It is not just the privacy, authentic luxury, comfort and fine dining experience on-board a superyacht that makes it so memorable, it is the places you get to visit and the things that you can do and see during your charter that create those truly lasting memories.
Chartering a superyacht can provide the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most exotic and captivating destinations; places where you and your guests can enjoy incredible magical moments.
Here are 12 dazzling destinations perfect for a Christmas getaway:
1. The Seychelles
A tropical archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is a spectacular yachting destination.
Its white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, shimmering crystal-clear waters and huge granite rock formations, make it a simply stunning location, guaranteed to astound you.
Grab a snorkel and experience your own window to the underwater world, whilst enjoying a swim with Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles.
2. Cuba
Sitting between the Caribbean and North Atlantic Ocean, Cuba is renowned for its brightly coloured vintage cars, colonial architecture and distinct cultural history.
Besides the pristine beaches and infamous Cuban rum, you can take tours in a classic car and visit Ernest Hemingway’s former home. Or, for those looking for something a little bit different, why not visit Disco Ayala, a dance club that is 100 feet underground – now that takes ‘how low can you go’ on the dancefloor to a whole new level.
3. Maldives
Situated in the Indian Ocean is a chain of coral islands and atolls, the Maldives Islands are renowned for their turquoise waters, shimmering sands, charming water villas and exotic marine life.
Take a trip to Maafushi, where you can swim alongside stingrays, whale sharks and sea turtles, or visit the glowing beach on Vaadhoo Island created by bioluminescent plankton– the perfect place to spend time after sunset.
4. The Bahamas
Nestled in the West Atlantic Ocean, is a 760 mile-long chain of nearly 700 islands, cays and reefs called The Bahamas, which together make up one of the world’s most enchanting archipelagos.
Home to one of the deepest sinkholes in the world that stands at an impressive 663 feet deep, Dean’s Blue Hole is a wonderful site for diving enthusiasts. And if you choose to visit the Exuma islands, don’t be surprised if you come across the swimming pigs – yes pigs!
5. Cape Verde
A stunning island chain located in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde offers a unique island culture, intriguing colonial heritage, incredible volcanic landscapes and a great year-round climate – it is easy to see why it is a very popular destination.
Take a trip to the Island of Fogo and hike to a Volcano or, visit the Island of Sal, a popular deep sea diving location, where you can also visit abandoned salt mines from the 18th century and immerse yourself into one of the salt ponds.
6. Martinique
Known as the flower of the Caribbean, Martinique is included in the Lesser Antilles island chain in the Eastern Caribbean Sea and boasts a unique blend of French and Caribbean cultures.
You can soak up the peaceful atmosphere at the Grand’ Riviere, a small picturesque fishing village tucked away under coastal cliffs, from which you can enjoy incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Martinque’s ruins, beaches and old markets offer visitors many a unique place to explore.
7. St Lucia
Where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, you will find the lush green landscapes and towering twin Pitons of St. Lucia, whose rich natural beauty offers its visitors a lot to explore.
Take a guided hike to the summit of the Piton Mountains or visit ‘Boucan’ an innovative restaurant by Hotel Chocolat, which offers incredible views over the rainforest and a unique menu focused on chocolate and cocoa. Or for those more braver, why not take a ride on a aerial tram, where you will be suspended above the rainforest tree canopy – obviously not for the fainthearted or those afraid of heights!
8. Dubai
Positioned in the Persian Gulf and well-known for its ultra-modern architecture, luxurious hotels and skyscraper filled skyline, sits one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, the emerald city of Dubai.
Venture through the old Arabian souks and be greeted by the aroma of authentic spices, aromatic Arabic perfumes, gold sold by the weight and the most lavish fabrics.
For true luxury, visit the Sahn Eddar Lounge in the world’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, where you can enjoy the ‘Ultimate Cappuccino’ made of 100% Arabica beans and a generous mixture of 24-karat gold.
9. Antigua
With its pristine white sandy shores, washed by the Caribbean Seas and Atlantic Ocean, Antigua offers a satisfying climate all year round. Famous for having the sweetest pineapple, you can be sure to find ‘black pineapple’ in most cuisines or cocktails.
Here you can snorkel in the untouched ringed coral reefs, visit an incredible natural limestone walkway known as the Devil’s Arch, or fly through the rainforest on a zip-line – risky or reserved – there is something for everyone.
10. Grenada
A hidden gem with unspoiled beauty commonly known as the ‘spice isle’, Grenada is one of the smallest independent Caribbean Islands, which is home to some amazing wildlife, blankets of rainforest, countless secluded coves and dormant volcanoes.
Deep in its mountainous interior, you can take a hike to the Seven Sisters Waterfalls and enjoy your surrounding whilst swimming in its crystal-clear waters.
On the west coast, nearly 14ft down at the bottom of the Molinere Bay, you can explore Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park, built as a tribute to nearly two million African slaves and listed as one of the National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World.
11. Turks and Caicos Islands
Home to the most breath taking hues of sapphire waters, the Turks and Caicos Islands are one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.
Made up of 40 low-laying coral islands and cays, this archipelago offers a touch of paradise but without the crowds. Home to numerous caves, it is also home to one of the world’s largest blue holes at nearly 2000 feet in diameter, offering an exceptional experience for a keen diver willing to take the plunge!
For those who prefer to keep their head above water, you may be lucky enough to spot one of the many visiting pods of whales as they migrate from the Antarctica to the tropical waters of the Pacific.
12. Belize
Bordering the Caribbean Sea from Central America, formerly known as the British Honduras, Belize is a Caribbean paradise.
Famous for its diverse and distinctive ecosystems, it has various species in its flora and fauna including the Black Orchid, Mahogany trees and of course, Toucans.
The Belize Barrier Reef runs 190 miles along the Caribbean coastline and is the largest reef system in the Northern Hemisphere – rather impressive!
If you prefer to stay dry, you can take a trip to one of the many Mayan Ruins. A short boat ride followed by a venture through the jungle whilst listening to the birds and monkeys in the tree tops overhead, will bring you to the Lamanai ruins, built in 1500 B.C. – some serious Indiana Jones vibes going on here!
From the Caribbean Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, the Antarctica to the Norwegian Fjords, the options are endless.
Unlike a hotel, chartering a yacht gives you the freedom and flexibility to move from one location to another as well as the ability to go from complete seclusion to jet-set nightlife.
A yacht charter can be anything you want it to be, fun and wild or relaxed and mild. All you have to do is to decide where to drop the anchor!
For information on more fabulous charter destinations or how to book your yacht charter, check out our brand partner, West Nautical.
