- May – September: Northern Europe & Baltic sailing
- April – October: Seychelles, Madagascar, Zanzibar & East Africa
- September – May: North Africa’s Mediterranean coast
- November – March: Southern Africa’s summer cruising
Destination
REST OF THE WORLD
Yachting in the Rest of the World: Your Complete Guide
From Nordic fjords to African islands, explore yachting destinations where raw beauty meets timeless discovery.
Why Choose the Rest of the World for Your Yacht Charter?
Beyond the classic Mediterranean and Caribbean, the rest of the world offers extraordinary sailing grounds defined by dramatic landscapes, cultural treasures, and unspoilt seas. Picture yourself gliding through Norway’s fjords, island-hopping in the Seychelles, or anchoring off Zanzibar’s spice-scented shores. From Northern Europe’s elegance to Africa’s exotic charm, these regions promise yacht charters filled with adventure, exclusivity, and breathtaking scenery.
Unforgettable landscapes & coastlines
The rest of the world’s hidden yachting destinations are defined by variety: the Nordic fjords of Norway with towering cliffs and waterfalls, Iceland’s volcanic shores alive with glaciers and geysers, and Finland’s and Sweden’s archipelagos, home to thousands of untouched islands.
In Africa, the coastlines are equally captivating. The Seychelles sparkle with granite boulders and turquoise lagoons, while Madagascar stuns with unique biodiversity and coral reefs. Tanzania’s Zanzibar and Pemba Island blend white-sand beaches with spice plantations, while Thanda Island offers one of the most exclusive private-island experiences in the world. North Africa’s Mediterranean charm and Southern Africa’s rugged coastlines complete this global picture of beauty.
Cultural & culinary highlights
| Destination | Cultural Treasures | Culinary Experiences |
| Norway (Bergen, Alesund, Flam, Geiranger, Stavanger) | UNESCO fjords, Viking heritage, Art Nouveau architecture, and coastal fishing villages | Fresh salmon, king crab, reindeer dishes, and Nordic farm-to-table cuisine |
| Finland (Helsinki, Hanko) | Nordic design, maritime heritage, and elegant summer sailing culture | Smoked fish, rye bread, seasonal berries, and modern Nordic gastronomy |
| Sweden (Stockholm Archipelago) | Island-hopping culture, historic harbours, and Swedish seafaring tradition | Gravlax, pickled herring, cinnamon buns, and local aquavit pairings |
| Denmark & England | Copenhagen’s Viking past and England’s rich naval heritage | Danish open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød), English fish & chips, and refined coastal dining |
| Iceland | Glaciers, volcanic coasts, geothermal wonders, and folklore traditions | Lamb, skyr, langoustines, and geothermal-baked rye bread |
| Seychelles | Creole culture, French and African heritage, island rhythms | Grilled fish with spices, coconut curries, tropical fruits, and rum cocktails |
| Madagascar | Blend of African, Asian, and French influences, vibrant local traditions | Zebu steaks, rice dishes, seafood with vanilla and cloves, and exotic fruits |
| Tanzania (Zanzibar, Pemba Island, Thanda Island) | Spice markets, Stone Town UNESCO heritage, and Swahili traditions | Coconut curries, spiced seafood, pilau rice, and tropical cocktails |
| East Africa | Marine reserves, dhow traditions, and vibrant island cultures | Grilled reef fish, chapati, tamarind sauces, and fresh tropical produce |
| North Africa | Arabic and Mediterranean heritage, souks, and coastal medinas | Couscous, tagines, mint tea, and seafood stews |
| Southern Africa | Cape cultures, rugged coasts, and wine country traditions | Fresh oysters, Cape Malay curries, grilled game, and world-renowned South African wines |
Sailing routes & iconic destinations
A global yacht charter across Northern Europe and Africa offers some of the most dramatic and diverse sailing routes in the world. Must-see stops include:
- Norway: Bergen, Alesund, Flam, Geiranger, Stavanger
Sail into fjords surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciers. Bergen is the gateway to Norway’s fjord country, while Alesund enchants with Art Nouveau architecture. Flam and Geiranger deliver breathtaking natural drama with UNESCO-listed fjords, and Stavanger balances cultural life with access to the Lysefjord and its iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). - Finland & Sweden: Helsinki, Hanko, Stockholm Archipelago
Discover the Baltic’s hidden gems. Helsinki blends design culture with coastal elegance, while Hanko offers sandy beaches and a vibrant sailing culture. Across the water, Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago is a labyrinth of thousands of islands, perfect for peaceful cruising and nature escapes. - England & Denmark
Cruise along England’s southern coastline, from the Solent’s classic sailing heritage to Cornwall’s rugged shores. In Denmark, explore Copenhagen’s vibrant harbour or island-hop through the Danish archipelago, steeped in Viking history and maritime tradition. - Iceland
A destination for adventurous souls, Iceland offers volcanic coastlines, geothermal wonders, and midnight sun sailing. Anchor near glaciers, sail past dramatic cliffs filled with seabirds, and experience the otherworldly beauty of this island nation. - The Seychelles
A quintessential luxury yachting paradise, with islands such as Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue offering granite boulder-framed beaches, coral reefs, and lush jungle. Ideal for snorkelling, diving, and relaxed island-hopping. - Madagascar
Remote and exotic, Madagascar delivers wild beauty and incredible biodiversity. Sail to Nosy Be for palm-fringed shores, explore coral reefs, or visit local villages for a taste of authentic island life. - Tanzania: Zanzibar, Pemba Island, Thanda Island
Zanzibar blends spice markets, history, and idyllic beaches. Pemba Island offers seclusion, vibrant reefs, and a slower rhythm of life, while Thanda Island represents the height of exclusivity — a private island where indulgence meets barefoot elegance. - East Africa, North Africa & Southern Africa
The African coastlines are as diverse as its cultures. East Africa offers marine reserves and white-sand islands, North Africa blends Mediterranean beauty with Arabic heritage, and Southern Africa provides rugged coastlines where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Best time to sail
Because these destinations span climates, the best sailing times vary:
- May – September (Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, England): Long days, mild weather, and calm seas ideal for exploring Northern Europe and the Baltic.
- April – October (Seychelles, Madagascar, East Africa, Zanzibar, Pemba, Thanda): Dry season with clear skies, warm seas, and excellent diving conditions.
- September – May (North Africa): Best months for pleasant Mediterranean weather along Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia.
- November – March (Southern Africa): Warm summer months with reliable sailing along South Africa and Mozambique.
Wherever you choose, the Rest of the World ensures sailing opportunities throughout the year.
Sail seamlessly with Ziyana Yachts
From Northern Europe’s majestic fjords to Africa’s exotic islands, Ziyana Yachts crafts voyages that transcend ordinary travel. Every charter is curated to highlight each destination’s essence — whether it’s dining on deck beneath Norway’s midnight sun, snorkelling in Seychelles’ lagoons, or stepping ashore in Zanzibar’s spice markets. With our expert crews and world-class yachts, your journey is designed to be both luxurious and unforgettable.
Let Ziyana Yachts bring the world to you — a portfolio of destinations where discovery and elegance meet on the open sea.
Inspiring Itineraries
Get inspired with these day-by-day itineraries through the most exciting places across the Rest of the World.
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