For charter guests based in America looking to book a private yacht vacation closer to home this summer, there’s a superb variety of on-the-doorstep destinations and a stand-out selection of yachts available to charter in each one. Here’s the YachtCharterFleet shortlist.
If your go-to summer yacht charter destination usually involves a Mediterranean yacht charter, you might consider chartering somewhere a little closer to home. Offering a broad range of terrains, experiences, and opportunities to create lifelong memories, USA yacht charters have something for every yacht charter guest.
While the Mediterranean has its own distinct charm, North America yacht charters have diversity, culture, and incredible natural beauty like no other place on earth.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning the experience of a lifetime in one of these enchanting destinations below.
The beauty of North America’s East Coast is that many of these destinations can be accessed by car if you don’t want to fly commercially. You can also opt to fly privately of course; and chartered flights don’t have to cost the earth.
The charms of a Northeast America yacht charter are not a world away from the sparkle of the Cote d'Azur. Like the French Riviera, the shores of New England are home to chic towns and world-class dining venues, with the added bonus of sandy beaches and wildlife watching; Whale-watching season in New England runs between May and October, and vacation on board a crewed superyacht charter is the best way to experience these majestic creatures up close.
Cruising the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and the bay of Cape Cod, you’ll have the chance to explore pristine beaches, sapphire seas, and picture-perfect towns set within lush emerald fields. Visit Oak Bluffs to see the brightly colored mansions, enjoy a bonfire on the beach as the sun sets, and don’t leave Cape Cod without trying a fresh lobster roll- the best ones can be found in one of the seafood shacks close to the harbor.
For more information, check out our guide to yacht charter in New England.
A selection of boat charters available to book in Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod this summer 2024 include:
- 60m (198ft) charter yacht BLUE MOON available from $395,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 50m (164ft) superyacht OCEAN CLUB available from $220,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 50m (163ft) yacht ENDLESS SUMMER available from $250,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 46m (149ft) luxury yacht STEALTH available from $140,000 p/week (+ expenses)
For the full list, check out all charter yachts in New England.
Nestled in between Maryland and Virginia, Chesapeake Bay has been an up-and-coming motor yacht charter destination in recent months. This wide network of rivers and estuaries is rich in culture and history, with plenty of monuments, bridges, little islands, and a number of delightful towns lined up along the water. It’s also a paradise for fishermen, bird watchers, and any charter guests with an interest in nature.
Chesapeake Bay is the ultimate yacht charter destination if you want to escape the stress of modern life and experience the true meaning of island living and close-knit communities. Some islands in this bay are so remote, that they have no permanent population- perfect for taking the water toys out for a spin on a watersports yacht charter or finding a secluded slice of beach all to yourself.
A selection of yacht rentals available to book in Chesapeake Bay this summer 2024 include:
- 52m (172ft) charter yacht BIG EAGLE available from $175,000 p/week (+ expenses).
- 44m (153ft) superyacht STARSHIP available from $120,000 p/week (+ expenses).
The cosmopolitan glamour of a Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami yacht charter are unmatched by any other American yacht charter destination in the world. While the highlights of the Floridian coast are located within close proximity to one another, there are plenty of hidden gems to be found in between, including rivers, beaches, and upscale marinas where you can dock and explore the surroundings.
Aboard a motor or sailing yacht charter, you’ll experience a totally new perspective of Florida. No more crowded beaches and busy seafront restaurants; you’ll be able to swim and play with water toys out at sea, and enjoy an incomparable dining experience prepared by the private chef on board your private Florida yacht charter. Evenings are enjoyed on deck with a cool glass of your favorite drink, and your mornings are spent kicking back on one of the alfresco lounging areas watching the scenery float past as you set course for the day’s destination.
For more information, check out our guide to yacht charters in Miami.
A selection of luxury charter yachts available to book in Florida this summer 2024 include:
- 49m (161ft) charter yacht ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM, available from $180,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 49m (162ft) superyacht HIGHLANDER available from $155,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 48m (157ft) yacht NEVER ENOUGH available from $160,000 p/week (+ expenses)
For more, you can take a look at the complete selection of Miami luxury charter yachts.
Easily accessible by car from the mainland, the Florida Keys are a tropical oasis on your doorstep. There are so many keys to choose from, there’s plenty to explore and keep you occupied every day of your family yacht charter vacation.
Renowned as the sportfishing capital of the world, the Keys are a great destination for keen anglers looking to hook some big gamefish- if you’re interested in fishing, be sure to look out for a superyacht charter with on-board equipment and an experienced crew who’ll know the best spots to take you. The Keys also play host to plenty of pristine beaches and flourishing coral reefs where you can polish up your diving skills or enjoy some leisurely snorkeling.
A selection of private yacht charters available to book in the Florida Keys the summer 2024 include:
- 52m (171ft) charter yacht MARIA available from $260,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 43m (142ft) superyacht AQUASITION available from $150,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 35m (115ft) yacht READY II PLAY available from $70,000 (+ expenses)
Northwest America yacht charters are home to several yachting gems where you can experience something a bit different from your next vacation.
For anyone interested in nature and wildlife, an Alaska yacht charter is the ultimate escape on the seas. Particularly in the summertime, when you’ll be able to see bears, whales and other animals including goats, eagles, sea lions and orcas in their natural habitat.
The pine-coated landscapes and glacial blue fjords and lakes are a world away from the buzz of other destinations. Alaska’s untouched wilderness will invite you to press pause on life and reconnect with your loved ones in the midst of beautiful surroundings.
For more information, check out our guide to yacht charter in Alaska
Luxury charter yachts available to book in Alaska this summer 2024 include:
- 72m (236ft) superyacht STELLA MARIS available from €650,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 33m (111ft) charter yacht EL RAY available from $105,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 30m (99ft) yacht BLACKWOOD available from $87,500 p/week (+ expenses)
You can take a look at the complete fleet of luxury charter yachts in Alaska.
If you’re based in California and you’re looking for a summer vacation on board a super yacht charter, the cruising grounds of Central America yacht charters on your doorstep are truly spectacular. The Channel Islands of California are particularly alluring, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, discovering peaceful beaches, and kayaking around the rocky outcrops and cave networks. Making for a particularly unique diving experience, the islands are home to famous kelp forests.
The region is also rich in wildlife, and you’ll be able to see dolphins and whales in the waters and foxes and bald eagles on shore. The Channel Islands encompass eight islands in total, but if you’re interested in venturing further afield with your sailing yacht charter you can cruise over to Baja California, provided that the sea borders between Mexico and the USA are open for travel and leisure. The Sea of Cortez is a highlight of Mexico yacht charters and is one of the most phenomenal regions in the world for diving.
Charter yachts available to book in California and Mexico this summer 2024 include:
- 77m (252ft) luxury yacht LA DATCHA available from $800,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 36m (121ft) sailing yacht GENEVIEVE available from €75,000 p/week (+ expenses)
For the full selection, view all yachts for charter in Mexico.
The Caribbean is a playground for superyachts and sport fisher yacht charters, and these paradisiac cruising grounds are easy to access from the USA, with plenty of commercial and private flights at your disposal.
The Caribbean’s soft sandy beaches, sun-warmed blue sea, and laid-back vibes are a world away from the glitz and glamour of the Mediterranean. Be aware that the Caribbean is typically best to visit from November onwards; although the Bahamas is hot year-round and is not usually affected by the hurricane season.
Below, we've rounded up a stand-out selection of yachts for each destination. If you'd like to see the fleet in its entirety, you can take a look at all luxury Caribbean charter yachts.
Bahamas yacht charters are just a hop, skip, and jump from the USA, with a flight time of just thirty minutes from Miami. The region’s azure seas, miles of sugary soft beaches, and the sheer number of cays and remote islets create incredible Bahamas yacht charter itineraries; you can come back time and time again and still find new spots to fall in love with.
During a Bahamas or Exumas yacht charter, expect to explore untouched islets, play with water toys in the shallow water, and see some spectacular sights that you can't experience anywhere else.
Read our in-depth article: How to enjoy a crowd-free yacht rental in the Bahamas to discover the very best of these idyllic islands.
A selection of luxury yacht rentals available to book in the Bahamas this summer 2024 include:
- 55m (180ft) luxury yacht AMIGOS available from $295,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 50m (164ft) charter yacht IMPROMPTU available from $285,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 50m (164ft) yacht TSUMAT available from $250,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 41m (133ft) superyacht SEAGREEN available from $196,000 p/week (+ expenses)
Read more: Bahamas Yacht Charters: The Best Luxury Yachts for Every Budget.
Virgin Island yacht charters allow charter guests to experience an Eden on earth. Ringed by shades of turquoise and bordered by bright white sandy beaches, these islands are what barefoot island living is all about. Whether you choose a US or British Virgin Islands yacht charter, there’s no shortage of beach bars and upscale restaurants which you can incorporate into your itinerary as well, and the Jurassic interiors of the islands make for great hiking and cycling trails.
US Virgin Islands yacht charters are a paradise for snorkellers and scuba pros, with colorful coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of marine life below the water's surface. The BVI’s share the same metropolis of underwater life, and you can also visit famous sights such as the Baths at Virgin Gorda and Anegada Island, which is surrounded by shallow-crystal clear waters, complex reef systems, and a number of large shipwrecks that are fascinating to explore.
For more inspiration read our guide to chartering a yacht in the Virgin Islands.
A selection of charter yachts available to book for 2024 in the Virgin Islands include:
- 52m (170ft) luxury charter yacht LADY B available from $275,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 45m (146ft) superyacht MILESTONE available from $180,000 p/week (+ expenses)
For more options, including crewed catamarans for charter, take a look at all yachts for charter in the Virgin Islands.
Leeward Islands yacht charters host an enticing collection of chic beach clubs that give way to luxury hotels with on-shore facilities that charter guests can take advantage of, and islands like St Barts are an A-listers playground with plenty of world-class dining venues and fashion emporiums at your disposal.
In between sipping cocktails alongside celebrities, you’ll find great snorkeling spots, secluded crescents of beach and pastel-colored towns lined up along the waterfront. During Antigua yacht charters try the island’s famed, fresh red snapper and then spend a day exploring the untouched beauty of St Kitts & Nevis, a pair of islands renowned for their incredible diversity of mango cultivation.
Find out more by reading our guide to chartering a yacht in the Leeward Islands.
A selection of luxury charter yachts available to book in Antigua, St Barts and neighboring islands now:
- 99m (352ft) charter yacht CHRISTINA O available from €620,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 46m (150ft) luxury yacht AQUANOVA available from $180,000 p/week ( + expenses)
For true peace and serenity, the Windward Islands yacht charters are largely unspoiled and not as popular as their sister archipelagoes. These islands are all about recharging and rejuvenating in the midst of tranquility. Best of all, the Windward Islands sit below the hurricane belt, so if you’re looking for an early escape these islands are the best option for you and your charter guests.
If the promise of secret bays and footprint-free sandy beaches is calling your name, be sure to dedicate a day of your Windward Islands yacht charter itinerary to St Vincent, where a necklace of islands will leave you with plenty of time for lazy days on deck, playing with water toys or enjoying beach picnics. If you’re in the mood for something more active, St Lucia’s rugged interior is great for hiking and exploring the tropical fruit plantations; finish your hike on the beach looking out over the magnificent, towering pitons.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to chartering a yacht in the Leeward Islands.
A selection of charter yachts available to book in St Lucia, the Grenadines and neighboring islands:
- 86m (282ft) superyacht MAN OF STEEL available from €1,200,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 62m (205ft) superyacht PARTY GIRL available from $490,000 p/week (+ expenses)
- 52m (169ft) sailing yacht PRANA available from $200,000 p/week (+ expenses)
If you are interested in booking your next luxury yacht charter vacation, please get in touch with a recommended yacht charter broker for details on availability, the latest yacht rentals, and yacht rental costs.
