Indian Ocean
Luxury Indian Ocean yacht charters
In search of winter sun, warm turquoise waters and remote islands with their own unique cultures? With easy sailing distances between the jungle-covered, mountainous main islands and an abundance of opportunities to explore the more remote Outer Islands, an Indian Ocean yacht charter around the Seychelles can be tailor-made for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The warm, clear waters, shipwrecks and rich marine life of the low-lying coral atolls of the Maldives also provide ideal ingredients for exceptional snorkelling and diving; thrill-seekers will find some great surfing spots, too.
-
Best time to visitMay - November
-
Getting thereMultiple city links
Explore Indian Ocean
5.8 Undersea Restaurant
The world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant. Try the multi-course tasting menu for a fully immersive gourmet experience.
Hurawalhi
African Banks
The northernmost islets of the Amirantes Group, these two uninhabited landforms rise just 3m (10ft) above sea level and are mostly bare of vegetation. Visit the old derelict lighthouse and explore vital turtle and seabird nesting grounds.
Amirante Islands
Alifushi
Alifushi, in the northern part of the atoll, is a village renowned for its traditional dhoni boat building. This age-old craft is still very much alive, with local boatyards producing dozens of handcrafted fishing vessels each year using skills passed down through generations.
Alifushi
Anantara Spa, Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas
Designed by Bill Bensley and nestled in lush forest, this spa is a sanctuary of calm where nature meets refined wellness. Treatments blend Eastern and Western techniques, infused with local herbs and fruits to restore natural balance and vitality.
Mahé
Anse a La Mouche
Located in the southwest of Mahé, Anse à la Mouche is a calm, shallow bay – ideal for a relaxed day at anchor. Cast a line from the swim platform in the early morning light, then slip into the warm, clear waters for a snorkel across the sandy bottom.
Mahé
Anse Cimetiere
Anchor your Seychelles sailing yacht and discover vibrant reefs, encounter giant tortoises, and the chance relax on pristine beaches. Enjoy all this while staying close to the sights, sounds, shops, and bars of Victoria on the island of Mahé.
Mahé
Anse La Passe
Anse La Passe, on Silhouette Island, is a serene haven with calm, shallow waters ideal for paddleboarding, bodyboarding, and snorkelling. It's the perfect beach for unwinding – whether you're paddling the coastline or simply soaking up the sun on soft sands.
Silhouette Island
AWAY@ Spa at W Maldives
This open-air spa is inspired by the curves of a traditional Dhow boat. Choose from massages, wraps, and facials beneath a canopy or stretch into serenity with private yoga sessions on the wraparound sundeck. An outdoor rainforest shower and plush daybed complete the scene for total tropical rejuvenation.
Fesdhoo
Baa Atoll
A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll is teeming with marine life. Snorkel with manta rays and whale sharks, especially in Hanifaru Bay – home to the world’s largest gathering of manta rays during feeding season
UNESCO site
Baros
Found on its own private island in the southern part of the North Male Atoll, Baros features multiple restaurants with an emphasis on seafood, a beautiful infinity pool, and a white sand beach that stretches all around the island.
Baros
Big-game fishing
Try big-game fishing in the early morning hours off Fulidhoo Island at Vaavu Atoll – a thrilling sportfishing experience and one of the Maldives’ best-kept secrets.
Fulidhoo
Botanica
Set in a hidden garden lit by flickering candlelight, Botanica by Brent Savage serves natural ‘garden-to-table’ cuisine.
Reethi Rah
Coco Spa
Immerse yourself in a menu of deeply restorative treatments inspired by ancient Indonesian, Thai, and Indian traditions. Enhanced by tea-based products known for their healing qualities, Coco Spa’s therapies promise a calming escape infused with holistic care.
Coco Bodu Hithi
COMO Maalifushi
At COMO Maalifushi in Thaa Atoll, join the resident marine biologist for a hands-on coral restoration experience. Learn how new coral frames are planted on the seafloor to encourage reef growth and help protect this vital marine ecosystem.
Maalifushi
Cousine Island
Anchor off the private island of Cousine, a serene nature preserve west of Praslin. A sweeping arc of white sand wraps around the northern tip – the perfect spot for the crew to create a beach set-up. Unwind and enjoy a tranquil day surrounded by unspoiled beauty.
Cousine Island
Crab Shack at Finolhu Resort
A 20-minute stroll or five minute boat ride, the Crab Shack is at the end of a sandbank. With wooden planks and palm thatch, this is a relaxed and delicious dining choice.
Finolhu Baa Atoll
Curieuse Island
North of Baie Sainte Anne, Curieuse is best known for its free-roaming colony of giant tortoises. Beyond the mangroves and red earth trails, you’ll find great coral garden diving just off the island’s eastern coast.
Curieuse Island
Curieuse, Raffles Hotel
Curieuse takes you on a pan-Asian culinary journey across India, China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Infused with aromatic oriental ingredients, the menu features fragrant Thai duck curry, spicy sour soups, Mongolian chicken noodles, and delicious Indian curries – all made using the best local and imported produce.
Praslin
Cyann, Constance Ophelia Hotel
With tables set poolside and by the water’s edge, Cyann fuses precise French culinary technique with Asian and local influences. There’s also a dedicated sushi bar near the pool, open for both lunch and dinner.
Mahé
D’Arros and St Joseph’s Atoll
A Seychelles yacht charter is incomplete without a lunchtime BBQ on the sandy beach that surrounds the Amirantes group island. St Joseph’s Atoll is great for snorkelling and scuba diving the reef. Swim with shark pups, turtles, rays and dolphins or find your own oysters on the coral walls.
Amirante Islands
D’Arros Island
This remote island is part of a Save Our Seas nature reserve dedicated to vulnerable species such as manta rays and green turtles. Dive with them in their natural habitat or enjoy beach barbecues surrounded by pristine sand and clear waters.
Amirante Islands
Desroches Island
A remote atoll in the Amirante Group, Desroches Island offers jungle trails to explore by bike, revealing unique flora and fauna along the way. Head out for game fishing in the surrounding waters or dive into an underwater world of caves, swim-throughs, and labyrinthine reef systems.
Amirante Islands
Dhaalu Atoll
Dhaalu Atoll is known for its skilled craftsmen, with mosques featuring intricate coral-stone carvings. Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl once remarked that the masonry here was among the finest he had ever encountered.
Dhaalu Atoll
Dhiggiri Island
As you sail south into the lower reaches of the Ari Atoll, pause at the deserted Dhiggiri Island – a true postcard scene. Powder-soft sands, scattered palms, and shimmering turquoise waters create the perfect setting for a peaceful escape.
Ari Atoll
Felidhe
Head to the northern side of Felidhe in the South Malé Atoll for a peaceful afternoon anchored in a calm, azure lagoon. Enjoy water sports, a swim from the yacht, or simply soak up the sun on its pristine white sand beach.
Felidhe Atoll
Four Degrees, Hilton
Barefoot, beachfront dining with great cocktails and the freshest seafood straight from the grill. This laid-back restaurant and bar is a must-visit Burgess recommendation during your Seychelles yacht charter.
Silhouette Island
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
With nine restaurants and bars, this resort offers everything from casual beachfront fare to elegant dining. Expect fresh seafood, Arabian cuisine, and inspired international flavours.
Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Resort
On the shores of Petit Anse, this luxury resort offers a wide range of culinary experiences. Choose from a six-course Japanese tasting menu prepared in front of you at Omakase, or grill your own seafood on the beach in traditional Seychellois style. Asian, Creole and Mediterranean options abound – a must for food lovers sailing the Seychelles.
Mahé
Frégate
Frégate Island’s protective reef teems with marine life, perfect for a morning snorkel or dive. On land, explore canopied trails by foot or mountain bike through cashew thickets, bamboo glades, and citrus groves. Keep an eye out for tropical birds and the island’s famous giant tortoises along the way.
Frégate Island
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
One of the largest atolls in the world, Gaafu Dhaalu stretches around a 35km (22 miles) lagoon and includes more than 80 islands. At low tide, you can walk between many of them, offering a rare opportunity to observe traditional Maldivian life up close.
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
Gemendhoo Private Island
Ideal for private snorkelling & water sports.
Grande Sœur
Drop anchor between Grande and Petite Sœur for a full day of island fun. Enjoy a barefoot beach BBQ, hit the water for jetskiing, wakeboarding, or even surfing if the west-side swell is right. Snorkel directly from the beach through crystal-clear waters that are part of a nearby turtle nesting area.
Grande Sœur
Grann Kaz, Hilton
Just outside the Hilton Resort, you can explore authentic Creole cuisine in the beautifully restored former home of the Dauban family who owned the island in the 1800s. Every dish is homegrown, homemade, or locally sourced, blending British and French influences with a Seychellois twist.
Silhouette Island
Hanifaru Bay
A protected site within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Snorkelling with manta rays and whale sharks is permitted, but no diving or anchoring is allowed without prior approval – typically required at least a week in advance.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Hiking
The islands of Gan, Maandhoo, Kadhoo, and Fonadhoo are connected by an 11-mile (18km) causeway – the longest continuous stretch of dry land in the Maldives. On Gan, explore the unique Red Lake, coloured by the tannins from fallen leaves, and the Hawitta, an ancient Buddhist mound dating back more than 600 years.
Gan
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Dine five meters below the surface of the ocean, in the world’s first undersea restaurant, with panoramic coral garden views and fusion menus matched with fine wines. Ithaa can be reserved for private dining, weddings and special occasions.
Rangali Island
L'Union Estate Park
Step ashore to explore L’Union Estate Park, where you’ll find one of the oldest surviving plantation houses in the Seychelles – a fine example of French colonial architecture. Wander the coconut and vanilla plantations for a trip back in time.
L'Union
Maayafushi
This crescent-shaped island in the Ari Atoll is known for its wide lagoon and vibrant underwater life. Whether swimming, snorkelling, or strolling its palm-lined beaches, Maayafushi offers everything you'd hope for in a tropical retreat.
Ari Atoll
Maniyafushi
Maniyafushi is one of the South Malé Atoll’s untouched gems – a deserted island of white sands and sapphire-blue waters. With no distractions but the natural beauty around you, it’s an ideal spot to truly unwind.
South Malé Atoll
Morne Blanc Trail
Hike the Morne Blanc Trail as it winds through a former tea plantation and up into the misty forest to the top of Morne Blanc. Your reward? Panoramic views across Mahé’s lush western coastline.
Mahé
Nibiligaa Sandbank
Shaped like a teardrop and sprinkled with a few trees and greenery, Nibiligaa Sandbank is a picturesque stop for a beach picnic and snorkelling in calm, clear waters. A perfect slice of solitude in the middle of the sea.
Nibiligaa Sandbank
Olhahali Picnic Island
Olhahali Picnic Island is renowned as the best BBQ island in the region – a private haven for sunbathing, snorkelling, and relaxed beachside dining. With powdery sand and inviting waters, it’s the perfect retreat for a secluded day ashore.
Olhahali
Poivre Island
This remote, uninhabited island in the Amirante Group is home to sprawling salt flats perfect for bonefishing, and ideal conditions for watersports. A thriving bird and turtle population makes it a haven for nature lovers. Got a submersible on board? Head to the Amirantes Trench – a dramatic drop-off from 60 to over 12,000 metres (200ft to more than 7 miles), teeming with rare marine life.
Amirante Islands
Rasdhoo Atoll
Just off the North Ari Atoll, Rasdhoo is a cluster of five islands, home to a tight-knit community of around 850 residents. As the atoll’s administrative hub, it offers a glimpse of local life, with its quaint village, unique island shops, and even a deep-sea medical centre.
Rasdhoo Atoll
Reethi
Reethi Restaurant offers three distinct dining experiences in a stunning setting surrounded by sea and sky. ‘Earth’ features exquisite French cuisine; ‘Fire’ delivers colourful pan-Asian dishes with Indian, Maldivian, Sri Lankan and Thai influences; and ‘Aqua’ presents a true taste of Italy using the finest fresh ingredients.
Reethi Rah
Scuba diving
HP Reef is one of the Maldives’ most exciting dive sites, but it’s strictly for experienced divers due to the strong currents and depth. Nearby sites are available for novices.
Male Atoll
Scuba diving
NORTH ARI ATOLL Maalhos Thila “An exciting dive for advanced divers only.” Maaya Thila “Fine for both novices and experienced divers.” Fish Head aka Mushimas Mingili Thila “For novices or intermediate divers.”
Ari Atoll
Scuba diving
Rasdhoo Madivaru, also called the hammerhead dive, is best for intermediate to advanced divers. Beginners can dive too, though they’re less likely to reach the depths where hammerheads are most often seen.
Rasdhoo Atoll
Scuba diving
A top destination for scuba diving, Felidhu Atoll is famous for its kandu (channels) that attract a variety of large marine life like sharks, tuna, and manta rays. Popular dive sites include Fotteyo Kandu and Miyaru Kandu, and it's a great location for drift diving.
Felidhu Atoll
Scuba diving
Discover unspoiled dive sites with rich coral formations and abundant marine life. Advanced divers can explore two wrecks of traditional dhoni vessels, while beginners will enjoy shallow, calm sites within the inner atoll.
Faafu Atoll
SEA
Gourmet meals under the ocean’s waves in an underwater restaurant. Explore the world’s first underwater wine cellar before you reach a dining room surrounded by the sea. Watch sharks, turtles, and tropical fish swim by as you dine.
Anantara Kihavah
Silhouette Island
Just northwest of Mahé, Silhouette Island is a forested paradise criss-crossed with nature trails where you can spot native flora and fauna. There’s only one village and no roads – just wild interiors and beautiful beaches accessible only by boat.
Silhouette Island
Six Sense Zil Pasyon
This unique spa features five themed treatment villas inspired by the island’s ecosystem and natural textures. Enjoy sunrise yoga at the open-air meditation pavilion or soak in the elevated pool with sundeck views. Treatments are drawn from holistic, local, and African traditions, all grounded in the island’s natural bounty.
Felicite
Six Senses Spa at Soneva Fushi
The award-winning Six Senses Spa at Soneva Fushi blends high-tech innovation with high-touch care. From hand-crafted wellness rituals to advanced therapies, each treatment is thoughtfully curated for a transformative mind-body experience.
Kunfunadhoo
Snorkelling
Begin your adventure with a snorkelling tour along the western reef of Meemu Atoll. Then gear up for a dive at Mulaku Channel, where big coral blocks, vivid soft corals and a profusion of marine life make for unforgettable underwater exploration.
Meemu Atoll
Spa at Constance Ephelia
Set within a tropical garden, the Spa Village at Constance Ephelia invites you to relax, detox, and unwind. Treatments draw on the healing properties of Indian Ocean botanicals, with everything from massages and facials to thermal and still pools, a sauna, hammam, Kneipp footbath, and yoga pavilion designed to restore mind and body.
Mahé
St François and Bijoutier
Uninhabited and virtually untouched, the islands of St François and Bijoutier in the Alphonse Group offer the ultimate castaway experience. St François, with its coconut palms and V-shaped shores, and the postcard-perfect Bijoutier are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Dive offshore for encounters with hammerhead sharks, dogtooth tuna, and potato cod, or snorkel the shallows to spot turtles, shrimp, and tropical fish.
St François Island
St Joseph’s Atoll
Part of the Amirante Islands, St Joseph’s Atoll offers pristine beaches and some of the best snorkelling and diving in the Seychelles. Swim among reef fish, rays, turtles, and even curious shark pups, or dive for your own oysters on coral-covered walls. It’s also the perfect spot for a barefoot beach BBQ during your yacht charter.
Amirante Islands
Subsix
Dine in an underwater restaurant inspired by Maldivian coral reefs. Reach Subsix by speedboat, then descend a dramatic three-tier staircase. Below, enjoy cocktails at the clam-inspired bar, nestled in soft anemone chairs beneath waves of capiz shells.
Maaenboodhoo
Tapasake
Tapasake serves modern Japanese cuisine with a twist – expertly prepared sushi, sashimi and inventive small plates. This sleek over-water venue on the island’s western tip is a showcase of glass, stone and stainless steel design.
Reethi Rah
Teppanyaki
This lakeside Japanese restaurant at the Hilton Resort lets you watch as expert chefs juggle, sear and flip freshly caught seafood on a specialty teppanyaki grill. A fun, interactive dining experience during your Silhouette Island stay.
Silhouette Island
Terra at Waldorf Astoria
Gaze across the ocean as you dine among the treetops in one of seven bamboo nests. The unparalleled dining experience at Terra features the world's finest ingredients, such as Miyazake Wagyu Beef and Alba White Truffle, complemented by an extensive collection of premium wines and the resort's signature Krug Champagne handpicked by the first Maldives' Krug Ambassador.
Itaafushi
Vallée de Mai
Take the tender into the Grand Anse Beach jetty and walk the trails through Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient palm forest is home to the largest population of coco de mer, or ‘coconut of the sea’ – the world’s heaviest seed.
Praslin
Velaa Golf Academy
For any golfers in the group, we recommend a lesson at Velaa Golf Academy. This unique course was designed for developing your game with just nine tees, six greens, and seven bunkers to shoot around at.
VelaaNew to charter?
Whether you are looking for a 70m motor private yacht to cruise St Lucia or have your heart set on a fun-filled Grecian sailing charter, we are on hand to guide you every step of the way.Frequently asked questions
I’ve never chartered before, where do I start?
To get started, one of our brokers will ask you questions, like how many people you want to bring aboard, whether you know where you want to go and what you want to do. From sailing to motor, catamaran to explorer – we’ll shortlist yachts of a style, size and capability that match your preferences and suggest bucket-list cruising grounds.
How many guests can be on board?
The majority of yachts can cruise with 8-12 guests, depending on their length. For bigger parties, some yachts built to the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) can carry up to 36 guests – these yachts are usually above 80m (260ft) long. For events, yachts can have more people on board provided they stay in port.
Why do I need a charter broker? Why can’t I book direct?
Planning the perfect charter requires specialist knowledge, trusted contacts on board and on the ground, as well as first-hand knowledge of yachts, crews and locations, as well as legal contracts and local regulations to build an experience that suits you perfectly. Another reason to choose a broker is that sometimes there can be unforeseen issues with yachts or destinations and having an experienced broker to protect your interests and build a plan B is hugely reassuring.
Creating the unforgettable is what we do at Burgess. It’s what our knowledge, experience and passion are all about. We take all the hassle out of the planning so you can just turn up and have the best holiday ever.
I have a few allergies, how can I let the yacht know about these and also about my preferences?
A few weeks before your charter starts, we’ll send you a detailed questionnaire that lets us know the preferences and special requirements of everyone in your party. It will cover dietary and medical requirements, allergies and any special requests, birthdays or entertainment, for instance. This helps us and the crew of your yacht make sure your charter will be everything you hope it will be.
Charter a yacht
Discover the Burgess difference
Charter a luxury yacht with Burgess. Trusted for our expertise, our first-hand insights, extraordinary selection of luxury superyachts, and expansive international network of on board and onshore contacts come together to deliver a seamless and unforgettable experience. Explore our stunning collection of luxury yachts for rent or hire and speak to our experts about chartering a private yacht to your dream destination.
Privileged access to the world’s finest charter yachts
Every charter yacht in the Burgess fleet is unique, from interior design and on board facilities to watertoys and wellness. We rigorously inspect every yacht to ensure that when you find your ideal match, it exceeds every expectation.
A wealth of knowledge to enhance your experience
A superyacht charter offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure, with every aspect meticulously tailored by your Burgess broker to suit you. By accommodating both your preferences and requirements, no detail is left to chance.
Personalised service that goes above and beyond
Burgess brokers do far more than just booking – from private jet transfers to bespoke itineraries. We handle every element of your yacht charter holiday, using our long-standing experience to offer a seamless experience from start to finish.
Local expertise
| With a regional hub in Dubai, we offer seamless access to the Indian Ocean’s most exclusive destinations. |
