Sail into Romance: The Best Honeymoon Destinations by Yacht

Just imagine waking up to a new, breathtaking view every morning instead of the same hotel window scene. A honeymoon yacht charter is the ultimate luxury—celebrating your once-in-a-lifetime love without sharing space with hundreds of other guests. With a professional crew handling every detail and providing round-the-clock service, all that’s left for you is to soak up the salty sea air and ever-changing scenery.

The real question isn’t if you should choose a yacht charter for your honeymoon, but where. From the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean to the Caribbean and beyond, these destinations are among the most enchanting places to begin your journey together.

The Maldives

Highlights

• Island-hopping across atolls
• Snorkeling and diving among turtles, rays, and dolphins
• Paddleboarding and jet skiing by day
• Candlelit dinners on uninhabited islands

Best Time to Visit
November to April

The Maldives is an exotic haven for a luxury honeymoon yacht charter, scattered like a string of pearls across the crystal-clear, Easter-egg-blue The Maldives is an exotic haven for a luxury honeymoon yacht charter, scattered like a string of pearls across the crystal-clear, Easter-egg-blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Perfect for island-hopping, it has nearly 1,200 islands, 187 of which are inhabited. This destination is made for those who love exploring the underwater world, with unrivaled snorkeling and diving among a remarkable array of marine life and corals. Colorful reef fish, sea turtles, moray eels, rays, dolphins, and more can all be observed. When the sun begins to sink below the horizon, a champagne toast provides the perfect way to end the day, with the sky filling with vivid colors as the ultimate backdrop.

Most charters begin in the capital and port town of Malé before heading to atolls like Ari, where corals burst with vibrant color. You can take in local culture by visiting the islands of Dhigurah and Mamigili, where traditional ways of living are still practiced, such as hand-weaving mats, and restaurants serve authentic local cuisine. Many itineraries include uninhabited islands, where candlelit dinners can be arranged on pristine beach pockets beneath a canopy of stars. With water toys onboard, you can go beyond snorkeling or diving—explore by paddleboard or whizz around on jet skis during the day.

Indonesia: Bali to Sumba

Highlights

• Ubud’s art and culture
• Gili Meno, the “honeymoon island”
• Komodo dragons on Rinca
• Diving with manta rays and dugongs
• Relaxing on Satonda and Sumbawa beaches

Best Time to Visit
April to October

The stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and unique wildlife on land and underwater draw many to embark on a yacht charter in Indonesia. It’s ideal for honeymooners, combining luxury with outdoor adventure, with chances to explore sacred temples and enjoy the smiles of friendly locals. While there are many possible itineraries, one of the best travels east from Bali to Sumba and includes Komodo National Park.

You might start by exploring Bali’s top sights, like Ubud, famous as the setting for the novel and film Eat, Pray, Love, before visiting the Gili Islands. Comprising three islands, Gili Meno is known as the “honeymoon island” for its tranquility. Transport is by bicycle or horse cart, as motorized vehicles are banned.

Padar and Rinca islands are part of Komodo National Park, where you can trek in search of Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. The clear cobalt waters surrounding the islands are renowned for their diverse marine life, including dugong, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and over a thousand tropical fish species. Relax on idyllic beaches on Satonda and Sumbawa islands, then conclude at Sumba Island, perhaps staying at the luxury Nihi Sumba resort.

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia

Highlights

• Snorkeling at Pulau Payar Marine Park
• Kayaking and parasailing
• Spotting elephants, hornbills, and monkeys
• Dining on fresh seafood and spa pampering

Best Time to Visit
November to March

Malaysia offers everything from sightseeing in vibrant Kuala Lumpur, with its iconic Petronas Towers, to island-hopping through tropical isles framed by emerald waters. Langkawi consists of 99 islands, four of which are inhabited: Langkawi, Rebak, Tuba, and Dayang Bunting. In this archipelago, you can snorkel or dive, go sea kayaking or parasailing, and explore mangroves. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot sun bears, Asian elephants, hornbills, and monkeys.

Langkawi (or Pulau Langkawi) is the largest and most populated, with lush jungle, cascading waterfalls, forested parks, hot springs, mangrove swamps, and powdery white-sand beaches. While it isn’t overly developed, there are plenty of beach bars, seafood restaurants, and spas offering indulgent treatments. Pulau Payar Marine National Park is a must-visit, with crystal-clear waters and exceptional snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs. Divers can explore Coral Garden, one of the world’s top dive sites.

The Greek Islands

Highlights

• Santorini’s caldera and Milos’ 75 beaches
• Corfu’s Venetian charm and Zakynthos’ Shipwreck Beach
• Rhodes’ medieval Old Town and lesser-known Symi and Chalki
• Crete’s pink-sand beaches and Knossos Palace

Best Time to Visit
May to October

The Greek Islands are a dream honeymoon for many couples, offering a wealth of enticing destinations. A yacht charter is a perfect way to explore multiple islands in groups like the Cyclades, the Ionians, or the Dodecanese.

The Cyclades are home to bucket-list islands like Santorini, where whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches cascade down caldera cliffs. For a quieter pace, Milos boasts over 75 beaches, including the unique Sarakiniko, where smooth white volcanic rock contrasts stunningly with electric-blue waters.

The Ionian Islands—Corfu, Kefalonia, and Ithaca—are known for lush greenery, turquoise waters, idyllic beaches, and charming villages with Venetian architecture. Zakynthos is here, too, home to the famous Shipwreck Beach.

The Dodecanese lie far southeast, close enough to Turkey for day trips. Rhodes is famous for its restored medieval buildings and beautiful beaches, but there are less-visited islands like Symi, Karpathos, and Chalki.

A popular yacht charter itinerary might start in the Cyclades or Dodecanese and end on Crete, Greece’s largest island. Crete offers diverse landscapes, including white-sand beaches (some with pink hues), dramatic mountains, and rugged canyons. It’s ideal for honeymooners seeking a bit of everything Greece offers, including rich history. Knossos Palace was the hub of the Minoan civilization at its peak from 1700 to 1400 BC.

The French Riviera

Highlights

• Cannes for glitzy nightlife and film-festival vibes
• Corsica’s citadels, mountain peaks, and sandy beaches
• Calvi’s cobbled streets and panoramic views
• St-Raphaël’s old town and Roman ruins
• Iconic St. Tropez for high-end shopping and people-watching

Best Time to Visit
May to September

The romantic French Riviera spans 550 miles of coastline from Saint-Tropez to the Italian border. Glamour abounds, with Hollywood A-listers and royalty often arriving on megayachts. A luxury honeymoon yacht charter might sail round-trip from Cannes, known for its annual film festival and its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous.

Corsica is also worth a visit, blending coastal towns, craggy mountains, and dense forests. On the northeast shore, Saint-Florent is framed by rolling hills and glistening Mediterranean waters, with a colorful harbor attracting yachts from prestigious yacht clubs. From its 15th-century citadel, enjoy awe-inspiring views of the coastline. Calvi, on the northwest coast, also has a citadel with panoramic vistas, cobbled streets, historic buildings, and sandy beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Other highlights include Saint-Raphaël, a picturesque town with a serene atmosphere, an Old Town filled with colorful buildings and lively markets, a pink sandstone church, and nearby Roman ruins. Chic Saint-Tropez is a must-visit before returning to Cannes, known for its luxury, glamour, and high-end shopping, where you might spot a celebrity or supermodel.

Croatia: Island-Hopping from Opatija to Dubrovnik

Highlights

• Strolling Rab Island’s Old Town with its artsy, Montmartre vibe
• Visiting Galesnjak, the heart-shaped “Island of Love”
• Anchoring at Šibenik for waterfalls in Krka National Park
• Exploring Split’s Diocletian’s Palace
• Dining, nightlife, and lavender fields on Hvar
• Storybook charm in Korčula’s walled Old Town

Best Time to Visit
May–June or September–October for warm weather, fewer crowds, and sailing-friendly winds.

Croatia was practically made for romance. It has every ingredient for the ideal honeymoon, including hundreds of islands encircled by secluded beaches framed by vivid turquoise waters, charming villages, and historic towns with winding cobbled streets for strolling hand-in-hand. When it comes to dining, Croatia offers everything from casual eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants serving sea- and farm-to-table cuisine. Plus, Croatian wines are becoming increasingly popular, and there are many family-run wineries for touring and tasting.

While there are dozens of itinerary options, you might begin in elegant Opatija, about 120 miles east of Venice, Italy (bringing the chance to spend time in the famous Floating City too). Rab Island is a popular stop. Its Old Town has a Montmartre feel, with artists often painting and exhibiting their works. Perhaps cruise on to Zadar, stopping at the uninhabited island of Galesnjak, a heart-shaped isle referred to as the “Island of Love.” 

Sibenik is a popular place to anchor, not only for its UNESCO-listed Cathedral of James that was featured in “Game of Thrones,” but as a gateway to the lakes and waterfalls in Krka National Park. Split is a must, home to Diocletian’s Palace with some of the world’s most well-preserved Roman architecture, dating back to the late 3rd century. Your island-hopping journey should include Hvar, renowned for its dining and nightlife, as well as its landscapes, including sandy beaches, vine-covered hills, and lavender fields that burst with color in June and July. Korcula is a dream with its storybook Old Town, surrounded by medieval walls, towers, and gates, while Vis offers an unspoiled atmosphere as the “Mediterranean as it once was.” 

End in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” sailing along the massive stone walls that surround the Old City for an extraordinary perspective from the water. You can walk right atop the walls for a stunning view of the red-tiled rooftops on one side and the Adriatic on the other. Inside, the polished marble streets are lined with many Renaissance- and Baroque-style buildings dating to the old Dubrovnik Republic. 

Amalfi Coast to Sardinia, Italy

Highlights

• Positano’s colorful cliffs and beachside dining
• Capri’s Blue Grotto and luxury boutiques
• Hiking the Path of the Gods
• Sardinia’s 1,200 miles of dazzling coastline
• Porto Cervo’s yacht scene and nightlife

Best Time to Visit
Late spring or early autumn

The Amalfi Coast is often ranked among the world’s most stunning coastlines, stretching from Sorrento, famous for lemons and limoncello, to the ancient city of Salerno. Steep hillsides rise dramatically above the Tyrrhenian Sea, dotted with picturesque villages. Positano is the crown jewel, with pastel-painted homes clinging to the cliffs. The best views are from the water, though the food scene and the Path of the Gods hike are also worth experiencing.

From the Amalfi Coast, visit Capri, home to the Blue Grotto, Roman ruins, high-end boutiques, colorful gardens, and postcard-perfect sandy beaches tucked into secluded coves. Continue to Sardinia to discover over 1,200 miles of dazzling coastline, crystal-clear aquamarine waters, and idyllic beaches. Porto Cervo is a perfect anchorage, a top destination for international yachting, with fine dining restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

Windward Islands: Grenada to Bequia, Caribbean

Highlights

• Grenada’s rainforests, waterfalls, and spice plantations
• Reef Island and Carriacou for untouched beauty
• Tobago Cays for snorkeling and movie-worthy settings
• Mustique’s exclusivity and Basil’s Bar sunsets
• Bequia’s sailing culture and reggae rhythms

Best Time to Visit
December to April

The Caribbean is a top choice for countless honeymooners, but consider cruising one of the less-traveled routes. Start in Grenada, the “Island of Spice,” with lush rainforests, waterfalls, papaya trees, cacao, and volcanic craters containing freshwater lakes. The aroma of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg fills the air while exploring. Grenada also has nearly four dozen beaches and abundant marine life, including dolphins.

Carriacou is a remote Caribbean haven with protected anchorages at Reef Island. Its turquoise waters are teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and nurse sharks. The uninhabited Tobago Cays are not to be missed, with pristine beauty preserved as part of a national park and wildlife reserve. It’s no surprise that this island group served as a setting for films in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, including the deserted islet where Jack Sparrow wandered in search of lost rum.

Glorious Mustique is an exclusive island where Prince William and Kate Middleton have often vacationed. It offers privacy and tranquility, along with the famous Basil’s Bar, where you can enjoy lobster and lime daiquiris while watching the sun set. Bequia, the largest of the Grenadines, is known for its rich sailing culture and old-Caribbean vibe, with limited tourist development and no high-rise resorts. Here, you can enjoy a slower pace of life, sipping rum punch to reggae rhythms, snorkeling right from the shore, or exploring shipwrecks in Admiralty Bay.

Costa Rica

Highlights

• Diving Isla del Caño’s marine-rich waters
• Tortuga Island’s white-sand beaches
• Spotting monkeys and scarlet macaws at Curu Reserve
• Exploring Tortuguero National Park by boat
• Whale-watching on the Pacific coast

Best Time to Visit
December to April on the Pacific side; July to October for turtle nesting on the Caribbean coast.

A paradise for honeymooners, Costa Rica is all about pura vida, or living the good life. What better way to start a marriage? This popular yacht charter destination has coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific. Many charters begin in lively Puerto Caldera on the north Pacific coast and travel south to more secluded shores. Along the way, the water teems with coral, colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays. Divers can explore Isla del Caño, one of the world’s top dive sites, while Tortuga Island offers breathtaking white-sand beaches. At Curu National Wildlife Reserve, watch for scarlet macaws, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, coatis, and iguanas. The Caribbean coast is home to Tortuguero National Park, inhabited by exotic flowers and wildlife, observable by boat or on foot.

Whether sunbathing on a tranquil beach in the Osa Peninsula, relaxing in hot springs, riding waves, whale watching, or spotting sloths, tapirs, monkeys, and parrots, Costa Rica offers an unforgettable yacht charter experience.

Mexico: The Baja or Yucatan Peninsula 

Highlights

• Baja’s whale watching in winter
• Sea of Cortez snorkeling in “the world’s aquarium”
• Yucatán’s cenotes and underground caves
• Exploring Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum
• Caribbean beaches with white sands and turquoise water

Best Time to Visit
November to April for dry, sunny weather; January–March for whale watching.

Mexico’s coasts offer plenty for a honeymoon yacht charter. Sail along the Baja Peninsula to enjoy turquoise waters and craggy, rugged mountains. A winter honeymoon here is ideal, with the wild Pacific coast ranking among the world’s best places for whale-watching, including close encounters with gray whales and their calves. Humpback, blue, and fin whales also pass through during the season. Nearly endless secluded beaches with chalk-white sand line the east side of the peninsula in the Sea of Cortez, once dubbed the “world’s aquarium” by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.

On Mexico’s eastern side, the Yucatán Peninsula borders the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, offering spectacular beaches and ancient Mayan ruins, including some of the planet’s most impressive archaeological sites. Snorkeling and diving are popular here, and adventurous travelers can explore underwater caves adorned with glittering stalactites.