Written by Missy Johnston

When it comes to creating private yacht charter itineraries, you make the decisions based on what you want to see and do. The schedule, the destinations, the adventures—they’re all up to you. We’ve put together this list of our favorite itineraries to give you a taste of adventures around the world that can only be experienced on a private yacht charter. These itineraries give you the chance to see things that other people only dream about and visit places about which other people have never even heard! Plus, yacht charter itineraries are never set in stone. If a particular anchorage or port just wows you and you want to stay longer, just mention this to the captain, and the itinerary can be changed right then and there to accommodate your wishes. 

Private Yacht Charter Itineraries in Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau to Sitka 

For those seeking natural adventure and pristine landscapes, one of our Alaska yacht charters is just for you. One of our favorite itineraries is cruising on board a private yacht from Juneau to Sitka. 

Alaska has become a popular cruising spot in recent years, but because the land and waters of Alaska encompass such a sprawling space, you can still be just as remote as  you desire. On the yacht, you’ll be far away from the chaos and noise of modern day life. Simply sit back and enjoy the majestic landscapes and unique wild, marine and bird life.

South Sawyer Glacier- Tracy Arm

After departing Juneau, cruise up Tracy Arm, a classic fjord surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and mountains. Marvel at the Twin Sawyer Glaciers, when a huge crack in the face of the glacier suddenly occurs and a huge sheet of ice breaks off into the waters below. This happens approximately every hour, so you are sure to see these tidewater glaciers calving signaled by the loud cracking sound just before parts of the glacier face drop into the seas below. The impressive display can be seen only from water, so it makes an ideal addition to private yacht charter itineraries in Alaska. Stop halfway through your charter at Admiralty Island. On this primitive island, the bears outnumber the people. Nearly 1,600 brown bears call the island home! The native Tlingít people even call the island “fortress of the bears.” 

Alaska Humpback Whales Bubble Net Feeding

While underway to Sitka, there will always be pods of humpback whales to watch bubble net feeding. This remarkable sight occurs when a group of humpbacks blow bubbles from their noses in order to make a net-like circle that catches their prey. Whales bubble net feeding cannot be seen from a cruise ship—only from a private charter yacht, and Alaska is one of the few places where this whale dance occurs

Private Italian Yacht Charters

Naples and Mount Vesuvius

Rome to Naples

On a luxury yacht charter in Italy, a great yacht charter itinerary is cruising along the beautiful  coastline and through the islands from Rome to Naples. The crystal clear blue waters and stunning natural scenery are amazing.

Explore the Pontine Islands, the gorgeous archipelago that once served as the resort playground of the Romans. These are “secret” islands rarely heard of outside the circle of Italy’s wealthiest citizens. Here are ancient volcanic rock formations, spectacular caves, and even a tunnel from one side of Ponza Island to the other dug by the Romans that you too can walk through today. 

Positano town – scenic Amalfi coast of Italy

Further south, after visiting Ischia and Capri islands, enjoy the 34-mile-long Amalfi Coast, with its rugged shores and small fishing villages tucked into the shoreline. This area features the breathtaking town of Positano, a cliffside village that’s filled with pastel-colored buildings, is home to the famous and filled with little walking streets lined with chic shops and boutiques. There are beautiful beaches that are easily accessible by private yacht.

The Aeolian Islands

Aeolian Islands, Italy – Stromboli Volcano in View

Add a luxury trip around The Aeolian Islands to the beginning or the end of your Amalfi Coast yacht charter for a look at some of the most fascinating historical sites in the Mediterranean. Or enjoy a charter itinerary just cruising through the Aeolian Islands from the nearby island of Sicily. 

Located to the northeast of Sicily, these secret islands take their name from Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds. 

Erupting Volcano Stromboli

Be sure to include Stromboli Island where one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Stromboli, is located, which has been erupting for nearly 2,500 years. In ancient times, it served as a navigational aid that mariners called the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean.” Today, make the daring hike to the top of the volcano for breathtaking views, especially at dusk.

After Mount Stromboli, head on board your chartered yacht over to Ginostra—a tiny island that can be reached only by boat. There aren’t any cars on the island, only mules. About 40 people live on the island, so it’s perfect if you’d like to take a break from modern life and see some breathtaking views of the coast.

Panerea

Another must-see destination is the island of Panerea. It’s the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, but  definitely the most beautiful. Anchor off of the village of San Pietro to explore the luxury shops, intricate gardens, and cultural markers. With no street lights at night, here the locals, who could be anyone from someone whose family has lived there for generations to one of the wealthy enjoying relaxing in hidden splendor, have to walk from place to place at night on foot paths holding lanterns to light the way. To relax, visit one of Panerea’s picturesque beaches, or if a little night life is in order, head out to Panarea’s one nightclub at Hotel Raya, and dance by the light of the erupting volcano on nearby Stromboli Island.

Private Yacht Charters in Turkey

Gocek to Kekova

Gocek Bay

Enjoy the views of the Turquoise Coast as you travel the Aegean Sea between Gocek and Kekova, Turkey. You’ll be treated to Turkey’s beautiful teal colored water, limestone cliffs, and coastline coves. 

Before stepping on board, stop in Kusadasi to see the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Only five percent of the ancient city has been unearthed, but the section spans one and a half miles of structures and artifacts that give you a glimpse into what life was like in the 10th century BC. While you’re there, take a stroll down the marble road. It’s exactly as it sounds: a 2,000-year-old street made from massive blocks of marble.

Excavated streets of Ephesus, Turkey

Plan to visit Ölüdeniz, too. For thrill-seekers, this location offers the world’s best paragliding. For those who like things a little more tame, ask for your chartered yacht to cruise to the Butterfly Valley. This area’s pristine beach and towering cliffs are accessible only by boat.

Kekova Sunken City

As the last destination on your itinerary, Kekova will not disappoint. You can cruise over the remains of Simena, an ancient city that was part of the Lycian Empire. It was a popular sea-trading port until a large earthquake struck in the 2nd century BC., sinking much of the city below water. Today you can snorkel over the city remains, where amphorea litter the bottom, along with broken roof tiles. 

The city sank and now the area is referred to as Kekova Bay and Kekova Island. The ruins of the city are easy to spot through the clear Mediterranean waters, but the only way to get there is by private boat. 

Private Yacht Charters in Fiji

Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands 

Port Denarau

Your dreams of cerulean waters, colorful coral, and palm-lined beaches come true in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. These gems of the South Pacific are so picturesque that Hollywood travels to the island paradise to shoot movies and TV shows. Survivor has filmed nearly 10 seasons in the Mamanuca Islands and the blockbuster Cast Away was filmed there, too.

The Mamanucas encompass 32 islands off the coast of Nadi and the Yasawa Islands, and 15 volcanic masses, which extend to the north. The Yasawa Islands are further away from the mainland, so they feel a little more remote.  

Many of the most beautiful areas in these islands are underwater. Cruise on board your charter yacht to a prime diving location or snorkel with the sharks and manta rays.

Participate in a Sevu Sevu Ceremony in Fiji

When your private yacht arrives at a village in Fiji, there will be a Sevu Sevu ceremony. This is one of the ancient traditions that make the Fijian people truly special. Through the ceremony, permission is requested by your Captain of the village elders to anchor in the village harbor.  When permission is granted, which usually occurs, waka, the roots of the kava plant, should be given as a present to the village elders for the anchoring privilege. 

Private Indonesia Yacht Charters

Eastern Flores Archipelago 

Flores Island, Indonesia

Indonesia is comprised of more than 18,000 islands. Although Bali may be the best-known destination, we always recommend a yacht charter itinerary through the Eastern Flores Archipelago.

Flores means “flowers” in Portuguese and this island really delivers. The landscape is covered with lush foliage, towering volcanoes, and other untouched natural wonders.  

The island is also well-known for its  textile-weaving  villages. The women of Flores have produced extraordinary Ikat textiles for many generations, handing down the knowledge to all of their daughters. They grow their own cotton, make their own natural dyes, dye the threads, and weave the cloth on handmade looms into various time honored patterns. 

Ikat Textile Weaving

These villages can only be reached by boat. Chartering a private yacht gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the cultural traditions of the women of Flores, how Ikat textiles have been handmade in this area for years, and the opportunity to purchase a beautiful handwoven Ikat dyed textile from the very hands of the weaver.

Where Will Your Private Yacht Take You?

Which of these top destinations will you choose for your fabulous yacht charter?? No matter which you choose, you’ll be greeted by stunning blue waters, incredible natural scenery, great food and on board service, and an overall outstanding experience. Let Northrop-Johnson Yacht Charters help you arrange the charter of a lifetime for your next cruising vacation. Contact us to learn more about the luxurious extraordinary experiences we offer all over the world.