Our Ultimate Yacht Charter Destinations For A Winter Getaway
When the colder and darker winter months approach, a yacht charter is the perfect escape. To get ahead of the winter blues, we offer a range of luxury superyachts worldwide that are ready to provide the ultimate retreat.
Winter is the perfect season to get onboard our extensive fleet. Combining the festive season with vacation time, yachts with winter availability are popular, and for good reason, so it is a great time now to book early.
From the iconic sun-drenched islands of the Caribbean, the unspoiled archipelagos of Southeast Asia to the uninhabited remote end of the world, we have put together our favorite winter hotspots where these destinations offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
To stir your winter wanderlust, take a look at some of the best yacht charter destinations:
The Caribbean Is Calling
The Caribbean is a superior choice for a tropical getaway this winter, from December through to April. Each island boasts its own unique allure and character.
For the thrill-seekers, the diverse island chain serves up an endless array of watersports and opportunities under the hull. Meanwhile, the palm-fringed beaches and exclusive resorts offer unmatched relaxation.
St. Vincent & The Grenadines
St Vincent and The Grenadines offer an authentic taste of the Caribbean. A chain of 30 islands, they provide postcard-perfect beaches, wild terrain, world-class diving, snorkeling, and abundant wildlife. Tucked between St Lucia and Grenada is the largest island of St Vincent, one of the famous filming locations for Pirates of the Caribbean.
Have your own pirate adventure onboard LADY BETH; the 180' (54.86m) yacht is ideal for cruising these islands with a huge toy box. Just a short hop south is The Grenadines. Among the islands here is Bequia, a tiny island well-suited for scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Although off the beaten track, there is still room for luxury here; Mustique is a private and exclusive island popular with visits from celebrities and royalty. Further south is the Tobago Cays, enjoy a family-friendly yacht charter here cooling off in crystal clear waters and swimming with the resident turtles.
St. Barths
The French-speaking Caribbean island of St Barths is known for its exclusivity. Home to various high-end restaurants, designer stores, and chic boutiques, the island offers a laid-back tropical escape combined with glamour - ideal for intimate and romantic yacht charters. Enjoy the top restaurants in the picturesque town of Gustavia and the Michelin-starred experiences at the legendary Eden Rock resort.
The island's appeal is heightened during the festive season as yachts flock to Gustavia Harbour to host the Caribbean's most exclusive New Year's Eve celebrations. PISCES, the 151' (46.02m) motor yacht, is a perfect choice for this, with expansive socializing spaces and an upgraded SONOS sound system. Toward the end of the season is the famous St Barths Bucket; the island welcomes a host of superyachts to this invitation-only event. The island also features an array of isolated bays and beautiful beaches. If you have longer to explore here, extend your yacht charter itinerary to include the nearby islands of Anguilla and St Maarten.
British Virgin Islands
Hailed as the 'superyacht charter capital of the Caribbean,' the British Virgin Islands offer an unparalleled winter cruising destination. The volcanic archipelago has four main islands and over 50 cays and islets, and a yacht charter provides an excellent opportunity to hop between all of them effortlessly.
The BVIs are also ideal for sailing yacht charters thanks to consistent trade winds. As one of the world's most idyllic and unspoiled locations, you can enjoy its natural wonders, exploring beautiful anchorages, mountainous lush terrain, and white sandy beaches. There are ample opportunities here to delve into any yacht's toy box, and a particularly overflowing one here can be found onboard the 221’5” (67.5m)motor yacht LOON.
Island-Hopping In The Bahamas
If you are looking for paradise, look no further than The Bahamas. These Atlantic Ocean islands, closeby to Florida, offer pristine beaches and gin-clear waters within endless anchorages.
A winter escape here can be enjoyed whether you are searching for underwater adventure or to relax and soak up natural beauty.
The Abacos
The Abacos archipelago in the northern Bahamas should be on everyone's winter destination list. The picturesque island chain is full of idyllic beaches and coves, lush forests, and vibrant coral reefs. Yachts such as the 163'10" (49.94m) BON VIVANT are great for cruising here within the shallow waters, allowing guests to discover secluded anchorages and remote corners of this island paradise. The main islands of Great Abaco and Little Abaco provide plenty to see and do both on top of and under the water. Activities include wandering the quaint town of Hopetown, exploring the boatbuilding heritage of Man O'War Cay, and v the underwater playground within O'Neil Creek.
The Exumas
Venturing further south in the Bahamas are the serene Exumas known for their relaxed atmosphere. This chain of 365 islands and cays is a true paradise for yacht charter guests, with plenty of opportunities to explore a new destination each day - typically beginning the journey in Nassau. Whether soaking up the sun, swimming and snorkeling the clear waters teeming with tropical fish, or encountering the resident swimming pigs of Big Majors Cay, the Exumas offer the best winter cruising experience. Other highlights include the Exuma Land and Sea Park to explore the tropical mangroves and the mystical and famous James Bond filming location of the bright blue Thunderball Grotto. While island-hopping, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a particular stop-off point and favorite for yachts such as the 197’4” (60.15m) IRON BLONDE.
Discover Southeast Asia & The Indian Ocean
For those seeking a winter destination with a difference, head to the remote corners of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. These more off-the-beaten-track locations offer a one-of-a-kind and memorable winter yacht charter, complemented by world-class diving and tropical adventures.
Maldives
Scattered across the Indian Ocean are the Maldives. The archipelago comprises over 1,100 low-lying islands, with only a tiny fraction inhabited. The Maldives are brimming with diverse marine life, home to over 700 species of Indian Ocean fish. A perfect location for those who want to get under the water, these islands boast exceptional visibility from December to March, hosting world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities. Get onboard GALILEO here.
The 182’9” (55.7m) yacht offers incredible diving and surfing experiences; a qualified crew member will guide you to all the best spots. The Maldives also offers plenty of options for relaxation and indulgence with luxurious resorts that dot the archipelago with perfect white sandy beaches.
Indonesia
From verdant tropical jungles and towering volcanoes to incredible diving and snorkeling hotspots, Indonesia is perfect for an adventure-seeking yacht charter for families and friends this winter. One of the crown jewels is the remote and pristine Raja Ampat National Park.
This marine protected area is renowned for its kaleidoscopic coral reefs and an array of marine life, including the majestic giant manta rays. Another cruising hotspot of Indonesia is the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thailand
Exploring Thailand's vibrant and undeveloped coastline is best done by a luxury charter yacht, allowing you to visit the highlights of the Andaman Sea easily. The rich cultural history, combined with incredible diving and tropical landscapes, is best explored from April through to October.
There is much to experience here, from the lively area of Phuket, cruising the turquoise waters of the Phi Phi islands to the untouched Similan and Surin Islands.
For The Adventurous
While the natural attraction for many is to seek out the sunshine on a winter yacht charter, the untamed mass of land at the end of the world offers an alternative winter wonderland.
Now accessed in supreme luxury via superyacht charter, stepping aboard a yacht in Antarctica is like nowhere else you will experience on earth.
Antarctica
For those looking for a unique winter yacht charter, a few ice-classed explorer yachts, such as the 253’11” (77.4m) LEGEND, can cruise Antarctica. Journeying through the Ross Sea, one of the most remote places in the world is a truly memorable experience. A short window to access the white continent, you can only cruise here between November and March. While venturing into this untouched destination, you will come across humpback whales, extraordinary penguin colonies, various seabirds, and seals. You will also have the chance to visit historical sites of significance and abandoned stations. End your yacht charter vacation in Antarctica by braving the famous polar plunge and warming up in the yacht's Jacuzzi.
Ready to book your next winter escape? For more destination advice, contact our expert consultants. They have extensive knowledge of worldwide yachting locations and are on hand to curate personalized itineraries on the best-matched yacht tailored to you and your group.