10 Iconic Movie Locations You Can Explore by Yacht

Many movies have been shot in stunning locations around the world that can make for an ideal sailing trip. Have you ever wished you could cruise through the scenery you’ve seen on the big screen? From James Bond films and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series to “Star Wars,” movies that showcase spectacular coastlines with idyllic beaches and endless turquoise waters have long captivated audiences. 

Any of these films that were shot in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Pacific, and beyond might just provide the perfect inspiration for booking that unforgettable yacht escape. 

Mamma Mia – Northern Sporades Islands, Greece

Located off the east coast of the Greek mainland, the Northern Sporades are ideal for sailing with two dozen islands to discover, four of which are permanently inhabited: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos, and Skyros. Skopelos. Skopelos has been referred to as the “Mamma Mia Island” ever since the film crew arrived in 2007. The star-studded movie featuring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan, among others, was the fifth highest-grossing film of 2008. 

Despite the island’s lush, unspoiled landscapes, with pine trees and picturesque beaches you might have admired in the outdoor scenes, Skopelos has managed to remain largely unimpacted by tourism development. If you watched, you probably remember the iconic Church of Agios Ioannnis Kastri, which is where Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) decided to get married. The olive groves above Glysteri Beach were featured when Donna (Meryl Streep) picked up her friends in the Jeep to go to Villa Donna. Neighboring Skiathos also played a role, including the scene in which Sam (Pierce Brosnan) and Harry (Colin Firth) miss the ferry.

James Bond’s For Your Eyes Only – Ionian Islands, Greece 

1981’s Bond film “For Your Eyes Only” provides the perfect inspiration for sailing the Ionians. Just west of the Greek mainland, the group includes over 20 islands, some of the lushest in Greece, with emerald mountains that dip down to secluded, chalk-white sandy beaches. A few of the highlights for exploring include Corfu, Lefkada, Kephalonia, Ithaca, and Zakynthos, home to the famous Shipwreck Beach. 

The movie was primarily filmed on Corfu Island, with many scenes shot in Corfu Town, known for its Venetian architecture. You might recall the action near the Venetian fortress early on in the film and the casino scene at Achillion Palace. When Bond shops with Melina (Carole Bouquet), the Saint Spyridon Church bell tower briefly appears. An iconic view of Kanoni and Pontikonisi is showcased when Bond picks up Melina at the yacht pier in front of Vlacherena Monastery, one of the most photographed spots on Corfu.

Bridge Jones: The Edge of Reason – Thailand

Thailand is an exotic sailing paradise with over 1,400 islands. Phuket is the central hub and a popular departure point for cruising Phang Nga Bay and its dramatic limestone karsts, sea caves, and brilliant lagoons. In 2004’s Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, tranquil Nai Yang Beach on the northwest coast of Phuket made an appearance. This is the scene where Bridget (Renee Zelwegger) finds herself in trouble after she was slipped some “magic” mushrooms. But it may have been the beach that stole the show with its magnificent white sands and turquoise waters. The scene where the romantic longboat passes a stilted “floating” village was Ko Panyi in Phang Nga Bay.

No matter where you explore on a yacht escape here, you’re likely to find crystal-clear cobalt waters home to abundant marine life, including reef fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and various sharks, making Thailand ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Casino Royale – The Bahamas

The Bond film “Casino Royale” captures the luxuries and beauty of the Bahamas, a destination where elegant yachts anchor near secluded islands and leap into the same breathtaking turquoise water where Bond’s adventure takes place. While much of it was filmed in Czechia, the Bahamas were used for several scenes. New Providence Island was the main filming location here, including the Ocean Club on the connected island of Paradise, used for Bond’s poker and villa scenes. The construction site at Coral Harbour, the Versailles Gardens, John Watling’s Distillery, and the Albany Golf and Beach Club, which served as the home of Dimitrios, were all featured too.

Popular yacht charter routes from New Providence include visits to nearby Rose Island and Green Turtle Cay. With a week, you might travel southeast to the Exumas for island hopping or north to Eleuthera and Harbour Island. 

Pirates of the Caribbean – St. Vincent & the Grenadines

One of the most popular sailing movies of all time, many scenes in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, including “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Dead Man’s Chest,” and “At World’s End,” were shot in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. With brilliant cobalt waters, hidden coves, and secluded beaches, this is a postcard-perfect island nation that makes for an idyllic yacht getaway. 

One of the most notable scenes was shot on Petit Tabac in the Tobago Cays. This uninhabited isle is where Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) was deserted with Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and famously searched for his lost rum. St. Vincent’s Wallilabou Bay was transformed into the fictional port of Port Royal, but Bequia was the primary filming location for “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” with many scenes filmed on its beaches. This small island is a must-stop on any yacht charter through the region, with limited development. There are no sprawling resorts, only guesthouses and small hotels, seafood shacks, and beach bars where the rum punch is always flowing, enjoyed with a breathtaking sea view and the sounds of reggae.

Castaway – Fiji

Fiji is often considered the ultimate sailing paradise, with its island groups home to palm-fringed beaches surrounded by water in shades shifting from vibrant turquoise to deep sapphire. Tom Hanks’ 2000 film “Castaway” was filmed on the tiny uninhabited island of Monuriki, just a stone’s throw from the country’s largest island, Viti Levu. The striking white sands and dazzling lagoons formed the backdrop for the movie, making it a popular stop on yacht charter routes in the Mamanuca Islands. Many depart from Port Denarau and also include visits to islands like Monu and Mana for snorkeling before sailing north to the Yasawa Islands. In fact, this island group is where another well-known movie was filmed: “The Blue Lagoon” starring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Dubrovnik, Croatia

The “Star Wars” franchise found its way to Croatia in “The Last Jedi,” which transformed Dubrovnik into Canto Bight, the fictional coastal city on the desert planet Cantonica. It merged the historic streets and buildings with their iconic red-topped roofs with special effects, creating a blend of futuristic and historic. The elegant architecture and spectacular coastal setting were not only fitting for the popular sci-fi saga, but the “Game of Thrones” TV series, in which it served as King’s Landing. 

Dubrovnik is also a popular departure point for yacht excursions along the Dalmatian coast and islands like Hvar, Korcula, Mljet, and Vis, providing opportunities to relax on beaches tucked into hidden coves, swim, snorkel, sample fresh oysters, go wine tasting, and more. 

The Talented Mr Ripley – Ischia, Italy

Ischia Island, located off the legendary Amalfi Coast, served as the backdrop for “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” the 1999 psychological thriller starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. This volcanic island in the bay of Naples is often referred to as the “Green Island” for its verdant flora and lush interior. There are many unspoiled beaches and charming towns like Ischia Ponte with its old-world vibe. One of the most memorable scenes featured Castello Aragonese in Ischia Ponte when Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) first arrived at the fictional town of Mongibello. He’s dropped off in the square right below the castle that serves as the backdrop for his arrival. The initial meeting between Tom, Dickie (Jude Law), and Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow) was at Bagno Antonio beach. 

A dream yacht charter here can easily include Ischia, along with glitzy Capri and the Amalfi Coast, with its picturesque villages like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi in close proximity. It’s the perfect sailing excursion for those seeking breathtaking scenery and the finer things in life, with many high-end boutiques and fine dining restaurants. 

Overboard – The Pacific Northwest

The 1987 movie “Overboard” might inspire a yacht escape along the rugged coasts of Northern California and Oregon. While it was focused around the fictional town of Elk Grove, much of it was shot in Fort Bragg, California, including Noyo Harbor, where Joanna (Goldie Hawn) met Dean (Kurt Russell). Dean’s home was in the countryside several miles outside of Fort Bragg, but Newport, Oregon, served as “Elk Grove.” 

A yacht charter might begin from San Francisco, stopping in the town of Bodega Bay, which was used in the Alfred Hitchcock film “The Birds.” From there, continue to Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, which hosts many harbor-view eateries serving fresh seafood, including crab. Humboldt Bay and the town of Eureka make another good stop, followed by Brookings and Coos Bay in Oregon, as you make your way to Newport. Once there, you’ll find miles and miles of wide sandy beaches and rolling dunes, while the town itself is home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, once the residence of Keiko, the whale that starred in the popular film “Free Willy.”

Moana – The Islands of Tahiti

While the Disney film “Moana” is animated, it features the fantasy-like scenery of the Tahitian islands. The Disney creative team visited Huahine, Tahiti, and Moorea, which was the inspiration for their goddess Te Fiti character. The local population, legends, culture, and scenery all inspired the creative process, with the white sandy beaches and lush mountains of fictional island Motonui a combination of Huahine and Moorea. 

For the ultimate tropical sailing escape, you can follow in the footsteps of Moana, perhaps sailing between the islands that served as inspiration for the movie, adding Tetiaroa, one of the jewels of French Polynesia, just 30 miles north of Tahiti.