Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
These stunning islands are the ones that inspired us to search for locations, accessible only by boat. They were included as a part of the 10 Interesting Facts about Sailing. Since then we couldn't stop thinking about their unique beauty. So here they are again! In their true glory as of the first place, we advise you to visit if you are looking for a secluded holiday location.
Raja Ampat Islands are situated in Indonesia’s West Papua province. It is a place that makes an impact both from above and below the water. What is so unique about this island group is that 75 percent of all coral species found on this planet can be seen there! With almost 600 coral species being recorded in the region, it is no wonder that the Raja Ampat Islands are a real heaven for divers, snorkelers, and people who just love exploring the depths of the ocean. However, as we said, this region is not beautiful just below the water, because the incredible mini-island landscapes of Wayag and Piaynemo, jutting out from the turquoise sea, is another view that captures your soul and leaves you speechless.
Milolii Beach, Hawaii
Next on our list is not an island, but a beach. We know what you are thinking, what could be so special about a beach? However, this place is one of a kind, especially for those who are looking for that completely serene, tourist-free, untouched, and wild place that only a few people have ever visited. Milolii Beach in Hawaii is a place just like that. It’s only accessible by sea, off-limits to commercial boat operators, and a part of the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Milolii Beach is a private heaven that has kept his authenticity completely.
Playa del Amor, Mexico
The Marieta Islands were given the status of a national park and bird sanctuary in 2005. A title that protects this place from hunting, fishing and a substantial influx of tourists. It took years and many efforts to achieve this. However, it was all worth it, because the Marieta Islands are like this mythical place that keeps a beautiful secret. A hidden gem appropriately named the Hidden Beach, otherwise known as Playa del Amor. One out of 22, Playa de Amor is an inhabited island that could only be visited by boat.
Furthermore, the actual hidden beach of the island can only be reached through a short rocky tunnel. On the other side, you can find a secluded stretch of white sand. As well as turquoise water, abundant marine life, and the unspoiled beauty of nature. If this is not the adventure of a lifetime, we don’t know what is. Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page; would you go on a treasure hunt to the hidden beach? Hint: the beach itself is the treasure.
Cala Luna, Italy
Italy is the classic summer sailing holiday vacation, so we just have to tell you about Cala Luna. A crescent-shaped beach in the Golfo di Orosei which holds some of Europe’s most unusual and hidden beaches. However, Cala Luna is the gem in the crown of Italy. With its 700-meters sand strips surrounded by cliffs, caves, and secret grottoes. Exploring the area by boat is ideal because the Mediterranean’s calm, crystal-blue waters and abundant marine life make it the perfect place for swimming, diving and relaxing sailing.
Navagio Beach, Greece
Similarly to Italy, Greece is a sailing location that should not be underestimated. However, it is hard to find a secluded spot that is not popular among tourists. After all, the country is so loved by all types of people. However, we have an option for you if you are looking for a place that is only accessible by boat. However, there is a lovely little twist that will make this place even more unique.
Located on the northwest coast of Zakynthos, Navagio Beach is an exposed cove of bright white sand framed by towering limestone cliffs and crystal clear blue waters. The area is better known as The Shipwreck or Smugglers Cove because it’s the location of a famous wreck. The Panagiotis, which is an alleged smuggling ship, was making its way from Turkey. Carrying a freight of contraband cigarettes for the Italian mafia when it sank on the coast of the Greek island. Despite its secluded location, the area is a popular tourist destination. Definitely worth visiting because of how history-filled it is. Oh, and it's stunningly beautiful as well.
Deception Island, Antarctica
Antarctica is a favorite location for many modern-day explorers because of its unspoiled wilderness that they like to explore in an environmentally friendly way. It’s definitely not for everyone, because it’s not your usual relaxing sailing vacation. However, it is one of a kind adventure that could be eye-opening as well as life-changing. The location in Antarctica that you could only get to by boat is Deception Island, a land sitting above an active volcano. The island offers the opportunity to take a dip in its hot springs, which make it the best place in Antarctica for a swim. The perfect place to visit if you are looking for some thrilling, one of a kind experiences.
Dusky Sound, New Zealand
Last but not least we want to talk to you about the beauty of Dusky Sound, one of New Zealand’s largest and most complex fjords. Furthermore, this place is highly remote, and although it is possible to view Dusky Sound from the air, if you really want to immerse yourself in the fjord land experience, you might want to get there by the water. The exploration of the fjords is in the form or a five-day expedition in conjunction with the Department of Conservation that lets you spend time participating in its activities on one of three remote islands.
Avoiding crowds and distancing
The listed locations above are not only breathtaking, but the fact that they are accessible only by boat makes them very hidden. These places are perfect for those people seeking calm, far from the crowd destination. They are suitable for social distancing and, at the same time exploring great locations on your sailing holiday!
So what do you think? Are these remote, beautiful locations, accessible only by boat, worth visiting? Or do you prefer more well-known destinations that are often visited by tourists and offer modern-day facilities? Let us know in the comments below, and we hope we can all agree that famous or not, the natural beauty of these locations only accessible by boat is undeniable.