The name "Palau" means 'island' in Malay. In Palauan, it sounds similar to Belau, which means village. Palau Islands is divided into over 500 islands and surrounded by the vast, sparkling Pacific Ocean, but this archipelago is more than just a chain of islands. Its breathtaking landscape, shrouded in mysteries of folk tales, offers a yachting experience unlike any other.

The country's bustling capital city, Koror, is the gateway to Palau's wonders. It offers easy access to some of the most stunning attractions, including Jellyfish Lake, where people can swim with harmless golden jellyfish. From there, cruising the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a group of limestone islets surrounded by turquoise waters, is a must. One of its highlights is the Milky Way, a natural lagoon known for its therapeutic white mud. About 50 nautical miles north of Koror is the northernmost island of Kayangel. Its rural and rustic vibes offer tranquillity away from the bustling crowd of urbanisation.

Several areas around Palau are protected marine sanctuaries. One is the uninhabited isle of Helen Reef, which offers an oasis to teeming wildlife and humans seeking seclusion. Just to the north lies the Mariana Trench and the Challenger Deep, the deepest known point on Earth. This natural marvel is connected to the Palau Trench, which gives life to the colourful marine life beneath its surface. Although these trenches are not accessible for recreational diving, they serve as vital marine habitats that make Palau's surrounding waters so biologically rich.

In addition to marine wildlife, relics from World War II scattered across the islands, from the Nanyo Shrine and Thousand-Man Cave to several sunken WWII ships and planes, provide an excellent opportunity for wreck diving. Furthermore, the ancient sites of Ngarechlong Monoliths and Tet el Bad Stone Coffin are fascinating remnants of Palau's ancient cultures, offering insight into its rich history.

Palau is a country riddled with a humble past, but in every corner, it continuously shines as a country full of wonders. Interested in yachting in Palau? Check our fleet of luxury yacht charters.

Spanning over 5000 km of coastline, Madagascar has several diving spots. Top of the list is the Radama Islands, which features colourful arrays of corals and lively schools of fish. Inside its lush tropical forests, lemurs and other animals roam free, offering a fun interaction with people. Next, Mitsio Islands, which is up north of the mainland and is famed for its shark fishing culture. This secluded chain of islands also provides a tranquil retreat over its soft sands and cyan-blue waters. Nosy Hara, on the other hand, besides its fringing reefs, also provides an excellent opportunity to hike its towers of rock mountains and have close-up interactions with the smallest reptile in the world, the chameleon. Nosy Be Islands, a chain of volcanic islands, is also a well-known diving spot filled with luxurious resorts. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely. Then, hiking to Mt. Passot would give the best panoramic view of the Nosy Be archipelago.

About 40 minutes from Nosy Be is the hidden gem of Baie des Russes or Russian Bay. Also known as Ambavatory Bay, it was once used as refuge by a Russian warship, fighting off Japanese ships. The mariners, however, changed their minds and stayed in Madagascar. Today, their remnants can still be seen on the island. The bay is also home to the Bemaneviky River, where violin crabs and crocodiles roam free.

A trip to Madagascar would not be complete without a visit to Antananarivo or Tana, the country’s bustling capital. Explore the city’s unique blend of colonial architecture and tribal motifs. From there, flying to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a must. This imposing range of limestone cliffs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often likened to a stone forest carved by time.

<br>Either exploring its coastline or its bountiful environment, this island, shaped like “God’s footprint,” is a perfect destination for a wild and pure experience. Interested in yachting on Madagascar’s pristine shores? Explore our fleets and start your adventure in this truly unique destination.