Charter Yacht Guide to 2025: Top Destinations, Trends, and Expert Advice

Explore New Hotspots, Onboard Innovations, and Essential Tips for 2025 Charters

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the world from the deck of a yacht, 2025 is shaping up to be a standout year for new destinations, onboard experiences, and a fresh approach to wellness and adventure. Our awesome charter specialists have gathered their best tips, insider intel, and seasonal highlights to help you plan your next getaway—whether you’re a first-time charterer or a seasoned pro.

In This Article:

It’s rumored the first recorded instance of a “yacht charter” was in 1390 when King Charles VI of France chartered a vessel to take him on a hunting trip. Not sure how comfortable of a trip that would’ve been, but yacht charters these days are all about luxury and relaxation—and 2025 is bound to introduce a growing emphasis on wellness, adventure, and better connectivity.

🔥 Hot Tip: Charter yacht STAY SALTY is packed with wellness and fitness options, including Peloton equipment on the top deck for morning go-getters, an ice bath for the brave, and massage gear with a professional masseuse for the “please-get-me-away-from-the-kids-for-an-hour.” See Details

Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

According to broker Kristina Gagliardi, “More people are looking to charter off the beaten path and are getting a bit more keen on adventurous charters.” Adventurers are trading in the usual routes for places like Antarctica, Costa Rica, or Alaska, where you can dog-sled, spot whales, and experience jaw-dropping scenery.

💡 Fun Fact: you can explore a number of charter destinations with sample itineraries on our site. See Details

High-Speed Internet Everywhere

A stable connection is a big deal in 2025. “Starlink, Starlink, Starlink,” emphasizes broker Jennifer Saia. Fast communications allow you to stay connected for remote work, real-time social sharing, or just streaming your favorite show at sea.

For the captains and owners reading this, Starlink starts at $165/month. Well-worth it, trust us.

Don’t Forget VAT & Regulations: Plan for Local Fees

As Jennifer points out, “VAT… it varies in the Med from 6.5-13% in Greece, 13% in Croatia, 20% in France/Monaco, 21% in Spain, and 22% in Italy. In the Bahamas, it’s an extra 10% on top of the 4% sales tax.” Make sure you discuss these fees with your broker to avoid surprises.

Here’s some charter 101 terms to help clear some things up. (Skip if you’re a seasoned charterer)

• Charter Rate: includes yacht, professional crew, and owner’s insurance.
• Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA): represents expenses client incurs during the charter like food, drinks, fuel, water, power, customs, dockage, agent’s fees, communications, and other special requests. Usually 30-35% of charter rate, the unused portion is refunded or can be added as gratuity.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): may be charged depending on country and county of embarkation.
• Gratuity: discretionary but always appreciated by the crew. Industry standard is 15-20% of the base charter rate.
• Delivery Fees: delivery fees may apply if you choose to embark from a port that is not the yacht’s home.

🔥 Hot Tip: psst, ask our team about all-inclusive charter packages to skip the know-how and get the best curated experiences with no surprises. See Details

Sometimes you just gotta get away. Reset. Rejuvenate. Whether you crave the balmy breezes of the Caribbean or the glamorous summer scene of the Mediterranean, there’s a destination for every month of the year. Take a look at our team’s top destination picks to charter per month in 2025:

The best (and coolest) seats to brag about at the next big global event? Yes please. Consider aligning your charter with a global event or natural spectacle. The St. Barths Bucket in March is a world-famous regatta featuring impressive sailing yachts. May brings the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival, which Molly calls “iconic” for combining glamorous racing and star-studded red carpets. And not to brag (too much), but our Monaco office actually gets a pretty sweet view of the Formula 1 Grand Prix each year.

July 14 is Bastille Day in France, with coastal fireworks displays adding spark to a summer charter. From July to August, you can swim with whale sharks in La Paz, Mexico, an area Megan considers “up and coming.” Antarctica’s charter season runs December through February, the best time for exploring polar frontiers.

Just think – what’s a world event you’ve always wanted to go to? Then think – does that event take place near a body of water? Chances are, we can get you a charter yacht nearby for the ultimate experience.

Wellness is a big theme, as more yachts offer spa treatments, fitness programs, and nutrition-focused chefs. “I think everyone always wants a great culinary experience,” says Kristina, so top-notch cuisine and creative onboard dining are in high demand. Adventurous guests may gravitate toward e-foils, Seabobs, and other water toys, while theme nights—ranging from pirate parties to chic white soirées—remain a surefire way to make a vacation special.

Don’t worry, we aren’t just suggesting some cool experiences that you’ll need to figure out. We’ve got the logistics ironed out on some incredible events like luxury treasure hunts, murder mysteries, ballet dance lessons, live DJ acts, magic shows, sound therapy sessions, a Michael Jackson performer (no, seriously), and even a Harry Potter experience for the kids, all on board your charter. Just ask your Denison charter expert about luxury experiences our team can help facilitate to literally make your charter trip like no other.

1. Crew Quality & Experience

“I always say yacht charter is all about the crew,” emphasizes Molly. “They’re the ones that make the charter and give you forever memories.” Kristina echoes: “A talented chef is a huge draw. People want someone who can prepare local cuisines and cater to different palates.”

🔥 Hot Tip: how do you know if a crew is rock solid for you and the fam? Just ask your broker to provide a crew profile document and/or testimonies from previous guests on the charter yacht you’re considering.

2. Toys & Amenities

From jet skis to inflatable slides, the right mix of toys can keep everyone entertained. Jennifer notes that, “Everyone wants great communication and plenty of water toys these days.” A beach club is also “a new-ish request,” says Kristina—it’s a perfect lounging spot close to the water.

3. Connectivity & Stabilizers

“Starlink, Starlink, Starlink,” repeats Jennifer—fast internet is almost a must in 2025. Also, if anyone gets seasick, look for yachts with stabilizers or zero-speed systems.

4. Layout & Volume

New yacht designs offer bigger interiors for less overall length—“A 90-foot yacht can feel like a 110-footer inside,” Kristina points out.

5. Unique Onboard Features

Infinity pools, beach clubs, expansive sun decks, or spa areas—these all add to the overall experience, letting you maximize your time on the water without sacrificing luxury.

Our seasoned pros share their best advice for an unforgettable yacht vacation:

Be Flexible

“A tight itinerary can be blown off course by weather,” advises Kristina. Keep an open mind to let the captain adapt your route for the best conditions.

Communicate Your Charter Goals

“Always tell your broker why you’re taking this charter,” stresses Megan. “Are you looking to connect with family, have a friends’ trip, be active, or just relax?” The more they know, the better they can customize.

Let the Crew Surprise You

“Don’t over-plan,” insists Jennifer. “Crew members are trained to wow you with theme nights and unique excursions—if you give them some freedom, you’ll be amazed!”

Understand the Costs

Make sure you’re aware of taxes, expenses, and crew tips. “The charter fee on almost all yachts isn’t inclusive of expenses or VAT,” notes Molly. Ask for a detailed cost breakdown.

It’s alright, we’ve all got ’em. While not rocket science, chartering a yacht does have some formulas to figure out.

1. Is Yacht Charter Only for the Ultra-Wealthy?

Not necessarily. “Many yachts can take up to 6 couples. If you split it 6 ways, it can be quite affordable,” explains Kristina.

2. Why Can’t We Bring More Than 12 Guests?

Maritime regulations typically cap a yacht’s guest capacity at 12 unless it meets passenger-ship standards—which is rare. “Imagine the space for 12—it’s incredible!” adds Molly.

3. Do Charter Fees Include Everything?

Short answer: no. “You need to add running expenses (fuel, food, docking fees), VAT/sales tax, and crew gratuity,” clarifies Molly. Always confirm with your broker.

4. Will We Get That ‘Below Deck’ Experience?

Megan chuckles: “We make sure to go above and beyond so guests don’t get that experience. Reality TV just doesn’t reflect real-life charters!” Sidenote: we’ve got a few folks at Denison who can attest to that statement.

Looking for a place to start? No better time to start planning than right now, here are a few top picks from our team:

KISMET // 400′ Lurssen 2024

Megan: “The ultimate yacht for luxury, health, and wellness. It has a full spa, juice bar, and everything you can imagine.” Perfect if you want to indulge in top-tier pampering and still have room for every possible amenity.

REAL SUMMERTIME // 120′ Sovereign Yachts 2000/2022

A mid-size family favorite. Megan notes the “jaw-dropping refit in 2022. The bow is perfect for sunbathing, and the jacuzzi has 360° sunset views.”

KINGS LAIR // 112′ Benetti 2023

Kristina: “I really love Kings Lair—its aft deck pool is incredible for a 112-footer.” Great for smaller groups craving a pool deck lounge vibe.

NORTHERN ESCAPE // 134′ Benetti 2022

Sleek and modern, “Perfect for the Med,” says Megan. Big enough for luxurious entertaining but small enough to slip into hidden coves.

PROJECT X // 289′ Golden Yachts 2022

“They have a dream team crew,” shares Megan. Expect five-star service, whether it’s a big birthday bash or an impromptu spa day.

TRIUMPH // 215′ Benetti 2021

Known for chic interiors, iconic design, and a standout crew. Kristina raves: “The interior details, artwork, and color palettes are so chic!”

SURI // 208′ Halter Marine 1978/2022

Jennifer points to “Patagonia and Antarctica” expeditions. If you’re looking for a real once-in-a-lifetime polar experience, SuRi is your vessel.

Because we’re cool. Like really really really cool. And easy to work with. We make it a breeze for you to feel the ocean breeze. Even that dad joke right there, you think ChatGPT wrote that? No, we’re that cool.

From exclusive yacht options to genuinely personable service, here’s why our brokers stand behind the Denison name:

“Having spent 15 years at a large brokerage firm in Europe, I can tell you Denison Yachting is a refreshing change,” notes Molly. “It’s forward-thinking, dynamic, and has a family feel—the answer is always ‘yes, let’s do it.’”

Global Resources & Local Know-How

Offices in Monaco, London, Fort Lauderdale, Charleston, Newport, Seattle, and beyond—our network ensures that wherever you want to go, we’ve got local expertise.

Personalized Planning

“We’ll always try and get the best charter rate for our clients,” says Kristina. Honesty and transparency guide everything from your initial inquiry to docking on the final day.

Unique Perks

“Denison Yachting has relationships with luxury brands all over the world, giving our clients once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” adds Megan. Think private shopping in Monaco or heli-transfers to remote islands.

Experienced Team

Our charter specialists don’t just talk the talk; they’ve traveled, explored, and personally visited many of these yachts and destinations, ensuring tailored advice you can trust.

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Ready to Charter in 2025?

We hope this guide—complete with direct quotes from our charter pros—has you dreaming about sun-kissed decks and unforgettable adventures. Whether you want to zip around on Seabobs in the Med, plan a family wellness retreat in the Bahamas, or embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition in Antarctica, 2025 is the year to do it all. Reach out to Denison Yachting to get started on your own personalized charter journey. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

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Speak With a Charter Specialist:

Ready to explore? Speak with a charter specialist for any questions you may have about chartering with us. Discover the secrets of chartering and create memories that will last a lifetime.