There’s nothing like the wide open ocean, is there? And it’s even more fun if you are far from the madding crowd, either by yourself or with a few close friends on a yacht on the high seas.

Let’s not make any mistake about it — hiring a yacht would be an expensive proposition, though prices vary depending on what you have in mind. But the upside is that you decide the itinerary and you can cherry-pick the most beautiful spots in the vicinity and make them your haunts.

Yachting is usually a luxurious game, so expect air-conditioned rooms and fully equipped bars on even relatively small boats. They all come with experienced crews and a cook on board.

Around India you can go yachting around the Andamans (the yachting companies renting out the boat will usually take care of the necessary permits). Alternatively, you could try hiring a boat that will take you round the sea near Cochin or along the Kerala backwaters.

And, heck, the world’s your oyster so go sailing around Seychelles or, if you prefer more temperate climes, why not try the thinly populated Scottish islands? Bon voyage!

The Andaman Islands

The Andamans have numerous beauty spots that can be tricky to reach for most people. But in a yacht you’re your own master. So you might try diving off Passage Island where there are large shoals of colourful fish. Or explore the underwater coral gardens around Cinque Islands. You can even spend a day fishing around Havelock Island or Barren Island. The unspoiled beaches and the stunning waters — you can even expect schools of dolphin here — are the stuff that mesmerising holidays are made of.

Hot ticket!

The Raja Laut is a yacht that can be home to about 10 passengers at a time. It offers a 14-day and 13-night private yachting trip around the Andaman Islands starting from Port Blair. It has five spacious AC double cabins, a 70m2 deck, sunbathing areas and promises good food. The yacht also has a saloon which has a flat-screen TV with a DVD player and a small library. Expect to shell out 3,500 euros (Rs 2,09,979 approx.) per day for the entire yacht. This includes onboard accommodation, meals, cruising, non-alcoholic drinks and activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, water-skiing, wakeboarding and beachcombing. Mail to info@rajalaut.com or call (+60) 88 228 599.

Kerala

Explore God’s Own Country from a private yacht. Cruise around the sea in Cochin or travel along the serene backwaters. You could try fishing or even go for a quick swim from the super-luxe Taj Cinnamon Coast. Cruising at 70 knots per hour, the yacht comes with three air-conditioned rooms, a salon with a bar and a complete entertainment system.

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The Family Tree package at Rs 40,000 on the Taj Cinnamon enables you to stay for a night in the yacht. It includes accommodation, meals and four hours’ cruise for four adults and two children. On the other hand, if you opt for the Honeymoon Package, you’ll have to shell out Rs 25,000 to book the yacht for an overnight stay and meals for two. Call (91- 484) 6643000 or mail to malabar.cochin@tajhotels.com.

Seychelles

The Seychelles archipelago, lying 1,000 miles east of Kenya, is often referred to as the original Garden of Eden. Cruise around Mahé, the largest island, with its gigantic granite peaks, three national marine parks and 68 beaches. Go diving and snorkelling here — sculptured rocks covered with soft corals and sponges and a prolific fish life are some of the attractions. Wreck dives are also available in some areas.

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Sunsail, a part of TUI Travel PLC, offers yachts ranging from 36ft with two cabins to 43ft with four cabins. Fitted with modern equipment, the former can house up to six people and the 43ft yacht can have up to 10 people on board. You’ll have to pay £1,515 (Rs 1.03 lakh approx.) for a week on the 36ft yacht, while the 43ft yacht will come at £2,145 (Rs 1.45 lakh approx.) for a week. The price includes the yacht charter starting from Mahé and accommodation on board. Meals are excluded but guests can order provisioning packs. Mail to info@sunsail.com.

Scotland

Pic Courtesy: Wilderness Scotland

Imagine watching whales dip gracefully in and out of the water as you watch from the deck of your yacht. Head for the Inner Hebrides off Scotland’s western coast to bring to life this fantasy. You can sail by and explore the numerous beaches, coves and islands here. The Island of Mull is famous for its wildlife, as is Jura for its whiskey. The Treshnish Isles is great bird watching territory. And if it’s marine life you’re after, sail to the Firth of Lorn. You can expect to see minke whales, sharks, dolphins, porpoises, seals and a vast number of seabirds.

Hot ticket!

Responsible Travel has skippered private yacht charters for short sailing trips in Scotland. Expect to shell out £585 per person (Rs 39,737 approx.) for three days for a group of six people. It includes accommodation onboard, meals and cruising. Log on to www.responsibletravel.com.