Planning a vacation and unsure where to go? Below are some of the best places to charter a yacht, with beautiful locations in the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.
Caribbean Island Yacht Charters
When planning your yachting vacation, definitely consider the beautiful beaches and blue waters of the Caribbean. Some of the best places to charter a yacht are the Caribbean islands given below, so you know exactly where to go.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands, known as “nature’s little secrets,” is a collection of about 60 unspoiled islands, with the four main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. The islands combine the best of the Caribbean into one convenient destination, perfect for your yachting vacation.
Tortola, the largest of the Caribbean islands and the capital island, is a great choice for your yacht charter destination. It consists of multiple yacht-filled harbors, and fishing villages on protected anchorages. You can also spend time on Tortola’s sandy beaches and take in the sights of its luxurious green mountains.
Virgin Gorda has quiet coves and luxury resorts. It is also the perfect island if you’re into hiking and exploring. You can climb the island’s highest peak, Gorda Peak, for a panoramic view of the surrounding island, or walk on the island’s scenic nature trails.
Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the Caribbean islands, with less than 300 inhabitants. The island’s Great Harbour is world-famous for its yacht-filled parties on Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Jost Van Dyke is also filled with amazing cuisine, including barbecues, West Indian rotis, grilled fish and lobster.
Anegada is the only coral island in the Virgin Island’s volcanic chain. Take in the striking coral reefs in Anegada’s crystal clear waters, or relax on the island’s secluded sandy beaches. You can also see plenty of wildlife special to the Virgin Islands area, including rare rock iguanas and exotic birds. Water activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling are a great way to see Anegada’s coral reefs and native wildlife.
Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands are a string of islands stretching south in an arc east of Puerto Rico. Islands there include Anguilla, Saba, Sint Eustatius, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda. You can expect white-sand beaches surrounded by beautiful blue waters and crooked palm trees. Under the water are close-ups of coral reefs and colorful tropical fish. Roadside barbecues and beach parties with live reggae bands also add to the experience on your Caribbean island yacht charter. Three of the best experiences you can enjoy on your yachting vacation in the Leeward Islands include:
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- Shoal Bay East, Anguilla. Shoal Bay East is a top choice beach to visit because of its quiet, laid-back environment, even during the island’s busy season. You can go snorkeling in the beach’s crystal clear water for underwater observation, or enjoy a drink at one of Shoal Bay East’s beach bars.
- Diving in Sint Eustatius. Sint Eustatius, called “The Caribbean’s Hidden Treasure,” has dazzling reefs, marine life, and vestiges of the Lower Town – now almost completely submerged.
- Half Moon Bay, Antigua. Enjoy incredibly blue waters on this Eastern Antiguan beach. Bodysurfers can go to the northern waters and snorkelers to the calm southern waters. There are also two beach bars for a grilled-fish lunch and rum cocktails.
Windward Islands
The Windward Islands are the “English-speaking” islands of the Caribbean. They are one of the best places to charter a yacht because of their natural beauty. Locations include Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Grenada and Dominica.
With its beautiful beaches surrounded by turquoise blue waters and its sensational nightlife, it’s no wonder that Barbados is a Unesco World Heritage-listed capital. Make sure to check out the largest beach in the area, picture-perfect Rockley Beach.
In the heart of the Caribbean Sea, uncluttered by tourist exploitation, lies St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). SVG is considered by many to be the epitome of idyllic island life because of its white-sand beaches on deserted islands. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the sun. However, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also go hiking, climb volcanoes and explore waterfalls. If you’re into diving and snorkeling, make sure to check out the Tobago Cays. You’ll see copious amounts of wildlife such as sea turtles and parrotfish, as well as gorgeous coral reefs.
Dominica is unlike any of the other Windward Islands because there is no mass tourism, sandy beaches, or rum-fueled pool parties. It has been given the nickname “nature island” for its natural wonders such as its Boiling Lake, Champagne Reef, sulfurous hot springs and the Caribbean’s first long-distance hiking trail. It’s definitely the island to visit if you’re feeling up for an adventure. Dominica’s number one sight-to-see is its Boiling Lake in Morne Trois Pitons National Park.
Mediterranean Yacht Charters
The Mediterranean is another great option for your yacht charter destination, with its beautiful beaches, historic sites and excellent nightlife, you’re sure to never be bored. It’s no wonder it is considered to be one of the best places to charter a yacht.
Balearic Charters
The Balearic Islands, or Illes Balears, are an archipelago off eastern Spain, and one of the most popular destinations in the western Mediterranean. Its two largest islands are Majorca and Ibiza, where you can be sure to find a number of ways to spend your time. Majorca is the perfect place to enjoy water sports such as scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing and surfing. There are also hiking trails, cultural festivals, and a beautiful countryside. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed island of Ibiza is world-renowned for its wild nightlife. While you can spend your days relaxing and swimming in Ibiza’s crystal clear waters, nights are the perfect time to explore. Attending fashionable bars, night clubs, and concerts with only the latest trends in music and dance are all ways to become engaged in Ibiza’s famous nightlife.
French Riviera
The French Riviera is located to the east of the point where the Alps meet the Mediterranean. It could be the perfect location for your yachting vacation because it enjoys a mild to warm temperature all year round, and is never too cold.
Monte Carlo is a principality of the independent city-state, Monaco. If you feel like going shopping, Monte Carlo is the place to go. There are plenty of stores filled with famous designer clothing brands, jewelry and luxury resorts. While you’re in Monaco, you can also check out the Monaco Yacht Show in Port Hudson. It is Europe’s biggest in-water display of large, luxury yachts.
The city of Nice also has a lot to offer, such as a long seafront, historic quarters, interesting museums and a famous flower markets. Of course, it is also excellent for shopping and nightlife opportunities, as well as plenty of five-star resorts.
Cannes is most popular for its famous film festival, the biggest annual event in the world of film after only the Hollywood Oscars ceremony. Many tourists will go to Cannes during the film festival in the hopes of seeing one of their favorite celebrities. There are also many tourist accommodations and beaches in the area.
Italian Riviera
The Italian Riviera is located between the south of France and Tuscany. It is known for its rugged cliffs, turquoise coves and pastel seaside towns. Genoa is the principal city of the region and features attractions such as its famous Cathedral, the Palazzo Reale and an excellent aquarium. It is also easy to do day trips from town to town because of the Riviera’s extensive rail network, so you can see all the sites.
