is the least extensive in both area and volume of the planet's three oceans. It washes much of the coastline of Southeast Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia and numerous islands and archipelagos such as the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives. The Indian Ocean also includes the Andaman Sea, which in turn bathes Thailand.

Documents and currency

A passport with at least 6 months validity is required for a sailing vacation in the Indian Ocean. Entry rules may vary from country to country, so it is recommended to check before leaving, the regulations in force in the country of destination.

Currency is also different in different countries, for example in Seychelles the Seychelles Rupee (SCR) is in effect, in Maldives the Maldives Rufiyaa, in Mauritius the Mauritian Rupee, and in Thailand the Baht.

Language

On some islands such as Mauritius the official language is English; Creole and French are also widely spoken. In the Seychelles the official language is Creole, but English and French are also widespread here. In Thailand and the Maldives, on the other hand, it is Thai and Divehi, respectively, but thanks to tourism development English is becoming increasingly common.

Getting there

All major Indian Ocean islands are connected by flights, sometimes direct, to Europe. For Thailand, the Maldives and Mauritius, there is often a stopover in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul.

Getting around

Often the arrival airport is close to the port of embarkation. If not, you can take a cab, a local transfer, or rely on the skipper, who in some cases can arrange transfers to/from the airport. Once you arrive at the port of embarkation, you will not need any other means of transportation: just rely on the skipper to visit all the most beautiful islands and bays in the surrounding area.

Cellular network

To connect to the Internet, you can use your provider's international roaming service with a pay-as-you-go tariff. A cheaper solution is to purchase a virtual or local sim with data and minutes at a set price.