1. British Virgin Islands
The BVI prides itself on having more yachts there than anyone else in the world, reminding everyone that this destination is the perfect place to charter a yacht. With luxury waterfront resorts, pristine white sands, chic shopping and outstanding restaurants, the BVI has it all as a sailing fantasy land of over 40 islands and hundreds of marinas, all within sight.
The perfect combination of easy jumps to deep water islands is perfect for the whole family. Combine all this with crystal clear turquoise waters with an average temperature of 26°C year round, picture perfect beaches, stunning rock formations, an abundance of beach activities and an impressive array of dining options, and you can see why so many people love sailing here.
2. Seychelles
The stunning Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, is home to some of the most amazing flora and fauna on Earth, just 4 degrees south of the equator.
The outer islands are low, mostly atolls and cruising takes place mainly within the inner islands, all close together making it easy to move between islands.
The Seychelles can best be described as heaven on earth with towering granite boulders, swaying palm trees and turquoise inlets fringed by shimmering white sand beaches.
Mahé is the largest island, and since it is surrounded by other islands, its beaches are relatively quiet and safe.
Mahe is a mountainous island with peaks close to 1,000 meters and tropical forests full of hiking trails. Magnificent tropical scenery, white beaches, and sparkling aquamarine waters make Seychelles an ideal sailing destination.
3. The Greek Islands
Sailing is really the best way to experience these picturesque islands, set an island hopping itinerary, find secluded spots or dine on Greek cuisine.
Greece has 6,000 islands scattered in the Aegean and Ionian seas, of which only 227 are inhabited.
The Greek Islands are home to some of the greatest sunsets on earth and with over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of the best places on earth to charter a yacht.
Each of these islands has its own unique character which makes every visit to the port unique. Constant sunshine, whitewashed traditional villages, ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and rich culture attract sailors from all over the world.
4. Croatia
Dubbed “the new Greece,” “the new Riviera,” and “the new Tuscany,” Croatia is increasingly becoming a must-see destination for all kinds of travelers, but there’s no better way to experience it than by cruising the Adriatic Sea, where the sun is almost always shining.
Croatia has reshaped its infrastructure over the past decade to make it a popular destination for anyone looking for great cruises, historical places, and remote beaches. Croatia is one of the hidden gems of the Mediterranean, with 1,185 islands and 1,778 km of coastline, it truly is a sailor’s paradise. The Dalmatian Islands are wild, rugged, and mostly uninhabited and offer some of the best sailing in the region.
The rolling coast is dotted with pristine beaches, lush green cliffs, and ancient villages steeped in history.
5. French Polynesia
About halfway between Australia and California, French Polynesia’s 118 islands are spread over an expanse of the Pacific Ocean that stretches for more than 2,000 square kilometers.
French Polynesia is made up of five major groups of islands, including Tahiti, a landscape of jagged volcanic peaks dotted with lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls. The islands offer a wonderful mix of beautiful lagoons, traditional culture, and exotic marine life, with plenty to explore on land as well as at sea.
The wide lagoons around Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora offer plenty of sheltered flat-water sailing, and beyond the coral reefs, the long Pacific waves will give you a taste of ocean sailing at its best.
6. French Riviera, France
You’d be hard pressed to find a more romantic place to sail than the French Riviera. The Mediterranean coast in the southeastern corner of France offers more contrasts than probably anywhere else in the world, and there is no disputing the sheer glamor and splendor of the French Riviera. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican) with an area of 1.95 square kilometres.
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is the most popular place in the world to charter a yacht full of stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Some of the biggest, newest, and coolest superyachts from around the world congregate here, with sailing itineraries that can include St Tropez, Cannes, Nice, and Antibes.
This is the heart of the world’s superyacht culture, with vibrant nightlife, exceptional cuisine, and special events including the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix. The French Riviera manages to combine historic architecture, pristine islands, small marinas, rugged landscapes, and white sandy beaches with the great world-class resorts of Nice, Cannes, and Monte Carlo.
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy
From Naples to Positano and the storied island of Capri, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a storied region full of picturesque harbors and historic sites.
This is a very remote part of Italy, far from the tourists in Rome and the crowded marinas along the Riviera, a place where charter guests can sail in comfort and with a great deal of privacy.
This area also offers some great southern Italian cuisine, with Michelin-rated restaurants a short walk from some beautiful marinas. Dine on board or ashore for both lunch and dinner, and you won’t be disappointed. While the French may have their own Riviera, it doesn’t compare to the endless beauty of Italy’s coast.
Often overlooked due to its proximity to the likes of Monaco, the Italian coast is no less beautiful and arguably less spoiled by the progress made in building development. But for the ultimate Italy sailing excursion, I’d recommend starting at the Amalfi Coast and working your way to Naples and then on to the islands of Procida and Capri.
The sparkling seas here and the beautiful Italian coastline are the perfect scenery to complement a highly cultural area. You’ll see ancient ruins, clean sandy beaches, picturesque villages, and some of the best seafood you’re ever likely to eat.
8. Menorca, Spain
Although it may be smaller and less famous than the Balearic Islands, Menorca is dotted with more amazing beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined. Menorca’s rolling landscape offers charming villages with colorful traditional houses, cobblestone streets and beaches with secluded coves combined with an ideal climate for sailing, make it a true sailing paradise.
Recent changes in Spanish tax laws mean that the chartering landscape has changed as owners of brand new superyachts can put their yachts for charter without having to pay the taxes that used to make the practice prohibitive.
9. The southern coast of Turkey
Turkey’s southwestern coast has long been a popular destination for yacht charters, with itineraries stretching from Bodrum to Fethiye. Sailing in Turkey is considered among the best in the world due to the steady winds, clear blue waters, abundance of beautiful beaches, secluded marinas, coves, inlets and anchorages.
Throughout its history, Turkey has been a crossroads of religions, where East meets West with a mixture of cultures and cuisines. Turkey has more than 8,300 km of mountainous coastline with small fishing villages and historical sites. The charter yacht of choice here is the Gulet, a local motorists style.
The quality of the yachts has improved greatly and many of them are as luxurious as the motor yachts. They use the power of sail and wind and offer the best of both worlds and it is one of the most enjoyable rental vacations you can have with family and friends.
10- Montenegro
Montenegro has become a new hotspot for super yachts in the Mediterranean over the past few years due to heavy investments from fine waterfront restaurants to luxury accommodations to attract yachting enthusiasts. Tax advantages outside the EU (0% VAT) and rapidly growing infrastructure have made Porto Montenegro a prime base for yacht charters to explore thousands of islands from Greece to Croatia. The calm blue waters of Kotor and Tivat Bay provide the perfect setting for a great vacation.
The mountains house some of the most rugged terrain in Europe with a scenic coastline of 295km, with 72km of beaches and many ancient towns. Swim in the clean, sheltered waters with gorgeous backdrops or just enjoy the amazing feeling of sliding through the water under sail.
11. Saint Martin
St. Martin has to be one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world and it is no wonder why this island is overflowing with beauty. Both the French and the Netherlands rule the island and you can really experience two cultures in one place when you visit. When you charter a yacht here, there are plenty of other islands to explore including St Barths, Anguilla, and Saba.
Expect beautiful, deserted beaches fringed with soft white sand, exceptional waterfront restaurants and exceptional shopping. Explore the waters and learn why Saba is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Enchanting tropical scenery along with enough nightlife, world-famous beaches, and other islands to explore make this a premiere Caribbean getaway.
12. The Grenadines
White sand beaches and tropical waters make this area a haven for sailing enthusiasts. The Spice Islands, as they are sometimes referred to, the Grenadines are a chain of 32 picturesque islands spread across 60 miles of southern Caribbean in the West Indies, offering the perfect blend of exciting landscapes, culture, abundant marine life, friendly people, and pristine white sand beaches. Known as some of the greatest sailing waters in the world, you’ll find perfect sailing conditions and a lack of crowds making this one of the best places for a vacation on the water.