6 Unforgettable Destinations For Your Next Winter Yacht Adventure
The change of seasons doesn’t mean you have to continue chasing the sun; fall and winter offer extraordinary opportunities for a luxury yacht adventure. There are a range of alternative yachting destinations that provide something a little different from the usual winter cruising itineraries. This year, why not book one of these with activities that embrace the beauty and charm of these seasons?
Here are our best six yachting destinations across the world for the upcoming season:
Norway: Magical Experiences
A yacht charter in Norway is unforgettable no matter what time of year, cruising the jaw-dropping scenery of this bucket-list destination, but its allure peaks as the seasons change. The mesmerizing display of the Aurora Borealis is best visible when high levels of activity occur between September and October. They are also seen during the winter from November through February. Tromso is an ideal place to witness this spectacular display in the Arctic Circle.
A superyacht is a perfect vantage point to witness these, whether from the sky lounge or the Jacuzzi with a glass of champagne; a winter yacht charter here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Cruising in Norway in the winter also gives rise to adventurous activities such as husky sledding. For those who love winter sports, Norway also offers excellent ski and sail charter opportunities. Charter a sailing yacht and sail the incredible fjords while using the tender to go ashore for world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Italy: Culinary Journeys
While the Mediterranean is famous for its summer appeal, this region is also great for cruising off-season when the crowds thin out and the seasons come into their own. Italy is one country that embraces the seasons, especially for food enthusiasts looking for a yacht charter with a culinary twist. Fall and early winter here welcomes truffle season, with Tuscany being a prime destination.
The Tuscan archipelago is an ideal yachting spot where you can visit picturesque islands such as Elba and Gilio. You can enjoy quieter anchoring hotspots while heading inland for truffling hunting experiences and then enjoying your finds courtesy of your onboard yacht chef or one of the many top-tier restaurants ashore. Combine a yacht charter in truffle season with a visit to renowned vineyards, where you can sample the best wines as you enjoy the countryside’s fall hues, calmer atmosphere, and ambient temperatures.
New England: Picturesque Scenes
For a quintessential fall yacht charter experience, head to New England and cruise along the east coast of the US. As this region welcomes fall, its scenic coastline transforms with a whole display of colors; these seasonal displays show off best from October onwards.
The area combines six states and yachting hotspots such as Maine, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod. With such varied cruising grounds, there is plenty to do here; the cooler seasons are perfect for hiking and cycling ashore. Or enjoy the comfort and luxury of a superyacht and simply admire the scenes from the water. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with other seasonal activities ashore, such as pumpkin and apple picking, at the regional farms. The quaint coastal towns bustling in the summer are sleepier at this time of year, providing the ultimate relaxing charter and a peaceful time to visit.
Patagonia: Land and Sea Adventures
Patagonia straddles Argentina and Chile and is home to some of the most remarkable untamed and rugged terrain. Summertime in Patagonia falls between late November and early March, which is the perfect time for a yacht charter here. Although summer, the weather can be unpredictable, adding to its sense of adventure.
While sunbathing is not on the list, you can tick off every adventurous activity you can think of when experiencing a Patagonia yacht charter. From hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting, heli-skiing, and kayaking, all within the famous Torres Del Paine National Park region. Soothing tired muscles, you can soak in the thermal hot springs ashore or enjoy spa massages back onboard. Taking the adventure levels down, exploring here is also great for nature-loving clients, spotting the elusive puma.
Antarctica: Wild Frontiers
Keep venturing south from Patagonia, and you will reach another bucket list destination: Antarctica. Exploring one of the least discovered places on Earth is best done in winter. This final frontier provides the ultimate backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime yacht charter experience. Cruising begins in early December, which also coincides with Antarctica summer when the wildlife here is at its most active season.
Accessed only by expedition yachts, a yacht charter in Antarctica is the epitome of off-the-beaten track adventure, where you will witness the raw beauty of nature. Navigating through the magnificent icescapes, you will see whales breaching, penguin colonies, various seals, and seabirds circling above. After adventurous excursions, if you are brave enough, try out the famous polar plunge and then warm up in the yacht’s sauna and Jacuzzi.
Indonesia: Underwater Exploration
Due to weather, tropical destinations are best accessed via yacht at certain times of the year. The same is true of scuba diving sites. Komodo National Park in Indonesia has incredible scuba diving and snorkeling year-round; however, the best time is from December to March.
The southern dive sites have excellent visibility during these months and are more accessible to yachts at this time of year. A winter yacht charter here in Southeast Asia enables you to not only access world-class diving with manta rays and exotic fish everywhere you turn but also to cruise this UNESCO-protected park, which promises dramatic island peaks and sightings of the iconic Komodo Dragon.
From savoring seasonal produce to witnessing nature’s most spectacular displays, these destinations showcase the diverse possibilities of a yacht charter beyond the typical sun-drenched locations.
For more information on these destinations and available charter yachts, contact our expert charter consultants to plan your next unforgettable winter yachting adventure.
Photos by Carmen Laezza on Unsplash, Valdemaras D. on Unsplash, Sam Power on Unsplash, James Eades on Unsplash, Johnny Africa on Unsplash, Photo by Torsten Dederichs on Unsplash