Exploring the World on a yacht charter

A yacht charter invites you to explore the world one port of call at a time. From the remote glaciers of Antarctica to the silica sands and wild orchids of French Polynesia, let the swell take you to the ends of the earth and back. The pleasure of sailing onboard a yacht charter means that you have the freedom and means to move at your own time and place - balancing adventure with rest. Take your world with you or leave your luxury yacht at port and head out on the tender to discover secret coasts.

Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.
Xtravaganza Tender at Monaco in 2004
Land iguana and sea lion moving his fin in the background a white boat

The world is at your fingertips

Every corner of the far-flung globe offers a wild new adventure. From the thick rivers and jungles of the Amazonian Basin to the bear laden shores of Alaska, as long as there is water – there is nowhere you can’t go. Luxury yacht charters are the perfect vessel for getting back to nature; designed so you can embrace the elements without compromising comfort and style, you can chase the Northern Lights, sail alongside thundering waterfalls, explore the Great Barrier Reef, see the red desert dunes of the Arabian Gulf, and visit some of the world's most remote communities in the Mergui archipelago.

Classic destinations

The lemon lilt of the Amalfi Coast, the yacht dotted waters of famous Monaco, the breathtaking beauty of the British Virgin Islands - there’s a reason these places are considered to be perfect yacht destinations. The classic yachting destinations all share stunning characteristics - beautiful beaches, intricate islands, glamorous ports of call, clear snorkeling waters, spots to scuba dive, and that blissful blend of salty sea, sun, sand, and fascinating land.

Active adventures

Some of the world's most active destinations are available to discover by superyacht charter. New Zealand and Norway boast some of the most beautiful fjords imaginable that you can watch pass from the deck of your boat. For nature watching you can cruise the prehistoric style islands of the Galapagos, go whale watching in Canada, or even blend a safari with sunlit sailing on the shores of South Africa.

Getting off the beaten path

Far from the madding crowd, a superyacht charter invites you to get off the beaten path and to make your own tracks in life. Unforgettable experiences await you across the seven seas. While many luxury yacht charters are well versed with the popular summer and winter season routes of the French Riviera and the Caribbean, you can ask your captain to show you the lesser known sights.

From remote islands to untouched coves, the likes of Croatia are home to no less than 700 islands and the Maldives has a chain that stretches on forever of over 1200 coral isles and sweet sandbanks. While your luxury superyacht may not cruise to every tiny corner, private yacht charters come with tenders and smaller vessels onboard to help your exploratory heart reach even further. Some superyachts will also have a ton of toys onboard - kayaks, paddleboards, diving gear, and even submarines to help you and your guests travel further, delve deeper, and explore even more.

Finding the right luxury charter yacht

Luxury yacht charters come in all shapes, sizes and styles from mighty ships to catamarans – but for those who want to break boundaries, an explorer yacht is needed to hit those untamed corners of the globe. For example, yacht charter guests looking to cruise beneath the aurora borealis or watch penguins in the snow laden landscapes of Antarctica will need to set sail in an ice-breaker class yacht. Those looking to sail their boat to unchartered spots in Indonesia to surf empty breaks will need a yacht with a good tender, and those seeking to sail beneath mighty mountains to hike to the world's most dramatic peaks may want to consider a charter yacht with a helicopter landing pad.

It’s worth noting that not all luxury yachts will get off the beaten track and may stick to the well-known waters that are popular in the winter months and the summer months. If you do dream of a vacation that adventures even further and going beyond the famous beaches of the Bahamas and the ritzy shores of Europe, be sure to let your broker know you seek a luxury yacht charter vacation that doesn't just peak at the popular destinations.

Choosing the right time

Popular yachting tends to be broken down into two categories - the summer season and the winter season. Your charter route may need to align with timely weather conditions. Winters in Europe can be challenging with rough seas, rain, and cold - this is when you may want to sojourn to the South Pacific, the Emirates, the Caribbean, Mexico, and sunlit spaces. Intrepid adventurers wanting to take a sailing yacht to Antarctica and even the Norwegian fjords will also need to plan accordingly - asking about weather and ice floes to find the right time.

Tiger shark glides over the top of a diver, flashing his metallic stripes.
walking along the exotic sandy beach on sunny summer day
Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Peru.

Working out itinerary distances

When mapping out your charter adventure, it helps to work out itinerary distances so you can see how much time is spent at sea and how much time is spent anchored at port. Each sailing itinerary and destination is different - some days you may journey for only one or two hours in between destinations and others you may sail for longer stretches of up to six hours or so. But don’t worry, relaxing on deck while cruising is pure pleasure. Occasionally, when crossing wider expanses and reaching far flung places, you may sail overnight and wake up in an entirely different world. Working with your charter broker and captain can help you work out a route that works for your charter party when on vacation.

Island exploration and activities

The islands of Fiji, the magic of the Mentawais, the coral atolls south of the equator, the karsts of Thailand, sultry Sicily, the Mediterranean, and the wonder of the Whitsundays. The world is brimming with beautiful islands that are ever enticing for cruising charter yachts to explore. From island hopping in Greece to tantalizing stops in St Martin, yachts can easily swing from one island to another, offering you the chance to step ashore before heading out to the next island - all with perfect ease. Along with exploring far and nearby islands, yachting around the world opens you up to a ton of incredible activities - snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and a wealth of watersports are waiting - no matter how high or low your adrenaline level. Sure, there are plenty of sports and activities at sea like jet skis, snorkeling, fishing and more, but yachts also offer you the chance to indulge in land bound adventures too. Whether your passion is hiking and horse riding, wining and dining guests, or culture and arts, there are destinations and itineraries to suit every style and interest.

A Destination within a Destination

In-between dramatic backdrops, scenery, and exquisite exploration, it’s the details that make a dream. A yacht charter vacation is perfectly tailored to fit your lifestyle like a glove. With a dedicated crew and a captain who is more than well-versed in the backwaters of the world, you can journey to exotic lands without leaving five-star service behind. Woven into the endless jungle hikes, sublime surf sessions, and wildlife trekking, you can unwind aching muscles in the Jacuzzi, dine on gourmet suppers beneath the stars, and sleep in stately cabins dressed to impress.

Epic adventures onshore and out at sea; when sailing the globe in a luxury yacht charter, the opportunities for amazing exploration are truly endless.

Navagio beach. Shipwreck bay, Zakynthos island, Greece
Northern Lights
glaciers of Antarctica

Exploration FAQ

How do you choose a charter destination?

Picking the right charter destination will depend on the time of year, your personal interests, the yacht's ability to travel there, and of course your budget. Work with your charter broker to decide which beautiful destinations make the grade - for example those seeking adventure may head to Antarctica or Costa Rica. Those seeking millionaire pleasures and summer parties can hit Ibiza, and those craving their own kind of Odyssey can head to Greece.

How many charter destinations you can hit in one week of sailing really depends on where you are adventuring. Some places will have a whole heap of ports and pretty islands within striking distance meaning you can do several stops in a week. Others may be more drawn out. With a one week charter you may want to choose a single country or area and stick to chartering that stretch to get the best balance of land and sea.