What makes the Americas a top choice for yacht charters?

The vast region of the Americas is one of the most expansive yachting regions in the world. In fact, the Americas cover an area of 9,355,00 square miles that is nearly 28% of the Earth’s land area. The Americas also have more than 35 countries and territories, thousands of islands, and multiple climate zones, meaning you can find every type of seascape imaginable like warm tropical waters, glacier-carved fjords, and everything in between.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also states that the Americas border the world's largest ocean which is the Pacific, and contain some of the busiest shipping lanes and deepest marine trenches in the world. This vast region is also a biodiversity hotspot, as highlighted by various research like PubMed Central, noting that this region is home to thousands of fish species, vast coral reefs, and key migration routes for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles—making it a perfect destination for yacht charterers looking for rich marine biodiversity.

Which yachts are ideal for chartering in the Americas?

The yacht chartering options in the Americas are as vast as the continent itself. According to BVI Sail, the top yacht choices for sailing in the Caribbean and Central America are motor yachts, catamarans, and sailing yachts, as they are always perfectly suited for island-hopping, snorkeling, and diving.

The Galápagos Islands have strict environmental regulations, allowing only specific yachts to operate within their protected waters. The yachts available for charter are carefully selected to minimize their impact on the fragile ecosystem. Additionally, the routes these yachts can take are determined by Parque Nacional Galápagos, as the islands are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska are best explored with sturdy yachts capable of navigating ice-laden passages. Then the luxurious superyachts are mostly found along the coastlines of Miami and California.

What are some of the best yachting destinations in the Americas?

1. The Caribbean

The Caribbean is home to some of the most iconic yachting spots. The Embassy of the Bahamas highlights in its tourism information that the country boasts over 700 islands and 2,400 cays, with some of the clearest waters in the world. In fact, the water here is so clear you can see up to 200 feet down, making it an absolute dream spot for divers onboard.

And if sailing’s more your thing, the Virgin Islands have favorable conditions for sailors specifically because of their steady trade winds, and super easy island-hopping opportunities.

2. Florida & Miami

Florida offers both vibrant nightlife and laid-back island charm. This place also hosts the world’s largest in-water boat exhibition, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show which greatly impacts the local economy.

Just 15 miles away, Miami stands as the glamorous capital of the yachting world, hosting the Miami International Boat Show, which is officially noted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association as one of their largest boat shows in the world.

Mami is also one of the few cities in the U.S. where you can seamlessly transition from an urban skyline to a tropical island escape in under an hour or two by high-speed yacht or powerboat. Thanks to its prime location, Miami provides easy access not only to the Florida Keys but also serves as the closest U.S. city to the Bahamas.

3. Belize & Costa Rica

Further south you will find Belize, another location that is suited for divers onboard as it is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere. It also features the famous Great Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole more than 400 feet deep, known to be perfectly circular that according to NASA’s Earth Observatory is even visible from space.

In the Americas, you’ll also find Costa Rica, where the National Parks of Costa Rica mentioned that nearly 25% of their land and waters are protected, making it one of the most eco-friendly places to explore by yacht. Its waters sit along the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, a major migration route for whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales, so spotting incredible marine life is almost guaranteed here.

4. The Galápagos & Easter Island

Off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands is composed of 21 volcanic islands and over 100 smaller islets. According to UNESCO, this World Heritage Site is home to the world’s only marine iguanas, along with giant tortoises that can live over 100 years and the famous blue-footed boobies.

Heading even further south you will find Easter Island in Chile, which is home to 887 massive Moai statues. Created by the Rapa Nui people, the mystery of how these statues were transported across the island still puzzles historians today.

5. The Pacific Coastline

Continuing along the Pacific, Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas is famous for its dramatic rock formations, luxurious resorts, and world-class deep-sea fishing. Cabo also marks the meeting point of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, creating a unique marine ecosystem teeming with exotic fish. Further south, you will find the Panama Canal, allowing easy travel between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The Times even described the canal as, "one of the greatest engineering achievements in history," noting its monumental impact on global routes.

6. The Pacific Northwest

In the Pacific Northwest part, you can choose to make a stop at Seattle, Vancouver, or the San Juan Islands. The San Juan Islands, an archipelago of 172 islands, are known for their bioluminescent waters, where glowing plankton light up the sea at night. The region is also home to one of the world’s last remaining resident orca pods, making it one of the best places for whale-watching. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Pike Place Market is home to the first-ever Starbucks, and Vancouver boasts the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world as claimed by the City of Vancouver's Parks and Recreation Department.

7. The Northern Wilderness

The northern reaches of the Americas offer breathtaking landscapes and untouched wilderness too. The Inside Passage in British Columbia and Alaska is like made for nature lovers, where glacial fjords, towering cliffs, and abundant wildlife such as whales and bald eagles create an experience like no other. New England’s coastal towns, from Nantucket to Martha’s Vineyard, provide a classic sailing experience rich in maritime history.

Where are the best marinas for yachting in the Americas?

The Americas are packed with top-notch marinas which can handle yachts of all sizes, offering everything from luxury amenities to full-service docking.

North America

• Miami Beach Marina & Island Gardens Deep Harbour – Miami, Florida; offering luxury docking and easy access to the Bahamas.
• Victoria International Marina & Bell Harbor Marina – Pacific Northwest (British Columbia & Seattle); ideal for Inside Passage cruising.
• Juneau’s Auke Bay & Seward Harbor – Alaska; essential for yachts exploring glacier-carved fjords and remote wilderness.

The Caribbean & Central America

• Yacht Haven Grande – St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; a premier Caribbean marina with high-end services.
• Marina Pez Vela & Placencia Marina – Costa Rica & Belize; top choices in Central America’s rapidly growing marina scene.

Mexico & Latin America

• Marina Puerto Escondido – Sea of Cortez, Mexico; a key gateway to the region’s stunning islands and marine life.

The Americas yachting seasons at a glance

Why should you choose the Americas for your next yachting experience?

The selection of tropical beaches of the Caribbean to the snowy peaks up north, the Americas have it all when it comes to yachting. With year-round sailing seasons and endless places to explore, there’s never a bad time to hop on a yacht and set off on an adventure. Being the home to some of the biggest marine protected areas in the world, covering hundreds of thousands of square miles, you will literally be cruising through some of the most untouched waters on the planet.

For a closer look at specific destinations, explore our other guides on specific locations across the Americas, or browse the finest Luxury Charter Yachts available now.