Explore's Top Ten Boat Trips

1.  Dhoni, Maldives

The crystal clear waters and pristine beaches of the Maldives make the week long cruise on a traditional dhoni boat the ideal way to take a break from it all. Days are spent either relaxing on deck, snorkeling in the warm waters or heading onto dry land to visit small fishing villages and spend time with the people lucky enough to call this paradise their home.

2.  Gulet, Turkey

Exploring the Turquoise Coast on a simple, traditional, wooden gulet is, at the same time, both extremely relaxing and energising. As you cruise through the clear aqua waters, the views to the rocky shoreline and the forested foothills of the Taurus Mountains are stunning. Regular stops along the way allow you the opportunity to swim and snorkel, discover offshore islands and ancient sites, and visit small villages and resorts. The crew include a cook who will provide delicious Turkish cuisine.

3.  Houseboat, Kerala

Take a houseboat trip on either our Kerala Cycling Holiday or Kerala Backwaters tour

4a.  Sail down the Nile, Egypt - Nile Cruise

In Egypt you have the choice of two great boat journeys on one of the most iconic rivers in the world. You can choose to travel in style on an air-conditioned cruise boat with all the comforts of a hotel including a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. This enables you to enjoy beautiful sunsets over this atmospheric river whilst sipping a gin and tonic from the upper deck.

Take a look at our Nile Adventure Cruise

4b.  Sail down the Nile, Egypt - Felucca

For a completely different Nile cruise experience you can choose to travel by felucca. A felucca is a traditional wooden sail boat and has no facilities other than a very enthusiastic crew who cook for us and navigate these sail boats down the Nile towards Luxor. The felucca although basic is great fun and seeing farming and everyday life pass you by while floating down steam certainly makes up for not having any mod cons.  The crew usually start a camp fire and tell stories, then we sleep on deck under the stars.

5.  The Sunderbans, Bangladesh

Bangladesh is well known for horrific floods during the monsoon season but whilst the water brings devastation it also brings life. Taking a boat in to the Sunderbans, the world’s largest continuous mangrove forest, allows you to see a different side to this incredible country. The frantic streets of Dhaka seem a million miles away as you float through narrow waterways. The areas of pristine forest offer a haven for wildlife, including the magnificent Royal Bengal tiger.

Check out our Bangladesh Budget tour

6. Sail round the Galapagos, Ecuador

The Galapagos National Park is a unique collection of islands. As the islands have never been connected with a continent, over the years plants and animals have developed differently to their continental ancestors as they have adapted to the conditions and environment of the Galapagos. This has resulted in 25% of the shore fish, half the plants and nearly all the reptiles being found nowhere else on earth. Spend time exploring the different islands on our boat, the Montserrat, accompanied by a naturalist guide who will explain the extraordinary wildlife.

7.  Mekong Cruise, Laos

The mighty Mekong River is still an important lifeline for much of South East Asia. The two day slow boat cruise starts at the tiny border town of Ban Huaysai and winds its way downriver at a relaxed pace to the ancient Laotian royal capital of Luang Prabang. River travel is a welcome change from the roads and offers the opportunity to unwind completely while taking in everyday river scenes such as riverside peanut farmers and working elephants expertly shifting heavy weights on the banks.

8.  Caique, Greece

Sail around the western and southern shores of the Greek Island of Evia on our Greek caique with Captain Thanos. With true Greek hospitality Captain Thanos will show you around his island, introducing you to some of his favourite places, including small coves, local villages and historical sites. There are also plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel, and explore on your own. Breakfast and three lunches are provided, and other meals can be taken at leisure in local tavernas.

9.  Schooner, Indonesia

Enjoy an adventurous cruise exploring the exotic islands of Eastern Indonesia aboard our traditional wooden schooner, the “Katharina” This spacious sailing vessel has air conditioned private cabins with en-suite bathrooms.  As well as enjoying life both on and in the water, it makes plenty of stops to explore the fascinating natural islands to the east of Bali, from Lombok to Flores. You will explore volcanoes, crater lakes and coral reefs, meet the local communities and enjoy hikes inland in our search for Komodo dragons, wild horses and boars.

Take a look at our East Indies Seatrek trip or Volcanoes and Dragons Schooner Adventure

10. Cruceros Australis, Patagonia

An expedition boat is a fantastic way to explore Patagonia. The boat cruises through the Beagle and Murray channels to Cape Horn, sailing between vast fjords, passing magnificent glaciers and visits the penguin colony on Magdelena Island. Trips are made to shore using zodiac boats. There are also lots of fascinating lectures whilst on board on subjects such as glaciology or birds of Patagonia. All drinks and snacks are included whilst on board so you can explore in style.