Why choose a yacht vacation

Publication date: 24.09.2024

A yacht vacation is often associated with millionaires, but it's actually quite accessible for family trips. The cost of a week-long yacht trip is comparable to staying at a coastal hotel, yet offers far greater freedom of movement and breadth of experiences. You don't need to own a vessel or know how to operate one - you can simply charter a yacht with a skipper and discover completely new sensations. On a yacht tour, you won't need to pay extra for boat trips or visits to nearby towns, as the cruise format inherently includes continuous sailing to interesting destinations.

Sailing on a yacht with a small group of like-minded people is fundamentally different from beach vacations at large seaside hotels, while maintaining the same level of comfort—private cabins, amenities, and even personalized menus.

On a yacht, you can create your own schedule and itinerary, exploring a new city each day or staying in a secluded bay away from crowds. Swimming, sunbathing, sightseeing, or shopping—the choice is entirely yours.

A yacht vacation means no crowded beaches, noisy neighbors, packed tours, or exhausting travel between attractions—just your crew and the freedom of the open sea.

Leaving behind gadgets, daily hustle, and deadlines, you’ll unwind with sea air and breathtaking scenery, shedding stress in just a few days. Sun and fresh air will recharge city dwellers with health and energy for the year ahead.

Yachting takes you to extraordinary places inaccessible by foot or vehicle—remote, pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters. Swimming in the open ocean or diving among exotic fish requires no long journey; everything is right off the yacht.

Chartering a yacht combines multiple experiences in one: diving, water sports, sailing regattas, and lively parties. You can discuss your preferences with the captain in advance and join a group with shared interests.

Typically a yacht trip lasts one to two weeks. The price includes accommodation in a twin cabin, bed linen, a kitchen with cookware and stove, and a shared bathroom. The cruise is led by an experienced captain, and assistance with tickets and visas may be included in the package.

Additional expenses paid separately include onboard and shore meals, excursions, souvenirs and shopping. A contribution to the ship's fund is required to cover fuel, marina fees and grocery purchases. Flights and transfers to the mooring location are at passengers' expense, and it's important to arrive on time for departure. Sometimes a security deposit is required - a yacht rental deposit for the cruise duration, with the amount split between participants. For an extra fee, you can arrange for a chef, cleaning or entertainment.

Although yacht tours usually sail in calm coastal waters, it's recommended to purchase insurance. Sports insurance is recommended for active vacations and covers rescue operations, though it's significantly more expensive than standard policies.
Route stops, sailing durations, docking locations and city visits are customized to guests' preferences. A major advantage is schedule flexibility and the ability to adjust plans during the trip.

The most popular yacht tour routes are located in the Mediterranean Sea, with options to sail the Caribbean, Seychelles or Thailand. The most adventurous travelers head north for cruises along Scandinavia and Norway's fjords.

For experienced sailors, participating in regattas or yacht deliveries is recommended. Note that such trips aren't particularly relaxing - the vessel spends 2-3 consecutive days at sea, only stopping at marinas to refuel and replenish water supplies.

A standard yacht tour follows a pre-planned coastal route. Half the time is spent sailing or anchored offshore for swimming. When cruising along the coast, you can explore interesting caves and grottos inaccessible from shore, visit small islands, and discover various bays and coves.

By evening, the yacht docks at a new town where passengers stroll along promenades and streets before dining at cozy seafood restaurants. Overnight stays are spent aboard the yacht at marina docks.

First and foremost, yacht trips are chosen by large family or friend groups. In such cases, it becomes your own floating mini-hotel with full self-service.

If you couldn't persuade your acquaintances to join the cruise, a yacht vacation is a wonderful opportunity to make new like-minded friends. People of all ages feel comfortable on yachts, with activities to suit everyone's tastes. No special preparation or yachting experience is required for the trip.

A yacht vacation differs from a land-based holiday, so the packing list should account for the specifics of sea travel.

Food is not included in the yacht tour price, and crew members typically handle meal preparation themselves. Before departure, it's recommended to create a grocery list based on culinary preferences and stock up for the first 2-3 days. Kitchen duties are distributed according to passengers' skills and willingness.

Dinners are enjoyed ashore when docked in different towns. This provides an excellent opportunity to sample local cuisine and drinks while learning about regional culinary traditions.

Before the cruise begins, the captain conducts a safety briefing covering rules during sailing, yacht systems and equipment operation.

The first rule - the captain is the ultimate authority on board, their instructions are not to be questioned and must be followed immediately. The skipper operates the yacht, handles all matters, communicates with officials, and monitors the route.

The yacht crew is fully responsible for cooking and cleaning both private and shared spaces. Meal planning, stops, travel time and overnight locations are decided collectively. In this sense, a yacht tour resembles a group trip to new places.

Those interested can learn basic yacht handling during the trip - docking procedures and sail handling.

During a sea voyage, certain aspects of daily life emerge that normally go unnoticed on land.

A sea cruise on a yacht is rightfully considered an exclusive yet accessible form of vacation. Sailing suits both active travelers seeking new experiences and those who prefer secluded relaxation with horizon views.

When traveling by yacht, you're not tied to one location or meal schedules. You can customize your itinerary, visit multiple cities, and discover hidden coves and islands.

Modern yachts offer hotel-level comfort, but without the hassle of packing/unpacking - your luggage stays with you throughout the journey. Yacht travel is safe and reliable, with routes staying close to shore.

Time at sea benefits everyone, especially children and active individuals. A yacht trip provides maximum sunshine and fresh sea air for health and vitality. Note that you'll get the most beautiful tan onboard, as sunlight reflects off the water's surface in addition to direct exposure.

A sea voyage reveals nature in its raw form - not manicured tourist lawns, but untouched cliffs and coves where wildlife thrives undisturbed. You'll trace routes of maritime adventurers, discovering uninhabited islands and wild anchorages that deliver genuine adrenaline. Swimming in open waters becomes electrifying when dolphins surface nearby.

Each dawn brings new destinations impossible to reach by land - sunsets melt into horizons, endless seascapes fill your camera roll. At any moment, you own a pristine private bay, yacht sunbed, and cooling sea breeze.

Coastal towns offer fresh seafood for restaurant meals or onboard cooking. As night falls, beach clubs pulse with music. The Mediterranean's yacht infrastructure caters to all interests.

The ultimate advantage? Pure romance. A white yacht cutting through azure waters, cocktails on deck with your loved one - these moments crystallize into lifelong memories. Your sailing photos and videos will forever evoke that warm, salty wind and boundless freedom.