Between them, the Caribbean and Bahamas span a vast area with a diverse offering of yacht charter experiences. Think jaw-dropping landscapes, warm waters and a temperate climate that will feel a world away from the gloominess we are accustomed to in other parts of the world come January. There is a wide variety of activities on offer, from hiking, golf and scuba diving to vibrant cultural celebrations and glamorous nightlife. It therefore makes sense that this region has been one of the most popular among yachts chartering throughout the winter months.

The Caribbean weather in January is generally less hot and humid compared to other times of the year, offering a refreshing injection of sunshine without the mugginess of summer; expect average high temperatures in the upper 20s C for the southern islands, and in the mid 20s for the northern ones. And being just a short flight from North America, it’s no wonder the Caribbean and Bahamas are a perennial hit with yacht fans from the region, as well as those visiting from further afield.

Where to visit in the Caribbean and Bahamas

The Caribbean includes the Greater Antilles to the north, while to the south the Lesser Antilles are divided into the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands, the latter being situated closest to South America, with appealing beaches around a beautiful, mountainous topography.

The Leeward Islands have long been a top destination for winter yacht cruising, with the likes of the US and British Virgin Islands, St Maarten, St Barth, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda high on the wish list of many a charterer. In recent years, thanks to a growing infrastructure and desire to find less busy marinas and anchorages, the Windward Islands have been welcoming more yachts to their shores in St Lucia, Martinique, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica and Grenada.

Although some might assume The Bahamas is a part of the Caribbean, the country proudly stands apart, offering over 700 sublime islands to explore. The areas most popular for visiting yachts include New Providence, home to capital Nassau and a host of luxury resorts, and the Exumas, which offers the archetypal desert island experience to those touring the 360-odd islands by yacht.

Further north, the Berry Islands and Eleuthera are popular with deep-sea fishing fans and surfers alike. While further south, scuba divers will enjoy the famous blue holes off Long Island, including Dean's Hole, the world's second deepest at 202m (662.7ft).

Things to do in the Caribbean and Bahamas

Every Christmas and New Year, superyachts head in their droves to the tiny French outpost of St Barth. The island inimitably blends chic boutiques, upscale restaurants and hedonistic nightclubs with chilled-out beach bars and quaint, colourful houses; think of an exclusive Saint-Tropez with more surfboards and reggae.

Aside from the enormous fireworks display put on each New Year’s Eve, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained. Tour the island’s 14 beaches to experience party vibes and all-day lunches or relaxed sandy stretches that offer a moment of sanctuary. The island is also popular with the sailing crowd and Gustavia town plays host to the annual St Barths Bucket, one of the few regattas dedicated to superyachts.

The US Virgins Islands and British Virgin Islands have long been a popular destination with yachts cruising the Caribbean during the winter months. With a more western style and culture than other parts of the region, this familiarity is attractive to some travellers. St John combines a large national park with plenty of restaurant and beach options, while St Thomas is the most developed island in the US Virgin Islands, featuring a modern full-service superyacht marina, Yacht Haven Grande.

In the south-east corner of the Caribbean, take in the lush, volcanic landscapes and delightful beaches of St Vincent and the Grenadines. On Mustique you will find luxury resorts, vast villas and fun late-night beach bars. St Vincent’s Botanical Gardens and Fort Charlotte colonial-era defences are popular places to visit after the challenging hike up La Soufrière volcano. Or enjoy a tour of the Tobago Cays marine park, Canouan and Mayreau; a visit by yacht cannot be beaten.

In The Bahamas’ New Providence, you will be spoiled for choice with luxury resorts and casinos to sample during a yacht charter. Albany and the Four Seasons Ocean Club are popular among discerning visitors, with golf, dining and casino activities aplenty. Lyford Cay offers a more stately pace of life while the sprawling resorts of Atlantis and Baha Mar provide family-friendly options including marine wildlife encounters and even a water park.

The Exumas is thought to be one of the most beautiful island chains in the world, providing unique experiences both in and on the famously clear aquamarine water, complemented by a warm and welcoming local culture. Those who enjoy bonefishing or deep-sea fishing will be in seventh heaven, and the scuba diving both on the Atlantic and Exumas Banks sides of the archipelago is world class. Be sure to stop in at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club for conch salad and one of the famous piña coladas while soaking up the Jimmy Buffet-style vibes, and visits to the nearby Thunderball Grotto and swimming pigs of Big Major Cay are an absolute must.

Where to visit in Europe

Greece is comprised of some 6,000 diverse islands that could take a whole lifetime to explore, so it makes for a fascinating destination to charter a luxury yacht. Whether you have your eye on discovering natural wonders and touring historical sites or prefer to live it up in party towns with restaurants and nightclubs galore, Greece’s unique blend of culture will be sure not to disappoint. Santorini, Mykonos, Kos, Rhodes, Corfu and Crete are some of the most popular spots to include on a Greek yacht charter, to name but a few.

With its hospitable culture and dependable weather, Turkey’s Turquoise Riviera is an increasingly popular destination to charter a superyacht. Imagine medieval coastal towns, lush landscapes and secluded bays, not to mention the growing presence of luxury resorts, top-notch restaurants and chic beach clubs. Embark in Bodrum and cruise to Marmaris before continuing south to Fethiye Bay via Rhodes (part of the Greek Dodecanese Islands), with Göcek’s growing social scene making for a memorable finale to your yacht charter.

Things to do in Europe

The first decision to make for your Greek yacht charter is which area you would like to visit, as the country is very spread out. The typically popular beach clubs that are a hive of activity in the summer may not be open in January, but there are still plenty of things to do and places to see.

Capital city Athens is rich in historical and cultural attractions alongside its cosmopolitan culinary scene and wide selection of luxury boutiques. Nearby you will find the Saronic Gulf Islands including Poros, Hydra, Aegina, Spetses and Agistri, which are renowned for their quiet anchorages, vibrant beach towns and historical sites as well as great hiking and cycling routes in Poros’s forested hinterland.

Offering a unique blend of cultures thanks to their past occupation by the French, British and Venetians, the Ionian Islands to the west of Greece have their own distinct cuisine and architecture. Rustic hikes and ancient harbour towns with quaint restaurants await you, while more active charterers might enjoy the challenging local kitesurfing options.

Beaches of white sand and a wide range of ports from sleepy fishing towns to high-octane nightspots await in the popular Cyclades, including Mykonos, Andros, Santorini, Kynthos, and Naxos among others. Climb up to the Instagram-worthy clifftop panoramas across the bright-blue rooftops in Santorini, take a tour of the World Heritage Site at uninhabited Delos, or venture below the water’s surface on a scuba diving exploration of Dragonisi Island Caverns near Mykonos.

Further south, the Dodecanese Islands are blessed with the warmest winter weather in Greece. Thanks to their proximity to the Asian continent, they offer visitors a glimpse into a unique cultural melange, with Byzantine churches, ancient castles and archaeological attractions. Take in historical Rhodes, picturesque Kos, the beaches of Symi, rock climbing in Kalymnos and the active volcano of Nisyros, perhaps combining this with a visit to Turkey on your January yacht charter.

Turkey benefits from a wide variety of archaeological sites and historical cities that are perfect for exploration on a yacht charter. For active guests, there is an abundance of scuba diving and snorkelling sites, whether you are on the hunt for a sunken wreck or some aquatic wildlife. Alternatively, take a stand-up paddleboard or kayak safari among the quiet bays and coves along the coastline, with your crew to guide the way and provide a beach picnic along the route. If you enjoy Turkish cuisine, invite a local chef on board to provide a private cookery lesson that is as authentic as it gets.

Bodrum is a must-see stop along any Turkish yacht charter, with unique Cretan architecture that was brought from Greek immigrants in the last century; alongside the striking white and blue houses you can visit the town’s various museums, an ancient theatre and castle. Ephesus to the north makes for a great daytrip ashore, with its vast network of archaeological ruins that dates back three millennia.

Further south, visit Dalyan to soak up the local culture and vibrant architecture, meet the friendly inhabitants of the local sea turtle conservation centre or take a daytrip along the Dalyan River to visit Kaunos, where a fascinating set of tombs are set into the cliffs. Göcek has been attracting more superyachts lately thanks to an influx of high-end resorts, beach clubs and restaurants. And in nearby Fethiye Bay you can visit Cleopatra’s Baths, a natural cove accessible only by boat where the legendary Egyptian queen is said to have enjoyed a dip while soaking up the ambiance of the bright-emerald waters; today, it makes for a popular snorkelling spot.

For some guaranteed ‘winter’ sun in January, head to Australia and New Zealand where you can enjoy the southern hemisphere’s summer climate; the long-haul flight will be well worth it.

Australia’s diverse offerings take you from glamorous Sydney Harbour with its hip restaurants and cosmopolitan culture to the natural underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to the otherworldly landscapes of The Kimberley.

New Zealand has been a hit with visiting superyacht for many years, with a growing network of facilities to support those looking to tour the Land of the Long White Cloud. Aside from the world-class natural beauty, it is celebrated for its excellent vineyards, superb food provenance and native Maori culture.

Where to visit in Australia and New Zealand

Sydney is a great spot to start out, as it has convenient international connections and a plethora of restaurants and cultural attractions to kick off your January yacht charter in style.

The Whitsundays in Queensland are one of the most popular places to visit by yacht in Australia, renowned for their beautiful beaches and elegant resorts; from here you can continue your charter to the Great Barrier Reef. A trip to the Gold Coast combines vibrant city life with the natural and indigenous wonders found along the coastline to the north. And although The Kimberley in the north-west is one of the more remote places to take a superyacht in Australia, you will be in awe of the dramatic scenery, prehistoric wildlife and outdoor activities.

As the capital city of New Zealand, Auckland is a popular hub for entering and departing the country but there are alluring destinations scattered throughout the North and South Islands.

The subtropical Bay of Islands to the top of the North Island is a hit for all who visit, with its picture-postcard beaches and alluring blue waters, while the Marlborough Sounds on the South Island provide an abundance of natural wonders to explore, not to mention the nearby wine country is just a short helicopter ride away.

Things to do in Australia and New Zealand

Glide through the water under the Harbour Bridge and take in the views of the iconic Opera House while you sip on a cocktail and sample delicious treats on a charter through Sydney. Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River are a short cruise up the coastline and within easy reach of Sydney Harbour.

Sample the luxury resorts and powder-soft beaches of Queensland’s Whitsundays, a favourite destination of Australia’s elite. Somewhat of a yachting hub, Hamilton Island is the base for its namesake annual Race Week regatta in August. From here, you can set out on a longer charter to take in the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, which extends over 2,000km off the coast of the Australian mainland.

The landscape of The Kimberley offers the chance to step back to prehistoric times, as it has barely changed for billions of years. For local culture, visit the pearl divers or the historical Aboriginal sites that date back many millennia. The wildlife here is unlike anywhere else, with wallabies and kangaroos as well as manta rays and gargantuan saltwater crocodiles; your captain can dip the yacht’s bow into the edge of a waterfall that flows directly into the sea for an exhilarating and fun experience.

In New Zealand, fill your days with hiking in the mountains and kayaking alongside playful dolphins in the sea-drowned valleys of the Marlborough Sounds. Immerse yourself in local culture with a traditional Maori Haka performed right on your charter yacht’s deck, followed by a lobster cook-out on a remote beach. Take a tour of the world-famous vineyards in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne or enjoy a round of golf looking out across the ocean from the famous Kauri Cliffs Golf Course.

For a number of years, South East Asia has been growing in popularity as a cruising destination for luxury yachts. This is in part thanks to expanding infrastructure supporting the yachts but also a growing appetite to explore new areas among seasoned yacht owners and charterers who are looking for an alternative to the traditional winter cruising grounds of the Caribbean. Pristine natural beauty, a hospitable culture and rich heritage await on a charter to South East Asia.

Thailand and its neighbours experience mild temperatures with the least humidity between November and February, making January a great time to visit, as night-time lows reach a balmy but pleasant 18C. There is a little more rain the further south you travel, yet it is still a good time of year to explore what South East Asia has to offer.

Things to do in South East Asia

Phuket offers a wide range of activities on the island itself, including gourmet cuisine, fun nightclubs, reviving spas and local shopping. To the north of Phuket you will find a tropical paradise with white-sand beaches in Koh Miang, while the world class scuba diving at Koh Bon promises a chance to swim among the majestic manta rays, leopard sharks and purple fire goby. Take to the water again at Koh Tachai where all the family can enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving, and Richelieu Rock offers the chance to get in the water with migrating whale sharks.

South of Phuket you will find the remarkable Phang Nga National Park, home to the stilted fishing village of Koh Panyi that is situated beneath the towering limestone cliffs. Explore the ancient cave painting sites of Krabi Province by kayak, travelling through limestone sea caves and mangroves. Or take in the coconut plantations on the Racha Islands, with the lush green hillsides offering a moment of serenity.

Explore the Langkawi archipelago off the north west coast of Malaysia, with its virgin rainforests, pristine beaches, magical waterfalls and reefs full of colourful tropical fishes, which are enjoyable whether you are snorkelling or scuba diving.

Indonesia’s 17,500 islands will offer plenty to keep you busy on a yacht charter in January. Test your balance with some surfing on Bali’s east coast, then explore the vibrant restaurant and beach bar scene in the hip town of Seminyak to the west. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo National Park, observe the world’s largest lizards that give Komodo Island its name. And finally, Raja Ampat is an essential part of a yacht charter in the area, with over 1,500 wild islands to snake through on the gemstone-hued waters; as a diver’s paradise, its waters form part of the Coral Triangle, renowned for being the most diverse marine habitat on the planet.