The Yacht Charter Destinations Experts Are Booking This Summer

An extraordinary range of yacht charter destinations can be found across the globe for an idyllic summer escape. Whether you’re seeking stunning tropical beauty with fantasy-like deserted islands, volcanic landscapes, dramatic fjords, classic Mediterranean destinations with ancient ruins, or remote archipelagos teeming with wildlife, this specially curated selection promises something for everyone. 

As yachting is one of this writer’s favorite activities, these are some of the top spots I’ve found for summer cruising, combining striking natural beauty, cultural richness, and exceptional sailing conditions. To bring you the most informed recommendations possible, I also reached out to experienced yacht charter experts who navigate these waters regularly.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Spanning from Rab Island in the north to the Bay of Kotor in the south, the Dalmatian Coast is home to many magnificent cities, while hundreds of islands await offshore. Yacht charters between Dubrovnik and Split are especially popular for sailing in either direction. You might start by walking atop Old City Dubrovnik’s medieval walls or exploring Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Ultimately giving birth to Split in the late 3rd century AD, it’s now home to some of the world’s most well-preserved Roman architecture.

In between, visit a mix of popular islands and hidden gems. Hvar and Korcula are two that shouldn’t be missed, but you might want to swim off the shores of Zlatni Rat on Brac Island, often named among the most photogenic in Europe. Mljet is often called the greenest island in the archipelago, home to two emerald saltwater lakes, while unspoiled Vis is the furthest from the mainland, though worth the effort to get there. It boasts unspoiled landscapes for nature lovers and an intriguing past, having been closed off to the public for 40 years while used as a military base.

Corsica & Sardinia

A yacht charter that explores Corsica and Sardinia is an idyllic mix of turquoise Mediterranean waters, with Italian glamour and stunning French cliffs. Many depart from the town of Bonifacio set atop Corsica’s chalk-white cliffs, providing time to explore the Citadelle and Old Town. Discover the exclusive Lavezzi Islands, an unforgettable spot for swimming and snorkeling, along with the unspoiled La Maddalena archipelago, known for its desert beaches and cobalt coves. In Sardinia, visit Caprera’s secluded bays and the pink granite rocks Spargi Island is known for, along with the glamorous Costa Smeralda, which often attracts a variety of VIPs, including celebrities. Porto Cervo, with its unique orange beach, is not to be missed for its upscale boutiques and fine waterfront dining.

“What makes this area really special is that you can experience two completely different atmospheres in the same itinerary—Italian and French—just by crossing the Strait of Bonifacio, which only takes a few hours,” says Giulia Di Leo, CEO and yacht charter broker at Your Boat Holiday. “You can go from Porto Cervo or Poltu Quatu straight to Bonifacio, and it feels like a different world.”

For those who’ve already done the classic northern route, Di Leo recommends venturing further. “More and more clients who have already done the classic north prefer to explore further, like heading south along the east coast of Sardinia towards Cala Gonone and the Gulf of Orosei, which is just incredible,” she adds. “Beyond Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, cruising from Calvi down to Ajaccio is still quite wild and less crowded.”

Ionian Islands, Greece

Located off the western coast of the Greek mainland to the east of southern Italy, the Ionian Islands are renowned for their lush landscapes. Some of the most beautiful in the country, many are home to waterfalls cascading down emerald mountains that dip to pristine sandy beaches lapped by turquoise water. Made up of more than 20 islands, some of the top to visit include Corfu, where you’ll find multiple influences from its past in Old Town Corfu, including Venetian, French, and British, along with a spectacular coastline home to hidden beaches and stunning bays.

Zakynthos entices with its many beautiful beaches, with everything from more tranquil stretches for tossing down your towel to lively spans with opportunities for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Shipwreck Beach (officially Navagio) is iconic, often featured in tourism ads and viral images online, with white sands tucked between two towering cliffs. It’s lapped by electric blue water and features a rusted skeleton of a shipwreck that can be explored when visiting by boat. You’ll want to head to the overlook point for a view (and a photo) from above.

“The Ionians are where you send people who think they don’t like sailing,” says Heather Richie, Founder of Fisher & Farmer. “The Meltemi barely touches this coast—the water between Lefkada, Ithaca, and Kefalonia is sheltered enough for a confident first charter, but the landscape has none of the compromise that usually implies.”

Kefalonia is home to Myros Beach, one of the country’s most breathtaking, although you’ll find many soft, sandy beaches here with vibrant blue-green waters, along with opportunities to hike in Mount Ainos National Park while watching for wild horses. Fiskardo is the island’s most well-preserved village, home to beautiful Venetian architecture, a Venetian lighthouse, and 6th-century basilica ruins. Ithaca is a serene island with lush, green hills, rugged mountains, and beaches lapped by water that ranges in shades from brilliant turquoise to deep emerald. Dining on the traditional local cuisine is a treat, with dishes a mix of British and Venetian influences.

“Skip the main harbors on Zakynthos and sail the east coast of Ithaca instead—Filiatro Bay is a quiet hook of white pebble with nothing behind it but olive groves and goat bells,” Richie adds. “Anchor stern-to the rocks, swim off the back, and eat in Kioni that evening. It’s a fifteen-minute motor from one of the most overcrowded tourist islands in Greece, and nobody is there.”

Di Leo echoes the sentiment, recommending that sailors slow down and seek out the quieter corners. “I usually suggest not focusing only on the main stops, but spending time in smaller bays, especially around Ithaca—anchorages where it’s completely calm, almost no wind, and you go ashore to very simple tavernas that feel like nothing has really changed over the years,” she says.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

For a more northerly route, with towering glacier-carved mountain peaks, deep fjords, charming villages, and abundant wildlife with everything from orcas to sea eagles and puffins, consider sailing the Lofoten Islands. Despite the high latitude, temperatures are relatively mild, ranging from the upper 50s to the upper 60s in the summer. Plus, it brings the opportunity for all-night sailing from June through August, with nearly continuous daylight under the Midnight Sun.

There are outstanding, protected scenic anchorages, often surrounded by white sandy beaches and dramatic mountains, including the calm waters around Reine, the bays of Værøy and the sandy-bottom locations in the Vestfjord region. Get out on a kayak and paddle in the sheltered waters for a closer look at your surroundings and spend time in the villages, immersing yourself in the local culture, diving into the archipelago’s rich Viking history, and savoring plenty of fresh seafood. While you’ll have many different routes to choose from starting from Reine, you might visit Værøy, the traditional village of Nusfjord in the inner islands, hike to the top of Skrova island for a panoramic view, watch for sea eagles in Trollfjorden, and conclude in the islands’ largest town of Svolvær.

Canary Islands, Spain

In the summer, the Canary Islands offer reliable northeast tradewinds and warm sunny days with high temperatures around 82 degrees, ideal for island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, and watching marine life, including many different types of cetaceans like dolphins, humpback whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and even the occasional blue whale. You’ll find outstanding marinas throughout the islands, while Tenerife is renowned for its dramatic volcanic scenery, including black sandy beaches.

Check out the Pyramids of Güímar in the Chacona district, built from lava rock without the use of mortar, and explore Cueva del Vienta, a series of caves with lava stalactites, fossils, a lava lake, and more than 11 miles of lava tubes. Hikers can climb to the highest peak in Spain, the nearly 12,200-foot Mount Teide, for a stunning panoramic view. Just a few of the other highlights include serene La Gomera, home to Garajonay National Park with hiking trails that wind through ancient forests.

The capital of San Sebastian was the starting point for Christopher Columbus’s famous voyage to the Americas, with many key historic sites linked to his journey. Fuerteventura offers long, white sandy beaches, while La Graciosa is known for its spectacular secluded bays like Playa Francesa.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos can be sailed year-round, but summer is particularly ideal with dry weather and temperatures in the 70s. This is also when birds and marine life are particularly active, which means you can leap in the water to snorkel with sea lions, watch for humpback whales, and even witness the blue-footed boobie dance.

“The summer months are the best time of year to observe large marine mammals in the Galapagos Islands,” says Valérie Michelle Frossard of Midland Travel. “More than 20 different whale species have been recorded in the archipelago—the best place to observe them is in the northwest, where the water is more nutrient-rich.”

There are 13 major islands and over 60 smaller islands and islets, with Santa Cruz the main hub, offering a wide range of amenities, including grocery stores for picking up supplies in the capital of Puerto Ayora. You’ll also want to visit the Highlands to see the legendary Galapagos Tortoise. Just wandering through town, you’ll encounter a wealth of animals from sea lions and marine iguanas to Sally Lightfoot crabs.

While sea lions can be seen in many places around the world, there are few places where you can walk among them. San Cristobal is one of the best islands for the opportunity, with dozens lounging on the sands, in the streets, and splashing around the bays. It’s also home to Kicker Rock, an over 500-foot megalith and renowned snorkeling spot where you can swim alongside sea lions, sea turtles, eagle rays, hammerhead, and white-tipped reef sharks. On Bartolome, climb the wooden staircase for a breathtaking view of Pinnacle Rock, nearby islands, and the turquoise sea. Isabela is the largest in the archipelago and the best for sighting penguins that can often be seen hanging out with blue-footed boobies on the rocks just offshore.

Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Fiji is a dream yacht charter destination in the South Pacific, with the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands especially ideal. Typically departing from Port Denarau Marina on the island of Viti Levu, just a short drive from Nadi International Airport, highlights include Monuriki Island in the southern Mamanucas, famous as the filming location for “Castaway” starring Tom Hanks, and Drawaqa Pass in the northern Yasawa Islands for swimming with manta rays.

“Fiji is one of those places that honestly only really works by boat,” says Di Leo. “Once you leave Port Denarau, you’re very quickly in areas where there’s not much around—no real infrastructure, no marinas, just reefs, small villages and a lot of empty islands.”

With short, scenic passages and calm anchorages throughout, there’s plenty to explore over a week or more, including unspoiled white sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear cobalt water for outstanding snorkeling and diving.

“For me the real difference in Fiji is the connection with the villages—it’s not staged,” Di Leo adds. “You arrive, you do the sevusevu, you meet the chief, and that’s just how it works. Places like Somosomo in Naviti, where you have the lovo and traditional dances with the whole village involved, feel very real, not something set up for tourists.”

Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

Located off the northwest tip of Papua, the Raja Ampat Islands include more than 1,500 karst islands that rise from strikingly clear blue-green water. A paradise for snorkeling and diving, they include the Fam Islands with renowned sites like Melissa’s Garden and Fam Wall, and the Wayag Islands, which include Misool with its vibrant coral reefs and hundreds of fish species. Throughout the region, the marine biodiversity is unparalleled—watch for everything from parrotfish, jacks, and angelfish to pygmy seahorses, manta rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

“Raja Ampat is one of those places where honestly the yacht itself becomes part of the experience, especially if you do it on a phinisi,” says Di Leo. “They’re traditional Indonesian sailing yachts—more open, more connected to the sea, and overall just a much more authentic way to experience the destination.”

The area is so remote and spread out that being on board is not just about comfort—it’s the only way to explore it properly. You move between places like Wayag, with its iconic limestone formations and lagoons, small villages like Arborek, and then completely empty islands where you literally don’t see anyone.

“I think one of the most special moments is entering Wayag early morning, when everything is still quiet and the light changes the colors of the water completely,” Di Leo adds. “It’s something you don’t really expect until you see it.”

Victoria, The Gulf & Discovery Islands, British Columbia

Start your yacht charter in Victoria, the British Columbia capital, where you’ll notice British influence everywhere, from the authentic double-decker buses and a castle to traditional afternoon tea. From here, you can wind through hundreds of evergreen-covered islands in the sheltered inland waters backed by towering snowy peaks. Wake up to glorious sunrises behind Mount Baker and watch for abundant wildlife, with the region a prime stop for orcas, porpoises, sea lions, seals, otters, bald eagles, and more.

The Gulf Islands, between Vancouver Island and the mainland near Victoria and Nanaimo, include highlights like Salt Spring Island, the most populated and largest island, with organic vineyards, farmers’ markets, and a vibrant art community. Gailiano is an outdoor adventurer’s haven, with a rugged coastline, secluded coves, and picturesque hiking trails that wind through the forests.

In the Discovery Islands, don’t miss West Redonda in the heart of Desolation Sound. It’s home to Refuge Cove, a historic community and marina that can only be accessed by boat or float plane, making it a popular stop for supplies with a cafe, general store, and fuel.

Inside Passage, Alaska

A dream for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the Inside Passage brings the opportunity to marvel at some of the most breathtaking scenery and watch for all sorts of animals, including humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, and more. Right from the water, it’s possible to see moose, mountain goats, and both black and brown bears on land. Many yacht charters begin in Juneau, where you can get up close to Mendenhall Glacier and take in a panoramic view from the summit of Mount Roberts by tram.

Over seven nights, you might travel to Glacier Bay National Park and get face-to-face with multiple other glaciers, including Margerie, Dawes, and Grand Pacific. In Chatham Strait, hike through moss-draped trees to cascading waterfalls and stop to beachcomb along rocky shores. Or head south to Ketchikan, fishing for salmon and halibut, anchoring in secluded bays, and visiting Alaskan frontier towns like Petersburg.