Coastal & Cruising Explorations

Lake Titicaca’s massive size, eerie stillness and piercing blue hue complement a rich history dating back to the early, pre-Incan hill tribes who still call these shores home. Board a sleek vessel for a cruise across the crystal-blue waters of Lake Titicaca by hydrofoil to arrive at Isla del Sol (Sun Island), one of the Inca’s most sacred places.

With a spectacular setting, Paraty lures with its slow pace. Meander through the cobbled streets under shady mango trees, and lose yourself amongst the plethora of cosy cafés, bars and art galleries. Angra offers up crystal clear waters and secluded bays. Glide on a private schooner round the surrounding islands and beaches of rare isolated beauty.

Disappear into a tranquil haven of islands just off the coast of Colombia. This is the Caribbean, but not as you know it. Explore the colourful archipelago of coral islands, seek out hidden powdery white beaches and swim and snorkel in brilliant blue waters.

You may come to Providencia for some of the world’s most pristine beaches and best preserved coral reefs, but you’ll stay for its truly Caribbean island way of life. This tiny South American corner of the Caribbean is unknown to much of the travel world — and it shows.

Boasting the country’s most pristine rainforest, the inlets and beaches of the Osa Peninsula are a naturalist’s delight. The rich biodiversity of this national park, one of the best regions to spot rare wildlife, will be yours to explore from a lodge deep in the heart of the forest.

Escape Croatia’s coastal summer throng on a guided kayaking exploration through some of the secluded islands off Split. Head for strikingly scenic Ciovo island seeking out unspoilt beaches and swimming spots and stopping for lunch in a seaside eatery.

Drop in to Hvar for a taste of idyllic island life. Wander in awe around the historic hilltop fortress and main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral. Or, stroll through the fragrant lavender fields and stretch out in the sun to relax on one of the islands many beautiful beaches.

Connect with nature and forget the world in the island paradise of Cayo Santa Maria. Relax in the sophisticated luxury of an all-inclusive five-star adults-only resort where dedicated butler service and inroom spa baths are included for all.

The Galápagos Islands harbour a staggeringly rich biodiversity of species. Embark on a five to eight day voyage aboard a purpose-built expedition vessel accompanied by a team of naturalist guides. You’ll encounter the island’s endemic iguanas, lizards, giant tortoises, land birds, sea birds and marine life. Delve deeper into this paradise as you snorkel, kayak and hike amongst pristine coral reefs and rugged lava formations.

With year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, head to the Red Sea resort town of Sharm El Sheikh and indulge in the luxe comforts of Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh. Float over undersea worlds in the world-renowned snorkelling and diving mecca, venture into the starkness of the Sinai Peninsula, and step back in time at one of the world’s oldest working Christian monasteries.

The best way to properly experience Egypt’s ancient history is on a luxury cruise down the Nile. A lifeblood of ancient Egypt, the river’s banks are dotted with ancient tombs, temples and ruined cities whose stories paint a colourful picture of mighty pharaohs and their kingdoms.

Devon offers quintessential British country charm. Its rippling, beach-fringed landscape is studded with historic homes and Gothic cathedrals, national parks, vibrant cities and wild moors. Here you can hike a rugged coast path, take a scenic boat trip, or get lost in hedge-lined lanes.

Mystical home of King Arthur, this duchy in England’s southwest is breathtakingly beautiful with a rugged coastline, wild beaches, charming seaside villages, historic ruins and lost gardens. Explore the heath covered Isles of Scilly, take a scenic coastal walk to a local pub or visit the extraordinary Eden Project, a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes.

Travel from the magnificent citadel at Calvi all the way to the crumbling stone tower at L'Île-Rousse. The scenic coastal track takes you past a string of pristine beaches, whilst an inland trail leads you through several charming medieval villages including Pigne, a hilltop settlement brimming with artists’ workshops and tidy blue-shuttered buildings.

Celebrate a special occasion in style as you and your friends escape the crowds aboard your privately chartered canal barge, a floating country inn where you enjoy gourmet food and wine every day while only having to unpack once. Relax on deck as the lovely scenery flows by, or borrow a bicycle for a leisurely pedal along the towpath.

Sail to Crete’s stunning west coast and the world-famous Balos Lagoon on your own private motor yacht. Take a dip in the crystal-clear turquoise waters at a secluded beach, and explore vibrant wrecks and reefs with a snorkel at the Gramvousa ‘pirate’ Island.

The Kerala backwaters offer a glimpse into rural Indian village life, best experienced on board a converted rice barge. The dreamy palm-lined backwaters reflect the azure sky, while the mangroves and rice paddies dazzle in verdant shades of green. As you drift, spot pastel coloured churches behind swaying palms and local boats plying their trade.

Reaching from the shores of Country Antrim into the rolling seas of the North Atlantic, the tightly packed, hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway stretch seaward toward the distant Scottish coast. Take in the majesty of this geological wonder as your guide recalls the legend of Finn McCool, a mythical giant long intertwined with the Causeway’s folklore.

Since the days of Cleopatra and Herod the Great, generations of travellers have flocked to these waters for their health-giving properties. Smear on a relaxing mud facial, float in the buoyant waters and enjoy a therapeutic treatment countless millennia in the making.

Cruise the caerulean waters along the Amalfi Coast on board your own private motor-yacht. Discover the beautiful island of Capri and natural wonder of the Blue Grotto. Swim in a private cove, explore a picturesque village or just relax and enjoy the breathtaking views. Be spellbound by the confetti-coloured villas which cling to the clifftops of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the azure shimmering sea.

After meeting your private butler and settling into your stylish villa at Alfajiri on the glistening Indian Ocean, stroll down to the white sands of Diani Beach and head out to one of the nearby coral reefs for a snorkelling excursion to remember. Or seek out marlin, dorado, tuna and more on a deep sea fishing expedition.

Navigate the stunning Maltese archipelago in a private yacht, stopping in secluded bays where you can snorkel or swim in crystalline waters. Admire the spectacular rocky coastlines of Comino - an island that features in many Hollywood blockbuster films. On Gozo, more ancient megaliths await exploration in the form of the mysterious Ggantijia Temples.

The rough waters, roaring winds, strong currents and thick fogs of Namibia’s famed Skeleton Coast have caused many a ship to run aground leaving behind rusted wrecks on the windblown sands. Pick your way through this haunting landscape of bleached whale bones and shipwrecks hearing tales of tragedy, loss and survival.

On your way to or from Europe or Africa, or as an add-on to a Middle Eastern exploration, this extraordinary hideaway is a perfect place to unwind. Just two hours from Dubai yet in an utterly remote part of northern Oman, Six Senses Zighy Bay combines just the right amount of seclusion with as much indulgence and adventure as required.

Dubbed the ‘Norway of Arabia’ for its beautiful rocky inlets, small villages, fjords and dramatic, mountain-hugging roads, the Musandam Peninsula is a scenic and cultural gem, isolated from the rest of Oman by the east coast of the U.A.E. Dolphins cavort in the turquoise blue waters which lap the rugged mountainsides, Arab dhows ply the coastline and Bedouin villages wait to be explored.

The Amazon is an unmissable wilderness experience, best enjoyed aboard a river cruise. The river nurtures a staggering variety of plant and animal life, and maintains a monumental presence to communities that have sprung up along its banks. As you depart from the banks of the mighty Amazon you’ll be travelling alongside expert naturalist guides, enjoying guided wildlife encounters and village visits on cruises from four to eight days.

Soar over the Coral Sea by helicopter, admiring the tropical rainforest-dotted coastline and azure waters, eyes peeled for turtles, dolphins, manta rays and even humpback whales. Touch down on idyllic Vlasoff Cay, a jewel in the heart of Australia’s heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and your perfect private haven for a gourmet island picnic.

Enjoy an exhilarating helicopter flight to Heart Island in the Whitsundays landing on the floating helipad, where a secret staircase invites you to descend into a plush ‘boat shed’ where champagne, canapés and a glass-bottom boat awaits. Explore the magnificent Heart Reef before returning to the pontoon to snorkel and swim in the lagoon.

Embark on an island-hopping adventure, led by your own seasoned skipper on a private yacht adventure. Sail through the idyllic Southern Islands, drinking in captivating coastal views, and perhaps taking a relaxing dip in the sparkling blue seas.

Sri Lanka is famed for its swaying palm trees, azure seas and sumptuous beaches. Seek out deserted coastline, or pick an elegant resort on the south coast where you can visit a cinnamon plantation, wake for dawn yoga and dine on fresh and vibrant seafood and fare.

Discover the depths of Taiwan’s natural wonders by immersing yourself it the clear tropical waters of Xiaoliuqiu Island. Don your snorkel and mask to marvel at an underwater world of colourful reefs and be left in awe as you swim with endangered green turtles.

Take a private speedboat or Catamaran to the Japanese Gardens, just off the coast of Koh Tao, to dive or snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral and fish. Spot giant pufferfish, sea turtles, rays and whale sharks as they glide through this diverse underwater paradise.

Pristine Ningaloo Reef in W.A. offers the chance to snorkel or scuba dive with the dazzling marine life of Australia’s western coast. From mid-March to July, you may even get to swim alongside whale sharks, one of the largest known species of fish. Between August and October, spy humpback whales on their migration south to Antarctica.