Cruise in Indian Ocean

Here is some information about the region:

The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world and covers an area of about 70 560 000 square kilometres. It borders Asia to the north, Africa to the west, Australia to the east and the Southern Ocean to the south.

The Indian Ocean is the warmest in the world, with an average temperature of 22 °C. It is home to various marine life, including whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and different fish species. It is an essential food source for many countries, with fishing playing a significant role in the economies of coastal countries.

Several important shipping routes are located in the Indian Ocean. These include the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and eventually with the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean borders several countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Indonesia, Australia, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Madagascar. Several island groups exist, including the Seychelles, Mauritius, the Comoros and the Maldives. Overall, the Indian Ocean is a vital resource for many countries and is crucial to global trade.

You can discover the following countries and islands by ship:

Tanzania:

Tanzania is located in East Africa and is home to some of the continent's most famous natural wonders, including Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park. Tanzania also has a gorgeous coastline with popular destinations like Zanzibar and Pemba Island.

Tanzania is a captivating destination for a sailing holiday, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and pristine coastal beauty. Here's why Tanzania stands out as an excellent choice for sailing enthusiasts:

Tanzania's coastline is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Stretching along the Indian Ocean, it encompasses over 800 kilometres of picturesque beaches, azure waters, and breathtaking coral reefs. The coastline is dotted with stunning islands such as Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, each offering its distinct charm and allure.

Sailing in Tanzania provides an opportunity to explore the renowned Spice Islands, particularly Zanzibar. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Zanzibar offers a fascinating mix of Swahili, Arab, and European influences. The historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases intricately carved doors, narrow winding streets, and bustling markets, immersing any person visiting its vibrant atmosphere.

South Africa:

Located at the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is known for its landscapes, wildlife and vibrant cultural scene.

South Africa is an exceptional destination for a sailing holiday, offering many captivating experiences along its diverse coastline.

The country's coastline is truly breathtaking, stretching over 2,500 kilometres. From the Cape Peninsula's dramatic cliffs to the Garden Route's pristine beaches and the warm waters of KwaZulu-Natal, the landscapes are incredibly varied, providing a visually stunning backdrop for your sailing adventure.

Madagascar:

Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, this extraordinary destination entices sailors with its untamed beauty, diverse landscapes, and a sense of untouched wilderness, making it an ideal choice for a sailing holiday.

Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, offers a treasure trove of experiences for cruises. With its vast coastline stretching over 5,000 kilometres, you'll discover a wealth of hidden bays, pristine beaches, and remote islands waiting to be explored during your days on the water. Navigate through the turquoise ocean, where gentle breezes whisper tales of exploration and discovery, and encounter the untamed beauty of Madagascar's coastal wonders.

As you cruise along the Madagascan coastline, be prepared to be enchanted by its diverse landscapes. The island is a haven of natural wonders, ranging from lush rainforests to rugged cliffs, from tranquil mangrove forests to vibrant coral reefs. Take a day to explore the majestic Tsingy formations characterised by towering limestone pinnacles, or venture into the dense rainforests home to an incredible array of unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar is a true paradise for nature lovers, and sailing immerses you in this remarkable ecosystem.

Maldives:

The Maldives is not only a destination for beach lovers and luxury seekers but also a hidden gem for sailing enthusiasts. With its expansive turquoise waters, abundant marine life, and many secluded islands, the Maldives offers a truly unforgettable sailing experience.

One of the most fascinating aspects of a cruise in the Maldives is the opportunity to explore its myriad of idyllic islands. The archipelago comprises over 1,000 coral islands, each offering a unique slice of paradise. Every island has its own story, from uninhabited islands with pristine white sands to local fishing villages where time seems to stand still. Sailing allows you the freedom to hop from one island to another, discover untouched beaches, indulge in snorkelling adventures, and experience the warm hospitality of the Maldivian people.

Seychelles:

Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this archipelago of 115 islands beckons sailors with its charm and untouched beauty, making it an extraordinary destination for a sailing holiday.

As you cruise through the glistening turquoise waters, you'll be captivated by the mystical allure of Seychelles' islands. Discover the granitic marvels of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, where towering granite boulders create a dramatic backdrop against powder-white beaches and verdant jungles. Cruise through the remote coral atolls of Aldabra and Farquhar, where pristine reefs teem with a kaleidoscope of marine life. Each island is a chapter waiting to be written, offering a unique blend of landscapes and experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Mauritius:

Indulge in the allure of Mauritius, a captivating destination that promises an extraordinary sailing holiday like no other. Located in the Indian Ocean, this island paradise captivates with its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and azure waters, making it a truly unique destination for sailors.

Mauritius, with its palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear lagoons, boasts a coastline that invites sailors to embark on a voyage of discovery. Set sail from the bustling capital of Port Louis and explore the island's pristine bays and hidden coves. As you navigate the turquoise waters, you'll encounter dramatic cliffs, verdant hills, and secluded stretches of sand that are simply begging to be explored.

How to get to your charter:

How you get to your boat depends on where exactly your boat is located, as the Indian Ocean covers a vast area, and there are many different ports and harbours along the coast.

You can usually fly to the nearest international airport and then take a train, bus or drive to the mooring. For example, if your boat is in Seychelles, you fly into the international airport on the island of Mahé and then take a taxi or hire a car to the port where your boat is located.

Climate and sailing conditions in the Indian Ocean:

The climate is influenced by several factors, including the monsoon system, ocean currents and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

The monsoon system is vital, providing heavy rainfall in much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The summer monsoon, which occurs between June and September, brings moist air from the southwest for heavy rainfall and high humidity. The winter monsoon, which occurs between December and February, brings drier air from the northeast and makes for cooler and drier weather.

The South Equatorial Current, which flows through the Indian Ocean from east to west, brings warm water to the eastern part of the ocean, contributing to the warm and humid climate in the region. The Agulhas Current, which flows along the east coast of South Africa, brings warm water from the Indian Ocean into the Atlantic Ocean.

ENSO events in the Pacific Ocean also affect the climate. During an El Niño event, the western Indian Ocean tends to be cooler and drier than usual, as the eastern Indian Ocean is warmer and wetter.

Sailing conditions vary by region and season. In general, the Indian Ocean is characterised by strong and consistent winds, making it a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts.

The southeast trade winds that blow from May to September provide good sailing conditions in the southern Indian Ocean. These winds blow from the east-southeast and provide stable sailing conditions for long-distance sailors.

In the northern part, the monsoon system influences the winds. During the summer monsoon between June and September, the winds blow from the southwest and are sometimes quite strong. This can make sailing difficult but is also a good opportunity for experienced sailors looking for an adventure.

During the winter monsoon between December and February, the northern part's winds are weaker and more variable. This can make sailing more challenging and provide an opportunity for sailors who enjoy navigating more complex conditions.

In addition to the winds, sailors also need to be aware of the ocean currents, which are strong and sometimes unpredictable. The Agulhas Current, for example, is a strong current that flows along the east coast of South Africa and can be challenging for sailors.

How does a Cabin Cruise work?

Regarding cruises in the Indian Ocean, there are a few things to consider. The first is the type of ship you would like to sail on. Many types of yachts are available, including monohull, catamaran, and motorboat options.

Monohulls are the traditional type of sailboat known for their speed and traditional sailing experience.

The catamaran is becoming increasingly sought after in the Indian Ocean due to its spaciousness and stability. Our Lagoon and Bali catamaran models are fan favourites, and many great deals can be found on our website for these catamarans, so be sure to avail of the discounted price on selected fleets!

Motorboat yachts are ideal for those who want to explore the archipelago in style and luxury.

Globesailor has incredible fleets of sailboats, catamarans, motorboats and luxury yachts to offer you for rental. Our boats range in length, size and year of manufacture, and the number of cabins to accommodate your preferences. Choose the boat of your dreams, which fits your and your guest's needs, and spend a week or two cruising around famous locations such as Madagascar, Seychelles and Mauritius.

When you select a cruise with GlobeSailor, you will benefit from the luxury of having onboard an onboard crew. A crewed cruise can be a great choice if you have little sailing knowledge but still want the independence of sailing on a yacht. Your skipper is like the ship's captain; they take care of the navigation, and the hostess/cook ensures that your week's vacation is at the luxury level. Your hired crew will have private cabins, meaning there's plenty of space on your boat for everyone!

The itinerary during your sailing days shall be fully taken care of by our skipper (the captain) and crew, freeing you from worry and stress as they offer exceptional luxury service. A skipper will select the best route for sailing, and the other crew members remain at your disposal to take care of all the essential details (no matter how small!) onboard and in your cabins to make your trip outstanding and memorable. Booking a cabin or suite on a sailing cruise can be a great way to meet new people and make friends while exploring the area and on the ship's deck.

For those who wish to learn about sailing while on the cruise, the crew will be more than happy to teach you some of the basics of sailing when they have free time. By the end of your cruise, you'll feel like the boat's captain! You will have all the comforts in your private cabin or suite without worrying about anything. The crew will take care of the onboard dining (breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, depending on the cruise package) with traditional flavours included in the full board. You will also enjoy the luxury of a regularly cleaned deck by the hostess. Our experienced crews can take care of all the details, leaving you to do all the relaxing in the sun.

Book a GlobeSailor Cabin Cruise in the Indian Ocean

We have many cruises available for your group: sailboat, catamaran or gulet in a private cabin or suite with board and excursions included. A sailing trip in the Indian Ocean is one of our most demanded cabin cruises and receives rave reviews yearly. Even if you are not an expert in navigation, a cabin cruise includes the experience of living closely with the ins and outs of crewing the ship for the week.

If your ideal vacation day consists of relaxing on the deck of a ship in the sun, then a GlobeSailor cruise is the thing for you! The cruise price may often seem higher than usual, but this includes a paid skipper and crew to handle all your cruise needs. Under the care of a professional skipper, the yacht or catamaran will be managed expertly, leaving cabin cruise passengers to focus entirely on discovering some of the best islands in the area. Cruises with a skipper are also an opportunity to visit their itinerary's many places of interest. Each stop during the cruise at one of the ports offers many sightseeing or relaxation activities, allowing you to make the most of your time! So don't worry about how many days your cruise lasts because the itinerary is designed so no places of interest are missed!

The primary information is available in the description of each cruise, but do not hesitate to contact your cruise consultant with any queries you may have. As a travel agency, we are happy to inform you about life onboard, the characteristics of the cabins, your flight, and the complete itinerary included in each cruise offer. Call, email or find our free quote form on our website to get in contact and learn more!

Book with GlobeSailor, and let us find the best deals for your sailing trip! We select cruises for you at the best price. With an experienced crew on board to ensure your trip is perfect, right down to the minor details. Make your vacation a special one with a GlobeSailor cruise. Contact us now!