The Trend: Sail Away

By Rina Chandarana

Private yacht charters are on the rise. More and more, travelers are choosing to skip the usual on-land sightseeing for exploration by sea with their families. And why shouldn't they? Private yacht charters offer the opportunity to see more places strewn across the coastlines of some of the world’s most coveted destinations. And instead of being cooped up in a busy hotel, yachts offer a private, personalized experience with custom itineraries and schedules to suit the whole family. You're the captain on this adventure. Here's where yacht charters are the most popular right now. 

Belize

Still somewhat under-the-radar as a sailing destination, Belize has so much to offer in a small geographic slice. Our travelers are choosing to sail the largest living reef in the world in style on fully customizable itineraries ranging from four to seven nights in length. That's because a “floating hotel” provides all the benefits of an all-inclusive but without the hordes of tourists: air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, indoor and outdoor lounging areas, open bar, gourmet meals, and water toys, all managed by a skipper and personal chef. There are also no age limits or mobility restrictions to sail here.  

Spot dolphins and manatees in sandy inlets and spend hours snorkeling encountering a technicolor world of Moray Eels, parrotfish, and green turtles in one of the country’s healthiest reef ecosystems. If you’re lucky, you may even see an eagle ray gracefully drift by. 

Belize also boasts a rich cultural heritage filled with temples, waterfalls, caves, and a melting pot of Creole, Garifuna, Maya, and Mestizo cultures. These age-old food, language, and musical traditions are at their most immersive during an interactive drumming lesson and a visit to the many quaint fishing villages dotting the coastline.  

Feel like a castaway on a laid-back, teeny tiny island with a barefoot beach bar serving fresh coconut water and icy rum cocktails before returning to your deck under the stars. Night owls can’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness a cosmic bath of stars glowing neon blue below on a nighttime river safari through bioluminescent algae. 

Costa Rica

Lush jungles, exotic waterfalls, and hidden beaches are just some of the images that spring to mind when mentioning Costa Rica. Truly, the country is a wildlife wonderland and one of the best ways to discover the Pacific Coast’s most secluded beaches is by private vessel.  

With room for up to 18 people, the yacht options in Costa Rica are a decadent treat decked out with wine cellar, organic bar, and even Wi-Fi while bringing travelers up-close to the unparalleled nature. A crew of 13 includes a naturalist (much needed with Costa Rica’s ample biodiversity) and local chefs whipping up meals enjoyed alfresco. 

There’s no shortage of activities onboard like kayaking in the mangroves or learning more about Costa Rican life at a cacao experience. 

Around Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, marine life is abundant. Little ones will rejoice at the sight of humpback whales and spinner dolphins hurtling through the surf. Your captain knows the perfect spot for jumping into the water all day or finding a secluded white-sand beach fringed by steamy tropical forests for a private picnic. 

Croatia

Sparkling waters, delectable local cuisine, and history-packed cities where southern and central European cultural influences collide ... What’s not to love about Croatia, the jewel of the Adriatic?  

Climb fortresses, visit old villages surrounded by fragrant lavender fields, and sip wine in centuries-old vineyards on Hvar Island. In Korčula, meet with honey producers to sample their sweet delights. Then jump off the yacht to explore the historic mainland cities of Split and Dubrovnik. Or just anchor for the day, diving into the underwater world. The choice is yours on a private yacht in the Adriatic. 

Türkiye

Mainland Türkiye should of course not be ignored with its oodles of timeless historic sites spanning a great swathe of cultures and faiths. But there’s also a reason why Europeans flock to the beaches in the summer.  

To avoid the crowds, many travelers  opt for a private yacht and quickly discover there’s just as much below the waves, like the fascinating coral reef formations in the Seven Islands region. Swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters surrounded by forests of olive and pine.  

What’s unique about a Türkiye yacht voyage is the blend of both history and nature. Disembark with expert local guides to dig into the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. The island of Sedrai feels like an open-air museum with remnants of pillars, city walls, churches, and an amphitheater beckoning you to learn about the past before retreating to your modern floating home. 

South Pacific

Big isn’t always better when it comes to boats. Cruising through the Tahitian paradise on a smaller vessel is ideal because it’s easier to anchor in quiet lagoons and around some of the archipelago’s smaller islets. 

With more water than land mass, the islands of Tahiti are a watery playground for adventurers seeking a different morning view each day. Stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling are perfect for kid-friendly travelers, but travel is also about making local connections too. 

The people who call this utopia home welcome guests with warm traditional greetings. Travel to Tahiti asks you to engage the senses, drinking in the vanilla scents and multicultural Tahitian, French, and Chinese flavors preserved by the locals. 

Contemporary catamarans in Tahiti provide the utmost in comfort like air conditioning for sweet siestas and dreamy nights. With only a few cabins, there’s only room for two to ten guests who want to follow the winds, listen to the bird songs, and just surrender to the outstanding beauty. Beach bums, this is your invitation to just chill.