Getting the most out of Indian Ocean Cruises
Tucked away in a seldom-visited corner of the globe, a host of unique and exotic islands await travellers seeking a different kind of holiday experience.
Few areas of the world can offer the vastly diverse landscapes, endemic wildlife, teeming underwater worlds and unusual cultures of the Indian Ocean. From tiny coral islets to massive volcanic islands, and even the world’s only granitic isles, the Indian Ocean hosts some of the earth’s most exotic locations.
One of the most convenient and charming ways to explore these isles is by sea: Indian Ocean cruises offer an exciting departure from the average holiday experience.
Travelling by boat can be a great way to soak in the best elements of the region, and the Indian Ocean possesses a field of interest for almost any type of visitor.
Long isolated from much of the rest of the world, the Indian Ocean boasts a unique plethora of wildlife, many unique to a single island. From the lemurs of Madagascar to the giant tortoises of the Seychelles, the flora and fauna of the Indian Ocean’s islands are simply astounding.
Pristine underwater worlds make the Indian Ocean a must for keen divers. A number of the region’s coral reef networks are considered globally important and offer prolific marine life for enthusiasts.
Indian Ocean cruises combine the best elements of a holiday in the region
The relatively short human history of the Indian Ocean is surprisingly long on intrigue. Its geographic location along trade routes has had the effect of bringing together cultures from all over the world, from European colonials to African slaves and Asian traders. The islands now represent a series of vibrant and exotic melting pots, each unique and distinct in their own right.
Indian Ocean cruises can offer a multi-faceted experience for those seeking the most out of an exotic island getaway.
Whether one seeks the adventure of a long voyage across the wide expanses of the sea between island nations, or a more leisurely paced cruise holiday within one archipelago, a number of Indian Ocean cruises can offer a varied experience within the region - completely customised to the interests of an individual traveller.
The versatility of travelling by sea allows for a vast array of activities to be enjoyed within a relatively short period of time. Snorkelling and diving on colourful reefs in the morning can be followed by wildlife visits to nature reserves miles apart by the afternoon, without the hassle of organising transfers and shifting luggage from place to place.
An Indian Ocean cruises itinerary can bring the very best features of a destination together in one convenient package, at a cost that is usually quite reasonable compared with organising individual travel legs and excursions on land. Many of the more remote areas and islands in the Indian Ocean are much easier to reach via the sea, so a cruise expedition can also open up access to beautiful locales that welcome only a handful of people every year.
There are dozens of operators of Indian Ocean cruises, from major cruise lines to localised operators offering smaller vessels and many options in between. The right choice depends on the desired experience, but one could argue the ideal fit is a vessel large enough to provide adequate space and comfort, but still small enough to feel like a private yacht, allowing for direct access to the sea for the convenience of swimming, snorkelling and diving directly from the vessel.
One operator of Indian Ocean Cruises offering such vessels in Seychelles and also Madagascar is Silhouette Cruises – visit www.seychelles-cruises.com for more information.