Not all straits lead to Monaco: The growing trend of remote and idyllic exploration

9th October 2023

The glitz and glamour of the Mediterranean might remain unrivalled as the number one yachting destination, yet curiosity has spurred bookings far and wide. Authentic, off-the-beaten-track travel is on the rise – and these inquiries are here to stay.

The beauty of a superyacht charter lies in the experience. It’s the boats, it’s the cuisine, it’s the company you share the moments with – but more than anything else, it’s the destination you cruise. Traditionally it’s only been a handful of high-spirited clients looking beyond the Mediterranean (or The Bahamas) for their charter trip, but things are changing.

Dubai, the yachting nucleus of the Middle East, expanded both yachting seasons; but then so too have many further-flung, remote destinations. It’s an exciting age of yachting and many are grabbing adventure with both hands and embracing new luxe experiences.

“Much like the destinations themselves, our clients are varied. It’s therefore difficult, if not impossible to point to one determining factor why off-the-beaten-track destinations are on the rise,” says Frederic Cretin, charter manager at Camper & Nicholsons. “It’s more a heady mix: younger clients, a thirst for the new and cleaner, safer cruising grounds further afield.”

By any metrics, experience is on the up. There is a significant uptick in hardy, go-anywhere explorer yachts being bought and built globally, submersibles and adrenaline-fuelled aquatic toys are in high demand, and so too are adventure-orientated excursion organisers such as Aqua Expeditions. Chartering remote locations is a beautiful harmony of worlds; a symphony of cultures, idyllic backdrops and astounding class and comfort. 

“Eastern Indonesia, the Peruvian Amazon and the Mekong are becoming some of our most sought-after untraditional destinations,” says Frederic Cretin, charter manager at Camper & Nicholsons. “Authentic experiences are the backbone of these trips and each destination offers something different and something for everyone. The yachts we have positioned in Indonesia are unique and recognised by Camper & Nicholsons as matching MYBA quality standards. Guests can expect to step into a new world and forge unforgettable memories.”

Eastern Indonesia: a merchant’s emporium

Eastern Indonesia is a paradise that’s far removed from the marbled streets and chic, boutique stores and terraced cafés of St Tropez – and we’re all grateful for it. It’s a cultural melting pot, thriving and teeming with colour both above and below the sea level. Indonesia draws closer parallels with the Caribbean, yet it’s a region far superior for wildlife spotting and deep sea diving. It also has 365 days of summer and is interesting all year long.

The sea itself glistens like a merchant’s emporium. The water isn’t crystal, it’s a palette of blues and greens. As you meander around any of the 18,100 equatorial islands, you’ll cruise through shimmering emerald, sapphire and tsavorite. But below these many shades of green is an explosion of colour and nature’s largest and most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystem: the Coral Triangle.

Spanning 6,000,000 km² across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste, the Coral Triangle offers unrivalled diving. It contains 600 species of coral, including 76% of all known hard coral, more than 3,000 species of fish, and six of the seven species of marine turtles. Whale Sharks, Dugongs and Sperm Wales also swim in these waters.

Indonesia, an intoxicating destination and a diver’s playground – and that goes for everything from snorkelling on the water’s surface to deep sea diving. Each region offers something distinct and different, but for a truly remarkable diving experience, Kaimana in West Papua shouldn’t be overlooked. The tectonic plates between Australia and the Pacific collided eleven million years ago, creating a maze of underground rivers. These rivers flooded with seawater and many beautifully curious endemic species blossomed in these unique conditions. Divers might find Nursalim’s flasher wrasse, Stalix jawfish, nocturnal Triton Bay walking shark, and the Wobbegong carpet shark in the waters here.

For those who enjoy lacing up their boots and hiking, there is an abundance of choice, yet you’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere as thrilling as Komodo. Lush jungles, craggy mountains and rust-tipped volcanoes are the natural habitat of the world’s largest lizard: the Komodo Dragon. More than 4,000 Dragons roam free and local guides will help navigate the island for an unforgettable experience.

But playing out against this untamed backdrop are many astounding cultures. Handmade wares and immersive activities await travellers to the region. Camper & Nicholsons curates personalised itineraries for each charterer, and has created a rich infrastructure of activities and boutique hotels to meet all needs.

“Eastern Indonesia is geographically far from many of our guests, which is why we have partnered with many local, high-end hotels to offer accommodation before the charter trip,” says Frederic Cretin. “Comfort and safety are paramount and this network of hotels means that our guests are well rested and ready for their adventure. We can also provide medical staff and specific guides to stay onboard the yachts in our fleet, to ensure safety and to maximise experience.”

By their very nature, off-the-beaten-track destinations are remote, secluded and far-flung. The yachts are then in tight supply and high demand. Camper & Nicholsons typically match its fleet with the location; the yachts are reflective of the character and charm of the waters they cruise.

“Regardless of which region we offer charter, the yachts come with our promise on quality and service,” says Frederic. “The yachts we have stationed in Eastern Indonesia are slightly different to those we have in other regions, but it’s for a reason. Our Indonesian charter offering is authentic, bespoke and curated around the experience before the yachts.”

Aqua Blu

The 60m Aqua Blu, operated in collaboration with Aqua Expeditions, is the largest yacht we offer in Eastern Indonesia. Converted from a British Naval Explorer to a luxury motor yacht in 2019, Aqua Blu offers accommodation for as many as 30 guests. She is the first Western-style superyacht to be offered for charter in Indonesian waters.

Vela

The 50m custom Phinisi yacht Vela was launched last year and is a harmony of worlds. The sailing yacht was built following the traditional local practices, yet to an incredibly high, international standard. She’s outfitted with rich fabrics from Dedar Milano, Rubelli, and Hermès and features a crisp, modern interior design. Vela offers accommodation for 14 guests and is teeming with amenities and aquatic toys.

The Maj Oceanic

Launched in 2020, the 47m full-custom Indonesian Phinisi sailing yacht is a spectacle. The Maj Oceanic infuses traditional Indonesian styling with a contemporary flair. She comfortably accommodates 12 guests and beautifully blends original boatbuilding with modern class. The Maj Oceanic is equipped with plenty of toys and her peculiar general arrangement offers many social and intimate al fresco areas.

Kudanil Explorer

Much like Aqua Blue, the 50m Kudanil Explorer first began life as a commercial vessel. Kudanil Explorer offers exploration and luxe living in equal measures. She can accommodate as many as 16 guests and is one of the safest seafaring vessels in the region. The distances that Kudanil Explorer can cruise and the regions she can enter are tough to rival. She can surpass the needs of even the most adventurous.

Sequoia

If you’re looking for a truly authentic luxury experience, the 26m sailing yacht Sequoia is likely for you. Sequoia is a hand-sculpted schooner that offers accommodation for six guests. She has a shallow draft of just 2m, meaning she can access some of the most intimate enclaves of Indonesia.

With 365 days of summer, Indonesia can be enjoyed all year round – but monsoon seasons do need to be considered. Typically, the south of Indonesia is better to visit during the summer season, while the north during the winter.