Are you a culture vulture or a laid-back sunseeker? Match your travel style to your dream cruising ground for the summer season – from remote islands to sublime landscapes, Navigator’s experts recommend their perfect pairings.

For the Design Lover

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

A yacht charter can provide the perfect opportunity to soak up some creative inspiration, so if it is an artistic escapade that you are imagining, look to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Seduced by its combination of glamor, culture, and natural beauty, artists, composers, and writers have been flocking to the delightful colorful towns that hug the coastline for centuries. This achingly beautiful scenery continues to attract visitors from all over the world, and from the decks of a superyacht there is plenty of opportunity to take in Amalfi’s vertiginous coast with its pastel-colored villas suspended over the water and looming cliffs hosting grottoes and caves just waiting to be explored.

The Yacht… The 219’1” (67m) CALEX is available to charter in the Mediterranean this summer season for prices from $680,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to 12 guests.

Where… The town of Positano has inspired many famous artists. During the peak of the dolce vita era, the town even rivaled Capri for glamor. Head ashore for a long lunch at any of the restaurants that hug the coastline – La Fontelina, Da Luigi, Conca del Sogno, Lo Scoglio, Marinella…

Recommended… Step ashore and wander through Capri Town, browsing the boutiques that run throughout the tiny cobblestone streets. A great place for people watching.

For the Wellness Devotee

Exumas, The Bahamas

Just being on, in or near the water is scientifically proven to have beneficial effects on our health and wellbeing. The ebb and flow of waves on the shore while you relax on the sun deck, the endless arena for watersports to increase fitness levels, the comfort levels for better sleep – when it comes to the ultimate in relaxation and wellness, superyachts deliver everything one could require, and more. A handful of the Northrop & Johnson charter fleet are heading to The Bahamas this summer, all of which offer equal measures of fun and relaxation. Captain Scott Gaffga aboard the 164’ (50m) TCB recommends the Exumas for their incredible range of experiences. “The pristine shallow waters along with the islands’ secluded bays and beaches make for a perfect relaxed itinerary,” he says. “They provide ample opportunities for luxurious spas and fine dining ashore, and amazing snorkeling and scuba diving.”

The Yacht… The 164’ (50m) TCB is available for charter in The Bahamas this summer season for prices from $215,000, plus expenses, for up to 12 guests.

Where… Extend an Exumas itinerary by a few days to encompass Harbour Island and Eleuthera.

Recommended… Jet-skis at the ready. Anchoring off Big Major’s Spot and Warderick Wells Cay – reputedly the two best places for watersports in the Exumas.

For the Culture Maven

The Cyclades, Greece

Broaden your horizons with a cultural charter taking in the Greek capital of Athens and the ruins and temples that dot the Cyclades. Spend a few days in Athens discovering some of the world’s oldest landmarks and the city’s vibrant arts scene, before embarking on a charter through the lesser-visited islands of the Cyclades. Venture just a bit further off the well-trodden cruising map and discover a smattering of smaller, more quaint islands with the same charming Cycladic appeal as their mainstay neighbors, but without the crowds and offering some of the richest histories known to man ranging from the massive, gate-like ruins of the unfinished Apollo temple dating back to 530 B.C. on Naxos, to the 15th-century Venetian castle on Serifos – seemingly modern in comparison. Diving enthusiasts can also discover a magical underwater world which, aside from its rich underwater biodiversity, is also home to several noteworthy shipwrecks, including the RMS TITANIC’s twin sister.

 

Where… The lesser-known Cycladic islands of Sifnos, Tinos, Folegandros, Kea, Naxos and Serifos, to name just a few of the remote and quaint hidden gems.

Recommended… Step ashore to the small fishing village of Apollonas on the northern side of Naxos to visit the statue of Kouros, a 35’ tall marble statue of Dionysus dating back to the 7th century B.C.

For the Culinary Aficionado

Côte d’Azur, France

The French Riviera cannot be rivaled for a getaway of gastronomic excellence. Tailormade cuisine is an intrinsic part of a superyacht charter, and superyacht guests will be met with a neverending stream of innovative menu choices. While cruising along the French coastline, chefs have their pick of the finest ingredients with local markets selling fresh fish, cheese, bread, fruit, and regional delicacies. Ask the chef aboard your charter yacht if you can join him or her for an early-morning trip to local markets where you can savor every local delicacy, and see, smell, feel, and taste the ingredients that will later be transformed into a gastronomic delight.

Dining ashore is also an integral part of any superyacht charter and the coastline is filled with delightful restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining and glamorous beachfront establishments to quaint Provençal cafés, the French Riviera is renowned among foodies for good reason. Senior Charter Broker Fiona Maureso has been based in the South of France for almost 40 years and has organized hundreds of charters in the area. “In terms of highlights, I would recommend the iconic Îles de Lérins, which lie just off Cannes,” says Fiona. “Restaurant La Guérite on Île Sainte Marguerite is well worth a shore visit. I would also ask your charter yacht’s captain to reserve a table for lunch at Le Club 55 on Pampelonne Beach in St. Tropez.”

The Yacht… The 203’5” (62m) SEALION is available for charter in the West Mediterranean this summer season for prices from $480,000, plus expenses, for up to 12 guests.

Where… With its infectious joie de vivre, Pampelonne Beach remains the jewel of St. Tropez and gourmands will be delighted by the delectable offerings on the menus at the various beach clubs along the hippest strip of sand in the world. Club 55, LouLou, La Réserve, Indie, Gigi, Casa Amor, Verde and Shellona…

Recommended… The Île Saint-Honorat is the place to head for a peaceful anchorage and lunch ashore. Dine by the water’s edge at La Tonnelle (the restaurant is only open for lunch) on flavorsome Mediterranean cuisine.

For Old School Glamor

New England, USA

Considered by many to be the home of yachting in North America, New England offers the waterborne an appealing summer alternative to the cruising grounds of The Bahamas or the Mediterranean. The town of Newport has long been associated with wealthy socialites, having been put on the map in the mid-1800s when the great New York families, the likes of the Astors and Vanderbilts, built their opulent and ornate Newport mansions here. The off-lying islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard have also attracted their own affluent visitors over the years, with John F. Kennedy and J.D. Rockefeller both spending most of their summers sailing in these perennially popular cruising grounds, and very little has changed on these quaint islands as they continue to attract yachting enthusiasts to explore their diverse offerings.

The Yacht… The 157’ (47.85m) NICOLE EVELYN is available to charter in New England this summer season for prices from $165,000, plus expenses, for up to 11 guests.

Where… The entire New England region is appealing to the waterborne – rolling hills, quaint fishing villages, sandy beaches, tiny coves, and small islands that play host to award-winning golf courses, and restaurants and historical interest abound wherever you cruise.

Recommended… The most popular way to explore the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard is by bicycle – both have dedicated cycle paths that trace the coastline and plenty of rental shops if your yacht doesn’t have a bike on board.

For the Outdoor Reveler

Alaska

America’s largest state is a wondrous cruising ground if you love to marvel at the great outdoors. Few places boast such a compelling combination of majestic mountains, glistening icefields, and tree-lined coastline – all set amidst the pulsating rhythm of the Pacific – as Alaska. “SERENGETI’s crew have been cruising these magnificent waters for a number of years and have an in-depth knowledge of the best anchorages,” says Charter Broker Amy Wachmann. “Her ample toy box, including paddleboards, snorkeling and fishing gear, and her 32’ (9.8m) ACI enclosed cabin limo tender (heated), give charterers the opportunity to get even closer to nature.”

The Yacht… The 130’ (39.62m) SERENGETI will be cruising the Alaskan coastline this summer for prices from $150,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to 12 guests.

Where… From Alaska’s capital, Juneau, cruise through the twisting Sergius Narrows to Sitka and the Glacier Bay National Park.

Recommended… Tag on a week cruising the Pacific Northwest and spend time around Desolation Sound Marine Park with its islands, numerous bays, and snug coves; swim and dive in the warm waters or step ashore and discover the shaded forested trails.