Where to Charter a Yacht in 2026

If your mind is on a vacation different than before, you have something in common with fellow yachting enthusiasts. “The Mediterranean and Caribbean continue to be destination favorites, but we’re watching several emerging areas closely,” says Anders Kurtén, Fraser Yachts’ CEO. There’s growing appetite to charter a yacht beyond the South of France and St. Barths because of growing interest in experiences. In fact, Kurtén notes, this past summer was Fraser’s strongest ever charter season, driven certainly by this desire. He and his team see no signs of it stopping, either. So, for those seeking to charter a yacht next year somewhere new, we spoke with Frances Edgeworth, a Fraser Yachts charter broker. She recommends these six destinations for a variety of reasons. They include proximity to U.S. shores, fascinating culture, immersion in nature, and icy fronts as off-grid as you can get.

According to Edgeworth, U.S.-based charterers seeking turquoise waters without long-haul travel should consider Bermuda. Bermuda possesses “effortless beauty and genuine sophistication,” she says. She recommends cruising into Hamilton Harbour, then taking a tender ashore to walk the cobbled streets of St. George’s. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bermuda’s first English settlement. Explore the subterranean pools in the Crystal Caves (above), or dive historic wrecks like the Montana or WWI-era HMS Hermes. For further onshore fun with the family, visit the National Museum of Bermuda at the old naval dockyard, or the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo. The pink-sand beaches, world-class golf, and refined island culture make Bermuda a great under-the-radar charter playground. 

“Japan is one of yachting’s best-kept secrets—a world of pearl-like islands, cultural treasures, and clear tropical waters,” Edgeworth asserts. Indeed, superyacht cruising in Japan is a new frontier. One suggested itinerary, for instance, is to cruise the Ryukyu Islands, starting in Okinawa. Here, you can snorkel with manta rays, dive underwater caves, and explore laid-back islands like Zamami, with powder-white beaches. Then, continue to Yonaguni to dive the island’s mysterious underwater ruins (above). In the Inland Sea, drop anchor near Itsukushima Shrine for its floating torii gate, or sail to the art island of Naoshima. For natural wonders, meanwhile, cruise past swirling Naruto whirlpools and ancient volcanoes near Tokushima. End with a nighttime glide beneath the Tokyo skyline. “The contrast of serene sea and neon city is magical,” Edgeworth says. Conveniently, the 180-foot (55-meter) yacht Purpose is chartering in Japan next spring, as part of a five-year circumnavigation.  

Unquestionably, charter a yacht in 2026 in Costa Rica. Ever since legislation passed in 2021 to permit foreign-flagged charter superyachts to stay for two years, it’s been attracting significant interest, particularly among adventure lovers. Edgeworth considers Costa Rica “a palette cleanser for the soul, with lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and biodiverse coastlines.” She recommends using Marina Papagayo as a base, hiking to natural hot springs or ziplining through the cloud forest. Additionally, go snorkeling or diving alongside manta rays, turtles, whale sharks, and dolphins. “Costa Rica is truly one of the most biodiverse yachting destinations on earth,” Edgeworth says. She encourages embracing its spirit of pura vida. Enjoy visiting local communities with an indigenous guide, which she can arrange. Similarly, she can arrange a local expert to help you spot quetzels and howler monkeys in the jungle canopy.

“The Red Sea is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most exciting superyacht frontiers,” Edgeworth says. It offers upwards of 1,200 islands and extraordinary dive visibility. Yet, few yachts have explored it. Recent developments like Sindalah, Saudi Arabia’s ultra-luxurious island, are changing that. Plus, the Red Sea’s warmth well into late fall let you extend the Med summer season. Traditionally Med-based charter yachts like O’Pari and Emir are transiting the Suez Canal to do that. Edgeworth recommends setting sail from Sindalah for Tiran Island, “a scuba diver’s paradise” with steep coral walls. Continue onward for an afternoon at Ras Muhammad National Park, Egypt’s first national park. Dive the famed Shark and Yolanda Reef, paddleboard over neon coral gardens, or visit its numerous archeological wonders. Finally, cruise south toward the lively Sharm El Sheikh and onward to the superyacht hub of Hurghada for access to desert adventures.

If you’re seeking to charter a yacht amid awe-inspiring remoteness, few destinations compare to the Northwest Passage. This long-notorious Arctic Sea route is the connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Although few yachts take it on, you can follow in the wake of storied explorers like Roald Amundsen aboard for a truly off-grid experience. You can visit Victoria Island, where gold-rush relics meet Inuit communities, or anchor near Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island. Next, head to Somerset and Prince of Wales Islands to spot Arctic wildlife like polar bears, belugas, and narwhals. In September, the dark Arctic skies may gift you the Northern Lights while onboard.   

Last but certainly not least, Edgeworth says, “Indonesia’s Komodo National Park is a cinematic spectacle of rugged volcanic hills and private beaches.” The park includes Rinca and Komodo Islands (top), which are replete with Komodo dragons. It also includes Padar Island, which she recommends hiking at dawn for breathtaking views. If you’re a diver, Manta Point or Batu Bolong is a must, for thriving coral and manta rays. Venture further north to Raja Ampat (above), with its labyrinth of limestone islets and marine biodiversity, to dive mirror-calm lagoons. Your yacht’s crew can treat you to beach barbecues in hidden coves as well. Speaking of the yacht, traditional wooden phinisis are available, as are more modern choices. Regardless, you’ll cruise in style in Indonesia, discovering black coral reefs and more.

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