What’s Hot this Summer – Charter Preview
Some places just hit differently in summer. The electric blue waters of Croatia sparkle brighter, the cinematic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast seem larger than life, and the untouched paradise of French Polynesia is just a little more mesmerizing. And in 2025, we’re seeing a mix of classic hotspots and more off-grid escapes dominating the charter scene. Here’s where to drop anchor this summer, plus the yachts that will get you there.
Sure, Dubrovnik is stunning, but the real magic of Croatia is further offshore. The Dalmatian Coast is a dreamscape of hidden coves, medieval villages, and islands that feel lost in time. Vis, Mljet, and Lastovo offer a quieter, more exclusive experience, with waters so clear you can see the shadow of your yacht on the seabed.
Experience Croatia and the Dalmatian Islands onboard ALFA NERO, AXIOMA, CALEX, SEALION, RoMa, SEA OWL, LADY KATHRYN V, SARASTAR, LA BLANCA, BALISTA, HARLE, ‘H, FABULOUS CHARACTER, METSUYAN IV, NOROADER, HEED or VIVALDI.
Tucked between Croatia and Albania, Montenegro is the Adriatic’s best-kept secret — Fjord-like bays, Venetian-style old towns, and a coastline that feels untouched compared to its Mediterranean neighbors. With its glassy waters and towering limestone cliffs, Kotor Bay is a must.
A volcanic archipelago off Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are all about raw, rugged beauty. Each island has its own vibe: Stromboli is fiery, Salina is lush and laid-back, and Panarea is a chic hideaway where megayachts outnumber cars. Expect quiet anchorages, cliffside trattorias, and cinematic Mediterranean backdrops.
Experience the Aeolian Islands onboard ALFA NERO, MALIA, AXIOMA, CALEX, SEALION, RoMa, SEA OWL, LADY KATHRYN V, SARASTAR, LA BLANCA, BALISTA, VICTORIA DEL MAR, HARLE, GLADIATOR, ‘H, FABULOUS CHARACTER, OPTIMISM, METSUYAN IV, ALHAMBRA, LADY VOLANTIS, A&A or ICARUS.
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is iconic for a reason. Sheer cliffs, pastel-hued villages, and water that practically glows. This coastline is best explored by yacht. Days here mean hopping between Positano, Capri, and Ravello, with stops for long lunches and even longer aperitivos. Further west, the French Riviera, Balearics, and Corsica remain top-tier summer escapes.
Experience the West Med with RoMa.
Greece is one of those places that never goes out of style. The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros) deliver that classic white-washed, blue-dome aesthetic, while the Ionian and Dodecanese islands offer a more low-key, authentic vibe. With crystal-clear waters and a rich maritime history, it’s a charterer’s paradise.
Far from the usual tourist trails, the Komodo Islands are otherworldly—think pink-sand beaches, Jurassic Park-like landscapes, and some of the best diving on the planet. Komodo dragons roam the land, manta rays glide beneath the surface, and sunsets here are pure fire.
French Polynesia and Fiji are the definition of remote luxury. In Bora Bora, overwater bungalows are just the beginning. Chartering here means sailing through lagoons in impossible shades of blue, snorkeling with reef sharks, and dropping anchor in places few have ever stepped foot. In Fiji, the Yasawa and Mamanuca islands offer castaway beaches, rich culture, and warm, welcoming locals.
A hidden gem off the coast of Panama, the San Blas Islands are about as off-grid as it gets. This is where you go to truly disconnect with no luxury resorts and no tourist crowds – just untouched islands, pristine reefs, and the indigenous Guna Yala people preserving their traditions.
Koh Lanta is Thailand without the overdevelopment – laid-back and effortlessly cool. The surrounding islands, like Koh Rok and Koh Ha, serve up some of the best diving and snorkeling in Southeast Asia, minus the crowds of Phuket or Krabi. Think turquoise waters, jungle-covered isles, and epic sunset beach dinners.
Experience Thailand onboard SPACECAT.
When it comes to selecting a charter destination and planning the holiday of your dreams, Northrop & Johnson’s charter brokers will deliver the best selection of yachts for charter around the world.
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