When heading out on a maritime escapade around the globe, rest up away from your superyacht in some of the most remote bars and pubs in the world
Faraday Bar at Vernadsky Research Base, Antarctica
Considered to be the southernmost drinking spot in the world, Faraday Bar on the small island of Galindez in the Antarcitc Peninsula offers a cosy bolt hole for the few rotating residents of the Vernadsky Research Base.
Constructed from a shipment of wood that was supposed to become a new dock, it’s interior still looks like a traditional English pub. The Faraday Station was sold to the Ukrainians for one pound in 1996 and now features a myriad of British and Ukranian décor on the walls, including Union Jacks, tchotchkes, postcards and photographs of explorers.
Since the Ukranians took over the station, it has started to offer homemade vodka – distilled on site using glacier water infused with almonds and honey – for the bargain price of three dollars. Visitors can enjoy a game of pool or chess alongside snacks of cheese, pineapple and canned pears.
How to visit by superyacht: Anchor off Galindez Island and tender to the station before exploring more of Antarctica on a superyacht.
The Old Forge, Inverie, Scotland
Tuck into the famous Knoydart seafood platter at The Old Forge in Inverie, one of the best – and most difficult to get to – pubs in mainland Great Britain. Boasting stunning views of Loch Nevis and its surrounding forest, its interior is cosy and bright with a wooden bar and ceilings. It’s worth going the distance to sit with a spectacular meal, play around of pool or get up and dance on the tables during an impromptu ceilidh – guests are encouraged to bring their own instruments or use the pub’s, as there is no PA system available.
Famous for its ocean fare, all the seafood is sustainably caught and sourced from within a seven mile radius of Knoydart. While their expansive wine list covers everything from Champagne to sherry, when in Scotland, you are better off asking for a glass of the local malt whisky.
Home to red deer, seals, dolphins, eagles, otters and the odd minke whale, this area of Scotland also offers guided walks, bike trails and nature paths for guests to enjoy.
How to visit by superyacht: There are six private moorings for small boats and tenders outside The Old Forge, so larger yachts can anchor off Mallaig Harbour, which is just under three nautical miles away, and tender over.
Bongo Bar, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands
Perched on the southern coast of Santa Cruz, Bongo Bar offers a perfect spot to party while discovering the Galápagos Islands by superyacht. The neon-lit bar often features live music and DJ sets, with plenty of dancing fuelled by a well-stocked bar. If you’re not one for dancing, enjoy a few rounds of pool and the bar’s slightly out of character sushi menu which, despite not quite falling in with the general vibe, is some of the best you will find on the island.
While the Jäger is always kept on ice at Bongo Bar, its range of beers will keep you well sated. Try the Pacha Black IPA or the Llanganates Golden Ale by Ecuador-based microbrewery Sabai. Outside, there’s a capacious deck area with small wooden tables and stools lit by tea lights. Boasting its own outdoor bar and TV screens, the space is bedecked with flags from around the world, vintage alcohol adverts and other local paraphernalia.
How to visit by superyacht: While visiting the elusive Galápagos Islands is not impossible, it is challenging. There are a number of luxury yachts available to charter in the area that have guides on board.
Cocos Club, Cocos Keeling Islands
At the heart of the Indian Ocean lies the Australian territory of the Cocos Keeling Islands, which is home to the incredibly relaxed beach bar, the Cocos Club. Family-friendly and community-funded, it’s the perfect place to take in the stunning scenery with a cocktail in hand. There is pool and table tennis, and the club hosts regular movie, Australian Football League screenings and karaoke nights.
You can buy wine, beer and spirits by the bottle and there are three nights a week when food is served; parmigiana Tuesdays, beef burger Saturdays and woodfired pizza Sundays. Visitors and locals alike frequent this casual spot to play games and listen to live bands play late into the night.
How to visit by superyacht: There is a good anchorage off the southern coast of Direction Island, a tiny moon shaped island just north of Home Island. Those visiting by yacht will have to give at least 48 hours notice before arrival. Tender over to the small ferry terminal on West Island to visit the Cocos Club.
Bar Caloura, São Miguel Island, the Azores
More of a restaurant than a bar, this beautiful waterfront spot is renowned for its fresh and seasonal fish of the day and Portugese white wines. Bar Caloura boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a simple, no frills style. Dine outside on the spacious terrace, which sits a few feet above the turquoise ocean waves that can be reached via some stone steps at the side of the bar.
After being converted from a fishermen’s house to a bar in the mid-1980s it was extended into a restaurant in 2001. It’s the perfect spot to sit in the sun and sip a crisp glass of Portugese Fonte do Ouro with a mixed plate of trigger fish, barracuda and tuna. If you are feeling adventurous, try some of the honey liquer produced in São Miguel.
How to visit by superyacht: The Marina de Ponta Degada, which is approximately 20 minutes away by car, can host superyachts up to 90 metres.
Bob’s Bar, Tetiaroa Island, French Polynesia
For the most luxurious yet casual drinking spot in French Polynesia, head to Bob’s Bar at The Brando, named for Marlon Brando’s assistant on set. This straw-topped beach bar is situated on pristine white sands and looks out onto aquamarine waters.
Sit back in a shady spot with a Dirty Old Bob cocktail, which consists of pineapple and lime juice, fresh mint, egg white, Bitters Angostura, Tetiaroa honey and a generous slug of Jack Daniel's whiskey. The sound of the ocean waves and light ukulele tunes are all you need to unwind on this idyllic atoll.
How to visit by superyacht: Tetiaroa’s lagoon offers no entry point for large yachts and tenders aren’t permitted. Visitors must take a 20-minute flight from Papeete – where yachts up to 100 metres can moor up – on board one of the two six-person Air Tetiaroa private aircrafts.