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Best sailing destinations in Asia

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Setonaikai National Park
Island seascapes, bridges and art islands
8.2
Spring and autumn bring mild weather and calm water to this inland sea. Japan named it one of its first national parks in 1934. Boats pass under the Shimanami Kaido bridges, which link six islands from Honshu to Shikoku. Strong tides in narrow straits like Kurushima mean skippers plan each crossing with care.
Highlights:
  • ๐ŸŒŠ Witness the powerful whirlpools of Naruto Strait
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Explore contemporary art on Naoshima and Teshima islands
  • ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™‚๏ธ Cycle the scenic Shimanami Kaido bridge route
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
7.3
Salt air, sizzling fish and cinnamon drift across the harbor at Galle. Dutch walls from the 1600s ring the old fort above the water. Watch for blue whales off Mirissa down the coast from November to April. Trincomalee on the east coast has a large natural harbor for yachts.
Highlights:
  • ๐Ÿš‚ Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations to Ella
  • ๐Ÿ˜ Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park
  • ๐Ÿชจ Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire its ancient frescoes
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
The dry northeast monsoon runs from December to April and brings clear skies and gentle winds. This country has about 1,200 coral islands in 26 atolls. Charter yachts and live-aboard boats hop between them and stop at sandbanks and reefs for snorkeling. Seas get rougher from May to October.
Highlights:
  • ๐ŸŒŒ Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • ๐Ÿฆˆ Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • ๐Ÿ๏ธ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
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