Where to Go for Your First-Time Yacht Charter Experience

Traveling on a luxurious yacht for the first time is sure to be an unforgettable experience. It just doesn’t get much better than the freedom of sailing across the open sea with a salty sea breeze in your hair and rays of sun on your skin. You can have just about every wish catered to while enjoying activities like swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, in between time spent relaxing on secluded beaches. 

Of course, the destination can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your yacht charter, so you’ll want to consider your interests before choosing where to go. Want to spend time on secluded beaches, explore ancient ruins and historic sites, watch wildlife, or delve into rich culture when you aren’t aboard the vessel? Those are just a few options. These top destinations are some of the best for a first-time yacht charter, with something for everyone from the Caribbean and Mediterranean to the wild and rugged Pacific Northwest. 

The Bahamas

Made up of over 700 islands, the Bahamas are ideal for a first-time yacht charter, just a short flight from many major cities in the U.S. You’ll have a wide range of itineraries to choose from, including the Exuma Cays. Located about 50 southeast of Nassau, this is where you’ll want to go to swim with the famous pigs at Big Major Cay. Or, explore the secluded cays and anchorages in the Out Islands, which include Harbour Island and its pink sand beaches, along with some remote options like Cat and Conception.

No matter where you go here, you’ll find beautiful beaches, translucent turquoise water, and endless opportunities for snorkeling or diving among vibrant coral reefs with a wealth of marine life.

Croatia

There are over a thousand islands in Croatia, making it best explored on a yacht charter. It’s especially good for first-timers with thousands of sheltered anchorages and outstanding marinas. Plus, many of the islands are close together, making it easy to explore some of the most popular along with lesser-known gems. Most begin in Split or Dubrovnik, bringing the chance to visit those popular cities before sailing to islands like cosmopolitan Hvar with its idyllic beaches, lavender fields, and world-class dining and nightlife. Discover Korcula’s storybook Old Town, surrounded by medieval walls, gates, and towers, swim off the shores of one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Zlatni Rat on Brac Island, and perhaps spend time on unspoiled Vis with secluded sands hidden between towering cliffs and lapped by emerald water. 

Montenegro

Montenegro offers a unique blend of history and dramatic natural beauty, including rugged mountains and sandy beaches. As one of the lesser-visited regions in the Mediterranean, you can expect an intimate and luxurious journey everywhere from the sheltered Bay of Kotor with its sapphire waters surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Dinaric Alps to the beaches Budva is famous for along the Adriatic. 

For a first-time yacht charter, the most highly recommended route will take you through the stunning Bay of Kotor, often compared to Norwegian fjords. Sail round-trip from Tivat, stopping at the fortified city of Herceg Novi before continuing to lively Budva along the Budva Riviera. This is the perfect place for a beach day with spectacular beaches like popular Ploce and Jaz. You can also visit the traditional fishing village of Bigova to sample the fresh seafood before admiring the 16 magnificently preserved Baroque-style palaces in charming Perast. Kotor is a highlight not to be missed, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town a medieval gem with Venetian architecture encircled by historic defensive walls and backed by mountains.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching from the gateway town of Sorrento to the ancient port city of Salerno. It’s renowned for its colorful fishing villages that cling to the dramatic cliffs, which plunge to the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean. Some of the top spots to explore along the way include Positano, the crown jewel featuring bougainvillea-laced alleyways lined with pastel-painted homes that wind down to the sea.  It draws many of the rich and famous who enjoy shopping the chic boutiques and sipping Aperol spritzes on the beach while watching glorious sunsets. Two of the best beaches are here, the main beach of Spiaggia Grande and the more tranquil Arienzo.

In Old Town Amalfi, you might discover “secret” courtyards, explore unique independent shops, historical landmarks, and take in magnificent sea views. Ravello, with its iconic cliffside gardens and 13th-century Moorish-style Villa Rufolo, is also worth visiting for the views alone. Outdoor and indoor concerts take place during the popular summertime Ravello Festival, including performances under the stars.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offer a tropical sailing adventure with favorable wind conditions and calm seas all year-round. Ideal for first-time yacht charter guests, it has a Caribbean vibe with crystal-clear blue waters, vibrant coral reefs with abundant marine life, tranquil beaches, and dockside seafood eateries. Routes typically offer an island-hopping journey with something unique to enjoy at each spot. You might start in Key Largo by exploring John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, often ranked among the top spots for snorkeling and diving in the continental U.S. Sail south to Islamorada, the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” with many great beachside bars, continuing to Marathon with beautiful beaches like Sombrero on the Atlantic side. 

Key West is the perfect conclusion at the southern tip of the Keys, providing the chance to take advantage of the world-famous nightlife that includes legendary spots like the Green Parrot. Or, continue to Dry Tortuga National Park with remote islands renowned for wildlife above and below the water, including sea turtles and hundreds of bird species.

New England

The diverse destinations in New England include everything from rich maritime heritage and historic sites to picturesque islands and beaches with soft, powdery sands. You’ll find plenty of sheltered anchorages that make navigation easier, along with opportunities for all sorts of activities, including fishing, cycling, hiking, and whale watching. Newport, Rhode Island has been called the “Sailing Capital of the World” as the home of the legendary New England Laser Masters Regatta and host of America’s Cup for a half-century. It’s the perfect place to begin your charter, but be sure to visit the famous Newport mansions before departure. 

Block Island is just 22 nautical miles to the south and has a circa 1867 lighthouse, hiking trails, and public beaches. From there, sail to Martha’s Vineyard, anchoring at the picturesque harbor in Edgartown to explore the shops and galleries, or Cuttyhunk in the Vineyard Sound to spend time on golden sands. There are also 44 miles of predominantly flat biking trails for those who want to explore on two wheels. Oak Bluffs is where you’ll find the famous gingerbread cottages that give the town a storybook feel. Continue to Nantucket to admire the historic district that encompasses the entire island, considered to be “the finest surviving architectural and environmental example of a late-18th and early-19th century New England seaport town.”

The Galapagos

One of the most unique destinations, the Galapagos is also a great choice for first-timers looking for adventure, wildlife, and the many luxuries that come with traveling by yacht charter. It’s home to over 120 islands and islets, although just four are inhabited: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana.  A private charter will allow you to choose your own route. Just keep in mind that, unlike destinations in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, every vessel must follow a national park-approved itinerary, designed to preserve the flora and fauna. 

The animals are the biggest draw in the Galapagos, so you’ll want to consider what you want to see most. There are more than 9,000 different species, from the iconic giant tortoises to penguins, sea lions, iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. But it’s not just the wildlife that is extraordinary; there are pristine beaches and spectacular volcanic landscapes to explore in addition to the vibrant underwater world. 

US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands (USVI) is ideal for a first-time charter with the short distances between islands and a wide range of experiences available. Only about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, most yacht charters start and end in St. Thomas, which is where you’ll find the main international airport. The cluster of islands offers excellent anchorages, shallow turquoise waters, and beautiful beaches with some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region. You might sail between St. Thomas and St. John, combining the more lively harbors with secluded bays like Trunk Bay with its chalk-white crescent of sands in Virgin Islands National Park. 

With time, you can discover the less-visited Water Island, anchoring at Honeymoon Beach or nearby Christmas Cove, known for its outstanding snorkeling and unique floating pizzeria. Visiting St. Croix to explore cultural gems and the spectacular Buck Island Reef with its rich marine ecosystem is possible too. An even longer charter can combine the USVI with the British Virgin Islands (BVI). 

French Riviera

One of the most glamorous destinations for a luxurious first-time yacht charter, the French Riviera is ideal for those looking to do some celebrity spotting and high-end shopping, as well as spend time on breathtaking beaches. You can explore the cosmopolitan ports of Nice with its lovely Promenade des Anglais, Cannes and the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, and Monaco, home to the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino and prestigious sporting events like the Monaco Grand Prix. You might also visit iconic hilltop castle towns like Èze with its medieval architecture and exotic garden, taking in awe-inspiring Mediterranean views at every turn. With its history, sophistication, Old World charms, and magnificent coastline, the French Riviera is particularly ideal for an unforgettable sailing excursion. 

The Greek Islands

With thousands of islands and islets spread through six major island groups (plus two large standalone islands, Euboea and Crete), you’ll have many enticing destinations to choose from in Greece. For a first-time charter, the Cyclades are relatively close to Athens and a favorite among many, with some of the most famous Greek Islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Santorini is renowned for its dramatic caldera, whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches, while Mykonos offers trendy beach clubs that attract the rich and famous. The sacred island of Delos, renowned for its centuries-old temples and other ancient ruins, is just a couple of miles away. Naxos is home to some of the most beautiful soft sandy beaches, and there are many less-visited islands for those seeking tranquility, like Folegandros, Andros, Sifnos, and Amorgos, too. 

For lush landscapes and stunning beaches, sail the Ionians, which include Kefalonia, Corfu, Ithaca, and Zakynthos, known for Shipwreck Beach, tucked between two high cliffs with a rusted skeleton of a ship sitting on snow-white sands. The Saronic Islands are the closest to Athens for easy accessibility from the capital. You can expect calm sailing conditions here with the Saronic Gulf naturally sheltered from strong winds that can affect some of the other island groups, such as the Cyclades.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines + Grenada

A yacht charter through the Grenadines, stretching from St. Vincent in the north to Grenada in the south, is also perfect for a first-timer’s yacht charter. Made up of 32 islands and cays, all of which are just a short hop from the next, you can expect a blend of calm anchorages and breathtaking scenery without the massive crowds. There are many lesser-known, authentic islands, complete with deserted beaches for the ultimate tropical fantasy. Plus, you can easily include the laid-back “Spice Island” of Grenada itself if you have the time. The combination ensures a memorable trip for nature lovers who want to avoid the hordes and enjoy fantastic snorkeling and diving. 

Most charters start in St. Vincent and include popular spots like Mustique, Bequia, and the Tobago Cays. Instead of sprawling resorts and high-rise hotels, you’ll find charming family-owned shops, bars, and restaurants, along with those quintessential white sands and brilliant turquoise waters. 

Leeward Islands 

The Leewards are brimming with attractions and activities while offering a mix of West Indian and European cultures. The archipelago is made up of 18 islands strewn across the Caribbean, stretching 120 miles from Anguilla to Dominica. Each one has its own unique charms with everything from modern cities, chic ports, and diverse cultures to lush mountains with rainforest, giant volcanic craters, and deserted beaches. Just a few of the highlights include St. Barths, for a touch of France and a wealth of luxuries that include fine dining restaurants attracting international jet setters, including celebrities. 

St. Kitts boasts a historic hilltop fort, a double-decker train traversing old sugar train tracks, and a famous trek through the rainforest. It leads to the dormant volcanic peak of Mount Liamuiga with panoramic views from the rim of its crater. If you visit the tiny island of undeveloped Saba, you’ll get a real taste of the Caribbean with the chance to dine alongside locals at roadside barbecues. 

Inside Passage, Alaska

For nature and wildlife lovers who don’t mind skipping time on sun-soaked beaches, the Inside Passage of Alaska may be ideal. Many yacht charters here start in Juneau, where you can ride the tram 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts for a view over the Gastineau Channel, the city, and Douglas Island just across the water. Don’t miss the helicopter tour that includes landing on Mendenhall Glacier before cruising to the village of Hoonah on Chichagof Island, home to one of the world’s highest densities of bears per square mile. From there, you can sail to Baranof Warm Springs for a relaxing soak in the pools. 

Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight as a sanctuary for humpback whales and other wildlife like harbour seals, often spotted floating past on icebergs. Here you can get face-to-face with blue-tinged glaciers like 21-mile-long Margerie, a tidewater glacier that’s one of the most active for calving. You’ll often hear a rumble and cracking before the ice plunges with a thunderous sound into the frigid waters below.