As 2022 rolls around and resolutions enter the New Year’s conversation, here’s one that should be at the top of your list: Cruising on a luxurious yacht charter to welcome the New Year in style in some of the most stunning and wondrous places on the planet.
Whether you’d like to explore the warm waters of the Caribbean or go after an adventure in the southernmost ocean of Antarctica, now is the time to reserve your private yacht charter for one of these fabulous destinations.
The Bahamas
With 700 islands, only 30 of which are inhabited, and more than 2,000 cays, The Bahamas offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation among the Caribbean’s irresistible stunning blue water, pink sand beaches and tropical climate.
Snorkeling is one of the top activities when cruising The Bahamas, and the blue holes of East Grand Bahama are not to be missed. Fish thrive in these underwater caverns, which appear to ‘simmer and bubble’ due to the action of the tides. Another great snorkeling spot is Gold Rock Beach, a secluded and protected area on Grand Bahama and home to the world’s longest surveyed underground cave system.
The subject of many stories, and a favorite hideaway of Ernest Hemingway, the island of Bimini is known for the abundance of blue marlin. Bimini also boasts 24 shark dive sites, where great hammerheads and bull sharks can be seen in the winter months.
No Bahamas luxury yacht charter would be complete without visiting Andros, the largest of the islands and the most pristine. Renowned for the best scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and fly fishing, it’s also a great place to explore onshore. Learn about the traditional craft of batik from local artisans and the favorite local delicacy — land crab.
For family-friendly destinations, head to the quaint villages of Green Turtle Cay in the outer islands of the Abacos, or Harbour Island, just a short hop from the wild, natural beauty of Eleuthera.
Cat Island, which boasts Mount Alvernia — the highest point in The Bahamas — is a popular site for kiteboarding, meandering along nature trails and relaxing on white or pink beaches.
These are just a few of the exquisite escapes for your private yacht charter in The Bahamas, so the most challenging part of your trip will be deciding which of the islands to visit!
Costa Rica
This Central American country has coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific, and thus is a perfect destination for a private yacht charter.Following a change in marine law that came into effect Nov 1, 2021, this fascinating destination is open to private yacht charters, which can cruise Costa Rica’s waters for up to a year. Now is definitely the best time to visit.
Sail to superb beaches, explore rugged mountains, or take a tour through the rainforest to see tropical flora and fauna. View a massive volcano at Arenal Volcano Park, or go zip-lining, rafting or rappelling. Alternatively, slow things down with a horseback ride along the beach or a soak in one of the many hot springs.
Costa Rica is also known for its exotic wildlife, so expect to see scarlet macaws, toucans and capuchin monkeys onshore, while offshore you’re likely to see manatees, dolphins, humpback whales and giant sea turtles.
St. Barts
This tropical paradise is another winter favorite for those who enjoy the perks of a private yacht charter in the Caribbean. This charming island in the French West Indies features eight square miles of glorious shopping, as well as exciting nightlight.
For a quieter experience, head to Shell Beach, which, as the name implies, boasts a plethora of different kinds of seashells. Calm water at the beach in the Lorient District makes it a popular spot for families, and kids will also love looking for small, natural salt sculptures found at Salines Beach.
Antarctica
Adventure-seekers will want to head to the waters off the southernmost continent for an entirely different kind of trip aboard a luxury crewed yacht charter.
Sailing around Antarctica offers the opportunity to see stunning turquoise icebergs and towering glaciers, in addition to the petrels, penguins, seals and whales that thrive in the extreme environment.
Chinstrap penguins abound on Deception Island, while gentoo penguins are seen on Pleneau Island, and Adélie penguins live on exposed rock around the entire coast. Emperor penguins, distinguishable by their crown of golden feathers, make their home on sea ice, and enormous elephant seals — said to be six times larger than polar bears — can be spotted throughout the region.
With Antarctica’s 24 hours of daylight from November to March, now is the best time to plan your private yacht charter. Enjoy the fascinating landscape that has drawn pioneering explorers dating back hundreds of years and take in all of the breathtaking beauty from the comfort and safety of a luxury yacht.
Whatever your destination, you’ll be sure to enjoy all the amenities that a luxury private yacht provides. From five-star dining to elegant accommodation and an attentive crew, plus an itinerary of your choosing, a private yacht charter is the ultimate in luxe traveling.
Browse these luxury yachts and choose a destination in which to welcome the New Year with fun, flair and a grand adventure.
Article by Joanna Lewis
