From snow-capped mountains and majestic glaciers to secluded Caribbean islands in the sunshine, whether you’re looking for an exotic destination or a winter wonderland we’ve got just the charter package for you
Now’s the time to start thinking about your next winter adventure! In early preparation, we’ve put together a short guide to 5 of the best exotic destinations plus 5 of the best winter wonderlands worldwide. Whether you’re hoping to spend the winter relaxing on a tropical island or cruising through the glaciers of the Antarctic, we have the perfect charter package to suit your requirements.
Scandinavia
A charter through the sailing grounds of Scandinavia in winter is a magical experience. Cruise past snow-capped mountains and lush green pine forests and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Northern Europe. Discover Finland, the land of a thousand lakes and explore the breath-taking Norwegian fjords with their cascading waterfalls and endless glaciers. Visit the charming Christmas markets held in Sweden each year and enjoy a glass of mulled wine, or brave the sub-zero temperatures and take an icy dip in Denmark’s famous winter baths. From fairy-tale castles to outstanding museums plus a fantastic selection of contemporary restaurants and bars, thanks to its fascinating Nordic history, culture and scenery, Scandinavia is a wonderful winter charter destination.
With endless sunshine and pristine sandy beaches, Thailand is the perfect location for a winter charter. Take in glittering palaces and Buddhist temples, visit a bustling night market or simply relax with a massage at one of the many luxurious spas, Thailand is an ancient land with a very modern vibe. Known for its secluded coves and deserted islands, you’ll find some of the best diving sites in the world in the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, while the islands are the ideal spot to enjoy a thrilling range of water sports. From the fantastic cuisine to the chic boutiques, the vibrant nightlife to the friendly and welcoming locals, a winter charter to Thailand is one vacation you’ll never forget.
A paradise for sports enthusiasts, a winter charter to Alaska offers visitors an exciting adventure yachting experience. With many areas only accessible by boat, the Alaskan coastline is an untouched wilderness with an incredible array of wildlife ranging from magnificent orcas to grizzly bears. Sail through icy fjords and watch humpback whales swim past blue-ice glaciers before taking a heli-ski trip to the majestic Chugach mountains. Visit the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and stop off at the top of the world to take in the outstanding views from Point Barrow, the northernmost point in the United States. Featuring some of the most elusive wildlife and dramatic landscapes in the world, a trip to the Land of the Midnight Sun is the perfect choice for a winter charter adventure.
With summer in full fling Down Under, the winter months are the ideal time to visit Australia. Featuring sensational dive sites, secluded islands and over 10,000 beaches from coast to coast, there’s nothing quite like a trip to this dazzling continent. Swim with colourful exotic fish at the Great Barrier Reef, sample some of the finest wines around in the Hunter Valley or watch kangaroos bound over the plains at sunset in the Outback. Dine in world-class restaurants and see in the New Year from the comfort of your superyacht while fireworks light up the sky over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From cosmopolitan cities with the very latest hip restaurants and bars to pristine coral reefs and exceptional national parks, Australia truly has something for everyone to enjoy.
Russia
Known for its fascinating history and awe-inspiring scenery, a trip to Russia and the Baltic Sea region will be one you’ll remember forever. The land of ice and fire is as beautiful as it is dramatic, with crisp white snow creating a fairy-tale background to this iconic winter yachting destination. Stroll in the footsteps of the Tsars at the Winter Palace and take in the vast collection of art at the Hermitage museum. Shop ’til you drop in the city’s luxury boutiques and then enjoy an evening of classical ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre. Go ice-skating in Gorky Park or take a helicopter up to the Kamchatka Peninsula and experience some of the best powder in the world on the heli-skiing domain, this is a winter charter destination you’ll still be talking about in years to come.
A string of deserted islands each more beautiful than the next, the Maldives is a paradisiacal winter charter destination. Pristine white beaches lead down to warm turquoise water where colourful fish swim through coral reefs. Life in the Maldives is every bit as laidback and relaxing as you imagine. Spend your charter island hopping and explore picture-perfect lagoons and sandy coves in the warm sunshine. Dive the wreck of the Maldive Victory and discover the tropical marine life under the ocean’s surface, visit the Haa Alifu Atoll and walk through lush coconut groves or spend a day being pampered at the luxurious Cocoa Island resort with its chic day spas. Sip cocktails on a private beach and sample delicately spiced local cuisine, with both show-stopping sunsets and glorious scenery, we guarantee you’ll fall in love with this jewel of the Indian Ocean.
A frozen wonderland of ice and snow, if you’re seeking a white Christmas, Antarctica is the ultimate destination. One of the most remote places on earth, the only way to see the White Continent is from the deck of your superyacht. Cruise through silent bays filled with soaring icebergs and watch killer whales swim by in search of new feeding grounds. Visit the nature reserves of the South Shetland Islands with their colonies of penguins and seals, or enjoy the natural hot springs in the black sand of Port Foster. Go kayaking through the icy water of the Gerlache Strait and watch the region’s wildlife at play in their natural habitat, Emperor penguins, Elephant seals, Leopard seals and Humpback whales all make their home in this pristine winter paradise. Enjoy Antarctica’s majestic glacial beauty by day and take in the breath-taking Aurora Australis light display by night, this is truly a winter charter destination with a difference.
With over 700 idyllic islands and 2400 secluded cays to discover, the Bahamas is a classic winter sunshine charter destination. Warm azure-blue water laps beautiful palm-fringed beaches while under the ocean’s surface, coral reefs hide exotic marine life and ancient shipwrecks just waiting to be explored. The islands offer everything from thrilling water-sports to world-class golf resorts, chic designer boutiques and exciting casinos. Stroll through the colonial streets, visit bustling markets and try some delicious conch fresh from the ocean before heading to the beach to soak up the sunshine with a cocktail. Whether you’re looking for total relaxation or a sensational adventure this winter, we can guarantee, it’s better in the Bahamas.
The largest island in the world, Greenland is also one of the most fascinating. 80% of the country is covered by a spectacular ice sheet which makes cruising the fjords by superyacht the best way to see the incredible arctic scenery and wildlife. Just a few hundred kilometers from the North Pole, Greenland is the best location in the world to spot the elusive polar bear in its natural environment. And the area is also home to walrus, narwhal and rare white whales who all thrive in the icy waters. Take a dog sled trip across the ice caps or snowmobile in the mountains before kayaking through turquoise water ringed by towering icebergs. Enjoy a day’s heliskiing, try bathing in geothermal springs and visit traditional Inuit villages to learn about the country’s Viking past. Famed as one of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis, a winter charter to beautiful Greenland is sure to be a memorable experience.
For a touch of Caribbean glamour with a cosmopolitan twist, the island of St Barts in the West Indies is the quintessential winter destination. A French colony for many years, the island is renowned for its picturesque scenery and chic style, this is after all the VIP capital of the Caribbean. Dine out at St Bart’s fantastic selection of restaurants, shop the high-end designer boutiques in Gustavia and enjoy a champagne cocktail at one of the many beach bars around the island. From snorkelling to surfing, the island is also the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts thanks to several marine parks, while back on land, hiking trails lead up craggy cliffs and offer breath-taking views over the beaches and coastline below. Famous for hosting dazzling social events throughout the year, St Bart’s is renowned for its incredible New Year’s Eve celebration. From the comfort of your superyacht, watch the skies over the island light up with an epic firework display before toasting the New Year and your next luxurious charter vacation.
