High up on the list of reasons why a Thanksgiving yacht charter is a must-do is the chance to escape to an idyllic, sun-drenched destination. But where is the best place to go on a superyacht during the national holiday?
Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to press pause on everyday life and get away on a luxury yacht charter. With a five-star crew catering to every need and a resident chef conjuring up a spectacular feast, there is no better way to relax over the break and create precious memories with family and friends.
Making a Thanksgiving charter vacation even more appealing is the chance to enjoy some much-needed sunshine and experience some of the world’s most beautiful cruising grounds. So, read on to discover five top destinations to visit over the holiday to make this Thanksgiving one to remember.
US residents who want to celebrate Thanksgiving in style without straying too far from home should consider a Miami day charter. The city is very accessible by boat and a varied charter fleet ensures there’s a yacht to suit all occasions, whether it be a relaxed family gathering or large-scale party.
A Miami day charter is likely to depart from Miami Beach Marina, and views of the glittering city skyline can be taken in as the yacht cruises through Biscayne Bay. There will be time to escape the city too, heading south to the Key Biscayne sandbar or north to the private beaches of Bal Harbour.
Bathed in gorgeous Florida sunshine year-round, the so-called Magic City is well worth exploring beyond its waterways. Stick around to discover its iconic art deco district, burgeoning art and design scene, cutting-edge eateries, hip bars and unbridled nightlife.
One of the greatest things about the Bahamas is its excellent year-round sailing conditions. Couple this with its proximity to the east coast of the US – it’s only 50 miles from Florida – and it’s easy to see why the island-nation makes such a great destination for a quick Thanksgiving getaway.
Made up of more than 700 coral islands, the Bahamas abounds with cruising opportunities. Charters usually begin in the high-energy port of Nassau and, from here, 120 miles of sandy bliss awaits in the nearby island-chain of the Exumas while, to the north, the Abacos Islands offer complete seclusion.
As such, charterers celebrating Thanksgiving in the region can expect a weekend of relaxation in blissful surrounds. Conditions are also brilliant for watersports so all ages will be kept well-entertained.
American charterers who can spare a couple more hours of flying time over the Thanksgiving break will find the Caribbean an alluring prospect. In late November, the region is on the cusp of its primetime season and so the weather will be brightening up in time for festivities.
With more than 7,000 islands in the region, deciding where to go can be difficult. The Leeward Islands are where most luxury yacht charters take place with hotspots such as St Barts, Saint Martin and Antigua, while the Virgin Islands and the Windward Islands are also popular.
Although each island group boasts its own unique character, yacht-goers will never be too far from idyllic anchorages, secluded coves, sun-drenched beaches, marine-rich dive sites and fine dining opportunities. The Caribbean has something for everyone, even at Thanksgiving.
As an increasing number of superyachts venture to Mexico, it’s becoming a great alternative to cruising in the Bahamas or Caribbean over Thanksgiving. It’s particularly well-suited to Americans based on the west coast as most yachting vacations centre on the Baja Peninsula in the Sea of Cortez.
Late-November sees Mexico heading into its high season; nine hours of sunshine can be expected each day, temperatures will be pleasant and rainfall will be low. But it’s not just the weather that entices visitors: a Mexico charter vacation promises marine life and majestic landscapes galore.
The 746-mile-long Baja Peninsula coastline is favoured among diving enthusiasts due to its diverse underwater world, which counts dolphins, sea lions and whales among its impressive list of inhabitants. While on land, pristine beaches, vineyards and historical sites such as the rock paintings of Sierra de San Francisco continue to keep all enthralled.
Yacht-goers after a far-flung Thanksgiving adventure need look no further than Tahiti and the other 117 islands of French Polynesia. As these South Pacific cruising grounds call for at least a week of exploration, a vacation here is only feasible if charterers extend their time off over the holiday.
But flights from Los Angeles to Tahiti take less than eight hours, so the island-chain is probably closer than expected, and with highs of 30 degrees in November, it’s great for some winter warmth.
Those who make it to the island-chain can expect bewitchingly blue lagoons filled with fascinating sea life, palm tree-lined beaches backed by majestic peaks and a seductive laidback way of life - all the ingredients needed for a Thanksgiving yacht charter of a lifetime.
Wherever you choose to go, your itinerary can be as busy or relaxing as you like. Likewise, you have complete control over your Thanksgiving menu and how you celebrate the festivities.
Need some inspiration? Browse the entire fleet of superyachts currently available for charter.
For further details on organising a Thanksgiving yacht charter, speak to your preferred charter broker.
