Remote Islands to Visit by Superyacht
Each summer, travellers flock to the coast in search of turquoise waters, white sand and a cool sea breeze. But many of the best-known coastal destinations are also the most crowded. This is where the benefits of staying on board a superyacht come to the fore, in particular, its ability to reach secluded bays, undiscovered atolls or uncharted coves.
These five islands reward precisely that kind of access – each one remote enough to bypass marina queues and cruise ship routes. So before booking the classic itinerary, consider these remote islands that are more than worth the extra nautical miles.
REMOTE ISLANDS BY SUPERYACHT
Palmarola, Italy
Swap the Italian Riviera for the Tyrrhenian Sea to discover Palmarola. Described as the “most exotic and wildest of the Pontine Islands”, it is largely uninhabited – hence its untouched rugged natural beauty. The island is part of an archipelago, forged from volcanic activity, evidenced by its craggy shores and sheer cliff faces.
Drop anchor near Punta della Brecce to swim near “The Cathedral” – a natural rock formation that resembles a Gothic cathedral. For guests looking to swap the transparent waters for verdant hillscapes, head to Cala del Porto, the island’s only landing place, before hiking up to San Silverio chapel to enjoy the sweeping sea views.
Lord Howe Island, Australia
With one of the strictest visitor limits, capped at 400 at any given time, Lord Howe Island is the type of place that should be on any discerning traveller’s bucket list. Approximately 700km northeast of Sydney, this UNESCO World Heritage Site truly has the best to offer of both land and sea.
Just beneath the sea’s surface lies the Lord Howe Island Marine Park – an underwater paradise home to an astonishing 500 species of fish and 90 different types of coral. It’s the perfect playground for superyacht charters looking for one-of-a-kind ecological snorkelling or diving experiences. For land-based excursions, there’s lots to do. Opt for either a sunset picnic with views of the tranquil lagoon or a round of golf in the shadows of Mount Lidgbird and Gower.
The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are arguably the most famous archipelago, renowned for its wondrously diverse wildlife – the inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. As such, it’s a notoriously protective environment to enter, with only a small number of yachts granted permits to sail inside the National Park, ensuring the island’s fragile ecosystems are safeguarded for generations to come. When done right, it is one of the most profound trips you can take.
With 18 islands, it’s likely to be a packed itinerary. Highlights must include visiting San Cristóbal Island, which was Charles Darwin’s first stop on his travels to the region, and can be accessed via tender and swimming amongst the penguins and sea lions just off Coraline Beach on Bartolome Island. Of course, you couldn’t visit the region without seeing the Galapagos Giant Tortoises, which can weigh up to 400kg and can be found in the Santa Cruz highlands or Acedo Volcano on Isabela. Truly an ecological marvel.
Rinia, Greece
Despite Mykonos’ popularity as a superyacht destination, it’s surprising how few itineraries include a cruise to Rinia. A short sail from the buzzy Greek island, Rinia is a preserved reminder of what the Cyclades looked like centuries ago – sprawling hills growing wild thyme, white-washed chapels and deserted beaches.
The typical Grecian turquoise waters make for the perfect place to drop anchor offshore and enjoy lunch on the sun deck with full views of the island. A post-meal dip is obligatory before cruising to Delos, one of the world’s archaeological wonders, just 1km away. Mythologised as the birthplace of twin-gods Apollo and Artemis, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site best visited by yacht, away from the crowds, where private-guided evening tours can be arranged to see the looming marble lion statues at sunset.
Anegada, British Virgin Islands
While the British Virgin Islands aren’t exactly a secret destination for superyacht charters, Anegada remains the archipelago’s hidden gem. Unlike the nearby volcanic islands, this flat coral atoll is considered a divers’ paradise thanks to the surrounding historical shipwrecks that can be explored for hours on end.
On the island itself, there’s plenty to keep guests busy during the day, like exploring the salt ponds or renting a moped or open-top jeep to venture out by road. There’s only one way, however, to end the day properly and that’s at one of the beachfront restaurants serving Anegada lobster.
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