The Five Best Worldwide Yachting Destinations To Explore This December
December offers the ideal time for a luxury yacht charter, with multiple destinations around the world suitable for cruising at this time of year. While the northern hemisphere is in the full swing of colder climes, a yacht charter offers the perfect antidote to enjoy some winter sun and tropical vibes. Whether you want to explore the underwater world, unwind on serene beaches, immerse in a different culture or enjoy sights ashore, from the Indian Ocean to the Caribbean, here are our five favorite locations worldwide to book a December yacht charter.
Bliss In The Bahamas
The Bahamas offers the epitome of a winter yacht charter, boasting paradisiacal beaches and plenty of activities for all charter groups to enjoy. Just a stone's throw from Florida's coastline, endless cruising opportunities exist throughout this idyllic archipelago's 700 islands and cays. As a luxury yachting hub, the Bahamas offers an unparalleled experience. State-of-the-art marinas are found within the islands, along with Nassau's nightlife scene, fine-dining restaurants and boutique shopping. There are two distinct cruising grounds within this postcard-perfect location: The Exumas and the Abacos; choose one for a week's trip, or combine the two for an extended cruise.
Home to the famous swimming pigs and plenty of pearly-white sandy beaches, the Exumas offer incredible cruising scenes. If you want to feel a little more off the beaten track and enjoy beautiful coral reefs under the water, head to the Abacos. The Bahamas is also a popular Christmas yacht charter destination, where you can wake up on Christmas Day, enjoy a morning paddleboard in the gin-clear waters, and then relax on one of the many beaches before enjoying Christmas cocktails and a gourmet feast onboard.
Untouched Adventure In Raja Ampat
Combining uninhabited islands, unique cultures, and jaw-dropping scenery, Raja Ampat in Indonesia provides the ultimate charter destination for December. The rainy season has passed, and this time of year offers ideal dry conditions and calmer seas for a luxury yacht charter in the Coral Triangle.
Best explored by yacht, this archipelago is home to incredible biodiversity, with various fish and 80% of the world's coral species; coupled with crystal-clear waters, this presents some of the world's best scuba diving and snorkelling. The wildlife isn't just under the water; Raja Ampat is home to many exotic birds, perfect for spotting while kayaking or on tender safaris. There are four main islands to base an itinerary upon, so spend your days in December here enjoying the lush scenery, hiking and exploring ashore, diving into the best spots, and having some downtime in one of the best yachting locations in Southeast Asia.
Thailand's Tropical Paradise
Another in Southeast Asia is Thailand, which offers pristine islands, vibrant cities, jungle-clad adventures, and diverse experiences to enjoy in December. This time of year is the best time for a yacht charter here: the sun shines, humidity is at its lowest, and the monsoon season has ended. The Andaman Sea is a yachting hotspot and one of the superior cruising locations. This western coastline has dramatic scenery with secluded beaches and plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in the colourful culture and cuisine ashore.
An ideal starting point is Phuket, with top-tier superyacht amenities and a chance to delve into cultural and historical sights ashore, from Buddhist temples to elephant sanctuaries. Then, spend time cruising the islands, from the Phi Phi islands - the iconic filming destination of ‘The Beach’ to the UNESCO-protected Similan islands with unparalleled scuba diving hotspots.
Island-Hopping The BVI’s
The Caribbean season truly warms up in December. At this time of year, there are endless opportunities to charter yachts here. The BVI's are synonymous with Caribbean cruising and offer winter sun and consistent trade winds. There are plenty of adventures to be had between the renowned spots of Tortola, Virgin Gorda and the private Necker Island. These islands present plenty of options for anchorages on a luxury yacht charter, ideal for enjoying the endless watersport fun that can be had with the yacht's amenities.
There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkelling spots and bays perfect for motorised watersports or more peaceful kayaking and paddleboarding. Ashore, there is lots to do for all groups, from high-end restaurants to beach barbecues and famous beach bars to luxury resorts. The BVI is the Caribbean's ultimate yachting playground and is perfect to explore in December. If you are looking for a festive charter, the islands are also a sought-after Christmas yacht charter destination.
Magic In The Maldives
Scattered across the Indian Ocean are the low-lying, picturesque islands of The Maldives. If you seek an alternative to the Caribbean, these still largely undiscovered islands are incredible to cruise in December. With 26 atolls, including the iconic heart-shaped one and around 200 uninhabited islands, you will be spoilt for choice. There is vibrant culture and history to uncover in the capital of Male, many deserted sandbanks to explore and national park-protected waters full of dolphins, manta rays, sharks and turtles to dive into.
The hot and dry climate makes Christmas and New Year charters particularly popular, and with superyacht facilities, the Maldives is a perfect charter destination. Spend a day scuba diving at world-class sites, take in the photography scenery in every anchorage, and end it with the most colourful sunsets and a cocktail in hand. Or, spend a December day playing out your own castaway on one of the many white-sand islands while playing with the yacht's water toys.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, a combination of both, or a festive charter this December, there are endless opportunities and destinations to choose form. Contact one of our expert charter consultants to learn more about our fleet, which are available for cruising in December.