Going off-radar: How to ensure privacy on your yacht charter

Escape the crowds, not the comfort

For those accustomed to living life on their own terms—particularly those in the public eye—disappearing on holiday requires a little extra planning. If going off-radar is your thing, few experiences deliver it as seamlessly as a private yacht charter.

This is something Marcella Tichelaar, one of Moravia Yachting’s charter brokers, understands intuitively. She’s spent years organising off-the-grid vacations for her clients all over the world.

“A luxury yacht charter is the ultimate way to vacation in private in general,” Marcella says. “In theory, you would not have to leave the boat for anything; you have everything you need on board.”

That doesn’t mean you can’t leave, however. It’s Marcella’s job—and that of the captain—to organise an itinerary where you have little chance of running into anyone at all.

“You name it, I can arrange it,” she smiles.

Here’s how she recommends going off-grid.

1. Set crew protocols

Step one: Brief your charter broker and captain for total yacht charter privacy.

Yacht crew are trained to avoid appearing unnecessarily, explains Marcella, operating ‘from the shadows’; present only when required.

On many yachts, that means they will only appear when needed, called to service via apps on smartphones or tablets.

Larger yachts, or motor yachts designed with privacy in mind, offer an even more seamless set-up: crew can even use separate corridors, staircases, and service elevators. Many also employ zoned service, ensuring only essential crew ever enter guest areas.

“For an additional layer of security, we can even ensure horizon monitoring to spot paparazzi, drones, and suspicious boats,” Marcella says. “And, of course, we can enforce a strict no-photography policy.”

2. Enforce additional legal and contractual measures

Most charter contracts already contain robust confidentiality clauses, but for clients seeking extra peace of mind, Marcella recommends additional non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). This should cover crew, shoreside support, and anyone connected to the client, their guests, and itinerary. It’s a simple layer, but one that reinforces the expectation of absolute discretion.

For guests with heightened privacy or security needs, dedicated personnel can also be added as supernumeraries. This means the yacht does not count them in its official guest or crew numbers. They slot into the crew’s existing organisation—bigger yachts can also have extra cabins that can be used for supernumeraries—ensuring comfort, compliance, and—above all—peace of mind without affecting the yacht’s official headcount.

For the highest-profile clients, including royalty and other ultra-high-profile individuals, extra measures can include hiring chase or tandem yachts to shadow the main vessel, sometimes with dedicated security personnel. This ensures the client’s movements remain completely protected and discreet, while still allowing them to enjoy every aspect of the charter.

3. Request privacy-enhancing tech

Marcella highlights a range of onboard measures designed to keep curious eyes at bay.

“We often recommend anti-drone systems, separate Wi-Fi networks and VPNs, and drone-detection alarms,” she explains. “They let guests relax and unwind without worrying about who might be watching.”

A separate Wi-Fi network, for example, ensures that guests remain private and untraceable, while VPNS add an extra layer of security for communications and online activity. Anti-drone systems and detection alarms alert the crew to any hovering devices before they become intrusive.

Physical features play a part too. Many yacht owners install retractable covers and awnings that can shield helicopters or deck areas from view. World-class yachts may also offer limousine-style tenders or touch-and-go helipads for arrivals and departures that go entirely unnoticed.

Together, these systems and design choices ensure guests can move freely and stay off-radar, whether on deck, onshore, or in transit.

4. Plan for the right time

“Timing can make all the difference,” Marcella says. “Avoid peak season, not only to reduce the number of yachts and onlookers, but also to benefit from lower charter rates.”

Choosing periods when visibility is low and yachts are less clustered allows clients to enjoy destinations without interruption. This will depend on where you want to go.

“It’s a simple step that can transform the experience,” Marcella smiles. “Even popular locations can feel totally private if you time things well.”

Seasonal nuances can make a surprising difference. In the Caribbean, the height of winter brings both crowds and energy, while early or late season allows for quieter anchorages and more private beaches. The Maldives enjoys calm seas in the off-season, perfect for discreet arrivals to remote atolls. Even within the same region, islands like Saint Barths are markedly quiet in early winter, giving guests the sense of being the only people in the bay.

Beyond crowds, timing also shapes the experience at sea: Calmer weather makes navigating those hidden coves or tender transfers easier, ensuring the journey itself remains uninterrupted.

5. Best charter yachts for privacy

Size, layout, and amenities all contribute to a charter that offers complete privacy.

Marcella notes that larger yachts naturally lend themselves to discretion: More decks and private spaces, a highly trained crew, and a wealth of onboard facilities mean guests have less reason to leave the yacht at all.

“For the ultimate experience, some yachts even offer owners’ dedicated decks,” she adds. “It’s a fun but very practical way to enjoy total privacy, even from your own guests.

“I recommend yachts like BREAKTHROUGH, WHISPER, LUNA, LONIAN and TALEYA. These charters offer the space, layout, and crew expertise needed to ensure discretion is maintained throughout the yacht charter.”

6. Yachting destinations and charter experiences

For true seclusion, the location is as important as the yacht itself. Marcella advises choosing remote anchorages, off-the-beaten-path islands, and hidden coves, especially in those off-peak periods, to avoid crowds. These are all things your captain and broker can advise.

“Destinations like Antarctica or the Galapagos are naturally private,” she explains. “For more traditional yachting hotspots, we often suggest alternatives: Menorca instead of Ibiza, Porquerolles rather than Saint Tropez, or Anguilla over Saint Barths for New Year. These are all places clients can enjoy the same experiences without the attention.”

Flexible itineraries are key. Details are carefully shared on a need-to-know basis: The captain, the client, and the broker coordinate directly, and only essential crew are aware of movements. This ensures that every transfer, arrival, and excursion is planned with discretion in mind. Even small choices—when to anchor, which cove to visit, or when to depart—are thought of in advance, giving clients the confidence that their time on board and ashore will remain uninterrupted and entirely under their control.

“Every charter is tailored so clients can truly relax, knowing their privacy is protected at every stage,” Marcella says. “It’s about anticipating every detail before it’s needed. That’s what allows our clients to enjoy a yacht charter holiday entirely on their own terms.”

Interested in a bespoke, private yacht charter? Contact Moravia today to speak to an expert charter broker and begin planning your truly off-radar escape.

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