Where to Charter a Yacht in 2026: New and Emerging Destinations 

There are many popular yacht destinations, like the Greek Islands, the French Riviera, and the Bahamas. But maybe you’ve already explored them, or you just want something a bit unique for next year’s trip. Now is the time to consider places that don’t necessarily come to the top of your mind when envisioning a yacht escape.

Whether you want to escape the crowds, search for exotic wildlife, or marvel at some of the world’s great wonders that few ever lay eyes on, among these new and unique yacht destinations, you’re sure to find something that inspires you to explore in 2026.

Svalbard, Norway

It would be hard to find a more unique yacht escape than Svalbard, a remote Norwegian archipelago with stunning Arctic scenery. Bundle up and look forward to glistening glaciers and wildlife like polar bears and walrus. While some sail the long ocean passage from mainland Norway, it’s possible to fly from Tromso to Longyearbyen, sailing round-trip from the main settlement on Spitsbergen. Typically available from May through September, this is when the days are long with the sun never setting at all through mid-August. From here, you can explore various areas of the archipelago with its nine main islands and numerous smaller islets and skerries.

The most common routes explore places like Ny-Ålesund, home to the world’s northernmost post office and a museum focused on the region’s mining past. In Barentsburg, you can see Soviet-era architecture and a Russian school, while the fjords are the place to go for wildlife. Hornsund is one of the most beautiful in Spitsbergen, with bays backed by glacial valleys that lead to towering mountain peaks. Here, reindeer, Arctic fox, and numerous seabirds are all common sightings. Edgeøya, forming part of the Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, is also worth a visit, inhabited by reindeer, polar bears, and large herds of walrus.

Lastovo Archipelago, Croatia

Croatia is obviously not a new or unique destination among yachters, but most sail a route between Split and Dubrovnik, stopping at islands like Hvar and Korcula along the way. Skip that well-beaten path and consider the Lastovo Archipelago instead. Also known as the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park, it’s a protected area in southern Dalmatia about nine miles south of Korcula. Made up of 46 islands, islets, and reefs, they’re known for their unspoiled natural beauty with dense forests, idyllic beaches, and crystal-clear blue waters, thanks in part to the limited development. On a calm summer evening, phosphorescent plankton is even visible. 

While Lastovo is second only to Vis as the furthest of the Dalmatian Islands from the mainland, around 55 nautical miles from Dubrovnik. If you haven’t explored its walled medieval city, it’s worth doing so before departing for more tranquility with wild and remote beauty. The main harbor in the archipelago is Luka Velji Lago, located in a sheltered inlet with a yacht quay and anchorages. Sušac and Lastovo are the main islands, but Saplun Islet is worth visiting for its sandy beaches.

Borneo

Shared by Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Borneo is the world’s third-largest island. It’s renowned for its postcard-perfect beaches and dense rainforests, home to spectacular flora and unique wildlife like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and hornbills. A luxury yachting adventure around this island brings the opportunity to observe these animals and much more. Many sail round-trip from Kota Kinabalu, visiting the nearby islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for kayaking and snorkeling before heading to Pulau Tiga (the original “Survivor” island) for jungle hikes and bubbling mud baths. 

Other options include Mengalum Island, which attracts those who want to fish for tuna, while world-class diving among whale sharks, manta rays, and hammerheads can be enjoyed at the man-made atoll of Layang-Layang. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a river cruise up the Kinabatangan, where you can look for orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys along the lush riverbanks. 

Azores Islands

Located at the heart of the Atlantic, halfway between the Portuguese mainland and the U.S., the Azores offers the perfect mix of thrill-seeking activities, rugged volcanic landscapes, and opportunities for relaxation. There are nine islands in the archipelago, divided into three groups. The Central Group includes some of my favorites: Faial, São Jorge, Terceira, and Pico. A luxury yacht is an ideal floating adventure base for watching whales, accessing world-class kitesurfing spots, taking guided treks up active volcanoes, and soaking in geothermal springs. 

Start from Horta on Faial, with a renowned marina surrounded by dramatic landscapes and views of soaring Pico Mountain. From here, head to São Jorge, where Velas Marina is tucked beneath iconic 656-foot-high cliffs. If you like to surf, don’t miss the ring-shaped Fajã de Santo Cristo lagoon. Keep close watch for whales and dolphins while sailing to Terceira, with a rich culture that can be explored among the cobbled streets of Angra do Heroismo. Finally, Pico deserves a couple of days, with everything from a historic whale culture that can be explored at the Whalemen’s Museum to the UNESCO-listed patchwork of lava stone walls and grape vines found nowhere else in the world.

The Faroe Islands

There’s nothing like the Faroe Islands for unique sailing, with fantasy-like landscapes showcasing vibrant green mountains covered in lush grass, sweeping headlands, deep fjords, and cliffs laced with waterfalls dramatically cascading to the sea. The elements, which can include fog and fierce winds, play a significant role in the particular route, which means conditions are likely to dictate exactly where you’ll explore. 

The most breathtaking sights include the cliffs of Vestmanna, the famous Drangarnir sea stacks, and Mulafossur waterfall, the archipelago’s most famous attraction. It plunges directly into the ocean from a towering cliffside in remote Gásadalur, creating a misty veil that floats through the salty sea air. You’ll want to stop in some of the picturesque villages with the homes featuring traditional grass roofs, a distinctive part of the landscape. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife like whales and even walruses. 

Bergen to the Lofoten Islands, Norway

Norway offers another jaw-dropping route to consider—Bergen to Svolvær in the Lofoten Archipelago. Following the Norwegian coast, you’ll see a variety of dramatic landscapes, from magnificent fjords and islands to soaring mountains, along with colorful coastal towns. Alesund is a must-stop at the entrance to 

Geirangerfjord, with an Art Nouveau district filled with grand, vibrantly painted homes with spires and turrets, while a 150-year-old lighthouse sits at harbor’s edge. Trondheim is Norway’s second-oldest town, dating back to 997 AD. Here you can admire the world’s northernmost Gothic cathedral with roots dating to the late 11th century, built right over the grave of the Viking king who brought Christianity to Norway, St. Olav.

Continue to Bodø, just north of the Arctic Circle, with some of the most stunning beaches in Europe and an outstanding culinary scene. From here, you can continue to Svolvær, the Lofoten capital on the island of Austvågøya, set along the Vestfjorde. Before departing, you might take part in popular activities like hiking, kayaking, or even a boat trip to the famous Trollfjord.

Malta

Malta is made up of five islands that enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year, perfect for hiking trails that link secluded coves, swimming, snorkeling, or diving in clear turquoise waters. Before setting sail from Kalkara Marina in the historic Grand Harbour on the main island of Malta, you’ll want to explore Valletta’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Its narrow streets are lined with honey-colored 16th-century buildings with highlights that include the 1571 Grand Masters Palace and the ornate baroque-style St. John’s Co-Cathedral, constructed in 1577.

Upon departure, cruise the southern coast to the traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where you can see the ruins of Tas Silg temple and dine on fresh seafood. Golden Bay, with its fine sandy beaches and opportunities for watersports, is a must-stop before continuing to tiny Comino Island with some of the best diving and snorkeling spots, including the classic Blue Lagoon. Continue to the island of Gozo to admire ancient temples, old fortresses, dramatic cliffs, caves, and stunning bays.

Dodecanese Islands, Greece

While the Cyclades and Ionian archipelagos are two of the most popular yacht destinations in Greece, you can explore a quieter, less crowded side of the country by sailing the Dodecanese. Located between the Cyclades and the Anatolian Peninsula in Turkey, this is the farthest island group from the Greek mainland. Renowned for medieval architecture, ancient monasteries, colorful harbors, and beautiful beaches tucked into secluded coves, there’s plenty to love here.

Rhodes is the most popular of the island group, with intriguing historic sites and impressive architecture. The 14th-century Palace of the Grand Master dominates Old Town Rhodes with its medieval character, and you’ll find many spectacular beaches like Pefkos. The quieter islands of Symi, Leros, and Patmos are all worth a visit, with Symi boasting what may be the prettiest harbor in Greece.

Mergui Islands, Myanmar

Located in the Tanintharyi Region off the southeastern coast of Myanmar in the Andaman Sea bordering Thailand, the remote Mergui archipelago is made up of over 800 islands, mostly uninhabited.  A yacht escape here is ideal for exploring an unspoiled paradise with incredible beaches, diverse marine life, and lush jungle. You can spend your days sailing with tropical birds overhead while dolphins leap between the waves, occasionally stopping to snorkel or dive the vibrant coral reefs, and perhaps trek to island interiors to observe macaque monkeys.

One of the highlights is getting to know the indigenous, semi-nomadic Moken people, or “sea gypsies.” They have a culture tied to the sea, with villages made up of wooden stilt houses, often on beaches in the Surin Islands. The Moken fishermen can provide seafood for the yacht, and after dark, in many anchorages, the only light is from the stars.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

There are few countries with more awe-inspiring scenery, and New Zealand’s coasts have been explored by sailors for generations. Today, you can enjoy a more comfortable, luxurious yachting excursion through the Bay of Islands, an incredibly lush region, made up of 144 small rocky outcrops and islands with sandy beaches and clear aquamarine water forming a large maritime park. Watch for the many dolphins, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see orcas, particularly from October through March. Activities include everything from kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and diving to hiking. While the water is a bit too chilly for swimming, around 66 degrees, the scenic trails that can be explored on foot more than make up for it. 

You might start in the town of Paihia to do some shopping before setting sail for Motuarohia Island with its unique Twin Lagoons Bay, where two beaches meet. Other highlights include Moturoa Island in Waipao Bay with more picturesque beaches, and Urupukapuka, with the remains of an ancient Maori Village. The 10-mile-long Cape Brett hiking trail can be reached from Deep Water Cove, showcasing some of the best views in the islands.