Uncharted waters: exploring unexpected yachting destinations from Svalbard to the Solomons

There’s something intoxicating about sailing into the unknown. Away from the buzz of the Riviera and the bustle of the Caribbean’s best-known beaches lies a world of quiet anchorages, far-flung islands, and ancient cultures.

Go beyond the ordinary in these unexpected destinations, from polar expeditions to hidden Mediterranean gems. Whether you’re drawn to icebergs or historic ruins, dense jungle or deserted atolls, this is where an adventure yacht charter truly comes alive.

Svalbard 

Where the Arctic silence is broken only by cracking ice and the call of seabirds, Svalbard sits high on the list of epic explorer yacht destinations. Located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, this icy archipelago is the realm of polar bears, walrus, and reindeer. Midnight sun charters in summer offer an otherworldly experience, while winter expeditions drift past ice floes under the Northern Lights.

Svalbard is the kind of place where your zodiac ride becomes a wildlife documentary – whales breach nearby, and glaciers calve before your eyes. It’s a must for those looking to experience the raw, powerful beauty of the Arctic on a private yacht charter.

Patagonia 

Craggy peaks, turquoise fjords, and windswept forests make southern Chile and Argentina an explorer’s dream. Cruise fjords. Hike glaciers. Ride with gauchos. Patagonia is pure, powerful, and off the map.

'Navigating the Patagonian fjords feels like sailing through a dream carved by glaciers – where towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and silent, mist-veiled peaks remind you how wild and untouched the world can still be.'

Ashely Perrin, JORO Travel Designer

Lofoten Islands

Tucked within Norway’s Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are a staggering contrast of mountain peaks and sheltered coves. Think steep cliffs plunging into clear water, fishing villages painted in bold reds and yellows, and skies that glow pink well into the night. A heady mix of Nordic culture, Arctic wildlife, and pristine sailing, it's a destination where dramatic landscapes meet the quiet isolation of the far north.

'Exploring Lofoten by yacht offers a rare combination of raw, cinematic beauty only a short hop from mainland Europe. The region’s cuisine reflects a deep commitment to sustainability – anchored in the principle of taking only what’s needed and working with, rather than against, nature.

'With its warm, grounded communities and a landscape that invites everything from surfing and horseback riding to fishing and skydiving, Lofoten is an exceptional destination for those drawn to understated adventure and quiet luxury.'

Duncan Over, JORO Co-Founder

Antarctica

No list of remote sailing destinations would be complete without Antarctica. This is the ultimate explorer yacht charter – a journey to the last great wilderness. Navigate alongside colossal icebergs, kayak through penguin colonies, and spot orcas hunting in pods beneath your yacht.

With the right vessel and expert crew, Antarctica becomes a place not just to witness but to experience. A superyacht charter to Antarctica offers supreme comfort in the harshest of environments, giving you the freedom to explore this majestic continent in luxury and safety.

'Antarctica is one of the only places I've been where I understood meditation. It is true wilderness, and the midnight sun – coupled with the lack of pollution and serenity of the natural world surrounding you – brings a real feeling of peace.’

Elise Ciappara, JORO Yacht Specialist

Raja Ampat 

Located off the northwest tip of Papua, Indonesia, Raja Ampat is the beating heart of the Coral Triangle – home to the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. A private yacht is the only way to truly access its far-flung islands, offering front-row access to jungle-fringed shores, remote tribal cultures, and world-class diving with manta rays, reef sharks and technicolour corals.

Raja Ampat’s underwater richness – home to over 1,600 reef fish species and more than 500 species of coral – has long been protected by its remoteness and the wisdom of local traditions. But as tourism grows and unsustainable fishing increases, this fragile ecosystem faces new pressures.

That’s why our partners at Blue Marine Foundation are working with communities and authorities here to scale up marine protection. From building community-patrol boats to creating codes of conduct for all water-based activity, they’re supporting local stewardship of the Bird’s Head Seascape marine protected area. New university partnerships, student-led surveys, and training from global experts like Zafer Kizilkaya are helping to ensure the region’s fisheries, coral reefs and marine megafauna remain safeguarded for future generations.

Charter here, and you don’t just dive into a pristine ecosystem – you support efforts to keep it that way.

‘In Indonesia, every island tells a different story – from coastal villages echoing with drumbeats to hand-carved canoes and ancient traditions passed down through generations. It’s a tapestry of cultures as vibrant as the reefs below.’

Rachel Reynolds, JORO Senior Travel Designer

Tuamotus

French Polynesia's lesser-known cousin to Bora Bora and Tahiti, the Tuamotus are a dreamy chain of coral atolls strung across the Pacific. Sailing here means drifting through lagoon-speckled seascapes, with anchorages so shallow that only certain yachts can reach them.

Charter a yacht in French Polynesia to discover the Tuamotus' blend of remoteness and tranquillity. Expect pearl farms, pink-sand beaches, and dive sites bursting with marine life – all far from the tourist trail.

‘The diving in the Tuamotus is world class – the region well deserves its reputation. In one week I encountered sharks, manta ray, humpback, and dolphins.'

George Reynolds, JORO Senior Travel Designer

Grenadines  

A perfect option for those who love the Caribbean vibe but want to avoid the cruise ship scene, the Grenadines are where classic sailing meets rustic charm. This string of islands between St Vincent and Grenada is best explored slowly – on your own terms.

Charterers can island-hop between Bequia, Mustique, and Tobago Cays, anchoring in turquoise waters and dining on grilled lobster on the beach. A Grenadines sailing expedition offers that elusive blend of laid-back island culture and world-class cruising.

Bazaruto Archipelago 

Just off the coast of Mozambique, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a barefoot paradise still largely undiscovered by international travellers. Its white-sand islands, dune-covered shores, and rich coral reefs make it ideal for snorkelling, sandboarding, and spotting dugongs.

With a private yacht charter, Bazaruto becomes your own castaway fantasy – complete with five-star service. Few destinations offer such seclusion and splendour in equal measure.

‘Sailing along the Bazaruto coast feels like chasing the edge of a dream – turquoise seas, world-class diving, and just inland, the thrill of safari where dunes meet the wild. It’s the perfect blend of ocean escape and untamed adventure.’

Alize King-Harman, Joro Travel Designer

Ponza and Ventotent 

Tucked between Rome and Naples, the Pontine Islands are Italy’s best-kept charter secret. Ponza’s pastel harbour and Ventotene’s Roman ruins feel like time capsules. Few superyachts venture here, which only adds to the allure.

Wander narrow lanes, dive volcanic seabeds, and dine in rustic trattorias without ever hearing a word of English. This is la dolce vita, dialled back.

Kas and Kekova 

On Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, far from the packed marinas of Bodrum and Marmaris, lie Kaş and Kekova – coastal towns steeped in history and stunning scenery. Sail over sunken cities, explore Lycian tombs carved into cliffs, and enjoy quiet anchorages where goats outnumber tourists.

For those who want to rediscover the ancient Mediterranean, this is your starting point.

MIjet Island 

In the Dalmatian Islands of Croatia, Mljet is a rare mix of pine forest, saltwater lakes, and sleepy harbours. Largely protected as a national park, the island remains wild and relatively untouched – a striking contrast to the buzzing towns of Hvar and Split.

For Croatia yacht rental with a quiet twist, Mljet is an anchor-drop away from total tranquillity.

‘Only 30 nautical miles up the coast from Dubrovnik, and well known for its lush national park, saltwater lakes, and peaceful ambience, Mljet invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. The island is home to ancient monasteries, forest trails, and hidden sea caves, offering the perfect blend of serenity and discovery.’

Ed Hansell, JORO Travel Designer

Hydra 

Greece is one of the most popular charter destinations – but some corners remain blessedly under the radar. Hydra, an island where cars are banned and donkeys rule the narrow alleys, offers timeless charm just a few hours from Athens.

A Greece yacht charter that includes Hydra promises cobbled streets, hillside mansions, and pristine swimming coves. It’s elegance in miniature.

Musandam Peninsula 

Often called the ‘Norway of Arabia,’ Oman’s Musandam Peninsula is an unexpected delight. Towering limestone fjords plunge into clear waters, dolphins play in your yacht’s wake, and ancient villages cling to the cliffs.

Just a short hop from Dubai, Musandam feels like another world. An ideal destination for those renting a mega yacht in the UAE but looking for authenticity over flash.

Inner Hebrides 

Scotland’s Inner Hebrides are windswept, whisky-soaked, and wildly beautiful. Sail between islands like Jura, Mull, and Islay, each offering a unique blend of history, nature, and Celtic legend.

'Scotland has a way of grounding you. Its sweeping landscapes and endless horizons create a profound sense of space, while its rich heritage and enduring traditions are woven into every encounter – from the stillness of a Highland loch to the quiet pride of its people. It’s a place where time stretches, history breathes, and the modern world feels refreshingly far away.'

Duncan Over, JORO Co-Founder

Rosario Islands 

Off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the Rosario Islands are a cluster of coral-fringed keys with vibrant marine life and a growing eco-tourism scene. A far cry from Cartagena’s party pace, this is where quiet beaches and bioluminescent waters await.

Charterers looking to combine Latin flair with Caribbean cruising will find the Rosario Islands a hidden gem worth exploring.

‘These islands are both a short sail and a world away from the bustling city of Cartagena. Spend days snorkelling, discovering sunken wrecks and the pristine seas, before heading back to the bright city nightlife in a charter filled with contrast and colour.’

Elise Ciappara, JORO Yacht Specialist

Ready for a private yacht experience in the great unknown? Contact our charter team about available explorer and mega yachts to rent. 

If these remote sailing destinations have stirred your wanderlust, now’s the perfect time to charter a vessel that can take you there. Whether you're craving the icy majesty of Antarctica, the reef-rich waters of Raja Ampat, or the cultural richness of the Inner Hebrides, our charter team can match you with the perfect explorer yacht or mega yacht for the journey.

Contact us to start planning your own adventure yacht charter. Go beyond the expected. Sail into the extraordinary.