A guide to summer 2023 yacht charter destinations.

Favourite anchorage – For a peaceful anchorage head to the Îles d’Hyères. Surrounded by an underwater reserve, the waters here are teeming with marine life. Take the tender ashore and explore the sun-drenched vineyards of Île de Port Cross before enjoying a wine tasting.  

Recommended – Spend a day at one of the world-famous beach clubs along Pampelonne, or head inland to the medieval hilltop village of St Paul de Vence. Book a table at the iconic La Colombe d’Or for an authentic Provençal lunch in an iconic French setting.  

Croatia  

The cruising grounds of Croatia, and in particular the Dalmatian coastline, offer travellers an almost perfect combination of drama, breathtaking coastal scenery, and the ability to really get away from the rest of humanity. Whether you want Tolkeinesque landscapes, immersive history and cultures, or beach clubs and cocktail bars, there is something to suit every type of yacht charter. The water remains warm enough to swim well into October, and even in the high season months of July and August there are so many bays and coves that there will always be an empty cove to drop anchor in.

Favourite anchorage – The Kornati National Park boasts hundreds of uninhabited islands, islets and reefs which together provide calm anchorages where you can enjoy all manner of watersports.  

Recommended – Croatia is home to no less than ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the old-towns of Dubrovnik and Split. Stroll along the cobblestone streets within these great city walls for a trip back in time.  

Greek Islands  

The huge variety of cruising options and a large superyacht fleet to choose from, the Greek Islands are a great choice for summer cruising. For those with a passion for culture, a yacht charter through the Greek Islands is a dot to dot tour of fascinating ruins and temples. Steeped in historical splendour, the Cyclades are home to the sacred grounds of Delos, birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Over in the Ionian Sea, explore the Cave of the Nymphs, the Fountain of Arethusa and Odysseus Palace.  

The Greek Islands have a reliable climate even into late September and early October, when you can still experience warm weather and light winds while island hopping through either archipelago.

Favourite anchorage – Attracting the cool crowd to their low-key shorelines, the lesser-known Greek isles of Paros and Antiparos have been attracting writers and artists for centuries, but a recent influx of A-listers has put this island pair firmly in the spotlight.   

Recommended – When cruising Mykonos, take the tender ashore for a long lunch at Nammos on Psarou Beach. The Greek alternative to Saint Tropez’s Club 55, Nammos is considered the gold standard of Mykonian chic. 

Amalfi 

The small towns dotting Italy’s Amalfi Coast offer something for every charterer – cultural highlights are in good supply here, while restaurants and boutiques dot ancient alleyways and waterfronts and make for great exploring on foot. From Positano to Sorrento, step ashore into the quaint, historic fishing villages which hug this vertiginous coastline and discover hidden treasures galore. The beaches that line the Amalfi Coast are few and far between and never very big, so these can be very crowded throughout the summer season. However, there are a handful of beaches accessible only by boat which are perfect for the fortunate few exploring the area by yacht.

Favourite anchorage – The crystal-clear waters surrounding the three small Li Galli islets are home to spectacular snorkelling spots and provide plenty of swimming opportunities. 

Recommended – Head to the lesser-known volcanic island of Ischia, aka the ‘island of wellbeing’. Famous for its thermal springs and therapeutic spas, drop anchor to the south of the island and swim ashore to bathe in pools of thermal water carved out of natural rock.  

The Caribbean  

Well-known as a winter playground for superyachts and the jet set, the Caribbean comes into its own during the summer months. Getting away from it all takes on a whole new meaning when the best anchorage spots are nearly private and berthing in the summer months is a breeze. The temperatures can be very high though, and the winds are generally much lighter than in the winter, so sailing is not generally recommended, but for those new to yachting the smaller seas are a blessing. August and September are the likeliest months for Hurricanes and high winds, so to be safe avoid these months, or otherwise charter in the islands that are considered “below the belt” – the Windward Islands (including the Grenadines) are generally considered to be the least susceptible to inclement weather and make a safe bet.  

The Grenadines  

When it comes to sailing in the Caribbean, the Grenadines is one of the best-known and loved archipelagos of the Windwards Islands. The islands enjoy a tropical climate year-round, and offer a combination of warm, steady trade winds and an unspoiled environment. An exotic concoction of palm-studded sandbars, coral reefs and tiny islets, they are ideal for families and first-time charterers thanks to the short cruising distances between. On some of the islands, including Bequia and Mustique, you will also find exclusive resorts, restaurants and bars, while the smaller islands are often deserted bar a few yachts bobbing at anchor.

Favourite anchorage – Anchor in Britannia Bay and tender ashore to the chic private island of Mustique for a pampering treatment at The Cotton House or a sundowner at the infamous Basil’s Bar.  

Recommended – The Tobago Cays Wildlife Reserve and Marine Park provide a stunning underwater world for divers of all capabilities.  

The Bahamas  

Technically lying in the Atlantic Ocean, even the Bahamians refer to their location as the Caribbean. With their soft white sands and warm, shallow waters, they are indeed far closer to the alluring West Indies than the wild and rolling Atlantic shores of the Atlantic’s summer hot spot, New England. A paradise for yachts, the hundreds of cays and islets of the Exumas play host to a spectacular underwater world for divers, while ashore they provide opportunities for beach picnics, beach bars, and spa treatments at one of the luxury resorts.

Favourite anchorage – Anchor off Big Major’s Spot and Warderick Wells Cay, – reputedly the two best places for watersports in the Exumas. The latter anchorage of Warderick Wells Cay is among the cluster of islands that make up the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Also known as the Garden of Eden, the marine preserve has a wonderful variety of coral reefs and colourful sea life.   

Recommended – Kayak through the mangroves of Shroud Cay, snorkel through Thunderball Grotto, or go deeper to dive one of the coral walls that populate the Exuma Sound. 

British Virgin Islands  

Full of variety and seemingly designed for family yacht charter, the British Virgin Islands offer an array of dramatic scenery, fantastic beaches, and welcoming locals. With their balmy climate, steady easterly trade winds and an abundance of sheltered anchorages, they are also a hotspot for both motor and sailing yachts. The most popular cruising area around the BVI’s is the channel named after Sir Francis Drake, where sailing between anchorages is never more than a few hours, giving you maximum playtime at anchor.

Favourite anchorage – Lying to the east of the archipelago, Virgin Gorda is among the larger islands and is always a firm favourite with the yachting crowd. Anchor off The Baths and tender ashore to catch the sun rise over the stunning Savannah Bay, followed by a dip in the warm saltwater pools of The Baths.  

Recommended – Reef dives, wreck dives and wall dives are on offer for experienced divers, including RMS Rhone near Salt Island, and the brilliant coral wall known as Alice in Wonderland at nearby Ginger Island. Lying just off Peter Island, the dramatic reef and rocky outcrop resembling a Native American headdress, known as The Indians, provides superb snorkelling opportunities.

The South Pacific 

For those looking to explore further afield this summer and prepared to travel, the islands of the South Pacific are in a league of their own. Sailing downwind from the cosmopolitan island of Tahiti to the Society Islands is relatively easy owing to the ever-present east and southeast trade winds. The Tuamoto Islands are best for diving. Wherever you choose to go though, rest assured you will be rewarded with stunning topography, secluded anchorages, pristine beaches and an amazing underwater world just waiting to be discovered. May to October are the best times to cruise in the South Pacific. Between June and August the climate is at its best and the weather is balmy, with the months either side of this period also seeing comfortable temperatures.  

Tahiti 

No other cruising ground in the world does ‘tropical island’ quite like Tahiti and her islands. From the cosmopolitan island of Tahiti to the most celebrated island in the South Pacific, Bora Bora, these islands are as close to picture perfect as it gets. Stunning beaches and translucent waters, densely vegetated interiors and all manner of water activities above and below the waterline will all leave an lasting impression on your guests.

Favourite anchorage – Cruise through the lagoon to the twin island of Huahine, arguably the most picturesque of the Society Islands. Carefully drop anchor in the narrow isthmus and tender ashore to absorb some local culture and nature.  

Recommended – There are plenty of activities on the islands, including horseback riding and archaeological sites to explore. Ask your chef to prepare a traditional feast of fresh fish accompanied with breadfruit and taro root, slowly baked in an ahimoa – a Polynesian cooking pot dug into the sand.  

Tuamotu Islands  

Comprising more than 70 low-lying islands and coral atolls, the Tuamotu Islands are considered the best for diving enthusiasts, though guests can also enjoy snorkelling in the calm waters of the lagoons. The rich ecosystem of the untouched South Pass is home to rare birds, plants and underwater life, while the North Pass is equally unique with welcoming locals.