WINTER 2016/17 DESTINATIONS the perfect experience A dream holiday means something different to everyone but chartering a yacht is the best way to bring that dream to life. Book your yacht charter now and explore a wide variety of destinations this winter.
winter destinations
WINTER 2016/17 DESTINATIONS The Caribbean
Komodo & Flores Islands
Cuba
Raja Ampat
The Bahamas
The Great Barrier Reef
Mexico
The Whitsunday islands
Belize
New Zealand
The Seychelles
Fiji
The Maldives
Tahiti
Thailand
Chilean Patagonia
Myanmar (Burma)
Antarctica
winter destinations the caribbean
THE CARIBBEAN The Caribbean is a natural wonderland where hundreds of islands await to carry you through adventure and paradise. From tiny beach covered coral atolls to substantial mountainous islands exuding rich and colourful cultures, the Caribbean offers an incredible amount of choice and variety and all in a relatively small area. Thriving bars and Caribbean nightlife; first rate cuisine; spectacular white powder beaches; lush tropical rain forests; cloud-fringed mountain peaks; exotic bird life; amazing diving and snorkelling and a serene blend of European sophistication and warm Caribbean hospitality await.
caribbean sea
“ A string of islands whose diversity makes for a completely unique experience�
winter destinations cuba
CUBA There is something wild and exciting about the alluring coastal waters and hidden streets of Cuba, and thanks to the newly relaxed regulations for cruising and dropping anchor, it’s proving to be the hottest new destination for superyacht charters. Undoubtedly one of the more colourful destinations when it comes to a luxury yacht charter, Cuba boasts a fabulous coastline stretching for more than three and a half thousand miles with 289 natural beaches. The largest island in the West Indies chain it offers a pivotal ‘stepping stone’ gateway to Honduras, Belize, the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Florida and Jamaica.
florida
atlantic ocean
bahamas la havana
cuba santiago de cuba
“ The ‘new yet old’ destination"
Havana is an enchanting and captivating city, with the twists and turns of its compelling history and rich culture laid bare in the surprising diversity of its architecture and kaleidoscope of citizens. Discover the Cuban people, the lush, fertile countryside and the astounding mixture of Spanish baroque, neocolonial and Soviet architecture. Although a little dilapidated around the edges, Cuba manages to have a magnetic, fascinating draw.
winter destinations the bahamas
THE BAHAMAS
“ Island escape"
Like a scattering of precious gems, the 700 islands of the Bahamas float in a crystal clear ocean awaiting your discovery. Fishing enthusiasts will be in their element, as will the lovers of nightlife, shopping and British Colonial infused elegance. The world’s best vertical walls, wrecks, tunnels, caverns and largest collection of blue holes await the experienced diver ready to take the plunge. Even a gentle snorkel will bring a kaleidoscope of tropical wonders into view. From excitement to sheer tranquillity, the Bahamas has it all. Exuma Islands Crystal blue waters, plenty of natural harbours and secluded beaches make the Exuma islands a true tropical paradise. Visit Moria Harbour Cay National Park, a vital part of the ecosystem between Great and Little Exuma that is home to nesting seabirds and a nursery for marine life.
florida
atlantic ocean north atlantic ocean paradise islands bahamas san salvador exuma islands
San Salvador Named by Christopher Columbus the island of San Salvador is actually the exposed peak of a submerged mountain that rises 15,000 feet from the ocean’s floor. Undulating hills, beautiful beaches, numerous salt water lagoons and amazing reefs produce one of the most unique looking landscapes in The Bahamas. Renowned for great diving, more than 50 diving sites await the most discerning divers. Paradise Island Finish your charter in style with a trip to Paradise Island and explore the famous Atlantis resort, the Bahamas’ very own ‘Vegas by the sea’.
winter destinations
mexico
MEXICO
“ Aztec wonders”
The coastline of Mexico offers a variety of destinations perfect for cruising by yacht with the most popular being Baja California and Cancun. Baja California, called the ‘Red Sea’ of the Americas, has a lot to offer from delightful diving with great visibility, to wonderful whale watching when the grey whales migrate here to breed as well as fantastic fishing in the wake of Hemingway for some serious sports fishing. Cancun is now becoming a thriving destination in Mexico with startling white beaches, aquamarine waters and fantastic dive spots. It has the same sizzling nightlife and fine waterfront restaurants as La Paz and Acapulco. It also offers a relaxing base from which to explore the astonishing ruins of Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Cobá, remnants of the area’s rich Maya heritage.
baja california
north pacific ocean
cancun
winter destinations
belize
BELIZE
“ The Adventure Coast”
Wedged between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize probably has the greatest variety of landscapes, people, flora and fauna of any country of its size in the world. The large continuous barrier reef creates miles of protected cruising grounds, which makes sailing a breeze. There are hundreds of sandy cays for anchoring your charter yacht within a reef which is abundant with sea life. The “adventure coast”, as Belize is rightly called, provides endless opportunities for diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, bird watching and more. Take a night dive through a tunnel of living coral, ride a horse through a jungle resounding with the call of howler monkeys, explore ancient Mayan ruins, or even try to track the elusive jaguar.
gulf of mexico
belize
winter destinations the seychelles
THE SEYCHELLES
“ Island paradise”
When you arrive in paradise found, you’ll wish all your holidays always moved at the pace of the Seychelles famous resident, the Giant Tortoise. Situated approximately 600 miles north-east of Madagascar, and 1,000 miles east of Kenya, the Seychelles are a group of more than 100 small islands in the Indian Ocean. The four main islands are Mahe, Praslin, La Dique and Silhouette, and these islands are where the bulk of visitors stay. However with a charter yacht at your disposal, these fantastic islands are yours to explore. The legend of the Garden of Eden becomes apparent when you see the most stunning beaches on the planet. Lush nature reserves and national parks spill down to the coast while birds soar overhead. Huge granite boulders thrust out of white sand lapped by turquoise sea. Gentle wafting of flipper clad feet will glide you across brightly coloured coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
praslin silhouette
la digue
indian ocean mahe
winter destinations the maldives
THE MALDIVES The Maldives is oozing with romance and peaceful seclusion, but is even more famous for the diving that is an absolute must for the enthusiast. Only about one in ten of the coral islands are inhabited, usually by a luxury resort, but the ultimate way to experience the Maldives is by luxury yacht charter. The incredible atolls provide a psychedelic blaze of fish and coral that will delight both the experienced diver as well as the languid snorkeller. The beaches are a dream for couples and young families alike, with their gentle shallow warm waters. Barefoot luxury or designer chic, the Maldives offers both with relaxed charm and quiet elegance.
indian ocean
malé
lackadive sea
“ Relaxed charm and quiet elegance”
winter destinations thailand
THAILAND
“ Spices and temples”
The ‘Land of Smiles’ is characterised by the warm, hospitable people and myriad islands with endless coves and beaches you can claim all to yourself. Most charters focus on the Andaman Sea coast in and around the island of Phuket and Koh Phangan islands where high season runs from November until March, or cruise northwards to the diving meccas of the Surin and Similan islands. A ‘Jewel in the Gulf of Siam’ off the eastern coast of Thailand, Koh Samui is part of an archipelago of more than 60 islands in the South China Sea. Fine silken sands, swaying coconut palms and calm waters are emblematic of this peaceful location with perfect cruising weather from April to October.
gulf of thailand phuket andaman sea
koh samui
RELAXATION, CULTURE AND ADVENTURE AWAIT...
winter destinations myanmar
MYANMAR (BURMA) The Mergui Archipelago, isolated and untouched, is an exciting area with 800 islands to explore. Discover an incredibly extensive and beautiful archipelago with islands inhabited by elephants, tigers and other wild animals, many of which have probably never been explored. Crystal clear waters and immaculate white sandy beaches with the rainforest as a backdrop, complete the perfect picture for a dream inducing holiday. Mergui offers undiscovered diving and February to March attracts whale sharks and manta rays. The islands and surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of flora, fauna and rare beautiful underwater scenes.
andaman sea mergui
“ Untouched Mergui Archipelago�
winter destinations komodo & flores islands
KOMODO & FLORES ISLANDS Home to some of the most spectacular diving and pristine beaches on the planet, Indonesia is vast and dotted with islands, each offering something unique. Few areas in Asia can match the cultural and natural diversity that can be found following the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands: towering active volcanoes and jungle clad mountain ranges meet dry savannah lowlands, all teeming with wildlife… Here you will find quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, colourful market places, tribal rituals in addition to an under water world of kaleidoscopic beauty. This expedition includes the Komodo area for a couple of days of snorkelling, beach combing and hiking through one of the most beautiful National Parks of Indonesia where you can also of course observe the famous Komodo Dragons.
flores sea
komodo islands
savu sea
“ Enchanting underwater world & spectacular diving ”
winter destinations raja ampat
RAJA AMPAT
“ A jewel of the world”
RAJA AMPAT which translates as “The Four Kings”, refers to the four most important islands of the Western tip of Papua: Waigeo in the north spanning the equator, Batanta, Salawati, Misool in the south of the archipelago. The area comprises over 2,000 islands, many unnamed and uninhabited over an area of 50,000 square kilometres. Raja Ampat offers quality hikes, the most biodiverse diving sites of the world and amazing encounters with the flora including Birds of Paradise, Fruit Bats and majestic Manta Rays. Raja Ampat is considered a jewel of the world owing to its location in the heart of “The Coral Triangle”.
raja ampat
ceram sea
halmahera sea
winter destinations the great barrier reef
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF Sailing out northwest from the main island of The Great Barrier Reef is the ultimate for any scuba diver, and with 74 islands making up The Whitsundays the world is your oyster. Rub shoulders with the locals in the small towns and resorts, quietly drop anchor at a secluded bay, or take in the sunrise over Whitehaven Beach. Hayman Island is the ultimate in luxury, while its casual ambience is an opportunity to experience Australians at their best. With the flash of iridescent butterflies, Aboriginal culture and friendly locals, it’s the best Oz experience you can get.
the great barrier reef
australia
“ Awe inspiring wonder”
winter destinations the whitsunday islands
THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS The 74 Whitsunday Islands lie close to the coast but within the Great Barrier Reef itself, and also boast safe bathing waters. A collection of stunning drowned granite peaks, most of the islands are uninhabited and protected. The wildlife is spectacular with underwater fish of all sizes and colours, lizards and birds in the bush, and screeching cockatoos and many butterflies in the air. One of the highlights is the 7 kilometres of pure white sand of Whitehaven beach and for once a place that looks even more incredible than the brochure photos.
the whitsundays
australia
whitsunday island
hamilton island
“ Pristine bays for relaxing or exploring�
DISCOVER EXCEPTIONAL ESCAPES
winter destinations new zealand
NEW ZEALAND As the first country on earth to celebrate the New Year, New Zealand offers a summer celebration blended in with Maori Culture to create a wonderful mix of past, present and future. From their sheer diversity and sporting cultural attractions, to the mountains, deep fjords, rainforests, glaciers and bubbling geo-thermal pools, no other country has such a vast cruising landscape. The islands are utterly enchanting. The coastlines of both the North and South Island are a wonderful canvas of bays, harbors, fjords and beaches. Whether your itinerary takes in the marine reserves and islands lying off the North Island, or heads to the South Island to glide along the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand is all about taking to the water. Whilst there are many cruising grounds to choose from the most popular are the Bay of Islands and the Hauraki Gulf, close to the city of Auckland.
north island tasman sea
south island
“ Maori Welcome�
winter destinations fiji
FIJI
“ Heavenly beauty”
Sailing out northwest from the main island of Viti Levu brings you to the Yasawa Island Group made famous by the movie Blue Lagoon. You will be awed by natural beauty, world class high visibility diving and breathtaking beaches. Sunny, unique and unspoiled, Fiji lies between 15° and 22° south of the equator and has over 330 islands with miles of pristine white sandy beaches, fabulous coral gardens and verdant tropical rainforests that cling to mountains which were volcanic in origin. The islands are a fascinating blend of cultures and colour and have something to offer all yacht visitors.
fiji
south pacific ocean
winter destinations tahiti
TAHITI Like a Gauguin painting, the beauty of Tahiti and its people are the epitome of a South Sea Island dream. Visitors arriving by sea feel the same emotion that would have moved Captain Cook when he first spotted what is now known as Tahiti. He was delighted at how easy it was to navigate among these islands and sail into the various lagoons through the passes naturally made in the coral fringed reef. The deep bright colours of sea and land are matched by the exquisite beauty of the tropical orchids, banquets of seafood and delectable sweet fruit. The sway of Tahitian hips clad in hula skirts transports you to the rhythm of island life that is as precious as a black pearl.
tahiti south pacific ocean
“ A perfect blend of ocean and lagoon sailing, with some of the best diving you can find "
A DIFFERENT HORIZON EVERY DAY
winter destinations chilean patagonia
CHILEAN PATAGONIA Chilean Patagonia offers an amazing diversity of landscapes that run from the Patagonian plains to the fjords and canals where the icy peaks of the Andes are submerged. A region that once was the homeland of the first Chilean Aborigines of Tierra del Fuego and where the rivers and lakes are of an incomparable clearness. The region is, by far, one of the world’s best spots to engage in exploratory fishing and specialised eco-tourism. The coast to land ratio is enormous, the Cordillera generates an infinite number of river and lake systems that are close to the ocean fjords, which in most cases, are inaccessible by usual means of transportation, thus remaining virgin and unexplored territories.
chile
south pacific ocean
“ Luminous icebergs, majestic mountains and gigantic glaciers”
winter destinations antartica
ANTARCTICA If you want to get away from it all, then Antarctica truly is one of the last places on earth yet to be fully explored. Chartering a specially built yacht designed to cut through the thick ice surrounding this continent is a unique experience. Antarctica’s cruising grounds offer natural extremities that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Entering into this dream like world of luminous icebergs, majestic mountains and gigantic glaciers is a privilege for any world traveller. Teeming with natural wildlife, incredible ice formations, volcanic islands and historic remnants of past explorations, the possibilities are endless and with nearly 24 hours of daylight, you will have all the time in the world to discover them.
south pacific ocean
antarctica
“ The ultimate experience of adventure and luxury combined”
DREAM, ENJOY, FEEL, DISCOVER...