It’s not surprising that some of the most popular destinations for the luxurious recreational activity of yachting also happen to be some of the most beautiful locales on the entire planet.
We’re fascinated by boats of all shapes, sizes and styles, and this certainly includes yachts and superyachts in all of their stunning and glorious varieties. The only thing more fun than looking at all of the unfathomably cool features is dreaming about where to set sail aboard such a breathtaking craft.
We curated a list of the most amazing destinations for your consideration, whether you’re chartering a yacht with your own skipper and crew or rather happen to be a seasoned pro looking forward to the next time you captain your own vessel. From the sandy shores of Monaco to the charming waterfront of Narragansett Bay, we’ll offer up our suggestions for the best destinations for yachting and sailing in the world and let you take the baton and run with it from there!
Monaco, French Riviera
And Monaco is right where we start. How could we not? This sovereign city-state, bordered on three sides by France and on the fourth by the incomparable Mediterranean Sea, is a Mecca for yachting around the world. Besides the fact that Monaco is simply one of the most beautiful destinations in western Europe, it draws this crowd because it is also home to the world-famous Monaco Yacht Show. There is a jaw-dropping selection of superyachts regularly on display in Port Hercules. While on your yachting adventure, jump onto dry land to explore the rich culture, cuisine, shopping, arts and entertainment that this gem on the French Riviera offers its visitors year-round. From the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to the Monaco Cathedral to the endless designer stores and to-die-for restaurants, there’s something for everyone to explore in sunny Monaco.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix play host to yachting enthusiasts from around the world. Many sail their crafts right into this part of the eastern Caribbean Sea, while others embark upon a journey to this tropical paradise and charter their yacht directly from one of these launch points. Whatever the particulars of your plan, you really can’t go wrong by planning your yachting itinerary around the U.S. Virgin Islands. Known for their sparkling blue waters, white-sand beaches and lush landscapes, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a feast for the eyes and provide those on yachting adventures the opportunity to also enjoy a whole host of other amazing activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to parasailing and wakeboarding. The U.S. Virgin Islands is also replete with wonderful restaurants that serve incredibly fresh seafood in endless amounts. The laid-back vibe and nearly year-round perfect climate make this a destination of choice for sailing and yachting lovers the world over.
The Bahamas
Hurricane Dorian certainly took its toll on the Bahamas, but as the tourism industry begins to get itself back together in this lovely part of the world, it’s more important than ever that we continue to support it. Besides the obvious appeal of the Bahamas, a coral archipelago that features gorgeous, crystal clear water, long stretches of sandy beaches and virtually every kind of outdoor water sport and activity you can imagine, it is also a top destination for people looking to charter yachts and also moor their yacht in the area to take in the local charm. We chose the Bahamas as an alternative to the U.S. Virgin Islands for those people who want to stick a little closer to the mainland U.S. The Bahamas is within much closer range of Florida, while you have to travel over 1000 miles to reach the U.S. Virgin Islands. Another huge benefit of sailing or yachting into this part of the Atlantic Ocean is that you can also explore around the likes of Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, the British Virgin Islands, and the list goes on.
Greece
Even if we were inclined to try, we could not have left Greece off any list of top yachting and sailing destinations. The paradise-like backdrop of the Aegean Sea and the seemingly innumerable, breathtaking islands that are peppered throughout it make Greece one of the most highly sought-after destinations for yachting in the world. The clear blue waters, diverse coastlines, verdant landscapes and rich culture are only a few of the appeals of the Greek isles. The amazing thing about exploring Greece aboard a yacht or sailing vessel is that you have the opportunity to explore so much of what so many others never have a chance to see, simply by virtue of the fact that they are more or less restricted to their point of destination. Yachting and sailing through Greece gives you an inside look at the rich diversity of islands, many of which remain uninhabited to this day. Stop off in Athens, spend the day relaxing on the beaches of Corfu or Crete, or create memories that will last a lifetime in Santorini or along the breathtaking stretches of coastline on Balos Beach. You can take a good portion in from aboard the yacht but be sure to reserve time to explore Greece’s many treasures on dry land as well.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket combines luxury and charm in a way that makes it a natural choice for yachting and sport sailing lovers from around the world. This small island off of Cape Cod in Massachusetts features unspoiled, dune-backed beaches, historic wharves, gorgeous cobblestone streets, high-end clothing boutiques and world-class restaurants. Each summer you’ll see the Nantucket Boat Basin filling up with some of the most incredible yachts and superyachts which have set sail from all points around the globe. Nantucket is a perfect destination for yachting, as the charming, relaxed vibe of the island, and the opportunities it affords to relax and unwind, provide a nice counterpoint to the seafaring aspect of yachting, in which you are always on the go. Also known for its incredible array of lighthouses and historic architecture, Nantucket is a can’t-miss travel destination, whether you arrive there by yacht or any other means necessary.
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