Top reasons to charter a yacht this winter [Updated 2022]
Explore the islands of the Caribbean and Bahamas
Providing the perfect lure, the Caribbean and Bahamas are the most popular destination for winter cruising, with the peak season from November through July. Home to thousands of islands, each with their own personality, azure blue waters, soft white sand and a relaxed shore side vibe, all provide the perfect antidote for the winter blues. Traditional hotspots such as Gustavia on St Barts are enduringly popular, and for good reason, but why not look further afield to some of the less visited areas? A visit to the Hawksbill turtle sanctuary on Bequia, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, or time exploring the Rosaria Islands archipelago, which is a national park that shelters dolphins and seals, are just two activities to try. Your experienced crew will know all the best local places to visit.
A winter holiday celebration to remember
New Year's, Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving are ideal occasions for spending time and creating memories with family and friends; a charter vacation provides the perfect base for this. The Caribbean islands are the perfect destination for some holiday sparkle. Houses are elegantly decorated, and visitors can enjoy a variety of organized events and stunning firework shows.Stand out destinations include St Lucia, which is known for its National Festival of Lights on December 13th, the Bahamas known for the Junkanoo New Year carnival celebration, and St Barts known for its New Year Eve festivities. Onboard your experience crew will decorate the yacht to create a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
Give yourself a health boost
If you need another excuse to escape on holiday it is well known that sunshine has huge health benefits. A dose of vitamin D is not just good for your body, helping to protect against colds, but studies have shown that sunshine reduces stress, puts us in a better mood and improves our sleep patterns. Coming from the cold of winter, you will appreciate sunshine all the more! Why not choose a yacht with a dedicated wellness space on board to make the most of your time and both relax and recharge? Several yachts have gyms and exercise equipment on board offering charter guests a comfortable and appealing place to work out.For extra Vitamin C, enjoy fresh local fruits and ingredients with all the flavours of the Caribbean, healthy but delicious!
Put the latest toys and tenders to the test
The welcoming waters of the Caribbean and Bahamas are made for watersports. Pick a yacht with a wide range of toys and tenders and make the most of the unparalleled water access that a superyacht offers. Race on jet skis, water ski off the back of a tender, dive to the sea bed on a Sea Bob, and then return to your private deck for a refreshing cocktail prepared by your crew. While all yachts carry a selection of water toys designed to keep guests of all ages entertained, some yachts stand out for their particularly large water toy collections. Water slides, floating islands, electric surfboards, flyboards, kayaks and private submersibles are only some of the toys you can find on board.
Explore the underwater world
The Caribbean and Bahamas are a diver's delight, with unforgettable snorkeling and scuba diving spots never far away. The Blue Hole, sixty miles off Belize, is considered one of the diving wonders of the world; at 1000ft deep it features stalactite formations and sea life, includes angelfish and Caribbean reef sharks. The deserted Île Fourchue has world class diving with reef fish sharing the water with stingrays and turtles. For incredible colours visit The Cathedral at Eagle Shoals in the Virgin Isles, an underwater chamber full of vibrant coral. Both aspiring and experienced scuba divers can choose a charter yacht with diving capabilities that will offer equipment and training capabilities on board.
For more information about yacht charters on to find yachts that are available this season click here or contact the IYC Charter team here.