Where to Charter a Superyacht When You Don’t Want to Be Seen
Explore the best destinations for discreet superyacht charters and enjoy total seclusion at sea.
There are destinations to see and be seen. We’re looking at you St Barths, Monaco, and Ibiza—where the hubbub of the superyacht world thrums around a packed social scene. But then there are those special places where yacht guests can fly beautifully under the radar. It is in these pockets of privacy that guests can escape the limelight, take time away from the every day, and explore or unwind in seclusion.
Superyachts by their very size and definition are hard to hide, but we have found some of the most away-from-it-all destinations which are perfect for a discreet superyacht charter.
Norwegian Fjords
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The grandeur of Norway’s Fjords makes it one of the most jaw-dropping superyacht destinations in the world, and its remoteness makes it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds. The fjords are carved deep into the land by glaciers, creating towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and serene anchorages in deep glassy waters. Here, you can feel completely removed from the outside world. Amid the coastlines of vast wildernesses is a landscape which promises adventure and dramatic scenery in total privacy—whether it’s hiking, kayaking, wildlife-watching, or waterfall-chasing. Or simply anchor in remote coves and lounge on deck as Norway’s abundant nature unfolds before you. It makes for an ideal multi-generational destination, as well as being suited to groups of like-minded adventure-seekers.
What to know: Norway’s Fjords are best visited in the summer months, when the midnight sun glows in the sky for up to 20 hours a day. It has a mild climate, excellent infrastructure in ports like Bergen and Ålesund, and a dizzying number of sheltered, secluded anchorages embedded in nature.
The Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia
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Scattered across the South Pacific, the archipelago of the Tuamotu Islands incorporates over 70 atolls is renowned for its turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and powder-white beaches. Many of which remain uninhabited and far removed from tourist routes. With the lion’s share of the limelight going to the Society Islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora), the Tuamotu Islands have managed to remain a true French Polynesian escape. Here, scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, and kayaking are some of the best in the world. Expect to see coral reefs teeming with manta rays, sharks, and kaleidoscopic fish.
What to know: The best time for a superyacht charter in the Tuamoto Islands is between May and October, during the region’s dry season. The main gateway islands to the archipelago are Rangiroa, Fakarava, and Tikehau,. However, the region is splashed with stunning, sheltered lagoons in which to anchor where you won’t see another yacht.
Seychelles (outer islands)
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The Outer Islands of the Seychelles are one of the Indian Ocean’s lesser-known cruising destinations, and make for an idyllic choice to escape the crowds. Unlike the granite Inner Islands, the Outer Islands are mainly low-lying coral atolls and sand cays, spread across hundreds of miles of open sea. This offers superyachts a remote region with unparalleled privacy to explore. The unspoiled natural environment is a dazzling mix of turquoise lagoons, thriving coral reefs, and pristine white-sand beaches where it is often possible to anchor without another vessel in sight. Days are spent diving among manta rays and reef sharks, deep-sea fishing in waters rich in tuna and marlin, and guided eco-tours of conservation projects on islands such as Alphonse and Farquhar. In fact, many of these islands are protected areas, so visits are often coordinated with local conservation bodies, adding a sense of exclusivity and purpose to the journey.
What to Know: The best time to visit the Seychelles Outer Islands is between April and May or October and November, when winds are lighter, seas are calmer, and underwater visibility is at its peak. These windows also avoid the wetter, humid months, ensuring a smooth, comfortable superyacht experience.
Alaska
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Wild and untouched, Alaska is one of the world’s true wildernesses. It is a maze of thundering glaciers, vast forests, icy rivers, and snow-capped mountains where wildlife thrives unhindered by man. An Alaska yacht charter offers isolation, adventure, and a true sense of witnessing raw nature. Whether it’s taking a float plane to watch bears fishing for salmon (or doing so yourself), heli-skiing, whale and orca watching from the bow of your yacht, or watching eagles soar through the skies above, Alaska promises unbridled adventure.
What to know: The best time to visit Alaska by superyacht is from late May to early September, during the short but beautiful summer months which offer long daylight hours, milder temperatures, and the most stable cruising conditions. Gateway cities such as Anchorage and Juneau offer excellent infrastructure for superyachts.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
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Raja Ampat is a remote archipelago off the northwest tip of Papua, Indonesia and one of the true last wildernesses on Earth. Superyacht guests longing for a dreamy blend of adventure, seclusion, and paradise-like natural beauty will find it all in the 1500 Raja Ampat islands and cays. These islands and cays are home to the richest marine biodiversity on the planet.
A yacht charter through Raja Ampat offers unparalleled scuba diving and snorkeling, with vibrant coral gardens, manta ray cleaning stations, and encounters with rare species such as wobbegong sharks. On the lush land, guests can explore jungle-clad islands, trek to panoramic viewpoints, or visit local Papuan villages for authentic cultural immersion. The remoteness of the region means most anchorages are blissfully uncrowded, providing the ultimate in privacy.
What to know: The best time to visit Raja Ampat is from October to April when the seas are calm, the winds lighter, and the water visibility is at its best. Sorong, in West Papua, is the primary gateway to Raja Ampat, with a smaller airport on Waigeo Island in the heart of the archipelago.
Little Cyclades, Greek Islands
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The Little Cyclades are a dreamy cluster of serene islands tucked between the better-known Naxos and Amorgos. These off-the-beaten-path islands offer a secluded and authentic alternative to the busier Greek hotspots, making them a perfect superyacht destination. Islands such as Schinoussa, Iraklia, Koufonisia, and Donousa simply ooze unspoiled beauty, crystalline waters, and traditional Greek charm. With small harbors, hidden anchorages, and quiet bays, these islands are ideally suited for guests seeking privacy and tranquility away from the bustle of Mykonos or Santorini. Iraklia, the smallest and least developed, offers pristine waters, hiking trails, and a strong sense of seclusion. Schinoussa is known for its untouched landscapes and sandy beaches where evenings are spent in family-run tavernas and days revolve around swimming, snorkeling, or exploring by tender
What to know: The best time to visit the Little Cyclades is between May and September, when the weather is warm, the seas are calm, and the islands are at their most vibrant. July and August bring peak season energy but still remain quieter than the larger Cycladic islands.
Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords
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Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords offer one of the most dramatic, extraordinary, and remote superyacht destinations on Earth, where jagged mountains, vast glaciers, and endless waterways create a landscape of raw, untouched beauty. Stretching along southern Chile, the fjords are a maze of narrow channels, hidden coves, and jaw-dropping cliffs that beg exploration. For superyacht guests seeking a quiet corner of planet earth, they are more likely to encounter sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and whales than other yachts.
Charters through Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords open up opportunities to witness great glaciers calve into icy waters, to watch wildlife, and to trek through pristine national parks like Torres del Paine. Anchorages often sit against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and icy waterfalls, creating unforgettable settings for onboard dining or kayaking excursions.
What to know: The best time to visit Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords is from November to March when temperatures in this southern ‘end of the world’ realm are milder, the seas calmer, and the daylight hours longer. Puerto Montt is a well-equipped port city and the most common northern gateway to the Chilean Fjords. Many superyacht charter itineraries begin in Puerto Montt and end in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
Scottish Highlands
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This is the most emerging of the destinations on our list, and the staggering beauty, rich culture, and away-from-it-all remoteness of the Scottish Highlands are being more and more recognised by the superyacht industry. Just a few dozen superyachts ventured this way last year, each one seeking the mystical beauty of the rugged Scottish landscape. Discover quaint coastal villages steeped in ancient traditions, a rich culinary heritage, and world class distilleries. Encounter whales, porpoises, basking sharks, and islands blanketed in puffins and seabirds. Discover dramatic sights such as the Isle of Skye’s Old Man of Storr, Staffa island’s Fingal’s Cave or Jura’s untouched scenery and glacial beaches.
What to know: The Scottish Highlands have a short season, with the best time to visit in May and June. The weather is changeable but usually drier during these months, and it is outside the midge season (although this isn’t a problem for those anchored at sea).