Charter Vacations

The essential guide to planning and preparing for the ultimate cruising adventure.

Sol Seeker Charter
Photo courtesy &Beyond Yacht Charters

Considered by many to be the best-kept secret in travel, chartering a boat is your gateway to new destinations and unparalleled adventures at sea. It’s also a fun and easy way to explore the best of the cruising lifestyle.

The idea of sailing an unfamiliar boat outside of your home waters can raise a number of questions and create some trepidation, even for experienced cruisers. The Cruising World Charter Hub is your go-to resource for charter planning tips and destination advice to what you can expect when you get there.

Plan Your Charter

With any charter, part of the fun is planning your voyage: where to go, what to see, which boat to take. It can be a lot to consider, especially for first-time charterers. We’ve got you covered, with expert planning advice to help you get the most out of your charter and avoid some common pitfalls.

The Moorings charter

Sailboat Chartering 101

Interested in taking a sailing vacation? Start here! We’ve put together a guide on charter types, locations, qualifications and more.

Bali Catspace

10 Popular Charter Sailboats

A look at 10 popular charter boats, both monohulls and catamarans, illustrates the many features available to sailors on a holiday.

Charter Destinations

Familiarizing yourself with the destination before you go is part of any charter vacation. If you’ll be the skipper, it’s essential to learn as much as you can about your prospective cruising area. Here’s a look at some of the most popular charter destinations, with tips for itinerary planning and more.

North America

Caribbean & Bahamas

Europe & Mediterranean 

Southeast Asia

South Pacific

Central & South America

Australia & New Zealand

High Latitudes

Charter Life

Sandy Cay

Treasured Islands in the BVI

With pandemic restrictions eased, a charter crew returns to find out just how good it feels to unfurl sails once again in the British Virgin Islands.

San Juan Islands

San Juan Islands Sojourn

A family takes in the cedar trees, sea lions and fluky winds on a charter vacation in the Pacific Northwest.

Bali Catspace

10 Popular Charter Sailboats

A look at 10 popular charter boats, both monohulls and catamarans, illustrates the many features available to sailors on a holiday.

Charter News

Charter Videos

Gone Floatabout

Get to know Seth and Ellen aboard the wooden sloop Celeste! Come ‘floatabout’ with two college kids who became circumnavigators, Cruising World contributors, and Arctic voyagers!

Celebrating Classic Yachting

The Camden Classic Cup on Maine’s Penobscot Bay brings together classic yachts from around the world to celebrate maritime heritage.