Blog | Top 10 Winter Yachting Destinations 2017-2018

Thanksgiving is behind us, and December is only a day away. The radio is already playing Holiday tunes, stores are packed with shoppers, and visions of sugar plums may be dancing in your head! But, that doesn’t mean all your thoughts need to turn to snow and ice. In fact, if you would rather see how the Holidays are celebrated in the tropics, and consider sipping Pina Coladas instead of Egg Nogs, here is our list of the Top Ten Winter Yachting Destinations.

Bahamas – The Bahamas “tops” our list if for no other reason than its close proximity to South Florida. The Bahamas are just a short cruise away from SOFLA, and once you get there it is a boating paradise with over 700 islands from the Abacos to the Exumas, all of which are best seen by yacht! Plus, the bright and colorful Junkanoo, one of the most popular festivals in Bahamas is celebrated during Christmas time with spectacular island music and dance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyzD8MNnEIg

The British Virgin Islands –The British Virgin Islands, or BVI, are known the world over as a popular destination for sailing yachts and catamarans, but more and more luxury motor yachts are finding their way to this exotic locale of pink sand beaches, rockey shoals, and amazing nightlife, all in reach of your yacht’s tender!

Ft. Lauderdale – OK, it may not be as exotic as some of the other places on this list, but local Ft. Lauderdale is not called the “Venice of America” without good reason. With miles and miles of coastal and inland waterways, Ft. Lauderdale is a true yachting hub, and during the Holiday season, home to The Winterfest Boat Parade among other Holiday extravaganzas!

US Virgin Islands – The other “VI,” the US Virgin Islands, have as much to offer a yachtsman as the BVI, along with some remarkable hidden coves and private beaches you can only get to by boat. And, the US Virgin Islands have the added advantage, for American yacht travelers, of no fees or other special entry requirements, that you may find in the Bahamas or elsewhere.

Hawaii – According to the crooner classic, “Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day…” Why not see for yourself by taking a yacht to America’s paradise? The Holidays in Hawaii will mean trading snow and bluster for plenty of sun, sand, and blue water, and instead of a sleigh ride after Christmas dinner, snorkeling, surfing, and jet skiing will be in order!

Turks and Caicos – These “sister” islands are known for their scuba and snorkeling opportunities. They are also a top destination for whale watching during the winter months when humpback whales are migrating through the areas around Mouchoir and Silver Banks.

The Seychelles – Perhaps one of the more distant and exotic locales on this list, the Seychelles are a place for those who really want to “get away from it all,” for the Holidays, or just a cure for the Winter Blues. Located just off of the coast of East Africa, the Seychelles are known for “ecotourism” and white sand beaches, jungle and coastal hikes, SCUBA and snorkeling and lots of faraway coves and bays to explore.

Belize – Never heard of Belize? That is part of its charm, and what makes it ideal for a Winter Holiday getaway! Belize is in the Western Caribbean, just off the coast of Central America. As compared to the other Caribbean Islands on this list, only a small portion of the world’s tourists have visited Belize, and that has kept Belize’s ancient Mayan ruins, pristine rain forest and especially the Belize Barrier Reef, “unspoiled” for all to enjoy.

Grenada – If partying for the Holidays is more your thing, especially if you want to ring in the New Year on a luxury motor yacht, Grenada is the place to be! The island is packed with exciting events, parties and festivals during the winter season. St. George, the Island’s capital, is known to be one of the best places to party in the Caribbean, offering a variety of barefoot luxury and traditional Grenadian beach bars. So, if partying is a high priority for hailing in 2018, Grenada should be on your menu.

Sydney – And speaking of ringing in the New Year, there is probably no better place to do so from the deck of a yacht, than in Sydney Harbor. The Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks display is famous the world over. With an astonishing number of fireworks blazing across the sky over the city, reflecting off the Sydney Opera House and the harbor, the best way to watch is from your luxury yacht.

Holiday Yacht Charters from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale

If you would like to explore just about any of the Charter Destinations on this list, our professional charter brokers can help you book the holiday trip of a lifetime. But, you do not have to charter a yacht all the way to Australia, to have a grand adventure. We have short-term charters to Bimini and Grand Bahama that are just a hop, skip and a jump away!

And did you know that you do not even have to leave South Florida for an incredible snorkeling experience? There is an amazing wreck, reachable with only snorkel gear right off of Ft. Lauderdale beach, and you can enjoy it as part of our exclusive snorkeling charter experience. The S.S. Copenhagen, is located just off Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beach. Shipwrecked in 1900, this 325’ cargo steamer is both a fascinating archeological wonder and a vibrant artificial reef, home to a spectacular amount of marine life. The Copenhagen appears on the distinguished US Registry of Historic Places.

Contact one of our charter brokers today, and ask about our “yearend specials” on exclusive charter experiences with 26 North Yachts, now operators of the largest yacht charter fleet in South Florida!

Choosing the right charter experience can be challenging. If you would like to benefit from our expertise in these areas, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Charter Specialists, or call us at 954-235-3468