Top Christmas and New Year Superyacht Charter Destinations

With the U.S. elections now behind us, the real voting starts: choosing your perfect holiday to celebrate Christmas or ring in the New Year.

As families and friends gather to make plans for the season, deciding on the ideal destination and yacht for your Christmas or New Year’s holiday is a vote everyone can get excited about. With our handpicked selection of yachts across the world’s most stunning destinations, we’re here to help you make a choice everyone will love.

From the Bahamas and Caribbean to unique locales in Thailand and Costa Rica, these top charter spots offer something unforgettable for every holiday style. Get inspired with our curated list, and remember, there are many more options waiting to be explored. Reach out to one of our brokers to find the perfect yacht and destination to make this holiday one to remember.

1 The Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the most popular destinations for superyacht charters at Christmas and New Year, and it’s easy to see why.

With warm winds, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Nassau, the capital, offers rich cultural experiences, historical sites, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife. The New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade on Bay Street is a must-see, with costumed dancers, music, and festive energy. So much more than just a parade, this is one big party; elaborately costumed dancers head down the street to the sound of horns, drums and bells, in a celebration of Bahamian art and culture and a nod to welcoming in the New Year.

The Exumas, an archipelago of 365 islands, provide diverse experiences like swimming with pigs at Big Major Cay or dining at Sentinel Cay. Staniel Cay Yacht Club even hosts a highly popular New Year’s Eve masquerade party, complete with traditional Bahamian pig roast and midnight fireworks on the beach. The next day, the Staniel Cay Cruising Regatta is always great fun.

For those seeking a tranquil escape or a lively celebration, the Bahamas offers a wide range of world-class yachts to suit every preference. Celebrating Christmas or New Year here means unparalleled freedom to explore secluded anchorages, enjoy tropical scenery, and create unforgettable memories aboard a luxury yacht.

2 St Maarten

While those of us residing in more northern climbs are now heading into the cold winter months, St Maarten is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and New Year while soaking up the Caribbean sun. Stunning turquoise waters, picturesque beaches, and a festive holiday atmosphere all make the island of St Maarten ideal for winter charters.

With endless possibilities for activities both aboard and ashore – like most island destinations – St Maarten is best appreciated from the water and a superyacht charter is the perfect way to get the most out of this stunning destination.

Whether it’s taking in the French ambiance at Simpson Bay bustling with cafés and quaint restaurants, or dropping anchor at Grand Case for an afternoon of watersports in crystal clear waters before zip‐lining through the jungle at Loterie Farm, your festive celebrations at St Maarten certainly won’t disappoint. Not to mention the island’s close proximity to both Anguilla and St Barts, the latter famous for it’s spectacular New Years fireworks display over Gustavia Harbor.

Bright and colorful harbor view with yachts and boats in the marina of Marigot in Saint Martin, French side of the Caribbean Island.

3 Antigua

The most famous of the Leeward Islands, chartering at this iconic destination will allow you to enjoy the best of Caribbean cruising. Before exploring the charming towns with beautiful pastel facades Antigua has to offer, follow in the footsteps of Admiral Nelson and visit English and Falmouth Harbour. Both sheltered harbours were used for centuries by fishermen and naval officers alike, and now provide a stunning backdrop to fully equipped superyacht marinas and supporting amenities.

And with natural beauty and diverse marine life abundant in Antigua, visit the awe-inspiring Devil’s bridge where geysers and blowholes all erupt with Atlantic seawater as the waves crash against the shore, or meet South Atlantic Stingrays when anchoring in the north sound. Swim, feed, and play with these friendly creatures for an unforgettable memory.

Steeped in history and truly one of the most beautiful places in the world, what could be more special than spending Christmas and New Year on a luxury yacht charter in Antigua?

Shirley Heights, Antigua and Barbuda view from the overlook.

Yachts in the area

C-DAZE

27m (88') - Sanlorenzo - 2020 - 8 Guests

From Unavailable / week

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4 Thailand

Known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly people, Thailand has something to offer everyone who visits. Whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure, this tropical paradise is perfect for those who want to relax on deserted beaches surrounded by palm trees and blue water bays, or ring in the New Year with a bang with the amazing fireworks show at midnight in Phuket.

With no shortage of incredible activities, in Thailand you will never be bored. Some of the top activities include diving or snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters at Koh Rock, elephant trekking through Krabi’s National Park, and partying at world-class nightlife spots such as Koh Phangan and Bangkok.

One of the coolest vibes is found on Patong Beach at the heart of the island’s nightlife, where revellers take to the sand for one huge celebration. Beach clubs burst into life the minute the sun sets with infectious beats filling the air and a breath-taking fireworks display lighting up the bay at midnight. For those wishing for a slower pace, anchor your superyacht off Surin Beach in the west and settle down to enjoy a front row view of the dazzling pyrotechnics staged by the renowned Amanpuri Resort.

Whatever your preferences, chartering a superyacht in Thailand will give you unbeatable views of the magical landscapes, access to only-by-boat bays and beaches, and a taste of the authentic Thai lifestyle as you immerse yourself in the local culture.

5 Costa Rica

For a truly unforgettable Christmas or New Year, consider chartering a luxury yacht in Costa Rica. From the lush jungles and misty volcanoes of the Central American coastline to the glistening beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, this picturesque country has something for everyone.

Whether you’re socialising on deck under panoramic mountain views or watching sailboats pass by as you sip cocktails in a shaded cabana, every moment spent on board a superyacht charter in Costa Rica will be filled with natural beauty.

Home to some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife in the world, be sure to take advantage of excursions, such as zip lining through the rainforest or swimming with dolphins. You may even get lucky enough to spot monkeys swinging through the trees or whales breaching offshore.

6 The Seychelles

The Seychelles is home to some of the most luxurious and exclusive superyachts in the world. So, if you’re looking to spend Christmas and New Year in style but want something different to the Caribbean, the Seychelles are a great option.

The perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery, this tropical paradise offers powdery white beaches, crystal clear waters, and thriving forests. While the larger islands such as Mahe have vibrant towns to explore and plenty of evening entertainment, cruising around a string of the other smaller islands and coves gives a true undiscovered and wild feel.

Exotic destination in Seychelles - Anse Source d'Argent - beautiful beach on tropical island La Digue

The idyllic island of Praslin is unrivalled in terms of beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Particularly stunning at sunset, Anse Lazio is often voted the world’s best beach and the perfect place to unwind before sailing north to the small island of Curiruse. Home to a carefully protected population of Aldabra tortoises, Seychelles Black Parrots, Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles, and rare coco de mer palms, the island is a must see for those nature lovers.

With so much to do and every island offering visitors incredible and unique experiences, chartering a superyacht is the best way to take in the amazing islands.

Yachts in the area

GALILEO

56m (183') - Picchiotti - 2011 - 12 Guests

From EUR 280,000 / week

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BABA’S

56m (184') - Hargrave - 2020 - 12 Guests

From EUR 350,000 / week

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ELEMENTS

80m (262') - Yachtley - 2019 - 12 Guests

From EUR 800,000 / week

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There's still time

Every year yachts are booked months in advance for Christmas and New Year, so if you are considering a luxury escape this holiday season, start planning now while there is still some availability on sought-after yachts.

Contact the charter team

Tropical beach winter yachting destination

Articles Top Christmas and New Year Superyacht Charter Destinations

The Bahamas and Caribbean — Popular for a reason

1 The Bahamas

2 St Maarten

3 Antigua

Yachts in the area

C-DAZE

AURELIA

BONUS ROUND

ECLIPSE

ODYSSEA

FREEDOM

Off the beaten track

4 Thailand

5 Costa Rica

6 The Seychelles

Yachts in the area

NORTHERN SUN

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

GALILEO

KNIGHT

BABA’S

CHRISTINA O

ELEMENTS

There's still time

Related Articles

Dreaming of a Yacht Charter this Winter?

Unchartered waters – Exploring the treasures of Thailand

Costa Rica: Inspiring your next yachting adventure

5 Reasons to charter in The Bahamas

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