Staying Stateside: USA Summer Yacht Charter Destinations

Mediterranean destinations like Croatia, Greece, and the French Riviera are long-standing favorites for summer yacht charters, but not all yachting experiences require a transatlantic flight. For our US-based clients, there are multiple world-class cruising destinations right on your doorstep, perfect for a last-minute booking, a shorter itinerary, or simply an easier domestic travel experience.

Across the US, east to west, north to south, plenty of destinations hit the mark for that perfect summer escape. Here are some of our favorite close-to-home charter regions for summer 2025:

New England: Quintessential Coastal Cruising

The East Coast of the US offers the perfect summer cruising destination. New England has been a long-celebrated summer yacht charter destination for good reason. Full of sailing heritage and coastal charm, from its picturesque anchorages to its charming cobblestone towns, New England offers outdoor pursuits, from hiking, cycling, and watersports to plenty of fine dining restaurants and lively bars ashore to enjoy.

Yacht charter itineraries include highlights such as cruising from Newport to Nantucket, with stops at Martha’s Vineyard, or experiencing the island-hopping adventures in Maine. With direct access from New York and Boston, it is an ideal option for weekend getaways or last-minute plans.

The Bahamas: Barefoot Island Adventures

Just a short hop from Florida, with a charter-friendly infrastructure, the Bahamas is an excellent option. With convenient access from Nassau and a smooth customs procedure, The Bahamas are easy to visit on a yacht this summer. A year-round destination offering over 700 islands and coral cays to explore, this tropical destination offers endless yacht charter options.

The Exumas and the Abacos are the main archipelagos to discover, with sheltered anchorages, shallow waters, and turquoise lagoons at every turn. A yachting itinerary, whether a week or weekend, can offer everything from world-class scuba diving and watersports to visiting the famous swimming pigs and enjoying relaxing afternoons playing out your own castaway on the many isolated sandbars.

Alaska: Explore The Last Frontier

The northernmost state in the US, Alaska - hailed as the ‘Last Frontier’ - offers a yacht charter experience into untamed wilderness and incredible natural wonders. Summer is the ideal time to cruise here. Exploring glacier-carved fjords, such as the famous Tracy Arm fjord, to glimpse the iconic North and South Sawyer glaciers and enjoy calm anchorages such as Red Bluff Bay.

Yachting highlights include kayaking the calm waters while watching bears snatch at salmon, hiking national parks ashore, and spotting humpback whales from the yacht’s deck. An escape within US borders, a charter here is accessed by a simple domestic flight into Juneau to begin a one-of-a-kind trip.

California Coast: A Summer Playground

The western state of California is not only well-connected and offers easy travel options, but it is full of diverse yacht charter opportunities during the summer months. The region offers a true mix of iconic city exploration, tucked-away anchorages, and national park adventures. Starting a charter in the San Francisco Bay area will enable you to enjoy the city sights and delicious culinary scenes, with whale watching in Monterey Bay just a short hop away.

Cruising south, the Channel Islands National Park provides plenty of outdoor opportunities for those wanting to explore these volcanic islands. Meanwhile, the endless beaches and coastal cities are ideal to explore when on a yacht charter. Aside from its Hollywood glamour, Los Angeles provides beaches that go for miles and a thriving nightlife. A more laid-back atmosphere with surf culture, farthest south, San Diego is another must-visit spot on California’s coastline.

Yachting Lifestyle