UK +44 (0)1367 850566

USA 1-855-216-5040

Luna Moon - Private Luxury Sailing Charters, Madagascar and East Africa


If unparalleled luxury, privacy and freedom are high on your holiday checklist, a sailing adventure aboard exclusive yacht charter Luna Moon will tick all these boxes and more. Offering the flexibility to choose your route we can create your very own and very special itinerary where you’ll be able to explore hidden bays and secret beaches in the utmost style.

With some of the best sailing waters in the world at our fingertips, we can create the ultimate holiday to suit complete novices and seasoned sailors alike. You’ll have the chance to sit back and relax as your skipper takes the helm, guiding you through crystal clear waters to quaint fishing villages, bustling towns and idyllic beaches. A whole world of opportunities awaits, with enticing destinations along Africa’s south east coast, so whether you’re looking for pristine white sands, ancient history or mouth-watering meals, we’ll create a bespoke itinerary for your perfect sailing holiday.

Be one of the first to hop aboard luxury sailing vessel Luna Moon following her complete refit which is due to be completed in 2021. Experience an unforgettable sailing holiday and charter in and around Nosy Be Madagascar. If you are the more adventurous traveller, we can also arrange surf and kite boarding charters in world-class destinations such as the Emerald Sea in Diego Suarez and south eastern region of Tulear.

Or experience the joy and exhilaration of a unique family sailing holiday adventure sailing to seldom visited locations or just an amazing time with friends on a world class surf and kiting break. Join the crew and experience sailing aboard the 100-year-old 118 ft gaff rig sailing schooner Luna Moon.

For those who would like to learn to sail, Luna Moon’s onboard sailing school offers a number of internationally recognized courses.

Discovering Africa on Luna Moon opens up ancient and remote kingdoms, from the splendour’s and unique archipelagos of the Seychelles and Madagascar to the delights of a South African winery or witness the true majesty of nature in the wild. There are few better ways to discover the dramatic coastline and off lying islands of Africa than by luxury yacht Luna Moon.

The seemingly forgotten group of 115 islands which make up the Seychelles, lying right in the middle of the Indian Ocean, 932 miles from Africa, nurture unique species of flora and fauna including the giant tortoises of Aldabra atoll, 11 unique species of birds and 200 species of fish and aquatic life. Ashore there are amazing granite structures mostly protected in nature reserves.

Just as dramatic is the sensational island of Madagascar. Jump off Luna Moon into the crystalline waters of this island 250 miles off the east coast of Africa and you won’t be disappointed. There are coral reefs to peek at, sandy shores to laze on, forests that slither and jump with wildlife and fascinating tribal cultures.

Nestled behind Madagascar are the islands of Mauritius and Reunion. These small islands are almost entirely surrounded by one of the largest unbroken coral reefs in the world. That should be more than enough to get you reaching for your snorkel, mask and fins. It’s remotely located, 1,120 miles from the African continent, and largely volcanic.

Head further up the East Coast of Africa and discover the magic warm waters of Tanzania around the island of Zanzibar. There are sheltered islets and coral reefs to explore, dolphins and whales to watch and beaches to lie on.

History of Luna Moon

  • Built in Hoorn Holland in 1917during the Spanish Plague and launched in 1920, Luna Moon was originally constructed using the riveted steel method that was common for that time period. She was designed as a pilot schooner specifically to guide Dutch and French boats to safe ports in the English Channel She miraculously survived two World Wars. The 2nd World War almost saw her fall into the hands of the Nazi’s when Germany invaded Belgium and Holland on the 10th May 1940. It was only due to the owner’s courage and foresight, purposely sinking her in order to ensure that she did not fall into German hands.
  • The Owner re-floated her in 1949 and refitted her using materials remaining from the war including an engine that was salvaged from the Nazi war effort.
  • In 1989, the internationally acclaimed naval architect Oliver van Meer re designed her and after an extensive refit she went on to fulfil duty as a sail training vessel in the English Channel for a Belgium sailing school. During this period, she was often identified by her famous yellow gaff rig sails which sported her sponsor’s insignia, the internationally recognised Schweppes brand.
  • In 2005, Luna Moon was honoured and recognised as one of the true great classic sailing vessels of our time and was added to the Chapman list of Great Sailing Ships of the World. She would later be used in the luxury charter industry in the Seychelles.
  • In 2018,she was purchased and placed under the curatorship of well know South African offshore sailor and master boat builder who sailed her from the Seychelles via Madagascar to Mossel Bay in South Africa for a refit that started in November 2019. The refit is still underway and will be completed towards the end of 2021.

For further information, please do feel free to contact Nicola directly or at The Explorations Company for further inspiration and unforgettable safaris and holidays to Africa, Asia, and Latin America

Or, if you would like to just dream some more for now then you can by visiting our Video Library.

Would you like to know more?

Our team can help prepare a unique itinerary that best suits your personal interests  – no pressure, just
support and advice. Please complete your information and we will be in touch in no time.

As a guide, the cost of our extraordinary and utterly bespoke journeys tends to start from $1200 per person per day excluding international flights.

Can we take your details

About your journey

30 years badge

How many people in your party?

Adult
Children under 12

Explore with The Explorations Company

By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017

Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...

View Forward facing arrow

Our Guarantees To You

Premium service from one of the world's most knowledgeable travel companies

24/7 contact number

Your holiday is fully protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018

Flight-Inclusive Bonding: We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number 7159

Flight-Exclusive bonding: Your holiday is further protected by our membership of ABTOT Membership Number 5197

logo