Skip the Snow: 12 Warm-Weather Yacht Destinations for January

With some of the coldest days of winter just around the corner, there is no better time than now to start planning a warm-weather yacht escape. January is perfect for beating those post-holiday blues, soaking up sunshine while enjoying a salty sea breeze from the deck of a luxurious vessel. You might swim, snorkel, dive, or test out some of the latest water toys like flyboards or electric surfboards. 

The only question is, where should you go for the ultimate luxurious, warm-weather yacht getaway in January? 

From the Hawaiian Islands to the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and beyond, among these destinations, you’re sure to find something that inspires you to book that dream winter trip.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is widely regarded as the most luxurious Hawaiian island with its many five-star resorts, upscale shops, and high-end restaurants. A yacht escape here not only brings the chance to indulge in all that Maui has to offer, but in January, you can sail through waters that are inhabited by hundreds of humpback whales. This is peak whale season in Hawaii, and the vast majority are found in the Auau Channel between Maui and Lanai. When snorkeling or diving among sea turtles and colorful fish, you might even hear their complex and melodic sounds. Departing from Makena or Ma’alaea Harbor, be sure to stop at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, a protected marine reserve with abundant sea life.

Cruising over to Lanai, you can snorkel at Hulopoe Bay, explore the spectacular Garden of the Gods rock formation, and visit Lanai City, a former plantation town. Molokai boasts the world’s tallest sea cliffs, with a view from the water the best vantage point. There’s also a 28-mile-long reef with vibrant coral for snorkeling. On land, take a hike for a view of the remote and stunning Halawa Valley, with towering waterfalls and ancient taro fields.

British Virgin Islands

January is an ideal month to escape the cold and cruise through the idyllic British Virgin Islands. You can expect excellent sailing conditions with steady trade winds and average temperatures in the low 80s. It’s the perfect time for snorkeling, hiking, exploring nature reserves, and relaxing on secluded white sandy beaches. Plus, the marinas and beach bars are especially lively now for mingling and sipping rum punch with a backdrop of reggae or local fungi tunes. Jost Van Dyke is a must-stop with famous venues like Foxy’s and the Soggy Dollar Bar, known for its iconic “Painkiller” cocktail. 

Many luxury yacht charters in the BVI sail from Tortola, stopping at Jost Van Dyke and other enticing islands like Norman, Cooper, and Virgin Gorda. The Baths on the north shore of Virgin Gorda, pools sheltered by granite boulders, offer an enchanting spot for a dip.

Society Islands, French Polynesia

Sailing in French Polynesia can be enjoyed year-round. A luxurious January yacht escape in the Society Islands might start with a stay at one of the region’s secluded resorts like The Brando on the private island of Tetiaroa, providing blissful relaxation before heading out to sea. Your sailing itinerary can include islands with diverse landscapes like Bora Bora with its extinct volcano, lush green mountains, vibrant turquoise lagoon, and pristine white sandy beaches. 

Raiatea is a popular destination in the archipelago for harvesting your own pearls, kayaking the Fa’aroa River (the Society Islands’ only navigable river), and exploring rich Polynesian history, including archaeological treasures. The less-visited island of Taha’a is worth a stop too, with protected lagoons for world-class snorkeling and diving, and unique cultural experiences like visiting the local distilleries and vanilla plantations. 

The Kimberley, Australia

The Kimberley, the northernmost of Western Australia’s nine regions, is a remote and breathtaking destination for superyachts with dramatic scenery. January is the middle of summer here in the Southern Hemisphere, and there are nearly endless possibilities for sailing stunning coastlines with sheer cliff faces and hidden bays. You might even venture further inland to the heart of the Australian Outback. Broome is a popular departure point with miles and miles of white sands and opportunities to ride camels into the sunset on Cable Beach. If you want to do some pearl shopping, Broome is home to the world’s finest pearl showrooms.

From Broome, travel along King Sound toward Horizontal Falls before continuing toward Mitchell Falls, perhaps snorkeling in between. While it requires a hike, Mitchell Falls is one of Australia’s most photographed and worth the effort. Or, opt for a scenic flight showcasing the magnificent four-tier waterfall from above. Sailing around the tip of Cape Londonderry, head into the Cambridge Gulf, anchoring in one of the sheltered harbors. Activities like four-wheel drive tours, hiking, and visiting cultural sites are all nearby. Kununurra is the perfect conclusion—spend the night in a vantage point for watching the sunrise for a grand finale.

St. Barth

St. Barth is renowned for its many luxuries, from designer boutiques and fine dining restaurants to high-end hotels and marinas that attract many of the rich and famous, including celebrities. One of the best ways to explore it is by superyacht, and January is an optimal time. Gustavia is a popular departure point, with the port always a hub of activity. Browse the elegant boutiques, spend an afternoon in St. Jean Bay with its trendy beach clubs, and perhaps sample the nightlife at Le Yacht Club or Bagatelle.

Departing from Gustavia, snorkel in the calm waters off Colombier Beach, a secluded spot accessible only on foot or by boat. The abundant marine life includes colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. For a panoramic sea view, hike to Anse des Flamands. Other highlights to consider include the beautiful sands of peaceful Gouverneur Beach and the deserted islet of Île Fourchue, where you can hike, kayak, or dive. If you have time, sail over to neighboring St. Martin to wander through Phillipsburg or Marigot. 

Guadeloupe

With steady winds creating excellent sailing conditions and relatively dry weather, with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s, January is ideal for a yacht escape in Guadeloupe. Discover abundant marine life underwater and diverse flora and fauna on land. Start cruising from the main city of Pointe-à-Pitre on Grande-Terre, where you can explore the local markets, pick up provisions, and experience Creole culture. You might visit the beautiful islands of Les Saintes, with its main island, Terre-de-Haut, a picturesque village of pastel-painted homes with idyllic beaches and great snorkeling. 

The island of Marie-Galante is known for its traditional rum distilleries, rolling sugarcane fields, and stunning white sandy beaches. Sail west to the “green” island of Basse-Terre to snorkel in the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve off Pigeon Island, hike to waterfalls, and see ancient rock carvings in the archaeological park.

San Blas Islands, Panama

The San Blas, made up of over 365 islands, has been off the radar for many, but this emerging destination is becoming increasingly popular for its sailing opportunities, beaches, and vibrant coral reefs with abundant marine life. In January, expect sunny days, warm temperatures in the mid-80s, and generally light, variable winds for pleasant sailing conditions. 

If you plan your yacht escape around mid-January, you might start by flying into Panama City to experience the jazz festival featuring a lineup of international and Panamanian artists. From there, many take a Jeep to the coast, with speedboat transfers to the dock in Puerto de Cartí. Upon departure, you might head east to the remote Holandeses Cays, visiting islands like Banedup with sandy shores and clear water for snorkeling. Nearby, there are many others with spectacular beaches and reefs for exploring the underwater world.

Maldives

With endless sunshine and calm seas for sailing, January is one of the best months to sail the Maldives. This tropical paradise is made up of nearly 1,200 islands, spread like jewels across the Indian Ocean. Especially popular among honeymooners and romance-seekers of all types, it’s a place for blissful relaxation and adventure, including snorkeling and diving among a wide range of marine creatures like reef fish, rays, moray eels, sea turtles, dolphins, and much more. Every day can end by toasting to a colorful sunset, and occasionally enjoying candlelit dinners on uninhabited islands under a canopy of stars.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Exploring the Riviera Maya by yacht in January means enjoying mild temperatures and sunny skies while visiting enticing destinations along the Yucatan coast like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The nearby islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres make fabulous stops as well. Cancun is a popular departure point, with many luxurious all-inclusive resorts for starting your escape by exploring white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters, upscale boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. 

From Cancun, you might head to Isla Mujeres, anchoring at a prime snorkeling spot like Inah or Meco reef. Relax on the island’s chalk-white sand beaches before cruising to Cozumel, perhaps exploring world-renowned diving sites like Palancar Reef. Playa del Carmen offers a vibrant atmosphere for socializing, shopping, and dining before returning to your starting point.

The Canary Islands

Unlike the Caribbean, South Pacific, and other regions that are popular for winter getaways, January is the off-season in the Canary Islands. That said, the weather is mild, with temperatures around the low 70s. In fact, there are more hours of sunlight in the archipelago than anywhere else in Europe. It’s a great time to sail and take part in activities like hiking or exploring the local markets. The colorful fishing port of Mogán in Gran Canaria is a popular starting point. From there, visit Morro Jable in the south of Fuerteventura, renowned for its beautiful beaches with soft, golden sands lapped by clear turquoise water. 

It’s straightforward to Lanzarote from Morro Jable, where you’ll find dramatic volcanic landscapes and many works by native painter, sculptor, and designer Cesar Manrique. With more time, journey to largely undiscovered La Graciosa to soak up the tranquil vibe with few roads and even fewer cars. Instead, you’ll find secluded beaches like Playa de La Cocina and Playa de Las Conchas.

Indonesia

There are over 17,500 islands in Indonesia, with the options for an extraordinary yacht escape nearly endless. The best routes will bring you to see some of Mother Nature’s finest masterpieces and the chance to indulge in the high life. Perhaps start in the fishing town of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, sailing to peaceful Sebayur to relax on a sandy beach among the incredible scenery. This is an ideal spot for an introduction to the underwater world, with shallow coral reefs where a vast array of sea life can be observed, including manta rays and reef sharks.

Anchor off Rinca Island to witness wildlife like komodo dragons, monkeys, deer, and wild pigs. The breathtaking beaches are nearly deserted, strewn with tiny shells and pink corals. South West Komodo is home to Manta Point, where manta rays frequently gather along with many schools of fish. The Gili Islands on Komodo National Park’s north side offer some of the area’s best diving sites. The ideal grand finale? Sumba Island. Remote and largely undeveloped, it boasts many empty beaches, and it’s home to one of the world’s most luxurious resorts: NIHI Sumba. End your trip by swimming with horses in the ocean, riding world-class waves, getting pampered during the “Spa Safari,” and private dining in the treetops or on the beach. 

Dubai

Cruising on a superyacht in Dubai ensures opportunities for luxury at every turn. In January, you won’t have to worry about the searing heat, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s, while wind speeds are generally low. The light to moderate breezes create ideal sailing conditions. You might drop anchor at the palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah, renowned for its high-end resorts and villas. You can fish, paddleboard, kayak, or jet ski right from your vessel. 

While Palm Jumeirah is world-famous, there are also hidden islands accessible only by private yacht, providing secluded sanctuaries with aquamarine water, coral reefs, and untouched sands. The coastline hides more than 300 natural and artificial islands, reserved for yachters and various VIPs to limit the crowds. They include everything from crescent-shaped Moon Island, a diver’s dream with crystal-clear blue lagoons and vibrant reefs, to the Sir Bu Naair Islands. These three mangrove-fringed islets are a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 20,000 migratory birds visiting annually.