Luxury yacht charter is one of the safest ways to travel. Socially distanced vacation with a highly trained crew sounds like a smart thing to do. Here are the top 10 yacht charter destinations for 2021 recommended by Denison Yachting.
Florida Keys
Chartering a yacht in the Florida Keys means cruising along the Atlantic coast to Key Largo, Islamorada, and Key West. This is one of the best spots for snorkeling, fishing, and diving in the continental United States. Key Largo is known for having the best scuba diving in Florida, so ask your captain about booking a dive excursion during your charter. In Key West, take advantage of snorkeling through colorful coral reefs, watching incredible sunsets, and learning about Florida’s history. The laidback lifestyle of the Florida Keys makes it one of the best charter destinations in 2021. Denison Yachting recommends the 34m Il Capo.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas are open to US citizens. Before arriving, each traveler must submit a Travel Health Visa Application that requires a negative RT PCR COVID-19 test result. A yacht charter to the Bahamas is one of the safest and most private ways to travel through the Caribbean. Fill your days with snorkeling, laying on quiet beaches, and enjoying cocktails on the sundeck of a superyacht. Your charter itinerary may include visits to Norman’s Cay to snorkel around an airplane wreck, Compass Cay to swim with nurse sharks, and Big Majors Cay to feed the friendly wild pigs. The 45,7m yacht Excellence will be a nice choice.
British Virgin Islands
The travelers must obtain a BVI Gateway Travel Authorization Certificate prior to arrival and a negative RT PCR COVID-19 test. Once you arrive safe and sound, expect gorgeous weather and turquoise waters. Denison’s Virgin Islands yacht charter itinerary includes amazing beaches, snorkeling spots, uninhabited cays, hiking trails, shops, and restaurants to visit by yacht. One of the best spots to visit in the BVI is Jost Van Dyke, where you can walk along the powder sand beaches and stop by Soggy Dollar Bar, home of the original Painkiller. The 24.4m Sunreef’s Bundalong will complete the experience.
New England
Eager to trade big cities for charming coastal towns? Escape to New England. Summertime in the Northeast United States is simply beautiful, making it one of the top yachting destinations of 2021. A New England yacht charter may include stops in Newport for incredible seafood, Block Island for timeless architecture, or Nantucket to visit the whaling museum. Get your fill of US history and quaint coastal towns packed into one yacht charter experience. Denison Yachting recommend Kefi, built by Sunseeker in 2004.
Mexico
Visitors arriving to Mexico are subject to temperature checks upon arrival and those showing symptoms may be asked to quarantine voluntarily. Fly into Cabo San Lucas and head straight for a superyacht charter to enjoy a luxurious and exclusive Mexico experience. Swim with exotic fish, eat fresh food, and sink your feet into white sand beaches. You’re bound to come back from a Mexico charter destination with a golden glow and relaxed state of mind.
Croatia
Croatia is open to foreign visitors. All travelers (regardless of citizenship) must complete an arrival form and present a negative RT PCR COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of arrival. US citizens are not required to quarantine. Croatia is one of the world’s best yachting playgrounds – the breathtaking coastline and blue-green colors of the Adriatic sea are hard to resist, especially when you explore it on board Katarina. Enjoy fine dining in Dubrovnik, swim in the crystal clear lakes of Mljet, and explore the fortresses of Hvar.
Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is comprised of more than 40 islands surrounded by brilliant blue water. The islands are relatively untouched thanks to a small population. A Turks & Caicos yacht charter is filled with tropical vegetation and nature, private land tours, whale watching, and dive adventures at The Wall. All visitors over 10 years old must show a negative test result taken in the past five days and apply for TCI travel authorization. Tourists must have insurance that covers COVID-19 related medical costs and fill out a travel authorization form prior to arrival by plane. Sun, smiles, and snorkeling for the next few days on board of the Sea Ray's MR.GV makes a perfect vacation.
Alaska
An Alaskan yacht charter is a totally unique experience. The area is known for its diverse landscape of mountains and forests with abundant wildlife and small towns. On a yacht charter around Alaska, experience whale watching, hike through national parks, and relax in hot springs. There’s no better way to see Alaska than by luxury yacht charter, for example, Kayana. It’s an incredibly scenic, isolated, and memorable vacation destination.
Leeward Islands
A travel bubble is set among Caribbean countries (CARICOM) to include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia and the Grenadines. That means visitors traveling to one of those countries are not required to take COVID-19 tests or undergo quarantine to travel to countries within the Bubble. This makes it easy to island-hop. The Leeward Islands are located between Puerto Rico and Dominica on the northeastern rim of the Caribbean Sea. Among the islands is a range of destinations including Antigua and Barbuda, St. Barths, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Costa Rica
A true adventurer will be eager to charter a yacht in Central America, and Costa Rica is one of the best destinations. Visitors must complete an online Health Pass 48 hours prior to travel to Costa Rica. A negative PCR test is not required upon entry, but tourists must provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment. Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested country filled with ancient ruins, excellent surfing, and active volcanoes.
Credits: Denison Yachting
Lürssen has launched the 114-meter megayacht Cosmos, a hybrid vessel equipped with two 500 kW methanol fuel cells that enable emissions-free cruising for extended periods. The yacht, introduced as part of the company’s 150th anniversary, can travel up to 1,000 nautical miles on electricity alone and remain at anchor with zero emissions for up to 15 days.Commissioned by an undisclosed owner, Cosmos features an all-steel hull reinforced to Ice Class 1D, allowing navigation in polar waters as well as across all major oceans. Alongside its methanol-based hydrogen power system, the yacht is fitted with diesel generators, engines, and tanks to allow conventional propulsion for higher speeds.Designed inside and out by Marc Newson, the vessel has a beam of 18 metres (59 feet), a gross tonnage of 6,300, and spans six decks. The design incorporates extensive use of glass, including a custom-engineered glass-domed owner’s study offering 360-degree views, a surrounding sky terrace, and an observation lounge located beneath the helipad.Outdoor amenities include a main deck with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, seating areas, and an aft dry dock for tender operations. The combination of ice-class construction, hybrid propulsion, and large-scale glazing represents Lürssen’s latest application of advanced engineering to meet evolving environmental and design goals.Credits: Lürssen
August 12, 2025
The NOA 46, a 46-meter motor yacht built by The Yacht Factory in Yalova, Turkey, will be presented for the first time at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 9 to 14 September. Ocean Independence has been appointed as Central Agent for the vessel.Designed by Hot Lab Yacht Design, the yacht is intended for long-range cruising and features a steel hull, aluminium superstructure, and compliance with RINA and MCA classifications. Accommodation is arranged for ten guests in five staterooms. The main salon connects directly to an al fresco lounge area with a large jacuzzi, while the sundeck includes a DJ booth, bar, and gym area.The interior uses predominantly brown and beige tones, with large windows providing natural light throughout. Power comes from twin MAN 1,450HP engines meeting IMO Tier III standards, giving a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots, a cruising speed of 13 knots, and a top speed of 15.7 knots. ABT TRAC fin stabilisers are fitted for stability underway and at anchor, and the yacht is equipped with Simrad navigation systems.The Yacht Factory operates on a 200,000-square-meter site with facilities including a floating dock for large yachts and a travel lift with an 800-ton capacity.Credits: Ocean Independence
August 12, 2025
The 76.6-meter motor yacht Boadicea is now available for charter through Northrop & Johnson, with Mediterranean itineraries this summer followed by Caribbean and Bahamas deployments this winter. The 1999-built Amels flagship, designed by Terence Disdale, carries a weekly rate of EUR725,000 plus expenses.Recent refits have maintained Boadicea's competitive position in the charter market, including installation of a 12-seat cinema theater and exterior repainting. The yacht offers 2,191 GT of interior volume across five decks served by an elevator and spiral staircase.Accommodations include nine staterooms for 18 guests, featuring two master suites - one on the upper deck with private terrace and dual bathrooms, another forward on the main deck. Common areas comprise a walnut-paneled main salon, upper deck lounge with Roche Bobois furnishings, and multiple entertainment spaces.Outdoor amenities includes sundeck with 6-meter counter-current pool, bridge deck wellness area with gym and spa facilities, expanded beach club with inflatable sea pool platform, 13-meter Pirelli chase tender plus extensive toy selection.The yacht's recent updates preserve Disdale's original design while incorporating modern charter requirements. Boadicea remains one of the largest vessels available for private charter, offering rare volume in the 70+ meter segment.Northrop & Johnson will manage bookings for the 2024/2025 charter seasons, with the vessel currently positioned in the Mediterranean. The Amels-built superyacht joins the brokerage's portfolio of large-tonnage charter options.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 12, 2025
Feadship has delivered the 71.76-meter superyacht Stella M to her owner on 5 August 2025. Built at the Dutch yard and designed by Studio De Voogt, the vessel features five decks and a layout intended for multi-generational use.The yacht is equipped with a next-generation diesel-electric propulsion system, designed to reduce noise and vibration while supporting cleaner cruising. According to Feadship, sea trials confirmed notably low noise and vibration levels.The project was carried out in collaboration with Burgess, representing the owner throughout the build, and Hugo-Morgan Harris acting as technical representative.“Every detail was shaped by a shared ambition to create something exceptional,” said Maarten Janssen, Feadship Sales Director. “Her advanced diesel-electric propulsion system has resulted in remarkably low noise and vibration levels.”Burgess Senior Partner Richard Lambert commented: “Her Dutch pedigree coupled with complete collaboration between all parties resulted in a vessel that meets the owner’s forward-thinking vision.”Stella M is set to begin her first Mediterranean season following delivery.Credits: Feadship
August 11, 2025
Oceanco has launched the 111-meter diesel-electric yacht Leviathan, previously known as Project Y722, at its facility in the Netherlands. The vessel features naval architecture by Oceanco and Lateral Naval Architects, exterior design by Oceanco, and interiors by Mark Berryman Design.Commissioned by an experienced owner, Leviathan was developed with a focus on operational efficiency and crew wellbeing. According to Oceanco, crew members were involved in the design process to provide practical input. The yacht incorporates durable, low-maintenance materials such as honed stone, natural wool carpets, composite capping rails and decks, and full-height glass superstructure bulkheads, replacing more maintenance-intensive elements like teak decks and polished wooden handrails. These choices are intended to reduce routine upkeep and allow crew to focus on guest services and operational tasks.The project involved collaboration between the owner, technical representatives from YTMC, and management company Y.CO. More than 2,000 people contributed to the build, and their names are engraved on a glass panel in the main staircase.Leviathan is designed to accommodate a variety of uses, including hospitality and scientific work. She has a beam of 17.8 metres and is scheduled to begin sea trials in the coming weeks. Further details on her capabilities are expected to be released later.Credits: Oceanico
August 11, 2025