6 of the best destinations for private yacht charters

Justin Meneguzzi
Oct 8
5 min read

The bow of a private yacht cruises into calm blue waters.

There are few travel experiences as luxuriously liberating as chartering a private yacht. From island-hopping across the Aegean to gliding past ancient cities along the Adriatic and sailing into secluded Caribbean bays, yacht charters offer an ideal blend of freedom, comfort, and adventure.

Here, our expert travel advisors share six of the best destinations around the world for private yacht charters – including one in our own backyard.

Zodiacs come and go from HX's MS Fridtjof Nansen ship, which sits in the middle of a fjord in summer. — With it's charming cobbled streets and waterfront seafood restaurants, Hydra is one of the best places for a yacht charter.

Greece

No surprises here. Greece is one of the world’s most popular yacht charter destinations thanks to its vibrant blend of ancient history, culture, cuisine and over 6,000 islands to explore. Sailing here gives you access to hidden coves, fishing villages, and some of Europe’s clearest waters.

The Cyclades are perhaps Greece’s most famous islands, featuring the likes of Mykonos and Santorini, but the Saronic Islands near Athens offer sheltered waters perfect for first-time charterers too. Other lesser-known gems like Hydra, Poros, and the tranquil bays of Aegina allow for a more relaxed experience.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers ideal sailing conditions, though July and August can be busy. For fewer crowds, opt for May, June, or September.

We suggest: Before or after your voyage, spend time in Athens exploring the Acropolis and its world-class museums. On land, you can also discover Greece’s vineyard regions or enjoy leisurely stays in traditional island villages.

People in a metal skiff zoom along the mirror black waters of the Amazon River. — Croatia's sun drenched islands and deep blue waters are popular with yacht charters.

2. Croatia

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast has quickly become one of Europe’s yacht charter hotspots. Its calm Adriatic waters, historic walled cities, and hundreds of islands make it an idyllic destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Must-see stops include Dubrovnik, with its UNESCO-listed old town made famous in HBO’s Game of Thrones TV series, Split, where ancient Roman ruins meet lively nightlife, and islands like Hvar, Korčula, and Biševo, home to the famous Blue Cave. Secluded coves and quiet anchorages balance out the busy ports.

Best time to visit: April through October is sailing season. The warm summer months (July and August) are the busiest, while May, June, September, and October offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and better value.

We suggest: Combine your charter with a city stay in Dubrovnik or Split to experience Croatia’s cultural heritage and Mediterranean cuisine. Inland, explore the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park or enjoy wine tasting in the Istrian peninsula.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: WHY ISCHIA IS ITALY’S MOST UNDERRATED ISLAND ESCAPE

Cruising down Portugal's lush Douro Valley with Scenic — Yacht charters close to home are increasingly popular, especially in the Whitsundays.

3. The Whitsundays

Located off the coast of Queensland, the Whitsundays are Australia’s premier yacht charter destination. This collection of 74 islands offers pristine white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and some of the best access to the Great Barrier Reef. The good news is that it is easy to charter a yacht here without needing any boating licenses or experience.

Whitehaven Beach, famous for its brilliant white silica sands, is a must-see, while Hamilton Island provides a lively base with resorts and restaurants. Ancient rock art and middens belonging to the Ngaro People can be found at the Ngaro Cultural Site at Hook Island's Nara Inlet.

Best time to visit: The dry season (May–October) is the best time for comfortable sailing, warm temperatures, and great underwater visibility.

We suggest: Allow time in Airlie Beach, the mainland gateway to the Whitsundays, or venture further inland to explore Queensland’s rainforests, waterfalls, and eco-lodges. For reef enthusiasts, a guided tour of the Great Barrier Reef makes for the perfect complement.

Exploring the storied banks of the Egpytian Nile poolside with Unworld. — The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts.

4. Spain and Portugal

A yacht charter along the Iberian Peninsula means long lunches by the Atlantic or Mediterranean, snacking on grilled sardines, tarts and empanadas, followed by a siesta or walk around cobblestoned historic ports

In Portugal, the Algarve is known for its dramatic cliffs and golden beaches, while northern Portugal and Spain offer rugged coastlines and quiet fishing villages. Southern Spain dazzles with Andalusian charm and the Balearic Islands just offshore.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to charter a yacht, avoiding peak summer crowds while still enjoying warm weather. Local festivals during these seasons – like the San Juan (St. John's Eve) bonfire festival in June and La Tomatina in August – add cultural flair to your trip.

We suggest: Stay in Lisbon or Porto to experience Portugal’s rich history, architecture, and cuisine. In Spain, Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid offer cultural highlights, while the Douro Valley and Rioja provide world-class wine tasting. Don’t have time to visit the Douro Valley? Many of the region’s best wines can still be tasted around Porto’s waterfront.

A large cruise ship passes below a bridge at sunset on the Mississipi River. — The Amalfi Coast's sheer cliffs and rugged shoreline dotted with pastel-colored fishing villages has made it a popular drawcard in Italy.

5. Italy

On land, Italy’s coastal towns and cities are notorious for their narrow streets and nightmarish traffic (and parking). Thankfully, on a yacht charter all you need to do is sail into the marina. A yachting holiday in Italy promises a tantalising mix of history and varied regional cuisine (the differences between northern and southern dining is vast), with the unbridled sense of freedom that comes with being on the water.

The Amalfi Coast dazzles with pastel-coloured towns like Positano and Amalfi clinging to cliffsides. Sardinia offers turquoise waters and secluded bays, while Sicily has amazing seafood, tumbledown ruins and volcanic landscapes. The Italian Riviera and Elba Island are also popular for their charm and history.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn (May–September) is ideal. The height of summer is lively and festive, while shoulder months offer a more peaceful experience.

We suggest: Spend time in Rome, Florence, or Naples before or after your charter. Explore Tuscany’s vineyards, historic villages, and countryside villas, or take scenic hikes along coastal trails.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: THE BEST TIME TO GO ON A CRUISE: AN EXPERT GUIDE TO WHEN AND WHERE

6. The Caribbean

The Caribbean is already a popular yacht charter destination for travellers from the Northern Hemisphere, but Australians have been slow to embrace the region’s alluring mix of year-round sunshine, warm waters, and islands home to diverse cultures.

The British Virgin Islands are famed for sheltered waters and beach bars, while St. Lucia offers lush rainforests and dramatic volcanic peaks. The Grenadines provide a more off-the-beaten-path feel, and Antigua is home to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches.

Best time to visit: The prime sailing season is from December to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant. Summer and early autumn can bring hurricanes, so travel is best planned for winter months.

We suggest: Each island offers its own cultural experiences, like exploring historic sugar plantations in Barbados, hiking in St. Lucia’s rainforests, tucking into Jamaica’s diverse culinary scene, or watching the West Indies cricket team hit a 6 in Saint Kitts.