11 Most Incredible Exotic Yacht Charter Destinations with Yacht Matches

Raja Ampat Highlights

Raja Ampat is, first and foremost, one of the top dive destinations in the world! Located in the Coral Triangle, it’s home to the planet’s richest marine biodiversity. The water is crystal clear, with visibility up to 30 meters (100 feet). You can see vibrant coral, manta rays, sharks, and rare creatures like wobbegong sharks and pygmy seahorses.

We recommend you include Wayag, the Fam Islands, Arborek, and Misool in your Raja Ampat Yacht Charter Itinerary.

How to Get There:

To get to your Raja Ampat, you need to fly into Sorong, in west Papua. You can get flight connections from the major Indonesian cities, Jakarta (5 hours), Makassar, and Manado (2 hours). You will then embark on your Luxury Liveaboard in Sorong Harbour (a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport), and off you are on your exploration of one of the most spectacular locations in the world!

Best Time to Go:

Maldives Highlights

The Maldives is a unique coral atoll formation, with most of its islands just 1.3 meters (4 feet) above sea level. These low-lying islands developed over submerged volcanic peaks, leaving behind sandy beaches and shallow turquoise lagoons in the heart of the Indian Ocean. This makes it perfect for yacht charters, offering unparalleled access to secluded beaches, clear waters, and vibrant reefs, all while exploring a geological wonder that seems to float just above the sea.

How to Get There:

To reach the Maldives for a yacht charter, fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé, the capital. It’s well-connected with major cities worldwide, including Dubai, Singapore, Doha, and Istanbul. From Malé, your yacht charter provider will arrange a transfer, either directly from the marina near the airport or via a domestic flight or seaplane to your yacht’s starting point in a different atoll.

Best Time to Go:

The best time to visit the Maldives for a yacht charter is during the dry season, from November to April. This period sees calm seas, clear skies, and mild northeast winds, making it ideal for sailing, diving, and beach activities. It’s also the peak season, with warm, sunny weather and less chance of rain, perfect for exploring the islands and reefs.

French Polynesia Highlights

Starting from islands like Tahiti, Bora Bora, or Raiatea, you can sail through turquoise lagoons, explore volcanic peaks,and relax on pristine beaches. Highlights include snorkeling with colorful coral reefs, swimming with rays and sharks, and visiting traditional Polynesian villages.

How to Get There:

To get to your yacht charter in French Polynesia, fly into Fa’a’ā International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, the main gateway to the islands. The airport has direct flights from major cities like Los Angeles, Paris, Auckland, and Tokyo. From Tahiti, you can catch a short domestic flight to other islands like Bora Bora, Raiatea, or Moorea, where most yacht charters begin. We can arrange transfers to the marina, ensuring a smooth start to your sailing adventure.

Best Time to Go:

The best time to visit French Polynesia for a yacht charter is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers pleasant weather, calm seas, and less humidity, making it perfect for sailing, diving, and exploring the islands. The temperatures are warm, with little rain, and the trade winds are gentle, ideal for smooth sailing. The peak months of June, July, and August can be busy, so plan ahead if you’re traveling then. The wet season from November to April brings more humidity, rain, and sometimes storms, but still offers warm weather and fewer crowds.

Galapagos Highlights

The Galápagos Islands are a unique archipelago located off the coast of Ecuador, known for their rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Key highlights include Santa Cruz Island, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and giant tortoises, and Isabela Island, where you can explore volcanoes, lava fields, and mangrove forests.

Marine life thrives around Darwin and Wolf Islands, known for incredible diving with hammerhead sharks, rays, and whale sharks. The islands’ famous blue-footed boobies, sea lions, iguanas, and penguins make wildlife watching a top attraction.

How to Get There:

To reach your yacht charter in the Galápagos, you’ll first need to fly into Ecuador, either to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). From there, take a domestic flight to the Galápagos, landing at either Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY). Most yachts depart from nearby marinas on these islands, with Baltra being a popular starting point for charters.

Best Time to Go:

The wet season (December to June) in the Galápagos is best for marine life, with warmer waters drawing whale sharks, rays, and tropical fish, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. The islands are lush and green, with active mating and nesting wildlife.

The dry season (July to November) offers cooler weather and nutrient-rich currents that attract penguins, dolphins, and other marine species. It’s also prime time for spotting land wildlife like blue-footed boobies, sea lion pups, and flamingos, with clear skies perfect for exploration​.

Alaska Highlights

Alaska highlights include its breathtaking landscapes of towering glaciers, fjords, and mountains. The Inside Passage is a must-see, famous for whale watching and beautiful coastal scenery. Glacier Bay National Park offers stunning ice formations and diverse wildlife, including bears and sea otters. Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest peak and is perfect for trekking and wildlife spotting. For a mix of culture and nature, Juneau and Ketchikan provide access to rich Alaskan heritage, with totem poles and historic sites.

How to Get There:

To reach your yacht charter in Alaska, most travelers fly into major airports like Anchorage (ANC) or Juneau (JNU).From Anchorage, you can take a short domestic flight to smaller regional hubs such as Sitka, Ketchikan, or Seward, where many yacht charters begin. If your charter starts in Juneau, you can fly directly there, as it serves as a key gateway to Alaska’s Inside Passage, a popular cruising route.

Best Time to Go:

The best time to charter a yacht in Alaska is during the summer months, from June to September. During this period, Alaska experiences long days with nearly 24 hours of daylight, known as the Midnight Sun, which maximizes time for exploring. The weather is milder, making it ideal for activities like wildlife watching, trekking, kayaking, and cruising through scenic areas such as Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage​.

Summer is also the peak time for wildlife sightings. You can see humpback whales, orcas, bears, eagles, and sea otters, among others.

Seychelles Highlights

The Seychelles has been steadily growing as a yacht charter destination in recent years. An improved yachting infrastructure, the area’s year-round sailing conditions, and short distances between islands make it an ideal yacht charter location.

Must-visit destinations are the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, known for their stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and unique granite rock formations, and the Sainte Anne Marine Park.

How to Get There:

To reach your yacht charter in the Seychelles, fly into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), located on Mahé, the largest island. This airport is well-connected to major cities like Dubai, Doha, Paris, and Johannesburg, with regular international flights. Most yacht charters start from Eden Island Marina near the airport.

Best Time to Go:

The best time for a yacht charter in Seychelles is during the transitional months of April-May or October-November, when the weather is warm, sunny, and calm, with temperatures around 27°C to 30°C (80°F to 86°F). These months offer ideal sailing conditions with light winds and minimal rainfall, perfect for water activities and exploring the islands. While the dry season from May to September is great for sailing, it can be windier. The wetter months, November to March, bring warmer, more humid weather but still allow for enjoyable charters​.

Fiji Highlights

Starting from marinas like Port Denarau, charters explore the stunning Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, famous for highlights like the Blue Lagoon in Yasawa, with its clear turquoise waters and beautiful beaches, and the Sawa-i-Lau Caves, where you can swim in hidden, freshwater caverns. In the Mamanucas, visit Cloud 9, a floating bar and popular spot near the world-renowned Cloudbreak surf break. Activities include snorkeling at vibrant reefs, diving in places like Beqa Lagoon, swimming with manta rays at Tokoriki, and enjoying cultural experiences in traditional Fijian villages.

How to Get There:

To reach your yacht charter in Fiji, you’ll fly into Nadi International Airport (NAN), which is the main hub for international flights and conveniently located near major marinas like Port Denarau. This marina is a popular starting point for charters to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. If your yacht departs from the eastern side of Fiji, you can fly into Nausori International Airport (SUV) near the capital, Suva.

Best Time to Go:

The best time for a yacht charter in Fiji is during the dry season, from May to October. The consistent trade winds make for smooth sailing, and the clear skies and pleasant temperatures (around 25°C to 31°C or 77°F to 88°F) make it perfect for outdoor activities. While you can visit year-round, the wet season (November to April) brings more humidity, rain, and potential storms, which can make conditions less predictable​.

Hawaii Highlights

A Hawaii yacht charter combines stunning scenery, adventure, and laid-back island life. Starting from Oahu, we recommend you explore highlights like the Napali Coast on Kauai, Maui’s waterfalls, and the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes. Enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, whale watching, and, of course, world-famous surfing! Best spots include Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore, known for its powerful, barreling waves and epic surf competitions like the Vans Triple Crown. Waikiki Beach, also on Oahu, is ideal for beginners with its gentle, long waves. Over on Maui, Jaws (Peahi) draws expert surfers seeking massive, thrilling waves that tower over the coastline, especially during the big-wave season.

How to Get There:

To get to your yacht charter in Hawaii, fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu, which serves as the main hub for most arrivals. From there, charters typically depart from marinas like Ala Wai Harbor in Honolulu. For inter-island charters starting in other locations like Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, you can take a quick domestic flight from Honolulu to airports on those islands, such as Kahului (OGG) on Maui or Lihue (LIH) on Kauai.

Best Time to Go:

The best time for a yacht charter in Hawaii is during the summer months, from May to October. This period offers consistent trade winds, warm weather, and calmer seas. Summer is also the best season for whale watching on the leeward sides of the islands, which receive little rain and have great visibility. While the weather is generally pleasant year-round, winter months (November to April) can bring larger swells, particularly on the north shores, which are great for surfing but may lead to rougher sailing conditions in some areas.

Coste Rica Highlights

A Costa Rica yacht charter offers a blend of adventure, stunning nature, and coastal relaxation. The main cruising area is the Pacific coast, with highlights like Gulf of Papagayo, Nicoya Peninsula, and Golfo Dulce. Popular marinas such as Marina Papagayo and Marina Pez Vela provide excellent facilities for charters. Activities include snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and visiting pristine beaches like Playa Flamingo and secluded spots in the Gulf of Nicoya.

How to Get There:

To reach your yacht charter in Costa Rica, fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR). For charters on the Pacific Coast, Liberia is ideal, with easy access to marinas like Papagayo and Pez Vela. From San José, you can drive or take a quick domestic flight to your starting point. We can help with transfers directly to your yacht.

Best Time to Go:

The best time for a yacht charter in Costa Rica is during the dry season, from December to April. This period offers warm, dry, sunny weather, clear skies, and calm seas – perfect conditions for cruising, snorkeling, and exploring the coast. During this time, marine life is abundant, and activities like deep-sea fishing and diving are popular.

Philippines Highlights

A Philippines yacht charter offers a diverse mix of pristine beaches, lush islands, and rich marine life across its 7,000 islands. Popular destinations include Palawan with its stunning limestone cliffs and lagoons, the Visayas for vibrant reefs and whale shark encounters, and Cebu for a blend of culture and coastal beauty. The best time to visit is the dry season (November to May), with calm seas and clear skies perfect for cruising, snorkeling, and island-hopping​.

How to Get There:

To get to your yacht charter in the Philippines, fly into Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), both major international airports. Charters typically depart from marinas like Subic Bay near Manila or El Nido and Cebu’s ports. For starting points on other islands, take a quick domestic flight to locations like Palawan or Bohol.

Best Time to Go:

The best time for a yacht charter in the Philippines is during the dry season, from November to May. This period brings warm, sunny weather with calm seas, ideal for cruising, snorkeling, and island-hopping. Conditions are perfect for exploring areas like Palawan, Cebu, and the Visayas, with little rain and steady breezes. The wet season (June to October) can bring heavier rains and the risk of typhoons, making sailing less predictable during these months.

Panama Highlights

A Panama yacht charter lets you explore diverse coastlines and stunning islands. The San Blas Islands offer remote, unspoiled beauty and vibrant reefs; Bocas del Toro is known for its laid-back vibe, lush rainforests, and marine life; while the Pearl Islands provide secluded beaches and great fishing. The best time to charter is the dry season from December to April for warm, sunny weather and calm seas.

How to Get There:

To get to your yacht charter in Panama, fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. From there, you can easily reach key marinas like Flamenco Marina or Balboa Yacht Club. For charters heading to the San Blas Islands, you can take a domestic flight from Albrook Airport (PAC) to airstrips on islands like El Porvenir or Corazón de Jesús, or we can arrange for a 4×4 road transfer to the coast, followed by a boat ride. For the Pearl Islands, flights from Albrook to Contadora Island are available, taking around 30 minutes.

Best Time to Go:

The best time for a yacht charter in Panama, including the San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro, and the Pearl Islands, is during the dry season, from December to April. This period offers warm, tropical weather with steady winds, calm seas and less rain, making it ideal for sailing, snorkeling, and island-hopping. The rainy season (May to November) sees more humidity and rain, but it can still be a good time for those looking for fewer crowds and lush, green landscapes​.