Overview
Home to some of the greatest civilisations the world has known, India is a fabulous potpourri of contradictions and diversity, of ancient and modern art, culture, cuisine, languages and landscapes. For superyachts, it offers three very different archipelagos and a coast steeped in history.
The volcanic Andaman and Nicobar chain in the Bay of Bengal is the most popular cruising ground: 572 islands of untouched jungle, coral reefs and India's only active volcano, ranked among the world's best marine ecosystems. Yachts are welcome at many islands, but permits are required, so an agent is essential.
On the mainland, Mumbai is home to the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, a classic institution; Goa offers a natural harbour and Portuguese heritage; and Kochi on the Kerala coast has India's first international marina.
Marinas & Map
Map Key - Marinas & Yacht Clubs
- Royal Bombay Yacht Club (Mumbai)
- Goa (Panaji)
- Kochi International Marina
- Port Blair Marina (Andaman)
Port Blair and Mumbai Port marinas are in development. International airports: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Port Blair (Andaman).
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the Bureau of Immigration and the Central Board of Customs. Ports of entry are Port Blair (Andaman), Panaji (Goa), Kochi and Mumbai Harbour. The Andamans require permits, so a local agent is essential.
Government Contacts
Immigration: boi.gov.in
Customs: cbic.gov.in
International Airports
Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji) · Delhi · Chennai · Bengaluru · Port Blair (Veer Savarkar, Andaman).
Key Cruising Grounds
Andaman & Nicobar (Port Blair, Havelock, Button Islands) · Lakshadweep · Goa · the Mumbai coast.
Local Services
Agents (Andamans)
Asia Pacific Superyachts · Andaman Holiday Agency
Agents (Mainland)
West Coast Marine Yacht Services · Sea Waif · Seal Superyachts
Brokerage & Refit
West Coast Marine Yacht Services
Charter
Champions Yacht Club
Associations
Indian Marine Federation · Yachting Association of India
Marine Supplies
Ocean Marine Supplies India
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts cruise in India?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal are the most popular superyacht cruising ground, with 572 islands of jungle and reef. On the mainland, Mumbai, Goa and Kochi on the west coast are the main yacht centres.
When is the best time to cruise India?
November to March is the prime season. Tropical cyclones are common from April to June and September to December, so those months are best avoided.
Do you need a permit to cruise the Andaman Islands?
Yes. Yachts are welcome at many of the Andaman and Nicobar islands but permits are required, so cruising there is arranged through a local agent. Port Blair is the port of entry.
Which marinas does India have?
Kochi International Marina on the Kerala coast and the Royal Bombay Yacht Club at Mumbai are the established facilities, with Port Blair Marina in the Andamans and Mumbai Port Marina in development.
Which APSA members are based in India?
India's APSA members are Asia Pacific Superyachts India, the Indian Marine Federation and West Coast Marine Yacht Services, with Asia Pacific Superyachts also representing the Andaman Islands.