7 Florida Yacht Charter Destinations For Your Next Winter Getaway

Escape the cold with a sunny Florida yacht charter.

The sunshine state has 8,436 miles of shoreline including the Atlantic and Gulf coasts — plus 30,000 lakes within the state. Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing, boating, and yachting are popular Florida activities, especially from October to April when temperatures are cool and comfortable.

Considering COVID-19, chartering a yacht is probably one of the safest options for luxury travel because it’s an easily controlled environment. Most yacht charters head up north during the summer months (May to September) and cruise along the coast of Florida and in the Caribbean during the winter months. With the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October and cooler weather coming up, we found 7 Florida yacht charter destinations for your next winter getaway. Whether you start your charter from the west coast or east coast of Florida, you’re bound to have an unforgettable and warm vacation.

1. Key West

Key West is the southernmost point of the continental United States and it’s one of the best Florida yacht charter destinations. Key West is a great spot for snorkeling through colorful coral reefs, watching incredible sunsets, and learning about Florida’s history. During a Key West luxury yacht charter, try fishing for yellowtail snapper or grouper off the yacht or soak in the sun on the yacht’s floating island. When you go on land, be sure to hop on a Conch Tour Train of the island to learn about the Key West’s culture and history. Of course, check out some of the local art galleries, boutique shops, seafood restaurants, and lively bars that give Key West a quirky edge.

Best Key West yacht charter: IL CAPO | 110′ Broward Marine

2. Fort Lauderdale

You may notice a certain kind of luxury lifestyle when you visit Fort Lauderdale. This South Florida city is known as the “Yachting Capital of the World” and it’s the perfect destination for a yacht charter. When you’re not lounging on the sundeck of your yacht, take the tender, paddleboards, or kayaks through Fort Lauderdale’s canals to explore the area. The city boasts 165 miles of navigable waterways lined with mansions, yachts, and native wildlife. When on land, stop by Las Olas Boulevard for high-end shopping and fine dining. We suggest booking a charter during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to see the industry’s latest innovations and unbelievable superyachts.

Best Fort Lauderdale yacht charter: RENAISSANCE |116′ Hargrave 2016

3. Naples

Naples is a popular vacation destination for all ages. The warm waters of southwest Florida are inviting for winter yacht charters as the Gulf of Mexico offers some of the finest cruising in the sunshine state. The coastal city is known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, art galleries, and calm waters for boating. During a yacht charter, take an excursion to the beach to search for sand dollars and native shells. Pack those golf clubs for a few hours of prime golfing at Tiburón Golf Club before heading back to the yacht for an unforgettable sunset happy hour.

Best Naples yacht charter: IV TRANQUILITY | 94′ Lazzara 2001/2018

4. Key Largo

Pack a suitcase with adventure in mind when it comes to yachting in Key Largo. You’ll have amazing snorkel opportunities, memorable kayak excursions, and epic sunsets. Key Largo is known for having some of the best scuba diving in Florida, so ask your captain about booking a dive excursion during your charter. You may have the opportunity to stop at Ocean Reef Club, a resort on the northern tip of Key Largo with a private marina that offers high levels of service to charters and their guests. Take a day to enjoy the 36-hole golf course, tennis courts, spa, and restaurants. For a fun and unique activity, visit Dolphins Plus Bayside toswim with dolphins. A Key Largo yacht charter has plenty of opportunities for relaxation and new experiences.

Best Key Largo yacht charter: BRANDI WINE |114′ Hargrave 2009/2019

5. Miami

Miami is a wild, luxurious, and fun city to book a yacht charter. During the day, go all out with the yacht’s toys to ride wave runners, kayaks, or banana tubes in the teal blue Atlantic Ocean. Take a trip to shore for a Miami Beach day or a luxury hotel pool experience at the Fontainebleau. At night, enjoy a romantic dinner on your yacht charter, then check out the crazy nightlife that the city has to offer. Miami’s atmosphere is energetic and that’s sure to rub off on your luxury charter experience.

Best Miami yacht charter: PRIVÉE | 95′ Sunseeker 2018

6. Destin

Destin is on the coast of Florida’s panhandle and known for its white sand beaches, abundant sport fish, and long stretches of undeveloped shoreline. While you’re on the emerald coast, ask your charter manager about setting up an excursion to Crab Island. It’s a sand bar on the north side of the Destin Bridge where you can take a tender to enjoy a tropical and lively atmosphere. There’re floating restaurants, snorkel opportunities, dolphins, and plenty of time for relaxation. Ashore, stop by The Market Shops for high-end shopping and, during the winter, live entertainment.

Best Destin yacht charter: ISLAND VIBES | 107′ Broward 1997/2019

7. Captiva

Captiva is an excellent Florida charter destination if you love the outdoors — here you can go biking, cruising, kayaking, bird watching, and paddleboarding. Take your yacht charter’s kayaks or paddleboards for an early morning ride through the calm Gulf waters or take a walk along the beach to collect native seashells. Captiva is also a fun place to celebrate Christmas in Florida not only for the town’s light display but also because of a year-round Christmas themed restaurant. It’s is a peaceful charter destination if you’re looking for a quiet winter getaway.

Best Captiva yacht charter: IV TRANQUILITY | 94′ Lazarra 2001/2018

Booking a Florida yacht charter is the perfect way to enjoy a warm and tropical vacation during the winter months. It’s also one of the safest options for travel during COVID-19 as yacht crew and guests take standard safety precautions before embarking, leading to a more relaxing holiday for everyone. Contact a Denison charter manager to book your next winter getaway.