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

Quick Group Unveils Ongoing Sustainability Program at METSTRADE 2024
Quick Group showcased its ambitious sustainability program and 2025 targets at METSTRADE 2024. The program centers on reducing emissions and enhancing the company's carbon footprint, reflecting the Group's commitment to environmental accountability.Since 2024, Quick Group has undertaken a rigorous integration process alongside newly acquired brands to align with its established quality and production standards. This integration focuses initially on enhancing product quality, with plans to fully adopt the Group's sustainability practices and quality systems by 2025. Quick Spa, a key player for years in promoting sustainability, aims to embed these values deeply across all Group operations, making them fundamental to its identity.The Group has set concrete goals for 2024 and beyond, including significant carbon emission reductions and substantial investments in renewable energy sources such as solar power. A core element of the sustainability program is ensuring transparency across the supply chain, engaging business partners to adopt and promote responsible practices. By fostering a collaborative approach, the Group aspires to drive a collective shift toward sustainability throughout its value chain.Plans also include implementing vertical production methodologies and expanding the carbon footprint assessment to various product lines, with an emphasis on lifecycle analysis. The Group is committed to enhancing its circular economy practices, focusing on efficient resource use, waste reduction, and sustainable packaging initiatives.Quick Group is taking concrete actions against climate change, setting measurable targets for emission reductions aligned with a broader decarbonization effort across its supply chain. This includes certifying key products based on energy utilization, aiming for a notable drop in overall emissions by 2025. After achieving a 12.5% reduction in 2023 and a 6% decrease in 2024, the Group is pursuing a transition to 100% renewable electricity, supported by guarantees of origin.To elevate its quality standards, Quick Group plans to extend ISO 9001 certification—currently held by Quick Spa—to all production entities by 2025, with a goal of achieving ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications by 2026. The adoption of these standards will involve implementing rigorous processes and policies to monitor and manage environmental impacts effectively."Building a robust quality system is essential for ensuring compliance and fostering customer trust," remarked Marco Rodi, Chief Operating & Sustainability Officer of Quick Group. He emphasized the importance of investing in quality as a means to secure future resilience while maintaining alignment across all Group companies.In addition to operational goals, Quick Group is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within its workforce. The company achieved balanced gender representation in 2024 and aims to further enhance inclusivity through a newly approved inclusion policy designed to ensure a discrimination-free environment. Furthermore, the Group guarantees equitable pay across all positions, regardless of gender, emphasizing the value of its human resources."Sustainability is integral to our Group's philosophy, guiding our actions and differentiating us within the industry," said Rodi. "As consumers and shipyards increasingly prioritize sustainability, we are dedicated to being a comprehensive partner by offering certified, value-aligned solutions while ensuring our suppliers share these principles."Quick USA looks forward to redefining the American boating experience by bringing bold Italian innovations and a commitment to quality and service to the forefront of the industry, ensuring they remain a key player in the market for years to come.Credits: Quick Group
New Appointment: Gianmaria Costantino as TISG's Chief Commercial Officer
The Italian Sea Group S.p.A. has announced the appointment of Gianmaria Costantino as Chief Commercial Officer. In his new role, Costantino will oversee all global commercial activities for TISG.A graduate with honors in International Economics and Finance from Luigi Bocconi University in Milan, and holding a master's degree in Finance from Hult International Business School in London, Gianmaria Costantino is well-equipped for this role. As the son of the company's founder, Giovanni, he brings a personal connection to the organization’s legacy. Prior to joining TISG, he gained valuable experience at Meti Corporate Finance, iM Global Partner, and BDO, where he collaborated with management on various commercial initiatives.Gianmaria CostantinoHaving been a member of TISG's Board of Directors since October 2022, Gianmaria will now lead the company's Sales Team and drive its global commercial growth, reflecting the Group's commitment to stylistic innovation and technological advancement.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
A Closer Look at Pershing GTX80
The Pershing GTX series continues to captivate boating enthusiasts with its latest addition, the Pershing GTX80, which redefines the essence of pleasure and exhilaration on the water. This stunning yacht exemplifies a seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces, creating a harmonious ambiance that promises an exceptional cruising adventure. As the new entry in the GTX series, the Pershing GTX80 embodies a groundbreaking approach to sports yachts, emphasizing on-board comfort and spaciousness while staying true to Pershing's heritage of high performance and sporty design.With an impressive overall length of nearly 24 meters and a beam of 5.8 meters, the GTX80 is the culmination of a collaborative effort by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee, under the guidance of Piero Ferrari, Vallicelli Design, and the Group’s Engineering Department. The yacht, constructed at the Ferretti Group’s Plug and Mould facility, showcases a blend of advanced technology and artisanal craftsmanship, stretching across two decks and a sportbridge, all while accommodating up to eight guests in four exquisite cabins. The meticulous design focuses on proportion and balance, achieving a refined equilibrium between the hull and superstructure, resulting in a visually stunning sports motor yacht.Upon first glance, the exterior of the Pershing GTX80 makes a bold statement. The classic Pershing silhouette is enhanced by innovative design choices, particularly observed in its near-vertical bow and a graceful, slightly convex sheer-line. The lightweight bulwarks incorporate a longitudinal slot in the bow, while in the stern, they fulfill dual functions by housing winches and transforming into lateral terraces, enhancing contact with the water. The hull boasts elegant, flowing lines, combining the signature grey of Pershing with a deeper hue on the superstructure alongside polished carbon on the hardtop. This refined color palette speaks to the yacht's elegance and aesthetic allure.The main deck features a two-level layout optimized for water interaction and relaxation. A spacious beach area spanning 28 square meters at the lower level can be accessed through electrically operated lateral terraces. This area is strategically designed with a multifunctional stern platform that offers three operational positions: launching tenders, default mode, or an integrated extension with the side terraces for expansive leisure space. Additionally, a large transom locker provides easy access to water toys.A raised second level comprises a 14-square-meter cockpit, complete with a dining area that opens up to an indoor galley via electrically operating windows. This design enhances the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, enabling the cockpit to also serve as an outdoor bar. A door featuring two sliding overlapping panels grants entry to the expansive 36-square-meter living area. The galley configuration offers flexibility, featuring ambient bar counters both inside and accessible from the cockpit.The design ethos reflects the dynamic nature of the Pershing GTX80, accentuating the onboard experience. Large panoramic windows surround the living area, enhancing the connection to the sea while allowing ample natural light to fill the space. Thoughtfully designed silk grey-colored wooden panels paired with innovative LED light installations create a vibrant atmosphere.Accessed via a starboard staircase, the lower deck can be customized for either four cabins with en suite bathrooms or a dinette alternative. The master suite, located midships, boasts a stunning interior characterized by sky-blue leather paneling and a beautifully coordinated lighting scheme that mirrors the elegance found throughout the yacht. Impressive features like metallic lacquered panels in the bathrooms highlight a sculptural aesthetic, while lighting design remains a focal point, reinforcing the GTX80's chic ambiance.Continuing the hallmark features found in earlier models like the GTX116, the sportbridge offers a 23-square-meter sun deck, significantly larger than comparable offerings in the category. The sleek arch-shaped deckhouse and optional carbon fabric hardtop enhance both aesthetics and performance. The expanded sunpad in the stern integrates with the dining area, while the exterior helm station is equipped for a functional yet stylish cruising experience.The Pershing GTX80 is powered by three 1,000 mhp Volvo Penta D13 IPS1350 engines, achieving preliminary top speeds of 34 knots and cruising speeds around 28 knots. Consistent with Pershing's commitment to innovation, this model incorporates cutting-edge technological enhancements including the Volvo IPS electro-hydraulic steering system, Humphree trim stabilizers, and optional Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers, while offering the convenience of joystick driving and assisted docking. The yacht is certified under CE Class A regulations, ensuring excellence in both performance and safety.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credit: Ferretti Group
Acquera Yachting Expands to Caribbean with New Offices in Antigua and Anguilla
Acquera Yachting has officially opened new offices in Antigua and Anguilla, just in time for the upcoming yachting season, marking an expansion of its Caribbean presence to eight locations. Operating in this strategic yachting hub since 2021, the agency is known for its personalized services for superyachts and solid partnerships with key local operators.As part of its enhanced service offerings, Acquera is introducing AcqueraPro in the Caribbean – a platform that provides ongoing support to captains and charter brokers, which has already seen success in the Mediterranean.The Caribbean is increasingly vital to Acquera Yachting, a global leader in custom superyacht services that has been present in the region since 2021. With the addition of new offices in Antigua and Anguilla, the agency aims to bolster its existing operations. Diana Guidi, Chief HR Officer of Acquera, stated, “Following recent acquisitions, the Acquera team has grown by adding 40 agents across various Caribbean islands, including about 23 newly recruited professionals, all equipped to deliver exceptional service to local captains. We are actively recruiting additional talent to further enhance our service range and efficiency in this strategically important area for both the agency and the broader yachting industry. During peak season, over 1,500 superyachts are typically anchored in the region.”The rapid expansion strategy, reinforced by significant acquisitions and a growing network of offices, positions Acquera to deliver reliable, specialized services for the upcoming season, markedly improving response times across key locations. This growth is driven by Acquera's extensive knowledge of local logistics, regulations, anchorage spots, and technical requirements, addressing the complexities often associated with managing operations in the Caribbean.To further elevate service quality, Acquera will launch AcqueraPro locally, a platform that recently concluded a successful season in the Mediterranean. This tool simplifies cruise management and the creation of customized itineraries, providing captains, crew members, and charter brokers with quick access to essential technical and entertainment information via an intuitive user interface.AcqueraPro has been developed through ongoing collaboration with captains, brokers, and the local service network to ensure timely and precise information related to bureaucracy, port formalities, and customs procedures. It also facilitates itinerary planning, mooring consultations, and various service bookings, including transportation options like drivers, helicopters, private planes, and reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants, all directly accessible through local agents. For charter brokers, AcqueraPro streamlines fleet management, optimizes itinerary proposals, and improves communication with owners and guests.This platform is particularly valuable in the Caribbean, which offers frequent anchorage opportunities and diverse exploration options that bolster local businesses and foster regional development. In the past two months, Acquera has enriched its offerings by adding over 400 exclusive and outstanding activities, enhancing the experience for visitors and showcasing the unique qualities of the destination.Credits: Acquera Yachting
 Jay Aberdoni Unveiled 80m Superyacht Vision with a Dojo-Inspired Beach Club
Designer Jay Aberdoni has introduced an impressive new concept: the 80-meter superyacht, Standby. Joining Oceanco's Simply Custom portfolio, this innovative design streamlines the commissioning process by utilizing a reliable naval platform crafted by Lateral Naval Architects. The standout features include a length overall of 80 meters, a maximum speed of 16.5 knots, and an expansive volume ranging between 2,500 to 2,700 GT, with ample opportunities for exterior and interior customization.Aberdoni draws inspiration from the tranquility of minimalism, stating that Standby "removes the unnecessary" to focus on the essential experiences of life. The yacht's "geometrically layered" deck designs enhance breathtaking views while the terraces draw attention to the stunning natural surroundings.Noteworthy highlights include a spacious bow equipped with a helipad, a cozy firepit lounge, and a serene sundeck with a pool and sun loungers. The beach club is a unique centerpiece, combining a gym and spa designed with elements reminiscent of traditional Japanese dojos, featuring tatami flooring and natural materials. Accommodating up to seven cabins, including the owner's suite, Standby promises a sublime nautical experience, complete with cutting-edge stabilization and eco-friendly technologies.Credits: Jay Aberdoni