Americas Best Yacht Charter Destinations

Mention luxury yacht charters to the uninitiated and they’ll likely envisage idyllic destinations in faraway and very exotic lands. Yet experienced sailors know that if it’s a varied itinerary with a kaleidoscope of experiences one seeks, one need not sail very far from home. In fact, some of the best luxury yacht charter destinations are just a quick plane trip away.

From the most exotic and tropical regions of Belize to the historic treasures of Boston. From the the rugged reaches of Alaska to the spectacular wildlife kingdom of the Galapagos. From the balmy breezes of the Florida Keys to sunsplashed secluded San Blas islands. The sheer variety of landscapes, cultures, histories and attractions endows the Americas with the “something for everyone” title.

North America

North America is home to at least a half dozen thriving yacht charter destinations. Enjoy lobsters, lighthouses, quaint fishing villages and Yankee charm on a summer cruise in the historic, seafaring ports of New England.  Set sail from the yachting capital of Newport, Rhode Island and point your bow towards Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Or head “downeast” to the craggy shores of idyllic Maine with its 3,500 miles of coastline. Or take a big right hand turn, and head offshore for weathered wilderness of Greenland and the Arctic. Think polar bears, reindeer, killer whales, and narwhals, oh my.

Cast off to the Inside Passage of Alaska and witness the raw, majestic beauty of America’s last frontier. Calving glaciers, seals frolicking next to your kayak, grizzlies having a sitdown on the beach, eagles soaring overhead, and whales breaching off your bow. Alaska reigns supreme as a nature lover’s delight

If you’re idea of being on the water is pure sun, fun, relaxation and libation, head for Florida and the Keys which offer stunning year-round weather. Home to the only extensive coral reef system in the U.S., the diving and snorkeling here are sublime. The “Keys” must have been designed with avid anglers in mind. Fishing enthusiasts will discover world class sport fishing, flats fishing, bone fishing, fly fishing and spear fishing. And the “catching” is as world class as the fishing. From the party vibe of Key West to the seclusion of the Dry Tortugas, a customized itinerary to suit your preferences is easy.

Central America

If it’s natural biodiversity you crave, then a little jaunt further south certainly wouldn’t go astray. Central America is renowned for its colorful cultures and even more colorful landscapes, hiding some of the world’s most outstanding marine reserves. If you’re a scuba diving addict, this pocket of the Americas is your Utopia. From modern Costa Rica with its superb infrastructure and a penchant for eco-tourism luxury, to unassuming Belize, a country unblemished by mass tourism. Blessed with active volcanoes, thermal hot springs, stunning snorkeling and diving sites and delectable cuisines, Central American countries serve up outstanding nature along with an abundance of Mayan ruins. Cross the world-famous Panama Canal and escape to the sheltered bliss of the San Blas islands.

South America

A land of captivating extremes, South America is the Americas at its very best. In the tropical north you can cruise Brazil’s amazing coastline, stop in Rio for a few crazy days of samba, rum and churrascarias and meander through the outstanding islands off its south-eastern coast. Head inland for a jaunt aboard a luxury river cruise boat and navigate the Amazon, the most significant and wildlife-rich river in the world. Head further south to the tip of the continent and you can experience South America’s answer to Alaska. Patagonia is a world of glaciers, snowcapped peaks, and rugged landscapes, with migrating whales and breathtaking scenery at every turn.

The Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands, just off the western shores of Ecuador, are one of the most distinctive yacht charter destinations of all. This is the place which inspired Charles Darwin to concoct his evolutionary theory, a world brimming with unique and captivating wildlife. There are no bars here, no designer boutiques, no bling, and no crowds. But what you’ll find is the true epicenter of Mother Nature. For SCUBA divers and snorkelers, there’s no better yacht charter destination. Days aboard a yacht here are spent under the sea, playing with curious seals and searching for hammerhead sharks. On the volcanic rocky islands, iguanas and albatross will vie for your attention, as will the countless other species that call this archipelago home. Along with Antarctica, this is one of our planet’s most pristine environments and home to some of the most wildlife-rich waters of all.