Best Destinations for Yachting in January

After the Christmas period, we all need an extra holiday to relax and recharge. However, choosing the ultimate destination can sometimes be the biggest challenge. You’re not sure whether you want to escape the warm weather and wade in crystal blue waters with your favourite cocktail, or gather your friends and family for a celebration in a tropical island paradise. With Ahoy Club’s access to a range of private yachts across the globe, you can do it all. There is truly no better way to rejuvenate and kick start your new year than onboard a luxury yacht charter in January. 

From soaking up Sydney’s summer sun, enjoying the serene beauty of the Maldives, or exploring the mystical wonders of Antarctica, there is the perfect escape waiting for you! In this article, you will discover some of the world’s best destinations for yachting this January.

Antarctica

Antarctica isn’t the kind of destination you would normally think about when you’re trying to get away from winter. However, January is the perfect season in this part of the world because it’s the middle of summer. That means you’ll be able to enjoy all the attractions and wonders of Antarctica in beautiful weather.

When you’re travelling on your private yacht, you can visit all of Antarctica’s top destinations. This includes King George Island, a haven for penguins and other wildlife, Deception Island, an abandoned whaling station, and Paradise Bay with its otherworldly scenery.

You can also marvel at the ice formations of Cierva Cove, take photos in the Lemaire Channel, and explore the islands in the Wilhelm Archipelago. For anyone longing to explore the untouched wilderness and harshly beautiful world of Antarctica, January is the perfect time to do it. Interested in this stunning region? Read our destination guide on the best spots to anchor up in Antarctica.

Caribbean

The Caribbean is a standard new year charter destination and for good reason. In January, the Caribbean boasts warm waters, beautiful landscapes, and the chance to get away from the harshness of winter. There are numerous places in the Caribbean that you can visit during the yacht season. The Caribbean is made up of more than 700 islands, some of them tiny and others bold and beautiful, with so much to explore. 

Visiting the Caribbean on a private yacht gives you the chance to visit any island that strikes your interest. You can spend some time at one or more of the Leeward Islands, like St Martin and St Barths for nightlife, luxury shopping, and casinos, or St Kitts and Nevis for secluded beaches and friendly locals.

If you spend time in the Windward Islands, head to Dominica for untouched nature experiences, St Lucia for exclusive restaurants, or Mustique for a private, luxury experience. In the Virgin Islands,  you’ll find St Thomas with its numerous harbours and convenient tourist attractions, Salt Island for wineries and art, and Guana Island for breathtaking beaches and privacy.

Or you could head down to Cuba, for a touch of the 50s and a unique way of life. This is where you’ll find places like lively Trinidad, iconic Playa Ingles, and peaceful Cayo Largo to explore. Whatever you want to do during your yacht season, you can do it in the Caribbean.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is the perfect beach destination with friendly people, a laid-back lifestyle, breathtaking beaches, and the ideal mix of luxury and nature experiences. January is a great time to explore this part of the world as it’s outside of the extreme heat and humidity of summer and out of the wet season as well. 

In the Bahamas, you can spend time in busy cities like Nassau or tiny islands exotic islands like Norman Cay. If you’re travelling with family, you can also experience the waterslide at Shroud Cay and experience some unique wildlife at Warderick Wells, or if you’re looking for a more unique experience, then go swimming with some wild pigs in Big Major Cay during your yacht charter trip!

Maldives

January is winter in the Maldives and yet you wouldn’t know it from the weather. With warm, dry days and little rain or humidity, it’s the perfect yacht season and ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, and relaxing on the beach. The Maldives also boasts a colourful variety of marine life that no other part of the world can match.

While you’re in the Maldives, you’ll get the chance to explore the clearest water you’ll ever see and enjoy the serene beauty and ocean experiences of islands like the Lhaviyani Atoll, Noonu Atoll, or the Baa Atoll. You can also see hammerhead sharks at the North Ari Atoll and whale sharks at the South Ari Atoll.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. While you’re here, you will find yourself discovering pristine remote beaches, diving sunken ships, and exploring rich Polynesian history. 

French Polynesia also boasts lots of popular spots like Papeete with its busy markets, Moorea with its stunning beaches and lush interior, or Huahine with its intricate cultural heritage. If you have the time, you can also stop at the famously beautiful honeymoon spot of Bora Bora, explore the history at Raiatea, and try some vanilla at Taha’a.

Sydney

The final destination to think about visiting in the January yacht season is Sydney. This city on the southeast coast of Australia will be in the middle of summer in January, so expect beautiful weather. Sydney and its surroundings also come alive in summer, so you’ll be able to experience lots of wonderful activities. 

When you spend time in Sydney, you’ll get to enjoy the small-town feel of Rose Bay, enjoy hidden coves of the harbour, and enjoy the luxurious shopping of Palm Beach. You can also spend time in the secluded natural landscape of Pittwater, visit an iconic restaurant in Cottage Point, and take a dolphin or whale-watching cruise from Nelson Bay.

Explore some of the world’s most incredible destinations in January

With Ahoy Club, enjoy the perfect yacht season all year round as we have over 4,000 yachts across seven continents.  You can also take advantage of perfect weather in other parts of the world to get away from everyday life. 

The best way to do that is with a luxury, private yacht, complete with the Ahoy Club Experience team at your side, 24/7. Choose your yacht today for your next January adventure.