Best Destinations for Island Hopping Vacations
Updated: Sep 26, 2019
Have you always wanted to experience the laid back yachting lifestyle? Cruising the coast, visiting a different village or island every day, dropping your anchor anywhere you please? Driving around Greece a couple years ago we came across a village where we pulled over and stopped for dinner. Boats were moored alongside our harbor restaurant, and the tables soon filled with folks who had just walked off the pier. As I sat and watched the sunset light illuminate the sails of another coming in to the harbor, I had the urge to join these people the next day as they made their way to the next destination. What a perfect way to spend a summer! If this sounds right up your alley, then take a look at my top three destinations for an island hopping yacht charter vacation:
Greece might seem like an obvious one since I was just talking about it, but honestly this is truly something I would love to do. There are endless options for where to go - from island hopping any of Greece's nearly 6,000 islands to cruising from town to town along the Peloponnesian peninsula or circumnavigating Crete, you could spend a whole summer in Greece and still not see everything.
Featuring nearly 2,500 miles of coastline and over 1,200 islands, Croatia is a spectacular destination for a sailing vacation. Croatia is also ideal for foodies as it is one of the rising stars in the culinary travel world. I adore Croatia and you are sure to fall in love with its turquoise water, pebbly beaches, easygoing locals, and its charming seaside towns and villages. What sounds better than dropping your anchor in a secluded cove with crystal clear water and enjoying a glass of local wine while your fresh seafood dinner is prepared?
The Caribbean is a perennial favorite among North American travelers for both the convenience of getting there and the number of places to explore. Whether you set your sights on the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, or any number of other destinations, the Caribbean is perfectly suited to sailing. Good food, a rum cocktail by the beach, and countless outdoor adventures await - from snorkeling to ziplining and off-roading.
What do all of these destinations have in common? Spectacular sights, great food and drink, friendly locals, and a large number of places to explore - from charming fishing villages to glitzy cities packed with superyachts. All that being said, maybe a yacht charter isn't for you but you'd still like to see these destinations? Have you considered small ship cruising? Small cruise ships are ideal for those who might not be ready to take the leap to chartering a private yacht, and we have many partners who operate itineraries in these (and many other) destinations. The small ship experience is very different from large cruise ships, and you are sure to appreciate the more intimate, personalized experience.