YACHT CHARTER GUIDE | PRICELESS MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME

While journeys end when you get back home, a yacht charter stays with you forever. Make memories to last a lifetime with Navigator’s pick of yachting experiences that even the most discerning relative will approve of.

Wander along the deserted shoreline, dine beside a crystal-clear bay, watch the fiery sun sink beneath the waves, or dive into the mysteries of the deep – it’s the little things that make for the most cherished memories.  

CELEBRATE IN STYLE  

Swap the cold weather for some sunshine and celebrate on board a superyacht this holiday season. Not only does a yacht provide security and privacy, the opportunity for endless activities and tailor-made cuisine, it is also bespoke to you. Whether your annual holiday tradition is to wake up and celebrate with a champagne brunch anchored in a quiet bay, or you prefer to toast the new year in style with a lavish celebration, the choice is yours. But where to celebrate? The exclusive islands of The Bahamas are a firm favorite for the superyacht set. A safe haven for celebrities looking to escape the crowds and celebrate, the islands also set the tone for all-out celebrations, with festivals and colorful parades on the main islands. Charter broker Carl Sputh recommends celebrating the festive season in The Bahamas on board the stunning motor yacht SILVER LINING. “Boasting acres of deck space, she is designed for outdoor living and her alfresco dining and entertaining areas are ideal for a starlit New Year’s Eve dinner party,” says Carl.

Alternatively, those looking to ring in the new year with a lavish celebration should consider the chic island of St Barts. Without doubt the New Year’s Eve capital of the Caribbean, the island marks the new year with impromptu New Year’s Eve boat hopping parties. Most of the yachts in the fleet have a choice of alfresco dining and entertaining areas. “The bar aboard ALFA NERO is the perfect spot to start the party with a glass of Champagne before dining under the stars,” says charter broker Mimi Andain. “As the clock ticks toward midnight, enjoy the colorful fireworks displays exploding over Gustavia Harbor before dancing the night away on the huge aft deck dance floor.” 

AT ONE WITH NATURE 

A superyacht charter almost immediately conjures up images of endless white sand beaches and days upon days of sunshine, but many of the cruising grounds visited by yachts are also fantastic destinations for discovering a vast array of wildlife. From humbling encounters with humpback whales in their migrating pods, to the sheer unbridled biological diversity of rainforests, there’s no end to the wildlife experiences both ashore and beneath the waterline. Turn your attention to the cruising grounds of Southeast Asia and explore the shimmering blue waters. Home to thousands of deserted islands, amazing underwater life and well-protected anchorages, a yacht charter through Thailand’s Andaman Sea or the adventure playground of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, can be both eye-opening and meaningful, while still being restorative and luxurious.

Alternatively, follow in Darwin’s footsteps while cruising through the enchanted Galápagos. One of, if not THE most enthralling wildlife havens in the world, this archipelago of islands straddles the equator approximately 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. This wildlife utopia inspired Darwin to write his seminal work The Origin of Species, and the variety of sub-species on offer here may just inspire you and your guests to think differently about the world, and perhaps inspire younger generations to venture into a scientific field themselves. Offering accommodations for up to 16 guests with crew numbers to match, the 164’ (50m) AQUA MARE is the perfect explorer charter yacht for cruising the Galapagos. “She has two crewmembers who are professionally trained naturalists,” says charter broker Adam Fitzmaurice. “You could even host a National Geographic film maker to help create your very own documentary and capture memories of a lifetime,” says Adam. “These types of activities give a vital perspective of the fragile environment and the tangible effects of climate change.”  

FUN FOR EVERYONE

Most superyachts have an array of water toys, adding not only a fun dimension to a family yacht charter but also allowing for the opportunity to learn a new sport. With all the equipment you’ll need right on site, the whole family can hit the waves while cruising aboard the 102’7” (31.09m) CARPE DIEM. “The crew really know their stuff, and armed with the yacht’s 43’ (13m) Midnight Express towable tender, they will ensure every guest has the thrill of taking to the water in safety,” says charter broker Fiona Maureso. The Caribbean is perfect for watersports, with balmy temperatures in the water hovering around 82°F, while over in The Bahamas, the shallow waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and all manner of watersports, while outside the reefs the waters provide some of the most popular deep-sea fishing in the world.

The crew aboard REVELRY know the best fishing spots and can teach guests how to cast a line. “While cruising aboard REVELRY, take advantage of the 54’ (16m) Viking Open Sport Fish and the extensive fishing program on board, with fly, deep sea, and spearfishing equipment,” says charter broker Kevin Damgaard. 

DELVE DEEP  

The underwater realm is a fascinating place bursting with all types of sea creatures – all you have to do is peek beneath the surface to gain a better understanding of the life that lurks below. Coral reefs dance with iridescent fish that will leave everyone bursting with enthusiasm at what they’ve seen, while marine creatures both big and small can elevate your immersion to a new level. The beauty of these ecosystems is that they are all unique. In the waters lapping the Caribbean islands, for example, you will be rubbing your eyes in disbelief at the colorful tropical fish, while the Indian Ocean atolls of the Maldives and Seychelles can also provide rainbow-colored coral in abundance and a magical but very different array of sea life. Hiring a local marine guide to come on board elevates your immersion, or simply following the yacht crew’s guidance will also lead to new discoveries.

A number of charter yachts are outfitted with dive gear in their toy boxes, and some even operate PADI-certified dive centers with their own dive instructors on board to safely teach scuba diving to guests of all ages. “RoMa has all the equipment and credentials for underwater adventures, including scuba equipment, a Bauer dive compressor, and an emergency oxygen generator. “Licensed as a PADI on-board diving school, RoMa’s guests are in safe hands with fully qualified scuba instructors and dive masters among her crewmembers,” says charter broker Natascha Weber.

Northrop & Johnson’s charter experts are on hand to deliver the perfect experiences for all ages, personalities, and interests. With global knowledge and a hand-picked collection of captivating charter yachts, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

For a seamless luxury travel experience, fly directly to most Caribbean islands with NetJets, Northrop & Johnson’s preferred private jet partner. Whether you are planning to fly to Antigua from Palm Beach to celebrate the festive season, or heading from Miami to St Barts for New Year’s Eve, NetJets operates a fleet of aircraft to suit all itineraries, be it family travel or a small group of friends. www.netjets.com