CARIBBEAN
The Caribbean has an intoxicating allure for the super yachting crowd. Caribbean yacht charter offers big blue skies and cooling trade winds for magnificent sailing and island-hopping. The region also boasts rain forested havens alive with exotic wildlife and sugar-soft sands that are perfect for picnics, cocktails and beach bar soirées. Enjoy the relaxed vibe on St Barth, renowned for its yacht parties, boho boutiques and indulgent spas, and Anguilla, which serves some of the best cuisine in the region.
The Caribbean group of islands consists of the Greater Antilles to the north and the Lesser Antilles to the south, which is divided into the Windward Islands above the Leeward Islands.
The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos are sometimes included alongside the Caribbean as part of the wider West Indies. The Windward and Leeward Islands were important colonial outposts that have since become popular with those looking to rent a yacht in the Caribbean for their mountainous terrain and beautiful beaches.
The Leeward Islands, which include some of the most popular yachting destinations to explore on a luxury yacht charters in the Caribbean, include the US and the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St Maarten, St Barths, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat and Guadeloupe, among others. The Windward Islands are also becoming more sought after as a Caribbean yacht charter destination. This breath-taking archipelago includes the islands of Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
The Cyclades are scattered across the Aegean Sea to the southeast of Greece’s mainland. The 220 islands of the Cyclades form the most popular cruising area in Greece. Within easy reach of Athens, the archipelago is renowned for white-washed, cuboid houses that tumble-down hillsides to meet glittering azure waters. Itineraries can encompass busy yachting hotspots such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros and Naxos, as well as more peaceful options. The best time to charter a yacht in the Cyclades is from June through to mid-July, as the waters are often subject to strong winds at other times of the year.
VIRGIN ISLANDS
Sprinkled alongside each other like tiny flecks in the Caribbean blue, the US and British Virgin Islands (BVIs) are nothing short of the paramount luxury yachting destination. Combined with the Virgin Islands’ simple navigation, ideal anchorages, world-class marinas able to accommodate superyachts well over 100 metres and supreme seaside venues, it’s no wonder that this island chain is synonymous with premium superyachting. Year-round winds in the Virgin Islands attract discerning travellers with a bevy of nautical thrills. Frequent regattas are staged above the water and the area is ideal for kite-surfing and water sports. Below the surface lies an alluring menagerie of captivating coral reefs and famous shipwrecks on the sea bed, enticing scuba divers from all over the world.
BAHAMAS
Like a scattering of precious gems, the 700 islands of the Bahamas float in a crystal clear ocean awaiting your discovery. The fishing enthusiast will be in their element, as will the lover of nightlife, shopping and British Colonial infused elegance. From excitement to sheer tranquillity, a Bahamas yacht charter has it all. The world’s best vertical walls, wrecks, tunnels, caverns and largest collection of blue holes await the experienced diver ready to take the plunge. Even a gentle snorkel will bring a kaleidoscope of tropical wonders into view on a Bahamas yacht charter. The stunning Exuma Islands offer blue waters and natural harbours and secluded beaches. Further north, the Abacos islands are a cruising paradise that also boasts championship golf courses and picturesque colonial towns.
LEEWARD ISLANDS
The diverse Leeward Islands span hundreds of beautiful azure-coloured nautical miles. The locales that comprise the Leeward Islands each offer their own unique cultures, cuisines and natural beauty to those on a luxury yacht charter. Approximately fifteen islands are embraced within the Leeward Islands. From north to south visit Anguilla, Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, Saint-Barthélemy, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Barbuda, Antigua, Redonda, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, la Désirade, Îles des Saintes and Marie-Galante. Many of these islands have been colonies of the West Indians, Dutch, French and British at some point along the way, and these international influences continue to be a part of the laid-back island lifestyle.
WINDWARD ISLANDS
On a Windward Islands yacht charter, make your way between Grenada’s long, enchanting beaches and the stunning jagged peaks of St Lucia’s Pitons, dance the night away in Mustique’s glittering beach bars or drop anchor off the peaceful paradise of Bequia. As the southern island group of the Lesser Antilles, the Windward Islands have been somewhat of an insider’s secret for a Caribbean luxury yacht charter. These mostly volcanic punctuations in the turquoise and sapphire waters offer a cornucopia of activities and entertainment, from Dominica in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south. As an important waypoint of colonial ships arriving from the east, you will find ancient plantations and rum distilleries, as well as mangroves and untamed forest ripe for exploration. There is plenty of polish and luxury, too, in the plush resorts of Mustique and St Lucia.
TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
The greater Caribbean has always been a popular destination for luxury yacht charters and the Turks and Caicos Islands are no exception. Featuring breathtaking waterfalls, white sand beaches and a culture as colourful as its sea life, the Turks and Caicos is a wonderful luxury yacht charter destinationLocated north of Haiti and south east of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a British territory well developed for tourism, while at the same time offering tranquillity far away from the usual tourist traps. Whether you are looking for high-end shopping ashore or a low-key celebration aboard your yacht, the Turks and Caicos Islands are an award-winning destination bursting with activities and exciting locations. This watercolour setting consisting of blues, greens and whites is a doorway to the world’s third largest reef, which is as yet untrammelled by mass-scale tourism. Relax on empty beaches under the pleasant Caribbean sun or discover the diverse sea life by snorkelling or scuba diving along the shallow ocean floor. The islands have an average temperature of 27°C/81°F. Light sea breezes take the edge off the heat and since sunshine is expected throughout the year, every season is ideal for a luxury yacht charter.