Articles First-Hand Insights: Where Our Brokers Travelled in 2025

27 Oct 2025 | Adventure

As 2025 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the destinations explored by our Team this year.

Our brokers are regularly on the move, visiting key charter regions across the globe. These familiarisation trips provide invaluable insight into each destination and the yachts that operate there, enabling us to offer informed, experience-based advice to our clients.

Whether navigating the Mediterranean, exploring Svalbard, or cruising through French Polynesia and Indonesia, Our Team gains first-hand knowledge that shapes their ability to deliver tailored recommendations and exceptional charter experiences.

Indonesia

With dramatic landscapes, clear waters and rare wildlife, Indonesia’s Komodo Islands offer a charter experience like no other. Senior Charter Consultant Lucy Oliver recently explored the region on board 45m CELESTIA, a traditional Phinisi yacht, and came away with first-hand insight into what makes this destination so special.

“I loved that the destination brought you closer to nature, whether it was under the sea or on land,” she said. “As the Komodo Islands are a national park, the pace of life was slower and you could fully immerse yourself in the experience.”

The trip included hikes to breathtaking viewpoints, encounters with Komodo dragons in the wild, and a private beach dinner set under the stars. On the water, Lucy and the crew spent time snorkelling, diving, and making the most of the yacht’s watersports setup. “Diving with turtles, reef sharks and countless colourful fish felt like being in an aquarium,” she added. “But you definitely don’t need to be a diving expert as the water was so clear.”

Sailing aboard a local Phinisi yacht was a highlight in itself, and Lucy noted the spectacle of seeing the sails up in such an awe-inspiring setting. “It was a truly unique experience.” she said.

“Guests need to experience a yacht like CELESTIA in Indonesia at least once during their lifetime.”

Lucy Oliver, Senior Charter Consultant

Also exploring the region this year was Barbara Müller, Charter Director & Group Director, who joined a separate trip visiting this breathtaking area. Her itinerary combined diving, snorkelling, hiking and beach time, offering an in-depth experience of Komodo National Park. “It was a fantastic trip,” she said. “We saw manta rays, swam with turtles, watched clownfish in their anemone homes and spotted needlefish and blue starfish, just to name a few.”

On land, the group visited the Komodo dragons in their only natural habitat and watched the sunset after a hike through the rugged landscape. A beach lunch and farewell BBQ rounded off the itinerary, complete with a lively party under the stars. “The crew was fantastic, the food couldn’t have been better, we were spoiled to the fullest.”

CROATIA

Croatia continues to prove its status as a reliable and rewarding charter destination. Charter Consultant George Berry recently travelled through the Dalmatian Islands on board 45m SON DE MAR, taking part in a familiarisation trip designed to mirror the guest experience, both on board and ashore. During the trip, he also spent time exploring two other charter yachts in the region, ACAPELLA and MAIA.

“There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a peaceful mono-ski across calm waters, then returning to the yacht where a crew member greets you with a towel and a fresh espresso,” George said. “Around the Pakleni Islands, this moment feels especially special, private, quiet, and perfectly serene.”

Anchored off the islands, George explored the yacht’s full range of watertoys, including SeaBobs, paddleboards, Jet Skis, kayaks and wakeboards. A highlight was being dropped just metres from the yacht after a morning waterski session, an energising start to the day, set against a calm and scenic backdrop.

There was time to step ashore too. In Split, a walking tour offered insight into the city’s heritage, while a wine tasting at Vina Tomic in Jelsa gave a flavour of local life. “It was fantastic to hear about the history of the winery and how it’s always been run by people from the surrounding area,” he added.

Passing through the Split Gates, often seen as the threshold to the Dalmatian cruising grounds, the itinerary offered variety, comfort and character, reminding George exactly why Croatia remains such a strong charter option.

Also visiting the region earlier this year was Barbara Müller, Charter Director & Group Director, who joined a separate fam trip aboard 36.8m DAWO. Departing from Sibenik, the cruise covered key charter highlights including Vis, the Pakleni Islands and Hvar, offering a hands-on opportunity to experience the yacht and explore some of Croatia’s most sought-after anchorages.

Svalbard

Early this year, Charter Manager Stephanie Archer ventured into the Arctic aboard FREYA, experiencing Svalbard’s raw beauty and remote wilderness up close.

While on board, each day brought something new, whether that be witnessing polar bears with cubs, walruses basking on icy shores, or belugas gliding through glacial bays. On one afternoon, the team boarded Zodiacs to cruise alongside fjord walls and approach glacial fronts, capturing moments of unparalleled quiet and scale.

Life on board was equally immersive. The photography lectures, offered by expert guides, taught the team how to navigate lighting and composition in this unique environment. Evenings sometimes ended in the hot tub, under Arctic skies and surrounded by snow‑capped peaks.

Ashore excursions offered more context to the region. From Longyearbyen’s colourful settlement to a visit to Ny‑Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost communities. Here, Stephanie gained insight into Arctic ecology, research efforts and human adaptation at the top of the world.

For Stephanie, this trip was a firsthand lesson in polar charter conditions. Cruising through glacial fjords, witnessing iconic wildlife, and living aboard FREYA in such a remote environment deepened her ability to guide clients considering an Arctic itinerary.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Travelling through French Polynesia on board BIG SKY, Group Director and Senior Charter Consultant Hanneke Maljaars explored one of the world’s most captivating charter destinations, a place where culture, landscape and local life intertwine effortlessly.

“French Polynesia feels like stepping right into a dream. Turquoise lagoons, lush green peaks, and a slower pace of life that instantly makes you breathe easier. The air smells like tiare flowers, and as the drums start up at sunset, everything just slows down. It’s calm, and impossibly beautiful, the kind of place that quietly steals your heart and makes you never want to leave.” – Hanneke Maljaars, UK Group Director & Senior Charter Consultant

Activities were well balanced with moments of cultural immersion throughout the trip. In Moorea, Hanneke had the opportunity to swim with a mother humpback whale and her calf, a powerful and peaceful encounter. In Raiatea, the group was treated to a traditional beach BBQ prepared by local hosts, while Huahine offered a standout cultural moment: sharing music, dance, and stories with the island’s residents. “Their warmth and openness made us feel instantly welcome,” she said. “There’s a magic in the way they honour their ancestors and keep their customs alive.”

For Hanneke, the trip underscored French Polynesia’s unique charter appeal, not only as a destination of extraordinary natural beauty, but also as one rich in authenticity and connection.

COSTA RICA

Earlier this year, Barbara Müller, Charter Director & Group Director, and Charter Consultant Jelena Vezia, Sales and Purchase Consultant, travelled to the southern coast of Costa Rica aboard the iconic CHRISTINA O, experiencing first-hand what makes this region an exciting new frontier for luxury yacht charters.

“Being on board CHRISTINA O in Costa Rica was amazing. The yacht has so much history and you feel like you’re a part of it, whether it’s in the comfortable Maria Callas salon, in the Aris Bar—where Onassis enjoyed many evenings lounging with a drink—or in the swimming pool which, by night, transforms into a dance floor.”

Their itinerary took them through Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords in the world, located in the heart of the Osa Peninsula, a region referred to as Costa Rica’s crown jewel of biodiversity. Bordered by lush rainforest and calm Pacific waters, the area is known for its pristine natural beauty and ecological importance.

“Pura Vida,” Barbara reflected. “It’s not just a slogan—it’s a lifestyle. The trip was just PURA VIDA.”

On shore, activities included ziplining through jungle canopies, waterfall rappelling, nature hikes, and horseback riding along remote trails. Out at sea, big game fishing offered an exhilarating change of pace, complete with a fresh tuna catch. For quieter moments, time was spent enjoying the wellness amenities on board, including CHRISTINA O’s renowned spa.

The fam trip offered a gateway to some of Costa Rica’s most protected and untouched coastal landscapes. It was a journey that combined old-world luxury with raw natural wonder, a unique charter experience that left a lasting impression.

Our Team’s extensive travel and first-hand experience mean that we offer more than just recommendations, we offer real insight. Whether you’re refining a charter itinerary or selecting the perfect yacht, our brokers are here to provide expert, informed advice tailored to you.

Get in touch to start planning your next charter.

Enquire now

Need help or advice?

The yachting journey can be complex with many decisions to be made. Get in touch with Ocean Independence, and one of our specialist consultants will help you make the right choices.