Where Can I Charter This Year?
Many countries around the world have imposed restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and travelling this year will undeniably look different, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a luxury yacht charter holiday with your friends or family. With the world still on the path to controlling COVID, yacht charters are the best option to discover extraordinary regions within the comfort and safety of your own private yacht. If you are wondering “where can I charter a yacht”, we have compiled a list of the best open destinations to explore depending on your location right now.
Where can I charter from the United States?
American nationals will be delighted by the myriad of tropical and exotic options around the globe available for a COVID-friendly yacht charter, as well as the fantastic domestic charter destinations on offer. The good news doesn’t stop there: the European travel ban should be lifted for vaccinated Americans this summer, allowing them to visit the exclusive yachting playgrounds of the Mediterranean.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is the Caribbean’s most exciting destination for those wondering where to charter this year. Beaches, casinos, markets, bars and restaurants remain open as usual, with some local restrictions – such as a nighttime curfew or reduced operating hours. All travellers on a COVID yacht charter must present a negative PCR test taken less than 5 days prior to arrival and apply for a Travel Health Visa. Once arrived, you’ll need to fill in a daily health questionnaire, and those staying for longer than four nights will be required to take a rapid test.
The Galapagos
For those wondering “where can I charter in South America?” look no further than the Galapagos. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre for its natural beauty and wealth of rare species, the archipelago is not to be missed this year. The isolated islands of the Galapagos are also some of the world’s safest destinations for a COVID-friendly yacht charter. You will need to provide a negative PCR test result within 4 days prior to arrival, a safe conduct letter issued by a hotel or a ship operator and proof of medical travel insurance.
South Pacific
The South Pacific is perfect for an off-the-beaten-track COVID-safe yacht charter. In fact, the tropical archipelago of Fiji is best discovered by yacht thanks to its array of beautiful islands. This year, whilst air passengers must quarantine in a hotel for 14 days upon arrival, yacht charterers are allowed to cruise the region’s turquoise lagoons and discover the world’s best snorkeling spots freely. The only downside is that getting off the yacht and interacting with the friendly locals is forbidden to minimize the risk of transmission. As with most countries, a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Fiji is mandatory, and a nationwide curfew is in place between 11pm and 4am.
Scheduled to gradually reopen in May, French Polynesia is another postcard-perfect destination of the South Pacific. The country requires those travelling onboard international to present a negative COVID-19 test before and after arriving.
Charters in the USA
Of course, the USA is so diverse and offers so much beauty that there is perhaps little need to go elsewhere. To enjoy an exceptionally different landscape, full of rugged beauty, head to Alaska, where visitors only need to fill in a Travel Declaration Form and submit a negative COVID test result before arrival. The tropical islands of Florida Keys offer beachy relaxation and stunning sunsets, with no entry restrictions. New England on the East Coast is another classic yachting hub, and although they have currently imposed a quarantine on travellers, it is hoped this may lift for the summer. You can check each state’s current guidelines with the CDC’s Travel Planner.
Where can I charter from the Middle East?
With easy access to the African coast and the Indian Ocean, charterers from the Middle East are in the perfect location for holidays in the world’s most luxurious and exciting destinations.
The Maldives
With thousands of neon coral reefs and countless marine species, the Maldives is the perfect destination for divers and COVID-free yacht charter guests who present a negative PCR test carried out at least 96 hours prior to departure and fill the Traveler Health Declaration form. Those who have received two doses of a vaccine are free to roam the archipelago and relax on the palm-tree lined beaches as they please, with no need for quarantine or testing.
Oman
If you’re wondering “where can I charter in the Middle East?” the stunning country of Oman is issuing 10-day tourist visas and only requires proof of a negative PCR test upon arrival. With over 3,000 kilometers of rugged coastline and immaculate beaches, a COVID yacht charter in Oman is perfect for those looking for a serene and extremely private holiday on the Arabian Sea. A piece of yacht charter travel advice: venture to the fjords of Khasab to spot some dolphins.
The Seychelles
At the crossroads between Africa and Asia, the islands of the Seychelles are a unique destination open to tourists. Those on a COVID-safe yacht charter will need to seek approval from the Health Authorities and take a PCR test 72 hours before arrival. Some public spaces are closed for now, but hotel amenities, lush rainforest parks, creole cultural attractions, and the idyllic beaches are open for everyone to enjoy. Where can I charter from the UK & Europe?
The Mediterranean is the world’s most renowned region for yachting. Unfortunately, many European countries have strict restrictions for tourism this year. Our top yacht charter travel advice is to visit the East Med, where countries are opening back up for the summer season.
Croatia
A booming yachting destination, Croatia has become a top destination in the Mediterranean , and this year is no exception. Guests aboard a COVID yacht charter must provide a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to arrival or show certification of a complete vaccination at least 14 days prior – note that crew members are exempted. Dubrovnik, the capital city, is closed at the moment, but the scenic coastline is strewn with idyllic bays to relax in and fairytale-like ancient towns, with most amenities open until 10pm.
Greece
One of the world’s yachting hotspots, Greece plans to fully reopen to vaccinated or covid-tested tourists by May 14th – but with a few restrictions. Only crewed yachts will be able to enter marinas on the mainland or those located in Rhodes, Heraklion and Corfu. Your crew will have to present a PCR test upon arrival and isolate for seven days before taking another test to disembark.