Many associate luxury yachting with coastal locations in the south of Europe. It includes The Greek Islands, Croatia, Corsica, French Riviera, Monaco, etc. While these destinations are, no doubt, ideal for yachting, there are several other locations that are less crowded and equally worthwhile. In this article, explore global yachting destinations that are well-kept secrets.
Top yachting destinations that are hidden gems
The following are the lesser-known yachting locations that deserve more recognition.
- Dubai, UAE
- The Azores, Portugal
- The Andaman Islands, India
- The Turkish Riviera, Turkey
- The Whitsunday Islands, Australia
- The San Juan Islands, USA
Dubai, UAE
Most people visit Dubai to check out the iconic landmarks in the city, and explore the desert. The government of the emirate has been heavily investing in developing maritime tourism. Therefore, yacht rental in Dubai is becoming a popular activity. Yachting is convenient in the emirate since there are several marinas to depart from. Plus, there are hundreds of yachts to choose from. Therefore, while Dubai often misses the top spots in the global sailing destinations list, it is worth checking out.
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores is a beautiful archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 850 miles west of mainland Portugal. The islands are known for their stunning natural landscapes, rich marine life, and unique cultural heritage.
For yacht enthusiasts, the Azores offer a range of opportunities for sailing, fishing, and exploring the islands’ many coves, bays, and beaches. Crystal-clear waters surround the islands, making it a perfect exotic travel destination. They are home to diverse marine life, including whales, dolphins, turtles, and numerous fish species.
The Andaman Islands, India
Yachting in the Andaman Islands is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. The Andaman Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal, and they are known for their crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and diverse marine life.
To go yachting in the Andaman Islands, rent a yacht or hire a tour company offering yacht tours. Some popular yachting destinations in the Andaman Islands include Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Port Blair.
The Turkish Riviera, Turkey
The Turkish Riviera offers excellent yachting options for tourists who visit this beautiful region of Turkey. The Turkish Riviera is a stretch of coastline that runs along the Mediterranean Sea, and it is known for its warm climate, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes.
Many yachting options are available in the Turkish Riviera, from renting a yacht to joining a yacht tour. Some popular destinations for yachting include Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris, which are all located along the coastline.
The Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 islands located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, and are renowned for their crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and stunning coral reefs.
There are many options for yachting in The Whitsundays, from bareboat charters, where you can sail your own vessel, to crewed charters, where you can sit back and relax while a professional crew takes care of everything.
One of the most popular activities in The Whitsundays is visiting Whitehaven Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The pure silica sand is soft and cool to the touch, and the water is a dazzling shade of turquoise.
The San Juan Islands, USA
San Juan islands offer breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and world-class boating facilities. The San Juan Islands are located in the northwest corner of the United States, in the state of Washington, and are a popular destination for boaters from around the world.
There are over 400 islands and rocks in the San Juan archipelago, but only a handful are inhabited. The largest of these islands is San Juan Island, which is home to the town of Friday Harbor, a popular destination for boaters.
There are many opportunities for yachting in the San Juan Islands, including renting a bareboat, hiring a crewed yacht, or joining a guided tour. Boaters can explore the many coves and bays that dot the islands, go fishing or crabbing, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.
Exploring less popular yachting destinations is fun, as it is a way to skip crowds and have a unique experience. Reach out to repeated yacht rental companies the destinations mentioned above for the best deals.