Adventurous itineraries for your next superyacht charter

Alaska

Even though Alaska is part of the US, its remote shores feel like a world apart. Combining dramatic landscapes, epic wildlife and 6,640 miles of coastline, the 49^th state leaves visitors astounded by its awe-inspiring scale. Much of the landscape is inaccessible by road, and with such a spectacular coastline the best way to explore is by luxury yacht.

Unfurling along the coast is a spectacular medley of fjords, glaciers and mountains. Travel by superyacht and get close up views of thundering waterfalls and enormous icebergs as well as wondrous animals, ranging from caribou, gray wolves and bears to whales and bald eagles.

Such remarkable terrain brings with it outdoor activities galore. Traverse the Inside Passage, hike in national parks the size of nations, paddle along virgin rivers, take a helicopter tour to a crevasse-riddled glacier and heli-ski on majestic mountain ranges. There’s also a rich history to discover in coastal towns along the way.

Charter an expedition yacht and explore this wondrous place in the winter or come in the summer and experience luscious green scenery. Pick from luxury yachts such as the 48m/157ft motor yacht REBEL, the 40m/130ft motor yacht SERENGETI and the 38m/125ft classic yacht TACONITE.

Galapagos Islands

Those lucky enough to venture to the far-flung Galapagos Islands will find wildlife and landscapes like nowhere else on earth. This is, after all, the place that provided the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking theory of natural selection. Best visited as the naturalist did himself: by boat or, even better, by luxury yacht.

Roughly 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the chain of 19 islands and dozens of islets presents a striking medley of stark lava formations, cactus, forests, lush green highlands, turquoise bays and gorgeous tropical beaches. But, best of all, it is overflowing with unusual animals at every turn.

Spot tropical penguins, Darwin finches, frigate birds and blue footed boobies (birds with bright blue feet). Observe giant tortoise in the highlands, snorkel with playful sea lions, and sunbathe next to sea iguanas on black lava rocks. There is really no other superyacht destination quite like it.

Wildlife activities vary greatly and each month has its own highlights, so this should be taken into consideration when deciding when to visit the island chain. Luxury yachts available for charter in the region include the 44m/145ft classic yacht GRACE and the 36m/117ft motor yacht MAJESTIC.      

Seychelles & Maldives

Tropical island bliss abounds in the Maldives. On almost every one of the country’s 1,200-odd islands is a beach with whiter-than-white sand and luminous blue water, while every one of the 100 plus resorts is its own private island. Then there are the dazzling diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Just over 1,300 miles southwest of the Maldives lies the Seychelles. Mother Nature was also very generous with these 115 islands. Talcum-powder beaches are lapped by topaz waters, which are likewise brimming with world-class aquatic delights for divers and snorkelers.

There are some differences between these Indian Ocean gems, however. While the Maldives are flat and focus on luxurious escapism, the Seychelles boast granitic mountain ranges clad in virgin jungle and the outdoor activities and wildlife-spotting opportunities that accompany such a landscape.

It’s also important to note the best time to visit the Maldives by luxury yacht is from November to April, while the Seychelles dry season takes place from May to October. The likes of the 84m/273ft charter yacht SAVANNAH and the 55m/180ft motor yacht LILI have both cruises to these idyllic destinations.

South East Asia

Vivacious cities, ancient temples, remote hill tribes, smouldering volcanoes, verdant rice paddies, wildlife-packed rainforests, street food, sun-drenched beaches and world-class dive sites – there’s a lifetime of adventure to be had on a South East Asia yacht charter.

Thailand’s stature as the yachting hub of the region is on the rise. Most charters to this exotic enclave centre on the hedonist gateway of Phuket and the turquoise Andaman Sea, while unexplored waters and uninhabited islands await to the north in Myanmar.

Vivacious cities, ancient temples, smouldering volcanoes, verdant rice paddies, wildlife-packed rainforests and world-class dive sites – there’s a lifetime of adventure to be had in South East Asia

To the south, Malaysia lures travellers with its culinary sensations, abundant wildlife and perfectly formed islands. The sprawling archipelago of Indonesia wows with its sheer size, scenery and diversity, whilst the coast of Vietnam to the north boasts World Heritage coastal gems, spectacular landscapes and one-of-a-kind cities. These provide a never ending choice of cruising opportunities to keep charterers mesmerised and enthralled at every turn. 

The best time of year to visit South East Asia on a luxury yacht charter is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. Examples of charter yachts in the region include the 77m/253ft motor yacht ‘Silver Fast’, the 51m/167ft luxury phinisi ‘Dunia Baru’ and the 41m/135ft motor yacht ‘Ocean Emerald’.

South Pacific

For the ultimate in escapism, head to the South Pacific. Wonderfully remote and surprisingly diverse, the islands conjure up images of tangerine sunsets, garlands of heavenly-scented flowers, and captivating turquoise lagoons.

The most popular place to visit by luxury yacht is Tahiti and her islands. Boasting reef-fringed islands and glittering azure waters, it’s impossible to dispute this archipelago’s appeal. Another South Pacific gem is Fiji. The 300 island strong archipelago is famed for its dive havens, gorgeous beaches and volcanic landscapes.

To venture even further off the beaten track, head to Vanuatu for rumbling volcanoes, wreck dives and wild jungle treks, Samoa for surfing, a laid-back pace and the most pristine beaches in the region, and the Solomon Islands for traditional culture, kayaking and diving.

The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to visit the South Pacific. Superyachts available for charter in the region include the 60m/197ft motor yacht DREAM, the 45m/148ft expedition yacht ‘Big Fish’ and the 44m/145ft motor yacht HEMISPHERE.

Australia

Australia is one of those rare superyacht destinations that combine cosmopolitan cities and lively urbanity with breath-taking natural wonders. And, as its yachting infrastructure grows, it is becoming ever more appealing to have a once-in-a-lifetime charter experience down under.

Home to a gorgeous natural harbour and iconic architecture, the much-loved city of Sydney is ideal charter territory, no matter whether catching the New Year’s Eve fireworks or exploring its miles of meandering waterways. The best time to visit is between November and March.  

Meanwhile, it’s possible to tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list from May to September. Home to a bewitching kaleidoscope of marine life, as well as the Whitsunday Islands, this 1,250-mile-long coral reef is teaming with dive sites and blissful, foot-print free beaches.  

Some of the top luxury yachts available for charter in Australia include the 49m/161ft motor yacht ‘Endless Summer’, the 37m/122ft motor yacht ‘Ghost II’ and the 32m/122ft motor yacht AKIKO.

Antarctica

Considered to be the last true slice of wilderness on the planet, Antarctica makes for a trip of a lifetime. The surreal remoteness, dramatic vistas and extraordinary species of this continent leave visitors utterly spellbound; there is truly no comparison.

Adventure through cobalt blue waters passing magnificent glaciers, gigantic ice shelves and snow-blanketed mountains while keeping your eyes peeled for Weddell seals, emperor penguins, migratory whales and millions of seabirds.

Activities range from climbing Antarctic peaks, sledging across the polar plateau and kayaking alongside otherworldly icebergs to visiting scientific research stations and following in the footsteps of great explorers such as Scott and Shackleton.     

There is, of course, no better way to discover the region than by luxury yacht. Some of the best options include the 77m/254ft expedition yacht LEGEND, the 73m/238ft motor yacht CLOUDBREAK and the 71m/234ft expedition yacht ‘Enigma XK’. Visit from November to March for milder temperatures and longer hours of sunlight.

For further information on any of the above destinations, speak to your preferred charter broker.