Top Yacht Charters Worldwide for Unforgettable Experiences

There are few experiences as luxurious and awe-inspiring as a yacht charter. You can explore the world at your leisure, spend quality time with friends and family in an intimate setting, and the service is second to none. We’ve rounded up the most exceptional new yacht charters to inspire your next voyage, whether you want to relax along the Amalfi Coast or explore remote corners of the globe.

Loon

In the yachting world, Loon is known for an exceptional array of water toys — perhaps the best in her class. There’s a FunAir inflatable slide that descends from the third deck straight into the ocean, an in-water pool, and a luxurious 43-foot Everglades tender. You can hop on paddleboards, sea kayaks, Waverunners, or a Seabob to explore nearby islands and secluded coves.

The adventurous can try kite surfing or Lift e-Foil surfboards, which seem effortless when you watch the crew fly past, but are actually quite challenging. Loon is also a scuba diver’s dream. The crew includes several master divers and dive instructors who can take you out each morning, and they have all of the equipment you need onboard. They can also certify new divers during your trip.

The 180-foot yacht boasts a staggering 1,100 gross tons of living space, elegant design, and an amiable and attentive crew. Loon features two master staterooms, including a unique one on the upper deck with wraparound windows that afford unparalleled views. Two salons include one with recliners and a projector for movie night, along with numerous spaces for alfresco dining and an oversized infinity-edge Jacuzzi with a wet bar nearby. If you’re keen on fitness, Loon has a treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine, and free weights in the beach club, where you’ll be hard-pressed to find better workout views.

The crew is exceptionally helpful and specializes in crafting unique experiences. Savor a pizza night onboard, enjoy a barbecue on a private beach, or relish sundowners at the Instagram-famous Loon Bar. The crew will even take you to a picture-perfect sandbar and serve drinks while you loll in the warm water.

Loon is available for charter through IYC in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda during winter months, and in the Mediterranean in summer. Rates begin at $325,000 a week plus expenses.

Nansen Explorer

For the ultimate Antarctica adventure, you can’t beat a voyage aboard Nansen Explorer. This former research vessel possesses all the technical features needed to safely explore one of the world’s most remote and dramatic landscapes. Thanks to a retrofit in 2021, it now showcases an ultra-luxe interior design that wouldn’t feel out of place in St. Tropez. Nansen Explorer features an Ice-1A classed 236-foot hull and an ice-experienced captain, allowing for deeper navigation into the ice compared to other polar-classed superyachts. There’s a heli-deck with onboard fueling capabilities, enabling you to see the vast landscape from above or even go heli-skiing. A variety of toys, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, dive equipment, and Zodiacs, will let you get up close and personal with wildlife and nature.

The interiors are chic, modern, and well-appointed enough to make you forget you’re in the middle of Antarctica rather than at a luxurious hotel. Originally accommodating 60 passengers, it now holds just 12 guests in seven cabins, including an owner’s suite and a VIP suite. Each cabin boasts large windows that feature stunning vistas. The sumptuous Scandinavian-inspired decor, with shades of grey and white, reflects the surrounding environment beautifully. A cozy lounge complete with a bar and fireplace creates a warm atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after an excursion to see penguins or whales.

Nansen Explorer is available for charter through Plan South America in Antarctica. Rates start at $340,000 a week and are all-inclusive.

Dardanella

Yachting in French Polynesia is always a blissful experience, but Dardanella elevates relaxation to new heights with bespoke, wellness-focused charters prepared by onboard well-being facilitator Ayumi Gallagher. The wellness experience encompasses fresh detoxifying meals, mindfulness workshops, yoga sessions, Pilates, meditation, and massages alongside conventional yacht activities like diving, surfing, and tender safaris exploring pristine waters and nature. The captain is also a qualified marine biologist and ecologist, making him the perfect guide for this unique environment. Two dive instructors, 12 sets of dive gear, a Nitrox dive compressor, and underwater photography equipment are on hand to capture underwater beauty. As an expedition yacht, Dardanella is well-suited for exploring remote destinations. This 121-foot yacht underwent a refit in 2018 and features five luxurious cabins.

Dardanella is available for charter through 37south in French Polynesia. Rates begin at $100,000 a week plus expenses.

Wheels

With seven decks, there’s something for everyone aboard Wheels. This massive yet elegant yacht measures 249 feet, weighs almost 2,000 gross tons, and offers standout amenities including a spacious cinema for eight guests, a sizable aquarium, a massage room with a dedicated onboard masseuse, an air-conditioned gym, and a main salon that converts into a disco complete with lights and a smoke machine for late-night dance parties. The split-level master suite boasts panoramic views, a study, and ample space, with four guest suites on the main deck. Outside, there are plenty of relaxation areas, including sunpads, a hot tub, several dining areas, bars, and an enviable water sports area featuring two Jet Skis, four wave runners, three seabobs, a luxurious tender, and more toys. The crew is very active, offering lessons in wakeboarding, kitesurfing, sailing the new Hobie cat catamaran, or scuba diving. They can also lead yoga and fitness classes.

Wheels is available for charter through Fraser Yachts in the Caribbean. Rates begin at $680,000 a week plus expenses.

Big Sky

It’s not uncommon for yacht charterers to “upgrade” their yachts year after year, chasing newer and larger boats, making Big Sky‘s number of repeat bookings even more impressive. The 157-foot yacht has been a charter favorite since 2010, and has recently undergone a refit, leaving her in immaculate condition. Big Sky accommodates 10 guests in five staterooms, including a full-beam master that spans the width of the yacht. There is ample room onboard to relax, with a main salon featuring large windows and a state-of-the-art TV system. The sky lounge is ideal for entertaining, with an onyx bar and sliding windows that open to the outdoors. If you wish to unwind outside, there are three teak decks with dining space and a large sundeck featuring a Jacuzzi, sun pads, couches, and a bar.

Big Sky is available for charter from Northrop & Johnson in the Bahamas. Rates begin at $180,000 a week plus expenses.

Tatiana

This glamorous new superyacht caused quite a stir when it debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2021. It’s rare for a brand-new superyacht of this size to be available immediately for charter, making Tatiana a sought-after option. This 263-foot yacht accommodates up to 12 guests, guaranteed impeccable service from the 20 crew members. Tatiana offers a wonderful selection of water equipment and showcases stunning designs with ample interior space, including a deck dedicated to the owner’s suite. Additional accommodations include two VIP staterooms, four double cabins, and a twin cabin. You can spend rainy days in the movie room or have some fun playing pool. Furthermore, Tatiana boasts a fabulous beach club with a large bathing platform, bar, and outdoor lounge.

Tatiana is available for charter from IYC in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda during winter months, and in the Mediterranean in summer months. Rates begin at €775,000 a week plus expenses.

Nour El Nil Meroe

Step back in time aboard Nour El Nil Meroe, a traditionally inspired Egyptian yacht outfitted with modern amenities and luxurious design. Meroe is accessible for charter through Black Tomato, a premier luxury travel company known for expertly curated trips with exclusive experiences and a focus on local culture. Styled like a classic dahabiya boat, it features authentic decor showcased through whitewashed walls and linens complemented by Parisian decor details. The VIP cabins offer floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Nile — which presents a fabulous way to enjoy breakfast in bed — while other cabins feature large windows. The shaded roof terrace provides multiple spots for lounging and dining alfresco, and a cheerful indoor salon with red-and-white striped decor and cozy couches adds to the festive ambiance. On your charter, you can leisurely sail down the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan. You may opt for just the yacht voyage or the Ultimate Egypt trip, which encompasses adventures on land as well as the yacht charter (think private tours of the pyramids, exploring temples, or taking a jeep safari around Siwa).

Nour El Nil and the Ultimate Egypt trip can be booked through Black Tomato. Rates begin at $5,800 a person.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

One of 2022’s most anticipated travel launches is the new The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. While this technically falls under small-ship cruises, every element has been tailored to create a superyacht ambiance. The fleet will ultimately comprise three custom-built yachts, each with 149 suites. However, in 2022, the collection will debut its first luxury vessel: Evrima. Each suite comes with private terraces, a rare find even aboard the largest superyachts. Amenities are incredible, featuring a beautiful spa, a stunning marina terrace set up like a yacht beach club, an infinity-edge pool, a large gym, and ample entertainment options. Dining selections are seemingly endless, including the main restaurant, the Evrima Room, featuring a menu by acclaimed chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, Talaat Nam, a Southeast Asian spot, and several casual dining offerings.

The inaugural voyage of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is scheduled for May 2022, and pricing depends on the chosen itinerary. Discover more about the trips here.