Top 5 remote winter destinations for charter

When the skies turn grey and sombre in the northern hemisphere, the superyacht set turns south to soak up the sun.

A winter charter gives you more than just a break from the cold. It lets you find quiet anchorages, clean beaches, and hidden coves away from the summer crowds. You can enjoy world-class destinations on your own terms, where you never compromise on privacy, luxury, and adventure.

But what exactly defines a winter charter, and why do these destinations hold such appeal?

What is a winter charter?

A winter yacht charter usually happens in the Northern Hemisphere winter. This is from late November to March or April. The change of seasons often starts with the Monaco Yacht Show in late September. This event prompts the industry to prepare for the new season.

This timing lets charterers enjoy the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. It also opens tropical charter spots in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia. These places are great for those wanting warmth and privacy.

Why charter in winter?

Winter charters offer the ultimate escape from the northern chill, transporting guests to sun-drenched sand beaches. Yachts provide unparalleled flexibility in remote destinations. Unlike a hotel, villa, or resort, you can shift routes with your mood and curate experiences—from diving with manta rays to hiking volcanic peaks—according to your wishes.

While the destinations themselves are at their seasonal peak, winter charters allow clients to enjoy a sense of calm and privacy, with fewer competing boats or crowded beaches than during the northern hemisphere summer season. A superyacht charter can offer world-class service, gourmet dining, and bespoke itineraries.

Top remote winter destinations

Looking to trade the winter blues for sea-salt hair and sun-kissed skin? Our brokers’ top picks for remote winter charter destinations promise exactly that: Exclusive anchorages, hidden beaches, and end-of-year celebrations. These are the places where winter truly feels like a getaway.

1. Antarctica
   Nowhere feels as untouched as Antarctica. A winter charter here, to coincide with the southern summer, offers long daylight hours, glassy seas, and wildlife encounters found nowhere else on Earth. With no ports, no crowds, and no imprint of modern life, it remains one of the last truly remote frontiers accessible only by specialised expedition vessels.

   Standout features: Towering glaciers, sprawling icebergs, breaching whales, and landings on pristine shores; expert-led exploration.
   Best time to visit: November to February for mild conditions, calving glaciers, and peak wildlife activity.
   Best suited for: Adventurous travellers, multi-generational families, guests seeking profound quiet, environmental enthusiasts.

   “My clients sent me some photos from the shores of King George Island in Antarctica: Penguins right up close, and the windswept, ice-capped mountains overlooking a sea filled with ice. Moments like that remind me why people go so far south: it strips life back to wonder.” – Lea Tintaud Abbas, Charter Broker
   

2. Anguilla, Caribbean
   Anguilla feels like the Caribbean slowed down to its most peaceful rhythm. This is an island of pale-gold beaches, hidden coves, and calm waters perfect for anchoring in complete privacy. During the northern winter, the weather is sublime, the seas clear, and the crowds elsewhere. From a yacht, it’s a place defined by seclusion, long horizons, and long, quiet days drifting between bays.

   Standout features: Coral reefs ideal for snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, turquoise shallows, protected anchorages, and secret tender-access beaches.
   Best time to visit: December to April for warm water, stable trade winds, and the Caribbean’s prime cruising window.
   Best suited for: The island is family friendly, good for couples, or those seeking privacy, luxury, and effortless, sun-soaked cruising.

   “Anguilla is the kind of place you can really switch off. One moment, you’re snorkelling around a coral reef, the next you’re enjoying sundowners on a stretch of warm, white sand watching the sun go down. There are so many tucked-away coves, you can spend days without spotting another yacht. It’s perfect.” – Marcella Tichelaar, Charter Broker

   

3. The Exumas, The Bahamas
   The Exumas are what most people imagine when they picture paradise. In reality, they’re quieter, clearer, and far more captivating. Stretching over 200 kilometres, these islands offer shallow, aquamarine waters, endless sandbars, and still bays. Winter brings steady breezes, calm seas, and perfect conditions for island-hopping by yacht.

   Standout features: Kayaking through mangroves, deserted beaches, sea-life-rich reefs, and swimming with the famous pigs at Big Major Cay.
   Best time to visit: November to April for the most reliable weather and the iconic ‘Bahama blues.’
   Best suited for: Families, first-time charterers, water-sports lovers, guests who prefer a slower style of exploration.

   “The Exumas are just magical. Clear waters, hidden beaches, quiet anchorages… It’s the kind of place where families can unwind, everyone can have their own space, and the whole experience just flows.” – Lisa Christensen, Charter Broker
   
   

4. Galápagos Island
   A living museum of evolution, the Galápagos offers one of the most immersive and otherworldly charter experiences. Strict visitor controls keep the archipelago protected and blissfully uncrowded, and a yacht offers you multiple islands to explore with ease.

   Standout features: Close-up wildlife encounters—including humpback whales and Darwin’s famous finches—volcanic shorelines, pristine snorkelling, quiet anchorages, and expert-led island exploration.
   Best time to visit: December to May for warm water and calm conditions.
   Best suited for: Nature lovers, photographers, divers, guests seeking meaningful adventures.

   “The Galápagos is unlike anywhere else on earth. Ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone craving a journey that feels truly alive, this is the ultimate escape. Imagine quiet anchorages framed by volcanic landscapes, and islands teeming with creatures found nowhere else. Every day reveals something new and exciting. It’s a true ‘bucket-list’ adventure. Along the way, we can arrange for an expert naturalist who can guide you through the unique flora, fauna, and marine life that make these islands one of the most remarkable ecosystems on the planet.” – Alastair Callender, Sales & Charter Broker

   

5. The Grenadines
   The Grenadines feel beautifully removed from the rest of the world, a ribbon of emerald islands stretching south into ever-calmer, ever-clearer seas. Expect to move more than you moor: Steady trade winds and warm weather make this the perfect location for sailing enthusiasts.

   Standout features: Classic Caribbean sailing conditions, postcard-pretty bays, vibrant reefs, laid-back island culture, and peaceful beaches reached only by yacht or tender.
   Best time to visit: December to April for reliable winds and gentle seas.
   Best suited for: Sailors, families, snorkellers, and travellers looking for a relaxed, soulful island vibe rather than a scene.

   “Sailing south from St Barths into The Grenadines is pure joy. The breeze is kind, and the sea has this deep-blue calmness to it. It’s the sort of journey my clients talk about long after they’re home. It’s that perfect mix of simplicity, space, and proper Caribbean sailing.” – William Molloy, Head of Charter

   

How to choose the right yacht

When your winter charter leads you into more remote waters, the yacht itself becomes an important consideration. Not every yacht suits every sea. That’s why matching you to the right yacht is an exacting art, and where your charter broker will advise.

Shallow-draft explorers can slip into lagoons at atolls, for example, that deep-keel yachts simply can’t. Expedition-ready yachts carry serious toys, tenders, and safety equipment. Crew expertise becomes essential: navigating reefs, protected zones, and weather windows is where expertise shines. Behind the scenes, provisioning and logistics need to be watertight, from fuel range to fresh produce.

Remote destinations reward preparation, and the yacht you choose shapes your experience once you get there.

View our yachts for charter.

What to know before you go

Planning a winter charter in a remote destination isn’t complicated, but it is precise. Seasonal windows vary. The Indian Ocean, for example, has its monsoon rhythms; the Caribbean experiences the trade winds; and even Antarctica experiences its own brief summer. Local weather, even during the dry season, can shift quickly.

Many destinations require advance permits, protected-area passes, or dedicated dive licenses. Entry and exit formalities also differ from island to island; your crew and handle will know how to handle most of this, but it’s wise to know yourself. Provisioning can involve careful planning, especially when resupply is limited.

Connectivity may be lighter than you’re used to. This can be charming for some, but a deal-breaker for others. Medical support and evacuation plans are standard considerations in remote waters, and eco-sensitivity is paramount: Wildlife regulations, anchoring rules, and community respect shape responsible cruising.

For the smoothest experience, speak with a charter broker who can tailor and manage every detail, especially when your vacation takes you off the traditional map. Contact: enquire@moraviayachting.mc.

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