Best Yachting Destinations in the World
There are a number of destinations to consider for a yachting and yacht cruising experience. All the world’s famous destinations offer visitors with spectacular scenic views of a mixture of mountains, architecture, beaches, coral reefs, clear waters, coastlines, rocks, and skylines aboard a yacht charter. You can rent a private yacht and do a range of activities such as swimming on remote seas, fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling when not on a yacht.
Below are some of the best yachting destinations across the world, in no particular order:
1. French Riviera
image: www.oceanindependence.com
France’s slice of Mediterranean, also known as the Côte d’Azur (azure coast) is renowned around the world for its amazing yacht cruises and experiences. It has the best selection of yachts and stretches from Cassis to the Italian border. Those seeking sunshine and pleasure will get to see Monaco, Villefranche, and St. Jean Cap Ferrat within few hours of cruising. Within your reach are also St. Tropez and Cannes. Not only does it have the most famous yacht charters in the world, but the French Riviera is also synonymous with glamour, celebrity, and sophistication, and has exclusive meeting spots, hotels, and clubs.
2. Greece
image: www.mypremiumeurope.com
Greece offers one of the world’s best sailing hubs in the Mediterranean Sea and makes for an exclusive visit destination during a summer holiday. Greece yacht charters take tourists to the four top destinations, namely the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades, and Ionians, although the Saronic Islands and Argolic Gulf are also famous destinations. You can choose to have open water yacht charters or cruise in calm gulfs and bays
You will enjoy the natural beauty of deserted beach at the Dodecanese, cultural experiences in Ionians, and the magical Crete. You can also choose to stare and wonder about whitewashed villages in the Cyclades or climb Mount Olympus.
3. Montenegro and Croatia
source: www.charterworld.com
Montenegro is considered the pearl of the Mediterranean. The beauty of Adriatic Islands will, for example, leave visitors undecided for how long they should cruise. Some of the locations from where you can rent a sailboat include Split, Dubrovnik, and Kotor. You can choose to rent for a one-way cruise to another port which is more expensive or just pick a return cruise. The Croatia charters happen weekly especially in June to September, which is the peak sailing months.
The beauty of Velebit Mountains is magnificent as you sail from Rijeka to Zadar. The calm Adriatic Sea and the mild climate in the north of Croatia coastline is a great attraction for many. There is a National Park at Kornati Islands so you could decide to sail to the destination from Zadar, and the historical sites at the Sibenik and North Dalmatia are still well-preserved.
4. St. Barthelemy, Caribbean
image: www.saint-barths.com
Also known as St. Barts or St. Barths, St. Barthelemy in the Caribbean is a famous yacht location that has been growing in popularity. One of the reasons for its popularity includes its location between Antigua and Virgin Gorda, which are renowned sailing centers. The destination has been famous for luxury yachts, and you can find huge private luxury superyachts, large racing yachts, crewed yachts, and catamarans, to witness the beauty of the locations’ fascinating waterways and 14 lovely beaches.
Tourists usually come to relax in the Caribbean Island’s white sands and cruise in the waters, but there are also restaurants and hotels, as well as other facilities and services to make up for a great nightlife.
5. Amalfi Coast
source: www.oceanindependence.com
Amalfi Coast, currently a World Heritage Site, is synonymous with maritime trade, wealth nobility, and leisure. The Italian coast has drawn people since Roman times and is a renowned magical honeymoon destination due to its stunning romantic views and facilities.
Yachts cruises will let tourists see the rocky and rugged coast, well-protected harbors, beautiful cliff-side towns and clear waters. You can choose to visit Salerno — the largest city on this coast, Vietri Sul Mare town, Cetera — where you enjoy the Colatura di Alici (anchovy sauce), or Maiori to enjoy the Roberto Rossellini film festival.
6. Cuba
source: www.seafarersailing.co.uk
Cuba makes it to the list of top Caribbean yacht destinations due to its beautiful sceneries that comprise of mountains, valleys, sandy beaches and stunning landscapes. You can choose to explore Cienfuegos, one of the Island’s largest cities from the southern shore and make a choice between 20 marinas and nautical centers all around Cuba. And now, beginning last year, American tourists can legally travel to this destination.
7. Seychelles
source: www.sunsail.com
Off the Indian Ocean and 1,000 miles off Africa’s east coast is the Republic of Seychelles, which is made up of 115 islands. Of these, the largest are Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. They are a geographical wonder made from a mix of twisted granite, white-sand beaches, fascinating coral reefs, secluded coves fringed with majestic palms, clear waters, and mountains soaring up to 3000 feet above sea level, giant tortoises, and forests. There are many Seychelles yacht charter that concentrates on the inner islands, and you can hop from one to another since they are close enough.
Beginning with Port Victoria, which is Seychelles’ capital, there are many places to go. These include the 15-acre National Botanical Gardens and the National Museum. Mahe’s Beau Vallon Bay Beach offers blue lagoons, resort, and casinos. Other places include St. Anne Marine National Park. Make sure to see twisted granite outcrops and giant boulders at the La Digue Island.
8. Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay, & Komodo in Indonesia
At the eastern end of Indonesia, Raja Ampat is a renowned dive destination in the world. Here, Dr. Gerald Allen is said to have counted 273 fish species on a single dive, and you will meet some of the unusual sea-life. Besides the fish dives and mellow drift dives, you also get to witness beautiful coral slopes and channels, coral growth, and coral gardens.
Located in the Papua province in Indonesia is Cendrawasih Bay. There are many things to enjoy as aboard a yacht cruise to the bay, including the rich reefs and their sea-life (large Wobbegongs to tiny Pygmy Seahorse!), whale sharks, and the World War II Manokwari wrecks.
Notable as the habitat of the Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest living lizard, Komodo Island is named after the creature. Other fauna that inhabits Komodo Island includes water buffalo, banded pigs, cockatoo, civets, and macaques. The pink beach, one of only seven in the world, can also be found in Komodo Island.
9. Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar
A remote beach in Myanmar
Off the southern coast of Myanmar, Mergui offers white beaches lined with palm trees, azure waters, and exciting corals. You can also choose to sail in a dugout canoe and experience sea-life such as reef fish and collect some seashells. The Mergui offers more than 800 islands from where you can explore nature onboard a superyacht. The place is not crowded and you can enjoy cruising with privacy any month of the year.
10. Andaman Sea, Thailand
Photo taken during Asia Super Yacht Rendezvous in Phuket, Thailand
There are many Islands you can go to once in the Andaman Sea, Thailand. You will witness incredible bays, limestone pinnacles, fascinating beaches, crystal clear water, great rocks, and other features on the Krabi sea and surrounding islands of Phuket. Some of the best islands to visit include Phi Phi, Similan Islands, Koh Racha, Railey, and so much more.