A ‘Below Deck’ Captain Says These Are the Best Destinations to Explore by Yacht

Fodor’s recently sat down with Captain Kerry Titheradge—the beloved Below Deck captain with over three decades at sea—to get his picks for the world’s best yachting destinations. Here’s what he had to say.

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The Destinations Worth Sailing For

Speaking to Fodor’s, Captain Kerry didn’t hesitate when asked where to drop anchor. The Whitsunday Islands top his list—and it’s easy to see why. “Whitehaven Beach is world class,” he says. “Clear water, dramatic coastline—it is spectacular from the deck of a boat.” With some of the clearest turquoise water in the world, pristine silica sand, and near-guaranteed sunshine, the Whitsundays deliver the kind of sailing that makes everything else feel like practice. Sitting at the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the 74-island archipelago is accessible year-round and endlessly photogenic, whether you’re anchored off a deserted beach or navigating the famous Hill Inlet at sunrise. It’s the destination Kerry returns to again and again in conversation, and one that belongs on every serious charterer’s radar.

His other recommended destinations each bring something distinct to the table:

Amalfi Coast, Italy — “Iconic for a reason—best experienced by sea,” says Kerry. Dramatic cliffs, colourful villages, and excellent food make this a perennial favourite. Arriving by water means bypassing the coastal traffic entirely and pulling straight into the heart of towns like Positano and Ravello (the way this coastline was always meant to be seen).

Norwegian Fjords — Where Kerry captained the luxury yacht Mercury for Below Deck Adventure, based out of the city of Ålesund, he describes the region’s landscapes as “raw, dramatic, almost cinematic.” A world away from the Mediterranean in every sense, but just as unforgettable, and increasingly popular with adventurous charterers looking to trade sunshine for something more extraordinary.

Turkish Riviera — Kerry calls this “one of the most underrated yachting destinations in the world.” Harbour towns like Bodrum and Göcek offer history, culture, and relaxed Mediterranean elegance (and at a fraction of the price of their Italian counterparts). The ability to anchor in a quiet bay for a swim, then dock in a lively village for dinner, is a rhythm that’s hard to beat.

Phang Nga Bay, Thailand — Towering limestone karsts, emerald waters, and secluded coves make this one of Asia’s most spectacular sailing grounds. For charterers looking to venture beyond the usual European circuit, it’s a destination that consistently exceeds expectations.

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First-Timer? Start Here

For those new to yacht charter, Kerry points to the British Virgin Islands and St. Barts as the ideal entry points. The BVI offers calm, sheltered waters, and easy island-hopping between anchorages, perfect for getting your sea legs without feeling overwhelmed by open ocean. St. Barts, meanwhile, delivers French sophistication with a Caribbean soul: excellent restaurants, beautiful beaches and a glamorous but unhurried pace that first-time guests tend to fall hard for. Both destinations have well-established charter infrastructure, making the logistics seamless so you can focus on enjoying the experience from the moment you step aboard.