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

Latest News

World’s First Fossil Fuel-Free Superyacht, Project Zero, Nears Completion
The 70-meter sailing superyacht SY Zero, the world’s first designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels, is approaching the final stages of construction, with an expected launch by the end of 2025. The project, a collaboration between Vripack Yacht Design, Vitters Shipyard, and Dykstra Naval Architects, represents a significant step in sustainable yacht development, backed by over 60,000 hours of research and innovation.SY Zero is engineered to rely solely on wind, solar, and thermal energy while maintaining the performance and luxury standards of a traditional superyacht. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of eliminating fossil fuel dependency in high-end yachting. All technical data, system designs, and research findings will be made publicly available through FoundationZero.org, providing open access to sustainable maritime innovations for designers, engineers, and researchers.The yacht’s energy system is entirely electric, powered by a five-megawatt-hour battery storage system—equivalent to the capacity of 88 Tesla vehicles. Renewable energy is harvested through multiple methods: hydro-generating thrusters capture energy from water flow while under sail, a 100-square-meter hybrid solar panel array converts both light and heat at 60% efficiency, and a wind turbine supplements power generation using offshore airflow.Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack, stated: “This project has always been about showing what’s possible. We wanted to demonstrate that comfort, design, and performance can coexist with fossil-free operation. The project has been driven by data, testing, and a long-term commitment to sustainable naval design. Our goal wasn’t just to prove that a fossil-free superyacht is viable—it was to create a real-world model others can learn from.”Vitters Shipyard, known for high-performance sailing yachts, led the construction. Louis Hamming from Vitters commented: “From the outset, this has been about building a yacht that reflects a future we all recognize is coming. It’s a privilege to help bring that future into reality.”The interior accommodates up to 12 guests, featuring sustainable materials such as pine-based leather and leathered marble, which retains natural imperfections. Each cabin draws inspiration from a global destination, with bespoke artworks crafted by local artisans.Following its technical launch, SY Zero will undergo extensive sea trials to test its advanced systems, including proprietary software managing onboard operations. Delivery is expected in 2026, seven years after the project’s inception.Eduard van Benthem, Executive Director at Foundation Zero, emphasized the broader mission: “The project isn’t about showing how good we are, nor even specifically about the yacht itself. We are really trying to showcase how we can do things better and inspire others to join us on the journey, to learn together and to share the knowledge, which is the fundamental aim of Foundation Zero in all its projects.”Beyond private use and limited charter opportunities, SY Zero will serve as a research platform for marine renewable energy and ocean sustainability studies, furthering its role in advancing eco-conscious yachting.Vitters Shipyard is a Dutch high-end performance yacht builder. The shipyard was founded in 1990 by Jan Vitters. The company delivered the first luxury sailing boat, the 28m Aphrodite, in 1993. Vitters Shipyard has a crew of dedicated engineers and craftspeople who have a strong eye for detail and the passion to exceed the expectations of its yacht owners.Credits: Vripack
GX42 Superyacht Construction Reaches Key Milestones Ahead of 2026 Delivery
GX Superyachts has provided a progress update on its 42-meter flagship model, the GX42, currently under construction at SES Yachts' facility in Istanbul. The project remains on schedule for delivery in summer 2026, with several major construction phases now completed.The aluminum hull and superstructure are fully assembled, marking the transition to the outfitting stage. Thermal insulation and main piping systems are 80% installed, while electrical work has reached 25% completion. Approximately half of the paintwork has been applied.The hybrid propulsion system, combining diesel-electric drive with solar power generation, has passed factory testing and is ready for installation. Interior furniture, designed by Marco Casali, is 50% complete in workshop production.Vladimir Zinchenko, founder and CEO of GX Superyachts, stated: "It's inspiring to witness the GX42 taking shape so smoothly. Each milestone reinforces our belief that the GX42 will set a new benchmark in responsible yachting — a vessel that delivers both elegant design and low-impact cruising. Thanks to our partners at SES Yachts, Andrea Armas, Marco Casali and Francesco Rogantin, the project is running smoothly and exceeding expectations."The interior design emphasizes family-friendly spaces with a raised pilothouse layout that includes a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP cabin. Natural materials and subdued color schemes reflect the yacht's focus on sustainable luxury.Upcoming work includes finalizing insulation and piping systems, progressing electrical installations, and integrating the hybrid propulsion package. Sea trials are planned for early 2026.Andrea Armas, consultant to GX Superyachts' Board of Directors, noted: "We are pushing the boundary of responsible yachting navigating through a new era of technological advancement, tailoring the dream of Yacht owners into a sustainable reality."Credits: GX Superyachts
51m Borkumriff IV Sold
Camper & Nicholsons has confirmed the sale of the 50.58m schooner Borkumriff IV, built by Royal Huisman in 2002. The sale was managed by Senior Sales Broker Arne Ploch. The yacht accommodates six guests in three cabins and has space for nine crew members.Inspired by traditional Newfoundland schooners, Borkumriff IV has a total length of 50.58 meters, including the bowsprit, and a sail area of 1,164 sq. m. The exterior was designed by John G. Alden’s office, with naval architecture by Dykstra. The interior, crafted by John Munford, features mahogany wood paneling and custom furniture, contrasting with lighter ceilings and floors.The yacht includes a main deck saloon and dining area, with accommodation on the lower deck. The full-beam master suite has a separate study, while two twin guest cabins are located midship. All cabins are en suite. Crew quarters are spacious, with a large galley.Borkumriff IV carries two tenders on its teak decks and features two cannons, used for ceremonial flag-lowering at sunset.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive
ART Shipyard Prepares 35m Bee Explorer Yacht for Cannes Debut
Turkish builder ART Shipyard, part of Besiktas Group, will unveil its first superyacht – the 35-meter Bee Explorer – at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructure was designed by Hydro Tec to stay under 300GT while offering a 4,000-nautical-mile range at 10 knots. Ocean Independence serves as worldwide central agent for the €15.25 million vessel, which is available for immediate delivery.Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec explained the design rationale: "The 7.7-meter beam provides additional fuel capacity without significant efficiency loss, allowing owners to take advantage of regional fuel price variations." The naval architecture prioritizes seakeeping and fuel economy, with computational fluid dynamics used to optimize the hull form.Michele Dragoni's interior design blends explorer yacht robustness with contemporary styling. Horizontal dark lacquer frames contrast with bleached oak paneling in the main saloon, while curved bulkheads and strategic window placement maximize natural light. The upper lounge features a ceiling-mounted TV lift and lowered cabinetry to create a more relaxed atmosphere.Measuring 35 meters LOA with 2.2-meter draft, the Bee Explorer will be displayed in Port Canto during the festival. The yacht represents ART Shipyard's entry into the competitive sub-40-meter explorer market, leveraging Besiktas Group's commercial shipbuilding experience. The Cannes presentation follows successful sea trials in Turkish waters. Prospective owners can inspect the yacht throughout the six-day show before its scheduled autumn handover to its first owner. Credits: Ocean Independence
Tankoa Yachts Announces Key Management Appointments
Italian shipyard Tankoa Yachts has strengthened its leadership team with two strategic appointments as part of its expansion strategy. Isabella Picco joins as Head of Marketing & Communication, bringing extensive experience in the luxury yachting sector. "I look forward to helping guide the shipyard while maintaining its core values," Picco stated.Isabella PiccoGuido Orsi, a long-standing executive at Tankoa since its founding, has been promoted to Vice President. In his new role, Orsi will oversee sustainability initiatives, technological development, and international growth. "Tankoa combines tradition, innovation and family values," Orsi commented regarding his appointment.Guido OrsiThe Genoa-based shipyard, specializing in custom superyacht construction between 50-80 meters, continues to expand its production facilities and workforce. These leadership changes follow Tankoa's recent delivery of the 50-meter Bintador and ongoing construction of multiple projects at its Genoa shipyard.No specific details were provided regarding new projects or production site expansions mentioned in the broader growth plan. Tankoa currently has three superyachts under construction, with deliveries scheduled through 2026. The shipyard maintains its focus on semi-custom and full-custom builds, competing in the 500-1,500GT market segment.Tankoa was founded in 2007 and began production in 2008. A true “boutique shipyard”, focused on building semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up.Credits: Tankoa