Dubbed “America’s favorite island,” Hilton Head in South Carolina is a family-friendly destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From beachcombing to biking, golfing and wildlife watching, cruisers can enjoy fun in the sun as well as an exceptional culinary scene in this beloved Southern port.

Things To Do

Hilton Head has long been a premier golf destination. The area has more than 26 championship golf courses, including the renowned Sea Pines Resort and links designed by such celebrated names as Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones Sr.

Beach time is also a given on Hilton Head, with its combination of calm waters and 12 miles of white-sand beaches. Coligny Beach Park is perhaps the most popular, thanks to its amenities: free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi access, chair and umbrella rentals, clean facilities and numerous nearby eateries. On the quieter side, Fish Haul and Mitchelville beaches are considered the best for shelling. Burkes Beach is known for its wildlife, particularly sea turtles and dolphins.

Nature lovers should also head to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, a vital stop along the Atlantic Flyway that attracts thousands of migratory birds annually and houses a resident menagerie of alligators, deer and large populations of white ibis, herons and other wading birds. Pack sunscreen and insect repellent to explore the island by kayak or by way of its 14 miles of hiking and biking trails.

All told, more than 64 miles of dedicated public pathways and nature trails crisscross Hilton Head. Be sure to pedal over to the red-and-white-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum, the symbol of the island.

Food and Drink

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is a family-owned and family-friendly landmark, as prized for its fresh-off-the-boat selections as for its famous hush puppies. For more refined seafood dishes and service with stunning views, reserve a table at Coast in the Sea Pines Resort. Innovative offerings such as habanero shrimp bowls and la plancha dishes complement traditional raw-bar options. For a barbecue fix, stop at One Hot Mama’s BBQ for its signature chocolate barbecue baby back ribs and award-winning chicken wings.

A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant lives up to its name with seafood purloo, shrimp and grits, grilled pimento cheese and a fried green tomato BLT. Nectar Farm Kitchen—which the locals simply call Nectar —is another popular stop for Lowcountry cooking and bountiful breakfasts paired with a highly praised Bloody Mary. Hilton Head Social Bakery serves divine French pastries such as pain au chocolat and fruit tarts, along with quiches, sandwiches, and desserts including eclairs and key lime pie brulee.

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The Galapagos Islands are a bucket-list destination for nature lovers eager to see the iconic animals of this remote island chain off mainland Ecuador. From the giant tortoises to the blue-footed boobies, the islands’ extraordinary wildlife is worth the extra effort required to cruise here.

Getting There

Cruising regulations are incredibly strict to protect the islands’ one-of-a-kind creatures and ecosystems. International yacht owners must work with a local agency to obtain an autografo, or entry authorization, from the Ecuadorian government. (Start the process two months out.) Cruisers must visit only the islands on the approved itinerary and must carry a local naturalist guide on board. Or consider booking a charter yacht instead. They can handle the administrative hurdles and provisioning so you can simply enjoy this incredible destination.

What To See

Each of the 13 major islands offers a memorable wildlife experience. Giant tortoises are the star on Santa Cruz Island. The Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora safeguards the survival of this beloved species. Scientists there nurture juveniles for several years until they’re large enough to survive in the wild. Up in the highlands, the nearly 30-acre El Chato Tortoise Reserve provides a protected haven for hundreds of adults, which can reach 5 feet in length and more than 550 pounds.

The view of Pinnacle Rock from the summit of Bartolome Island is the most photographed vista in the Galapagos. The waters at the base of the rock are a prime snorkeling spot, where a colony of Galapagos penguins resides. You’re also likely to spot black-tipped sharks and spotted eagle rays.

On San Cristobal Island, Punta Pitt is one of the few spots to see all three species of booby birds found in the Galapagos. The blue-footed booby gets top billing, but you’ll also spy red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies. In the evening, cruise around the island’s eastern side for a gorgeous sunset view of Kicker Rock.

Punta Suarez on Espanola Island is one of the most popular cruising stops in the Galapagos. From April through December, an estimated 35,000 critically endangered waved albatrosses settle in for nesting season. It’s awe-inspiring to witness their elaborate courtship rituals and juveniles learning to fly. Near the rocky landing site, you’ll also spy lava lizards, colorful red-and-green marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions resting on shore or frolicking in the waters.

If you’re an avid birder, set a course to the western islands of Fernandina and Isabela to spot the flightless cormorant, another iconic species. And keep an eye out for swallow-tailed gulls, Galapagos hawks and—of course—Darwin’s finches throughout the islands.

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Boaters who haven’t set a waypoint for Annapolis, Maryland, the past few years might be surprised by how much they find there.

“Annapolis, for years and years, was really traditional with what was downtown,” says Samantha Branham, regional director for Safe Harbor Marinas. “But the landscape has changed. They’ve built it up, and there are new restaurants right on the waterfront. It’s really cool.”

One of her newer favorites is The Choptank, billed as a classic fish and crab house. Its deck overlooks the boating action. “You’re sitting right over everything,” Branham says.

Another favorite of hers is Preserve, which is on Main Street. The menu shows a range of options from lamb ragu to vegan pot de creme, but Branham goes for the oysters, which she orders topped with creative accompaniments. “They’ll do things that are a little different, like a pickled onion mignonette,” she says, adding that she has also enjoyed the apple variation. “It was really sweet.”

To work off some of the calories, boaters can head back to Safe Harbor Annapolis, which has tennis and pickleball courts for member use. After that, maybe it’s a light nosh at The Fat Crab restaurant on-site, with a newly extended pavilion, before another walk around downtown.

“It’s the state capital, so there’s also a lot of history,” she says. “You can do walking tours. The Naval Academy is there. It can be romantic, or it can be good for a family with kids. It’s beautiful. I’m biased, but I think it’s the most beautiful place in the world.”

Local Delicacy

So many places serve crab in Annapolis that eateries regularly battle to make it onto Top 10 lists. Crab cakes, crab bisque, crab dip and soft-shell crabs are just some of the varieties.

Music Galore

A newer event in the city is the Annapolis Songwriters Festival, which takes place in September. It was created a few years ago and is modeled after the Key West Songwriters Festival, with dozens of free performances over the course of four days, as well as some ticketed concerts for highlighted acts. Shows performed at the City Dock are free for children 12 and younger, with additional venues typically including Maryland Hall and Rams Head On Stage. Some musicians also perform in the local parks, hotels and bars, with many of those concerts free for boaters who are having a walkabout downtown. The styles of music at this festival are wide-ranging, with a little bit of something for everyone.

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Bodrum, located on the “Turkish Riviera,” has long been a magnet for well-heeled European cruisers. This sun-soaked escape on the western Aegean draws in visitors with its turquoise waters, plentiful picturesque beaches, lively fine dining scene and intriguing glimpses of the region’s history.

Attractions

Much of the action in Bodrum happens along the water. This is Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, after all, and its cruising grounds offer lots of little islands and lagoons to explore.

Bodrum’s bountiful beaches are a major draw, with a stretch of sand for every clientele. Camel Beach (aka Kargi Bay), a favorite among locals and visitors for its pure sand and calm waters, is the launching point for kitesurfing and windsurfing expeditions. Families prefer Bitez Beach for its sheltered bay and Blue Flag status, marking it as one of the cleanest beaches in Turkey. Near the expanded Yalikavak Marina, refined beach clubs such as Miya Beach and Xuma Village attract the upscale set with gourmet food, creative drinks and evening entertainment.

Read More: Set a course to see and be seen in Sardinia

Bodrum is far more than just a tourist resort, though. Romans, Persians, Byzantines and Ottomans all have left their mark on this crossroads of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. The location’s rich history is on full display at Bodrum Castle, built in the 15th century by the Knights Hospitaller on a rise overlooking the city’s twin harbors. As you stroll the grounds and garden, stop at the chapel mosque, its glass floor providing a peek at the archaeological excavations below. The grounds also house the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which is home to the world’s oldest excavated shipwreck and other fascinating finds discovered along the Turkish coast. Learn more about Bodrum’s seafaring history at the Bodrum Maritime Museum.

Food and Drink

The restaurant at the Maçakizi Hotel is just one reason the world’s elite favor this glamorous retreat. It has earned a Michelin star for its new take on Aegean cuisine and wide-ranging wine list with an impressive selection of Champagnes.

Orfoz Restaurant, recommended by Michelin and Gault & Millau guides, is known for its great wine list too, along with fresh seafood dishes and stunning bay views. Bahce Restaurant earns raves for its authentic and flavorful Turkish fare as well as its relaxing garden setting. Karnas Vineyards, which focuses on zinfandel wines, serves everything from small bites to a multicourse tasting menu with such dishes as Aegean paella and slow-cooked braised lamb. At Bodrum Müdavim, located along what’s known as Bodrum Bar Street, enjoy a great view of Bodrum Castle as you select from an array of meze (appetizers), ranging from smoked eggplant to grilled artichokes to octopus salad.

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The Tasmanian tourist board has a pithy, catchy slogan to attract visitors to Australia’s rugged island state, some 150 miles south of the continent’s southeastern coastline: “Come down for air.” Last winter, I paid my fourth visit to the wild isle widely referred to as “Tassie,” which is saying something, as most mainland Aussies consider it too remote and give it a wide berth. That pure, fresh air is certainly a selling point, but for me, the allure has always been a different element: I come down for the water.

From the open Tasman Sea (named for Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to lay eyes on it, in the 1600s) to the picturesque River Derwent to the fetching D’Entrecasteaux Channel (one of the world’s most underrated cruising grounds), there’s a word for all that water: magnificent.

The capital of Tasmania is Hobart, and it’s also the finish line of one of the world’s great ocean races. Commencing every year on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, the Sydney-Hobart Race was always on my personal bucket list. In 2007, I scored a ride aboard a 35-footer called Morna, one of the fleet’s smallest participants. That year the race played out in usual fashion: a spinnaker run down the coast from Sydney, a stretch of nasty weather in the open water of the Bass Strait, a long upwind beat along Tasmania’s shore, and one final agonizing stretch up the Derwent and into Hobart. After a little more than four days, we took second in class and then downed about a hundred beers. I’d surely gotten off easy.

Read More from Herb McCormick: Ireland’s Wicklow Sailing Club is Warm and Welcoming

A decade earlier, in my previous foray in and out of Hobart, that wasn’t the case. I’d been recruited by an old pal, Australian explorer Don McIntyre, to join the crew aboard a 60-footer called Spirit of Sydney for a round-trip sail from Tasmania to Antarctica to pick him up after he’d spent a yearlong expedition on “the white continent.” I had always wanted to sail through the storied waters of the Great Southern Ocean, and McIntyre granted my wish. We had a relatively easy 10-day trip south, but the return voyage was one I hope never to repeat. A trio of westerly gales, with gusts topping 60 knots, stacked up seas down which one could ski; long surfs with boatspeed topping 20 knots were recurring events. After nine sporty days out there, we gratefully eased into Tassie’s protected and far calmer waters. I’d gotten the Southern Ocean out of my system.

By comparison, my latest trip was a happy lark that included a lazy boat ride through Storm Bay out to Bruny Island, where on a pretty beach I came across a rock with this inscription: “Resolution Creek. Capt. Cook’s Ship Watered Here, 27-28 June 1777.” Afterward, we tied back up in Little Oyster Cove Creek, where the docks were full and a fleet of salty cruising boats swung on moorings. My mate spun tales of all the Sydney sailors who were now keeping boats in Tassie, where the costs were low and where the beautiful, empty anchorages were almost endless. I’d always come to these waters for adventure, but he had my full attention. Two words came to mind: “Why not?”

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A favorite playground of international high society, Sardinia mixes the sophistication of the seaside resort of Porto Cervo with wild and breathtaking landscapes and seascapes. The island’s natural beauty, rich history and delectable dining scene make Sardinia an alluring cruising destination.

Island Attractions

Sardinia’s first national park, La Maddalena Archipelago National Park spans about 50,000 acres of sea and land, and skims 111 miles of coastline. Private boats need a permit to cruise its aquamarine waters and 60-plus islands, many of which look like wind- and current-sculpted granite and schist monuments. Inland, explore the rugged, scenic landscapes of Gennargentu National Park via hiking trail, or via train on the slow tourist routes offered by Trenino Verde.

Sardinia is prized for its picturesque beaches. Spiaggia del Principe (Prince’s Beach), a white-sand crescent near Porto Cervo, frequently ranks among the world’s best beaches. The beaches near Chia are considered especially family-friendly, while those in the Golfo di Oristano and Golfo di Orosei areas are known for their beauty.

Read More: Here are five new options for yacht charters in the Mediterranean Sea

For some scenery and history combined, check out the Castello District in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital city founded in the 13th century. Wander along the narrow walkways to Bastione di Saint Remy, which offers sweeping views. The four-story Archeological Museum displays an impressive collection of artifacts spanning back to the island’s neolithic roots. Delve deeper into the island’s earliest civilization at the Su Nuraxi nuraghe, a Bronze Age defensive complex near Barumini that’s the island’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.

Food and Drink

As the bull’s-eye in Costa Smeralda’s see-and-be-seen scene, Porto Cervo has exceptional dining options. Italo Bassi Confusion Restaurant, one of the island’s four one-star Michelin restaurants, serves creative haute cuisine. Renato Pedrinelli Restaurant Wine Shop and Bar expertly covers all three bases, known for its pastas, seafood and wine list. For a simpler meal, La Briciola earns raves for its fantastic pizza.

In Cagliari, reservations are recommended at L’Osteria Gioia & Gusto, praised for its seafood dishes and friendly service. ChiaroScuro di Marina Ravarotto is the place to sample such Sardinian specialties as su filindeu (a typically handmade pasta that is filament-thin) and casizolu cheese.

Elsewhere on the island, Su Gologone is the destination for Sardinia’s signature roasted pig. Food and wine connoisseurs head to the commune of Mamoiada, where small vintners grow the native cannonau and granatza grapes. Dine at Su Tapiu for innovative farm-to-table fare and at Abbamele Osteria, earning growing acclaim for its updated Sardinian classics.  

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Things have changed at the Town of Palm Beach Marina on Florida’s southeast coast—in ways that are good for transient boaters who want to enjoy the popular shopping and dining that’s just steps away.

“In the old marina, we were at such a high occupancy with long-term leases that a lot of people wouldn’t even reach out for transient dockage,” says Marina Manager Mike Horn. “I think a lot of people still believe that, and it’s just not true.”

In 2021, the marina reopened after a $40 million renovation. The old facility was demolished and replaced with new docks and amenities.

“It was cheap to stay in our marina back then, and people would sign up for a lease even if they weren’t there,” says Carolyn Stone, deputy town manager, business enterprise and culture. “But it’s different now.”

During the off-season in the summertime, about 70 percent of the marina’s space opens up to transients at rates that can be less than half-price for slips, Horn says. “The majority of the restaurants are still open,” he adds. “It’s not like the town folds up in the summertime. It’s a good time to get into the restaurants, and we’re about three-quarters of a mile from the beach if people want to walk down there.”

In fact, Stone says, using the marina as a home base for touring the area at this time of year can be a smart option compared to shoreside accommodations. “In the summer months, if you want to take a vacation in Palm Beach, you’ll do better staying on your boat,” she says. “It’s a great way to see Palm Beach with less crowds and more availability.” 

Center of the universe

President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort is about a mile and a half—the next bridge down the waterway—from the Town of Palm Beach Marina. Boaters are not allowed to display political flags from either party, so everyone can feel welcome along the docks, but plenty of people involved with national politics are typically in this area, including to shop along Worth Avenue.

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Corsica, the island of Napoleon’s birth, reigns as France’s “Isle of Beauty.” Its mountainous landscapes, breathtaking beaches, noteworthy historical sites, gentle climate and 300 miles of spectacular coastline make Corsica an appealing port of call on any Mediterranean cruising itinerary. 

Natural Attractions

Scandola Reserve, part of Corsica’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the island’s most beautiful spots and accessible only by boat. Its crystalline waters teem with marine life. Osprey and other species nest in the wind-sculpted, red-tinted cliffs.

With 20 peaks topping 6,500 feet, Corsica is a big destination for adventure travelers. For those who prefer paved roads to hiking paths, Route de Bavella through the Regional Natural Park of Corsica offers stunning views of Aiguilles de Bavella, the island’s iconic red granite pinnacles. In northwest Corsica, the D84 road passes such landmarks as Spelunca Gorge and Valdo Niello en route to Col de Vergio, the island’s highest road pass.

Read More: New Mediterranean Charter Options

Corsica’s beaches are a major draw too. Like many beaches in the Haute-Corse region (upper Corsica), Ostriconi Beach along the northern shore has no amenities and frequently rough surf. But the sunsets illuminating its red-rock landscape are awe-inspiring.

Plage de Palombaggia, near Porto Vecchio in southeast Corsica, often ranks among the world’s top beaches. Ringed by umbrella pines and red rocks, this easily accessible mile-long beach is known for its calm azure waters and white powder sand. The 4-mile Calvi Beach (aka La Pinède), in the heart of Calvi town, offers a multitude of amenities and 360-degree views that take in Monte Cinto, Corsica’s highest peak, and the 13th-century Calvi Citadel (worth a visit).

Historical Sites

History buffs should head to Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace and the site of several institutions connected to “the Corsican.” His childhood home, Maison Bonaparte, is now a museum with memorabilia from his early years. The Musee des Beaux-Arts-Palais Fesch, enabled by Napoleon’s conquests and established by his uncle, boasts 18,000 paintings. It’s among the most impressive collections of Italian masterpieces, including works by such luminaries as Titian, Botticelli and Bellini.

Food and Drink

While in Ajaccio, reserve a table in the charming rustic dining room of Restaurant Le 20123, known for its traditional Corsican fare, fresh fish and game selections. At the nearby La Terrasse du Fesch, enjoy upscale fare and lovely views. In Porto Vecchio’s excellent dining scene, Casadelmar—the island’s only two-star Michelin restaurant—serves inventive, market-fresh tasting menus. In Calvi, check out the chic La Signoria, with 40 cheeses and more than 800 wines on offer. 

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There’s much to celebrate in Nova Scotia, known as “Canada’s Festival Province.” With 8,300 miles of coastline, rich culture and history, a fantastic food scene and a packed festival calendar, Nova Scotia rewards cruisers who take time to explore this Canadian Maritimes gem on the Atlantic.

Halifax

The capital of Nova Scotia is as much of a draw for its historic sites as for its sophisticated dining scene and laid-back vibe. The star-shaped Halifax Citadel National Historic Site has dominated the city’s skyline since 1856. From May through October, tour this hilltop fortress with guides in period dress. Time your visit for the firing of the Noon Gun.

Downhill from the Citadel lies the 16-acre Halifax Public Gardens. One of the oldest formal Victorian gardens in North America, it’s a peaceful and colorful respite in the city center.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic chronicles the region’s captivating maritime history, including such headline events as Titanic’s sinking and the devastating 1917 Halifax Harbor explosion.

Naturally, world-class seafood abounds in Halifax. Look for fresh offerings on Saturdays at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market. The Bicycle Thief puts an Italian spin on its dishes dal mare. The Highwayman Restaurant & Bar pairs seafood-focused Spanish dishes with outstanding cocktails. The Wooden Monkey specializes in inventive, locally sourced fare and local craft beers. And sample a local specialty at the King of Donair: a sandwich version of a döner kebab.

Cape Breton Island

Choose your own adventure to explore the natural beauty of Cape Breton Island. Cruise Bras d’Or Lake, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, to cast a line or look for bald eagles, herons and other wildlife. Drive the 186-mile Cabot Trail scenic highway through the dense forests of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Stop to stroll the Bog Trail to spy tiny pitcher plants and gigantic moose. Or drive a golf ball on the highly regarded Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links golf courses and enjoy the dramatic ocean views.

Fuel up for explorations at the Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery, a popular destination for breakfast, lunch or coffee. Visit the casual Rusty Anchor for its renowned lobster rolls. For fine dining, Woodroad offers a distinctive, intimate multicourse dinner. And make time to catch a performance of Cape Breton’s world-renowned fiddle music at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre or The Barn.

Elsewhere on Nova Scotia

Along the south shore, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is the most famous of the province’s 160 lighthouses and an emblem of Nova Scotia. Many of the colorful wooden homes of Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, date to the early days of this well-preserved British Colonial settlement, founded in 1753.   

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Sixteen is a lot of African safaris. That’s how many Francesco Galli Zugaro has done, in addition to countless cruises to islands and tours of destinations on mainlands all around the world. As he wrote in The New York Times back in 2006, he’s basically a professional vacationer, fulfilling his own desire to have amazing experiences while checking out the competition for his company, Aqua Expeditions. “People who expect the world when they go on vacation—and who pay for that privilege—tend to get a ‘been there, done that’ attitude about certain destinations,” he wrote nearly two decades ago. His personal experience has taught him that this attitude persists when it comes to yacht charter, which is largely based in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

That’s why he’s always looking for new regions to base one of his fleet vessels. And now he has found one.

“Finally, I was able to get down to Aldabra, which is the gateway to the Seychelles,” he says. “It’s a group of islands in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. It’s the second-largest coral atoll in the world. It’s got over 150,000 giant tortoises in an uninhabited island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. That’s 10 times the size of the population in the Galapagos.”

He felt that visiting this part of the world was an extraordinary experience, so much so that he was willing to invest the three years’ worth of time and effort it takes to base one of his fleet vessels there. Starting in late 2025, Aqua Expeditions will have itineraries available aboard a newly refitted 200-plus-foot vessel in not only the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, but also Zanzibar, Tanzania, on the eastern coast of Africa.

“This is beyond the inner group of islands, places like the iconic La Digue. It’s not easy to get to,” he says. “I got there and discovered an opportunity to do something. Zanzibar is known as a spice island of East Africa, so I thought, why not create this opportunity for guests? We have about 38,000 guests who have traveled with Aqua. They’ve done all these places. This is something new.”

Zanzibar is virtually unheard of as a destination for luxury charters. Some international-caliber yachts do visit the Seychelles but typically cruise near La Digue and the Inner Islands. The region where Aqua Expeditions will operate is farther afield, in a location where it would be challenging for an individual yacht making a temporary visit to arrange a one-off charter booking, let alone be ready with access to protected excursion sites and knowledgeable guides.

“There are some small three- or four-cabin catamarans that you can charter out of the Seychelles, but nothing that is this class,” he says. “There’s nothing at the high end of expedition cruising, either by charter or by-the-cabin, that’s scheduled in a way that is sellable and bookable.”

As with all of its vessels, Aqua Expeditions will offer charters here by-the-cabin or full-vessel, with the latter being how traditional charter yachts are booked. About 30 percent of the company’s business is full-vessel bookings, Zugaro says, and about 60 percent of the clients come from the United States.

“The Seychelles and East Africa have been slightly more of a European destination,” he says. “We have past guests from America who may do the Maldives or Caribbean, but they don’t do the Seychelles. I think the Seychelles beats the Maldives with the tropical setting and natural component. There’s a wow factor of the natural beauty.”

Setting up shop in parts of the world that have this kind of a wow factor for well-traveled clients isn’t easy. Aqua Expeditions, which Zugaro founded in 2007, now has experience delivering on the promise in the Peruvian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, Vietnam and Cambodia, and Indonesia. Guests can expect the same level of luxury and service in this new region, Zugaro says, despite its lack of traditional yachting infrastructure.

“The less infrastructure, for me, the better,” he says. “Our ships don’t go alongside a big marina. These are expeditions. You want the ship to have autonomy. We do that in the Galapagos with two-week itineraries. The same thing goes here.”

Also, in this part of the world, he says, a key element is the quality of the guides. There are 27 guides working for Aqua Expeditions, providing expertise in ways that work for even the most well-traveled clients.

“We have one guide for every four couples on our trips,” he says. “This means the trip can be more customized, if they are more snorkelers or birdwatchers or whatever they like.”

The new vessel will offer about four activities a day with some structured timing to address challenges, such as entering and exiting lagoons at the proper heights of tidal shifts, he says. This is different from a charter where guests can simply decide where they might want the yacht to go the next morning, but a schedule is necessary when you’re talking about experiences that are a world away from shopping on St. Barts or sipping cocktails off St. Tropez.

“When you push the guests a little bit out of their comfort zone, that’s when they have the real wow moments, and that’s what we do,” Zugaro says. “They have to have some faith in the guides and the activities that we’ve put together for them to experience the best of the destination. They’re not there to lounge about and sunbathe. They can do that in the Med anytime they want. Here, the setting lends itself to going out and being active, and coming back to a beautiful ship.”  

Get Ready to Book

The 15-stateroom, 200-plus-foot vessel Aqua Expeditions plans to introduce in this region next year will be the sixth vessel in the company’s global fleet. More details about the new addition are expected to become available in a month or so, with bookings opening soon and charter operations beginning at the end of November 2025.

Aldabra

Aldabra, in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, is the world’s second-largest coral atoll. The land tortoises that roam here can grow to 550 pounds and live for 150 years. The presence of so many tortoises is why people call this island “the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.”

Cosmoledo

Also in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, Cosmoledo has become known as a bucket-list destination for saltwater fly-fishing. Anglers who wet a line here often go for giant trevally, but they can also encounter a wide diversity of bonefish, milkfish, permit and various species of triggerfish.

Kilwa Kisiwani

This hamlet in Tanzania has fewer than 1,000 residents. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cultural tourism is regulated to protect the integrity of the artifacts. The Great Mosque here dates back to the 12th century. The Husuni Kubwa, or “great palace,” dates to the early 14th century.

Stone Town

Stone Town is the capital of the Zanzibar archipelago. For generations, it was a main trading post on the spice, silk and slave routes. African, Arabian, European and Indian cultures are all represented here, with walkable streets and alleyways that feel like a labyrinth.

Pemba

Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, Pemba is known for snorkeling and diving on coral reefs, and for birdwatching ashore. Pemba is also the world’s primary exporter of the clove spice, with millions of clove trees that can grow to 50 feet in height. That’s the origin of Pemba’s nickname, “Clove Island.”

Farquhar

Farquhar is an atoll within the Farquhar island group in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. It’s named for British merchant Robert Townsend Farquhar, who worked for the East India Company as well as the British government during the early 19th century. 

Mahé

Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles, and will serve as a primary pickup and drop-off point for Aqua Expeditions charter clients. Airlines that operate here include Air France, Emirates, Qatar and Turkish Airlines. From the New York City region, a one-stop flight takes at least 18 hours.

East Africa

Tanzania, where Aqua Expeditions is scheduling charters, is more than 1,000 miles south of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. “The concern about pirates is way, way north of where we’re operating,” says founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro. “Tanzania is not the concern. That’s where we are operating.”

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

The Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean are known for their population of giant tortoises, which number around 20,000. On Aldabra in the Indian Ocean, the number is closer to 150,000. This is the world’s largest population of the species. Historically, the Indian Ocean region was home to 18 or more varieties of tortoise, but only this species remains because of sailors who hunted them and introduced rats, cats and pigs that ate their hatchlings and eggs.

Take the next step: aquaexpeditions.com

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