The Indian Ocean offers a wide range of possibilities for those seeking a perfect remote getaway. Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life or you want to dive into the exhilarating world of surfing off pristine white-sand beaches, this region has something for everyone.
Destinations such as the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius are known for their stunning natural beauty, including turquoise waters, lush landscapes, and diverse marine life. Here, you can unwind on secluded islands or discover the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling and scuba diving. If surfing is your passion, places like Sri Lanka and the Maldives provide world-class surf breaks suitable for all levels.
These idyllic locations offer luxurious resorts and villas, as well as eco-friendly lodges that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. You’ll also find opportunities to explore local cultures, taste exotic cuisine, and embark on adventures such as hiking, island-hopping, and wildlife spotting.
Whether you prefer a tranquil retreat or an action-packed adventure, the Indian Ocean offers endless possibilities for a remote and unforgettable getaway.
The Indian Ocean is home to numerous stunning islands that offer a true escape from the everyday. Here are some destinations in the region that provide a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and serenity:
- Thulusdhoo, Maldives
Thulusdhoo, located in the Maldives’ Kaafu Atoll, is a residential island that offers a unique blend of local Maldivian culture and activities tailored for water sports enthusiasts. It has become known as a haven for surfers due to its iconic surf breaks, Cokes and Chickens.
Best For: Riding the Waves
- Surfing: Thulusdhoo’s waves attract experienced surfers from around the world, with the twin surf breaks of Cokes and Chickens being particular highlights. Cokes offers fast, hollow waves, while Chickens provides a long, consistent left-hand wave.
- Paddleboarding: Paddleboarders can enjoy the island’s gentler waves and explore the serene turquoise lagoon, making for a relaxing yet invigorating experience.
- Diving: As with many parts of the Maldives, the diving around Thulusdhoo is excellent, showcasing vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- Sailing: Dinghy sailing is a popular activity on the island, offering visitors the chance to navigate the clear waters and take in the stunning scenery.
Local Charm and Amenities
- Local Culture: Thulusdhoo retains its local Maldivian life while also catering to tourists, creating a harmonious blend of traditional culture and modern amenities.
- Bikini Beach: Western-style swimsuits are permitted on the island’s Bikini Beach, providing a relaxed atmosphere for sunbathing and swimming.
- Restaurants and Activities: The sandy lanes of Thulusdhoo feature a range of restaurants and activity providers, ensuring visitors have plenty of options for dining and entertainment.
Alcohol Restrictions and Alternatives
- Alcohol Restrictions: As with other residential islands in the Maldives, the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on Thulusdhoo.
- Floating Boat-Bars: To accommodate tourists looking for a drink, locals have established floating boat-bars just offshore, which can be accessed via speedboat.
How to Do It
- Accommodation: Consider staying at Season Paradise, which offers doubles from $125 (£101) per night, room only.
Thulusdhoo is an excellent destination for those seeking an active and culturally enriching experience in the Maldives while being surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is renowned for its historical capital city, Stone Town, which boasts a unique African-Arabian blend. This cultural melting pot offers visitors an opportunity to explore a place rich in history, architecture, and local traditions. Here’s what you can expect in Zanzibar:
Best For: Old Town Intrigue
- Stone Town: Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricate mix of cultures, with influences from Africa, Arabia, and India. It features winding alleyways, bustling markets, and historical landmarks such as sultans’ palaces.
- Jaws Corner: This local meet-up point is a hub of activity, where residents and visitors can experience the laid-back, slow-paced lifestyle of Zanzibar.
- «Pole, pole» Culture: The phrase «pole, pole» (meaning «slowly, slowly») reflects the leisurely pace of life on the island, encouraging visitors to embrace a more relaxed approach to their stay.
Beaches and Resorts
- Nungwi and Bwejuu Beaches: Zanzibar is home to stunning white-sand beaches, including Nungwi and Bwejuu, which are among the best in the Indian Ocean.
- Cost-Effective Luxury: While the island offers resort-level comforts, the cost of hotels is generally around a third less than in the Maldives, making it an attractive destination for those seeking luxury on a budget.
How to Do It
- Travel Package: TUI offers a seven-night package starting from £1,398 per person, including flights and bed and breakfast accommodation.
Zanzibar is an excellent destination for those who want to immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience while enjoying beautiful beaches and affordable luxury accommodations.
- Pemba, Tanzania
For an adventurous beach trip, Pemba Island in Tanzania offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to the more popular Zanzibar. Here’s what makes Pemba a great destination for intrepid beach-goers:
Best For: Intrepid Beach-Goers
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Pemba is less known than Zanzibar, giving it an allure for those who want to explore a place with fewer tourists.
- Time Warp: Pemba feels like stepping back in time 40 years, making it a unique and charming destination for visitors looking to experience a simpler, slower pace of life.
- Underwater Room: In 2013, The Manta Resort gained attention for its underwater accommodation, The Underwater Room, providing a unique stay for adventurous travelers.
Natural Beauty
- Lush Interior: The interior of Pemba is green and fertile, with the Ngezi Forest Reserve offering a habitat for vervet monkeys and flying foxes.
- Clove Aroma: Pemba is known for its clove production, adding a unique scent to the air.
- Rustic Villages: The island’s villages feature brightly colored kangas worn by local women and ox carts carrying fruit.
Beach and Marine Activities
- Beaches and Sandbars: The island’s peaceful west-coast beaches and sandbars that appear and disappear with the tides offer serene spots to relax.
- Snorkeling and Diving: The Pemba Channel is home to coral reefs and marine life such as Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and pods of dolphins, making it a top spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Marine Conservation: Long-running marine conservation efforts have helped preserve Pemba’s reefs and marine life.
Accommodation
- Low-Key Hotels: Pemba offers low-key accommodation options such as Fundu Lagoon, perfect for those who want a relaxing and peaceful stay.
How to Do It
- Travel Package: Expert Africa offers seven-night packages starting from £1,890 per person, full board, including all transfers in Tanzania.
Pemba Island is a fantastic destination for those seeking a mix of natural beauty, peaceful beaches, and soft adventure, all while staying away from crowded tourist hotspots.
- Alphonse, Seychelles
Best For: A Nature-Focused Escape
Alphonse is a prime example of an Indian Ocean haven for nature enthusiasts. Here’s why it’s the perfect destination for those looking for a nature-focused escape:
- Galápagos of the Indian Ocean: Alphonse Island, part of the Seychelles’ Outer Islands and located 250 miles south of Mahé, can be likened to the Galápagos Islands due to its rich biodiversity.
- Marine and Bird Life: The surrounding atolls provide a sanctuary for rare wedge-tailed shearwaters, various booby species, and an abundance of sea life.
- Conservation Projects: Visitors have the opportunity to participate in conservation projects such as ocean clean-ups and turtle-tracking.
- BBC’s Blue Planet: The island’s natural beauty has been showcased in the BBC’s Blue Planet series, with highlights filmed in the area.
- Undiscovered Dive Sites: Tourism is relatively new to Alphonse, so many dive sites are still being explored and mapped.
- Exclusive and Pristine: Due to its isolation, the island offers pristine landscapes and a sense of exclusivity.
How to Do It:
- Travel Package: Original Diving offers a 14-day package in Alphonse and Desroches from £11,465 per person. This includes full board on Alphonse and B&B on Desroches, as well as flights.
While the cost of visiting Alphonse may be high, the experience of immersing yourself in its untouched nature, conservation efforts, and stunning marine life is unparalleled, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
- Mohéli, Comoros
Best For: Out-There Adventurers
Mohéli, one of the islands in the Comoros archipelago, is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. Here’s what makes it special:
- Minimal Tourism: Unlike many other Indian Ocean destinations, Mohéli remains largely unchanged by tourism, making it an unspoiled paradise.
- Natural Beauty: The island features stunning white-sand beaches with coconut palms and turquoise waters, such as Itsamia, where green turtles lay eggs.
- Wildlife Encounters: Visitors can witness rare wildlife such as the endangered Livingstone’s fruit bats, and marine creatures like mantas and dugongs in the UNESCO-listed Mwali Biosphere Reserve.
- Unique Experiences: The peaceful ambiance of Mohéli, especially on its pristine beaches under starry night skies, offers travelers a chance to connect with nature in a profound way.
- Quiet Retreat: Mohéli provides a quiet retreat away from the bustle of mainstream tourism, making it an excellent choice for those seeking solitude and immersion in natural surroundings.
How to Do It:
- Travel Package: Responsible Travel offers an 11-day trip to the Comoros from £1,599 per person. This itinerary includes various activities and experiences that will allow you to explore the islands’ natural beauty and wildlife.
Visiting Mohéli offers a rare opportunity to experience a largely untouched destination in the Indian Ocean, making it perfect for adventurers looking for something unique and authentic.
- Havelock, Andaman Islands, India
Best For: Robinson Crusoe Luxury
Havelock, part of the Andaman Islands in India, offers a luxurious yet unspoiled retreat for travelers seeking a true Robinson Crusoe experience. Here’s what makes it special:
- Pristine Beaches: Havelock is known for its stunning wild beaches, with Radhanagar Beach often cited as one of the most beautiful in Asia.
- Lush Jungle Setting: Luxury hotels are nestled within the lush jungle, offering an immersive and serene experience surrounded by nature.
- Water Activities: The island boasts excellent diving spots and kayaking opportunities through mangrove forests, allowing visitors to explore its rich marine life and diverse ecosystems.
- Authentic Local Life: Despite its luxury, Havelock maintains its authenticity. Villages feature families traveling by rickshaws, dhabas serving fresh fish curry, and chai available at street stalls.
- Barefoot Luxury: Accommodations blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing guests with a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere.
How to Do It:
- Travel Package: Bamboo Travel offers a 14-night tour split between Havelock and Tamil Nadu in mainland India, starting from £4,695 per person. This package includes bed and breakfast, as well as flights, allowing you to experience both the luxury of Havelock and the cultural richness of Tamil Nadu.
Havelock Island offers a beautiful and unique retreat for those seeking a luxurious escape in a pristine and authentic setting. By the time you leave, you’ll likely be wondering why you didn’t stay longer!
- Lamu, Kenya
Best For: Bohemian Beach Vibes
Lamu Island, located just off the coast of mainland Kenya, is a destination known for its laid-back, bohemian energy and unique cultural atmosphere. Here’s what you can expect from a visit to Lamu:
- Historical and Cultural Charm: Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. The town is a captivating blend of Islamic-African architecture with coral-built houses featuring intricately carved mahogany doors and silversmiths working in small ateliers.
- Unique Transport: Donkeys are the primary mode of transportation in Lamu Town, adding to the island’s rustic and traditional ambiance.
- Shela Village: Nearby Shela village offers seven miles of pristine, icing-sugar sand beaches. The village itself exudes a relaxed vibe and is a popular spot for beach lovers.
- Dhow Chartering: Charter a traditional dhow (boat) and take a day trip into the Lamu archipelago for an authentic and tranquil experience on the water.
How to Do It:
- Travel Package: Tropical Sky offers a seven-day trip to Lamu from £2,149 per person. The package includes bed and breakfast accommodation and flights.
Lamu is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and relaxed beach vibes. The island offers a unique and memorable escape for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a different pace of life and enjoy the enchanting beauty of East Africa.
- Mayotte, France
Best for: A Gallic Adventure
Mayotte, an overseas department of France located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique, offers visitors a unique combination of French sophistication and untamed natural beauty. Here’s what you can expect from a trip to Mayotte:
- French Influence: Mayotte is relatively prosperous, with well-maintained roads, good hotels, and amenities such as reliable wi-fi. The island’s French heritage is evident in its road signs and general infrastructure.
- Pristine Beaches: Beaches like Sakouli and Sohoa offer tranquil settings with crystal-clear waters and are less crowded than those in more popular tourist destinations.
- Lemurs and Nature: The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including lemurs that can be seen frolicking on N’Gouja Beach and in the lush forests draping Mount Benara.
- Fragrant Ylang-Ylang: Mayotte’s major export is the ylang-ylang blossom, a key ingredient in the iconic Chanel No.5 perfume, lending the island a distinct fragrance.
- Marine Life: The world’s third-largest lagoon surrounds the island, providing opportunities to see healthy coral reefs and observe marine life such as calving humpback whales from August to September.
How to Do It:
- Accommodation: Stay at Le Jardin Maoré, which offers double rooms starting from €84 (£74) per night, room only.
Mayotte provides a charming mix of French elegance and pristine natural settings, making it an excellent destination for those seeking a unique and luxurious Gallic adventure in the Indian Ocean.
- Rodrigues, Mauritius
Best for: A Twin-Centre Break
Rodrigues, an 11-mile-long island located east of Mauritius, is an idyllic escape that offers a quiet, laid-back atmosphere and pristine natural beauty. It is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a twin-centre break combined with a visit to Mauritius.
- Relaxed Pace: Life on Rodrigues moves at a leisurely pace, akin to its giant tortoises. This relaxed ambiance is a key part of the island’s charm.
- Limited Tourism: With little tourism, the island offers a sense of adventure and discovery, and travelers will find accommodation in relaxed hotels and guesthouses.
- Port Mathurin: The capital of Rodrigues, Port Mathurin, is an oversized village with a lively Saturday market. Visitors can explore the town’s seven streets and take in its unique charm.
- Day Trips: Must-visit destinations include Île aux Cocos, a castaway island surrounded by stunning kingfisher-blue waters, and Trou d’Argent, a former pirate hideout with dramatic coastal scenery.
- Outdoor Activities: The island’s shallow lagoon offers excellent opportunities for kitesurfing, and the surrounding waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
How to Do It:
- Accommodation: Stay at Tekoma Boutik Hotel, which offers doubles starting from €308 (£265) per night, including breakfast.
Rodrigues is a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat that balances adventure with relaxation. With its proximity to Mauritius, it makes for an ideal twin-centre break, combining the best of both islands.
- Mafia, Tanzania
Best for: Close Encounters
Mafia, a Tanzanian island, offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with its simple and laid-back atmosphere. It provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city life, with palm-thatch huts and a relaxed mood that permeates the island.
- Mafia Island Marine Park: This protected marine area spans around 320 square miles and offers exceptional diving opportunities. Divers can explore healthy coral reefs, wall dives, and channels where dugong graze.
- Marine Life: Mafia is home to a variety of marine species, including humpback whales and hawksbill turtles. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to get close to marine life in a serene setting.
- Relaxed Ambiance: The island’s laid-back vibe and minimal tourist crowds make it a great choice for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.
How to Do It:
- Travel: Dive Worldwide offers an 11-day trip starting from £2,195 per person, which includes half board and flights.
Mafia Island is a great choice for travelers looking for a peaceful and low-key island getaway with excellent diving and opportunities for close encounters with marine life.