Last minute winter charter destinations
Last minute winter charter destinations
Published 12 December 2025
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning and instead of a winter wonderland you find yourself in a different sort of magical landscape. Surrounded by turquoise waters, there’s a balmy beach on the horizon and a sky full of sun. And you’re floating through this eden on your own private luxury yacht. From the palm-fringed beaches of the Caribbean to the emerald waters of the Seychelles and fish-filled dive sites of the Maldives, a winter yacht charter will take you there.
Why a last minute yacht escape is the perfect antidote to winter
As the light dwindles in the winter, our mood can as well. The happy chaos of Christmas holidays helps to tide us over through the darker days of winter, but once the New Year comes and the excitement slows down, it’s easy to be hit with a bout of the January blues. Trade these internal blues for the blue waters of a winter charter destination. Stepping on board a superyacht, you’ll find your seasonally incited sadness slipping away as you sail among picturesque islands.
On a winter yacht charter you’ll be in the lap of luxury, spending time on board a gorgeously designed yacht that has every comfort you could need. And, unlike a resort on land, you’ll have it all to yourself. All the while, you’ll be looked after by a doting crew who will make your every wish a reality, and the yacht’s private chef will cook up exactly what you desire. What could be a better way to escape the doldrums of January?
Where to charter right now: Our top winter sun destinations
The Caribbean
Set in an arc on the southeastern edge of the Caribbean, the Windward Islands are a wondrous place to explore by yacht. From the French island of Martinique to the peaks and waterfalls of St Lucia and the Grenadines down to the rainforests in Tobago, this stretch of Caribbean is a filled with diverse landscapes and a myriad of activities to take part in on shore and in the water.
Hike Gros Piton, the taller of the two conical peaks that are emblematic of St Lucia. Head ashore on the exclusive isle of Mustique for a spa treatment at the Cotton House Hotel or enjoy sundowners at Basil’s Bar, an institution on this private hideaway of an island.
All the way south, you’ll find Trinidad and Tobago. The petite island of Tobago packs an astounding amount of biodiversity into its small size. Traipse through the rainforest for a birdwatching and rainforest tour, or snorkel right off your yacht, looking out for the giant leatherback sea turtles that are abundant here.
The Bahamas
With more than 700 islands to explore, The Bahamas is never short on unforgettable harbours, uninhabited beaches and exciting diversions on shore. In the Exuma islands, swim in a cave grotto where the James Bond movie Thunderball was filmed, pet gentle nurse sharks and visit the famous swimming pigs on Big Major Cay, more commonly known as Pig Beach.
Farther north, Harbour Island near Eleuthera offers pink-sand beaches, chic boutiques and relaxed island glamour. Thanks to their shallow draft, many yachts can anchor close to shore, giving guests direct access to the turquoise shallows that make a yacht rental in Nassau or the Exumas so magical.
The Maldives
Low-slung atolls, long swaths of white-sand beaches, world-class scuba diving and luxury spas found ashore, the Maldives are an excellent alternative to a Caribbean winter yacht charter. Set in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are hot, dry, and sunny in the winter. Along with the high-end hotels found among the Maldives' many isles, there are also 57 entirely uninhabited islands where you can anchor off for the night enjoy a sense of utter calm and an air of exclusivity.
Or perhaps you’ll tender ashore, with the crew inviting children on board to take part in an epic treasure hunt while the grown-ups enjoy a luxe beachside picnic. There’s much to see under the water in the Maldives, especially in Hanifaru Bay, an uninhabited isle that’s part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for manta rays and whale sharks.
For the activity seekers on board, the Maldives has areas for kite surfing as well as reef wave breaks for surfers. Fishermen will also rejoice as there is excellent big-game fishing with a chance to reel in sizeable snappers and mahi mahi.
The Seychelles
Floating in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, the Seychelles’ 115 islands are a natural playground of granitic peaks, palm-fringed beaches and coral lagoons. The Inner Islands, including Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, offer world-class anchorages and short cruising distances between them. The Outer Islands are even more remote, known for pristine coral reefs and exceptional diving.
Aboard your Seychelles yacht charter, explore UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, dive among whale sharks or stroll across powder-white sands at Anse Source d’Argent. With its rich biodiversity and serene anchorages, the Seychelles are perfect for those seeking nature, privacy and luxury in equal measure.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Winter in the UAE feels made for yachting. In Dubai, you can cruise along the coastline with the city skyline rising behind you, stop for a swim in warm, clear water, then head straight ashore for great restaurants and buzzy evenings. Abu Dhabi offers a different mood entirely – quiet islands, calm anchorages, and long stretches of empty beach that feel miles from anywhere.
With steady sunshine and comfortable temperatures all season, Dubai and Abu Dhabi make winter on the water easy, warm, and genuinely memorable.
Yachts available for last minute winter charters with Burgess
From family-friendly explorer yachts to sleek motor yachts with open-air beach clubs, Burgess offers a diverse fleet ready for winter charters across the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and beyond.
Our expert brokers will match you with the perfect yacht and crew, curating every detail of your itinerary – from daily menus to hidden anchorages – so that your experience is seamless from start to finish. Explore our current listings and find your dream winter yacht charter today.
The wellbeing power of sunshine at sea
Feeling the warm sun on your skin is a salve for the soul in the winter. Instead of snow boots, you can walk barefoot on board your luxury yacht – and put your toes in the sand while visiting islands throughout the Caribbean, Maldives, or the Seychelles. Instead of bundling up against the cold, you can start the morning with a swim in warm waters right off your yacht. Head ashore for adventures, or simply spend the day playing with the yacht’s watertoys and sunbathing. Of course, the yacht will also have plenty of shady areas should you wish to enjoy the warm water while protecting your skin.
Enquire now to secure a last-minute winter yacht rental and escape the Monday Blues with Burgess in 2026.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for charter and yachts for sale, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
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