There is a new address for India’s super-rich and super cool— from the glassy waters of Alibaug to the buzzing jet-set docks of Goa, luxury yachts are quietly replacing Bentleys and Lamborghinis as the ultimate status symbol.India’s billionaires and Bollywood elite are embracing a new kind of bling: Think plush sun decks, marble-clad bathrooms, helipads, jacuzzis, and even private cinemas, anchored off the Arabian Sea.Once reserved for Mediterranean moguls and Hollywood hotshots, private yachts have officially made their way into Indian waters — and Indian Instagram feeds. Mukesh Ambani is rumoured to have spent upwards of Rs 800 crore on a custom-built superyacht. Salman Khan’s ‘Being Human’ yacht, often docked in Mumbai, is a party on water. And industrialist Gautam Singhania is regularly spotted navigating his Ferretti around the Konkan coast with ease.Yachts, Not YardsThe appetite for owning yachts is growing at a fast pace. Fueled by a cocktail of rising incomes, global exposure, and a desire for exclusivity. According to the Indian Marine Federation, India has close to 50 privately owned luxury yachts today—a figure that’s doubled in the past five years. And it’s not just about owning yachts — it’s about where to park them.The Indian government has started investing in marina infrastructure with the potential of ‘yacht tourism’. The Maharashtra Maritime Board is actively working to build marinas in Alibaug, Mandwa, Ratnagiri, and Mumbai. The appeal? Think of marinas as luxury ‘parking lots’ for the rich—complete with fuelling stations, maintenance services, boutique stores, and even clubs.Bollywood’s Water BabiesDesigner kaftans, Chanel flip flops, Prada sunglasses, and Bollywood stars are finding peace on Yachts. Salman Khan has long been a fan of the sea. His white, three-tier yacht is often used for private shoots, Eid parties, and family getaways. Shah Rukh Khan, while not confirmed to own a yacht himself, often rents mega-yachts when holidaying in Dubai or Europe. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s photos from a luxury catamaran in the Maldives still dominate Pinterest moodboards.For celebs, yachts double up as personal sanctuaries and content goldmines. “You get the sun, the sea, and no screaming fans,” says publicist Reena Mathew. “Plus, every bikini or beard selfie gets twice the engagement if there’s a deck in the background.”Dock DreamsYachts don't come cheap; a mid-range yacht (50-60 feet) can cost anywhere between `8 crore to `20 crore. Maintenance, fuel, staffing, and docking charges can add up to `50 lakh to `1 crore annually. High-end yachts, like the ones owned by billionaires and top actors, start at `100 crore and go up to `800 – 1,000 crore for fully customized, international builds. But that's not stopping the demands for these floating babies, if anything, it's become the new status symbol for the wealthy rich — I mean, if you don't own a yacht, are you even famous?Private yacht charters in Goa, Mumbai, Kochi, and the Andamans are booming, especially for pre-wedding shoots, milestone birthdays, and intimate gatherings. Charter prices start from `20,000 for a few hours to `5 lakh for luxury overnight trips.“There’s a waiting list during the wedding season,” says Neha Patil, who runs a yacht rental service in Goa. “Couples want to say ‘I do’ under the stars — on a yacht. It’s romantic and different.”Float in StyleSome yachts are styled in classic Italian elegance, others have LED-lit underwater hulls, gaming rooms, DJ consoles, and meditation pods. It's not just about sailing; it's about making a statement. “India’s coastline is 7,500 km long. It’s a sleeping giant in global yachting,” says a representative from a yacht company. As India’s ultra-rich seek privacy, power, and panache, the sea is quickly becoming the ultimate playground. The country's coastline—once only dotted with fishing boats and ferries—is now seeing billion-dollar dreams float by. So the next time you spot a sleek vessel on the horizon in Goa or Alibaug, don’t be surprised if it’s carrying a Bollywood blockbuster star or a business magnate sealing a deal over sunset champagne