Christmas at Sea: Your Guide to the Perfect Yacht Charter

A Christmas yacht charter is a chance to celebrate the festivities with loved ones, family, and friends from the comfort of your own floating base. A yacht offers a festive escape, giving you time together in luxury with as much relaxation and adventure as you want. Picture mornings paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters, afternoons exploring secluded bays, and evenings of Michelin-level meals alfresco under the stars. 

Trade the festive chaos and crowded hotels for something extraordinary. Leave behind endless holiday to-do lists and let your dedicated yacht crew handle every detail—from elegant decorations to gourmet meals and curated activities. Completely switch off and immerse yourself in Christmas celebrations designed around you and your loved ones. Whether you’re continuing cherished traditions or creating new ones, the holidays unfold exactly as you envision them.

Yachts offer a little something for everyone—from spacious decks and exciting water toys to child-friendly crews and thoughtful accessibility features. This multigenerational appeal makes yacht charters ideal for Christmas celebrations, bringing together all ages in one beautiful shared space. The result is concentrated quality time and unforgettable memories that can be difficult to achieve ashore. Below, we’ve created a guide to help you plan the perfect Christmas yacht charter for you and your loved ones:

Where To Charter At Christmas

When the northern hemisphere is experiencing colder weather during winter, yachts typically head south to warmer climates. The winter season here brings calmer seas and sunshine, making it the ideal time for a Christmas yacht charter. 

December marks the peak season in the Caribbean and is therefore ideal for a yacht charter around Christmas. Various islands host unique celebrations and events, with some of the most popular being St. Barts, which offers a glamorous festive roster of events. Islands such as Antigua, St. Martin, and the BVIs are also popular for Christmas, with the buzz of regattas, parties, and festivities ashore throughout the festive period.

For those who prefer more privacy and seclusion, the Bahamas is a perfect option. With hundreds of cays across shallow waters, Christmas can be spent living out your own castaway on an island paradise, swimming with the famous pigs, or diving into the underwater world. 

Aside from the Caribbean, other destinations also make for an excellent Christmas yachting experience. One of these is the Maldives, promising warm weather and barefoot luxury. More off the beaten track than the Caribbean, you can cruise from one atoll to the next, experiencing total relaxation as well as adventures above and below the water. The Seychelles and Thailand are also great options for a Christmas charter for those looking at a more exotic experience.

Book the Right Yacht, Early 

Due to the seasonal conditions in these destinations, Christmas also falls within the peak charter season, so advanced planning is essential to secure the yacht of your choice. The best yachts fill up quickly, so the sooner you book, the better. 

When looking at which yacht to charter, your broker can help you drill down to the best options, from classic motor yachts and sailing yachts to catamarans and explorer yachts. Firstly, consider your group—whether a large family, a group of friends, or an intimate retreat—there will be a suitable yacht out there.

The cabin configurations, entertainment spaces, and onboard amenities will all play into the final decision. A yacht with a spacious deck, Jacuzzi, and a large beach club could be great for friends, while child-friendly facilities like water toys and convertible cabins would be best for those with younger guests. 

Crew Creating Festive Magic

As important as the onboard amenities are when choosing a yacht, it is also worth considering the professional crew. The crew on board will transform the yacht into a festive wonderland, including personalized extras that make the charter unforgettable. The captain and crew ensure the itineraries run smoothly, while the stews decorate the yacht with festive touches, and the chefs serve up gourmet meals.

During the holiday period, crew go that extra mile to make the celebration away from home memorable. Their creativity could include surprises like Santa arriving on a Jet Ski, presents hidden on deck, themed dinner nights, firework displays, and festive setups ashore. Paying attention to every detail, they will ensure your celebrations run smoothly and seamlessly.

Customize The Experience 

A yacht charter is the perfect setting to share quality time as a group without the distractions and demands of festivities back home. Unlike the traditional few days off over the holidays, a yacht charter over a week or two provides the perfect window to fully enjoy the experience and create memories. 

Your yacht becomes a floating festive sanctuary, adorned with decorations, twinkling lights, and a beautifully dressed Christmas tree. Every detail—from onboard ambiance to your carefully crafted itinerary—is shaped around your group’s unique tastes, traditions, and preferences.

The culinary experience is equally bespoke. Your chef curates holiday menus tailored to your desires, whether that’s a classic roast turkey dinner, an elegant seafood feast, champagne-filled brunches, or casual beachside barbecues. Every meal is thoughtfully planned yet flexible, adapting to the day’s mood and activities.

Entertainment follows the same personalized approach. From live music and holiday movie nights under the stars to special events arranged ashore, a Christmas yacht charter offers endless opportunities to create new family traditions. You can also bring cherished rituals onboard—screening beloved holiday classics or baking festive treats alongside the chef in anticipation of the big day.

Festive Itinerary Inspiration

When it comes to the special day, there are endless opportunities for things to do both on board and ashore to celebrate Christmas Day. Deciding what sort of celebration you want before getting on board is important, and you should work with your broker to put together the perfect itinerary. 

A Christmas yacht charter morning could begin with a leisurely swim, snorkel, or paddleboard in the anchorage, followed by a champagne breakfast and gift giving. The afternoon could then include activities such as beach games, a treasure hunt, watersports, an excursion ashore, or simply enjoying the sunshine and a good book on deck. 

For Christmas Day meals, make lunch or dinner the main event, with whatever you prefer—from seafood barbecues to traditional roast feasts. In the evening, there can be a variety of entertainment, whether in a lively marina or a quiet anchorage; options such as music, games, and fireworks can be tailored to your day. 

When planning your itinerary for a Christmas charter, be aware of peak season. If you are looking to be in a marina on certain days, berths must be secured in advance. Destinations throughout the Caribbean are busy at this time of year, so it is best to pre-arrange onshore activities, such as guided scuba dives or private tours, as well as any restaurant reservations you may want to include on the charter itinerary.  

Extend Into The New Year 

Many charter yachts have a minimum booking period during the festive season, and the timing will also depend on the yacht’s availability and your schedule. However, during the Christmas festivities, a yacht charter is ideal for extending into a two-week itinerary that can also incorporate New Year celebrations—so you can experience both holidays in luxury.

There are various popular New Year hotspots to consider, especially in the Caribbean. St Barths has its famous celebrations, and islands like St Martin and Antigua also host fireworks and beach parties in chic settings ashore, with options for private dining, exclusive beach gatherings, and yacht soirees. 

Being onboard during this time between Christmas and New Year is the perfect way to end the year, giving you time away from your typical routine to think about the year ahead and to truly rest, reflect, and contemplate what’s next in the comfort of a destination of your choice.