Yacht Charter Destinations

Find out about different charter destinations with our guide to the best yacht charter destinations

There are hundreds of fabulous charter destinations to choose from worldwide. Destinations from Antarctica to the northern latitudes of Alaska, but most are available in tropical and sub-tropical climes such as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. The weather, winds, and natural beauty of these waters, their islands, and the countries that touch them are a geological and cultural treasure; and their close proximity to major population centres makes them that much more appealing.

Seasonally, however, there are many other destinations in the world, particularly northern Europe and North America, that offer unique and fulfilling yacht charter vacations. In addition, there are more far-flung regions, such as Southeast Asia, that are seeing a rapid increase in popularity.

Popular Yacht Charter Destinations:

Antigua
Bahamas
Florida
France
Pacific Northwest
The Solent, United Kingdom
Turkey

Worldwide Yacht Charter Destinations:

Asia
With boatbuilding a big industry in Asia, yacht charter has followed with areas like Thailand and Indonesia leading the way. Thailand’s Phuket region includes options from local fantails (wooden day boats) to crewed megayachts. With many undeveloped islands, it’s easy to truly get away from it all. Bali is an excellent base for Indonesian charters with its international airport. High season for chartering in the region is December through April. More information on Asia yacht charter, yachts for charter in Asia.

Caribbean
One of the most popular areas in the world for chartering, with some of the largest bareboat charter fleets anywhere. Gentle breezes, palm trees, white sandy beaches and amazing marine life make this a sailor’s paradise. With so many islands and different cultural backgrounds to choose from, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular winter getaway. High season runs from December to April. More information on Caribbean yacht charter.

Central America
A variety of mostly remote cruising territories on two coasts (Caribbean and Pacific), with several distinct archipelagoes. Charters operate out of Belize, Panama, Honduras, and Costa Rica.
High season runs from November to May. More information on Central America yacht charter.

Europe
From the wealth and glitz of the Mediterranean to the land of Scandinavia’s Midnight Sun, European charter offers a wide variety of coastlines and options. Europe’s geography, history and cultures all offer a change of pace at every turn. Charter season runs from June to September in the north and from May-November in the Mediterranean. More information on European yacht charter.

Indian Ocean
An alternative to the Caribbean for charters between November and April, thanks to clear waters, unblemished beaches, and lively reefs. Yacht charter in the Indian Ocean occurs primarily in the Maldives and Seychelles. Each is an isolated island group and offers an array of locations to explore. More information on Indian Ocean yacht charter.

Mediterranean
More countries, more history, more variety and more facilities than any other charter region. Though Riviera ports such as St. Tropez and Cannes are justly famous, the islands lying offshore provide a more unique charter experience. Any type of charter is available here. High season runs from May to October, with August requiring the most advance planning. More information on Mediterranean yacht charter.

North America
Two lengthy ocean coasts and many miles of Great Lakes and Gulf coastline make it possible to find cruising and chartering in any season. Details are specific to each region, with the Pacific Northwest winning the charter popularity contest thanks to its light winds, deep water, and spectacular mountain scenery. The Northeast and Great Lakes offer a variety of summer charter options. For winter getaways, Florida dominates because of its year-round climate, well-developed industry, and access to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. More information on North America yacht charter.

Oceania
The South Pacific islands are on many charter wish lists, and luckily, what we dream of is actually the reality you’ll discover during a yacht charter vacation. A one- or two-week charter in the South Pacific should focus on a single island group. Farther south are the bareboat fleets of New Zealand and Australia. More information on Oceania yacht charter.

South America
Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands offer dramatic diversity in their geology and indigenous species. Many crewed charter options operate right out of the islands and some offer packages that include the two hour flight from Quito. Further south, crewed charters can be arranged in the lake districts of Patagonia, around Cape Horn, and across the Southern Ocean. More information on South America yacht charter.

You can charter a crewed yacht, bareboat, or sailboat nearly anywhere in the world, and the thousands of yachts available for charter on this website reflect the variety of vessel and sailing vacation experiences available.