Travel Notebook

Come Sail Away: Yachts and Private Sailing Experiences

From the sun-kissed beaches of the Turkish Turquoise Coast to the breathtaking fjords of New Zealand, luxury cruising offers an unparalleled way to explore the world’s most stunning destinations. Your clients may step aboard a meticulously crafted gulet in Türkiye, where exquisite local cuisine, vibrant historic sites, and serene private coves await their discovery, or, they’ll play a part of yachting history aboard the iconic CHRISTINA O as they sail the Mediterranean in unmatched elegance.

For the adventurous spirits, Australia’s Kimberley Coast and Fiji’s azure waters beckon with options for intimate eco-sailing charters, superyacht escapades complete with floating jacuzzis and thrilling water sports. Meanwhile, Greece and Croatia invite travelers to connect deeply with their coastal wonders, indulging in secluded beaches, historic charm, and the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether gently drifting along the timeless Nile or savoring the dramatic cliffs and waterways of Portugal, these tailor-made journeys ensure that every adventure is as luxurious as it is unforgettable.

We hope this Travel Notebook edition inspires once-in-a-lifetime experiences for your clients, for whom water is more than a lifeblood and truly a part of their soul.

Exploring hidden coves and ancient ruins with a private gulet cruise by Sea Song.

Sea Song, Türkiye – Uncovering Hidden Treasures on the Turkish Turquoise Coast

Imagine your discerning clients embarking on a gulet for a wonderful adventure along the Turkish turquoise coast. The captain is at the helm, the chef is preparing delicious Turkish cuisine, deck hands are setting up sunbeds, and the host is waiting for them with a glass of champagne. This is life on a gulet.

The journey along the coast begins, stopping at ancient ruins, small villages like Datca, known for its honey and almonds, wine tasting, and village life. Continue to an amazing private cove for a day of water sports of all types: swimming and snorkeling, perhaps even over Byzantine ruins. The next day, the boat stops at a cool beach club for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation, enjoying local restaurants along the way and taking in the amazing, authentic atmosphere. Guests can opt for an excursion down the Dalyan River on a private riverboat and view the Lycian Rock Tombs and Ancient Caunos, accompanied by a visit to a local seafood restaurant. As this gulet experience continues along the Turkish Turquoise Coast, there is always something to do and plenty of time to relax.

Stepping into yachting history on the magnificent CHRISTINA O.

Découvertes, France – Sail like a Legend on a CHRISTINA O Charter

This summer, invite your most exclusive clients to charter not just a yacht, but a story—a floating legend that once hosted presidents, movie stars, and moguls. They’ll sail in style aboard the CHRISTINA O, the most iconic vessel in yachting history, now fully refitted for the modern luxury traveler—and available for unforgettable charters across the West Mediterranean.

From the sun-drenched Riviera to the hidden coves of Croatia, the Cyclades’ whitewashed charm to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, CHRISTINA O delivers an experience like no other. With space for up to 157 guests at anchor and 17 elegant staterooms, this is the ultimate venue for weddings, milestone celebrations, or ultra-luxe family escapes. Your clients can enjoy spa treatments with two full-time therapists, a deck jacuzzi, gourmet cuisine, and non-stop thrills with everything from flyboards and hoverboards to a brand-new swim platform.

Sail through the Med in true Onassis style—onboard classic varnished launches, soaking in the legacy of Hollywood glamour and old-world charm. CHRISTINA O makes the voyage as unforgettable as the destination. Luxury this grand shouldn’t be missed.

Sail through the Med in true Onassis style aboard the magnificent CHRISTINA O.
Découvertes invites you to soak in the legacy of Hollywood glamour and old-world charm.

Southern Crossings, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji – Private Cruising on the Kimberley Coast, Spectacular Diving in Fiji, Kayaking in New Zealand, and More

Island nations Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji offer some of the most spectacular coastlines, harbors, archipelagos, rivers, and lakes that invite exploration on water.

Sunset sailing in Sydney Harbour, champagne in hand. Unforgettable.

AUSTRALIA

No visit to Sydney would be complete without cruising the Harbour City’s magnificent waterways; the challenge is simply deciding which option to choose: a progressive lunch cruise between some of Sydney’s best waterfront tables or a leisurely long lunch in one of the harbor’s beautiful tranquil bays on the back of a superyacht; sunset sailing with the opportunity to help crew the yacht or simply relaxing, champagne in hand; cruising Vivid’s stunning light displays (May/June annually) or between the New Year’s spectacular fireworks.

Exploring Tasmania’s stunning coastline in style aboard Odalisque III.

Elsewhere around the continent, small-group luxury expedition cruises provide access to some of Australia’s most spectacularly remote landscapes and experiences from Tasmania’s South West Wilderness to Western Australia’s dramatic Kimberley Coast, with luxury vessels providing privileged and personalized touring experiences, comfortable ensuite accommodations, and gourmet Australian dining. Favorites include Odalisque III: a new purpose-built expedition vessel accommodating just 12 guests, that cruises Tasmania’s East Coast (June to November) and the island-state’s stunning South West (December-May) and True North, which cruises the Kimberley between March and October, with exciting itineraries in Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and Kangaroo Island, too. From July this year, the Kimberley will welcome a new luxury small-group cruising option with the launch of Pearl Expeditions’ Paspaley Pearl, which will accommodate a maximum of just 30 guests, indulged by a crew of 21.

Those who prefer even more intimacy and adventure will truly enjoy the privilege of bespoke eco-sailing charters along Western Australia’s coast aboard a luxury sailing catamaran accommodating up to 8 guests, or the freedom of a bareboat charter sailing between Queensland’s idyllic Whitsunday Islands.

Those looking to dial up the luxe will be well looked after with a range of fully catered and crewed luxury superyachts available for charter in Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Kimberley, including the new MY Northern Escape, with comfortable, contemporary accommodation for up to 8 guests, a deck-top jacuzzi, an infinity pool, a wellness center, and a flotilla of floating toys.

Those looking to add a conservation element are sure to delight in the privileged opportunity to have one of the world’s most successful environmental movement founders (creator of Earth Hour and Citizens of the Reef), Andy Ridley, join them for a citizen scientist experience in some of the most pristine corners of the Great Barrier Reef.

From half-day dolphin and whale-watching cruises to week-long private charters, the Southern Crossings Travel Design team can curate luxury boating experiences to suit every type of traveler.

Swimming, fishing, and snorkeling in the pristine waters of Rua Moana.

NEW ZEALAND

Visitors to New Zealand are equally well catered for with cruising options to explore the length and breadth of the country:

  • Private superyacht charter cruising aboard Rua Moana–anything from a half day on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf to multi-day adventures in the beautiful Bay of Islands with opportunities to swim, fish, and snorkel.
  • A leisurely long lunch cruise from Auckland to Waiheke Island aboard a sleek and stylish new private charter vessel with Italian Riviera design vibes.
  • An overnight cruise in fabulous Fiordland’s most remote reaches–beginning with a scenic helicopter flight over the Southern Alps to land on a floating helipad where a private charter cruise awaits. As the boat navigates the fjords, guests enjoy paddleboarding in quiet coves, marveling at cascading waterfalls, foraging for fresh crayfish, and hot-tub stargazing. 

Discovering the hidden wonders and rich history of Dusky Sound, a place of profound tranquility.

  • The inviting combination of a hike, cruise, and leisurely lunch aboard a private charter cruise on Lake Taupo, with opportunities for keen anglers to also throw a line in the glassy waters.  
  • The magnificent mix of a whale-watching scenic flight with a cruise on the Marlborough Sounds to visit a paua pearl farm.
  • A bushwalking, kayaking, and cruising private charter experience in the stunning Abel Tasman National Park.

Floating pools, jet skis, and an award-winning chef – Mischief has it all!

FIJI

A private charter superyacht cruise is one of the most magnificent ways to explore the idyllic islands of Fiji, enjoying access to otherwise inaccessible islands and hidden anchorages, authentic local interactions, and some of the world’s most spectacular dive sites.

Southern Crossings’ Travel Design team has several fabulous options to choose from, but it’s hard to look past Mischief, following its recent $15-million refit. Sleeping 12 guests in comfort, with an experienced and attentive crew of 14 (including an award-winning chef and on-board massage therapist), the 54-meter (177-foot) superyacht comes complete with floating pool, eFoils, Flite Boards, Sea Bobs, jet skis, dive tanks, infrared sauna, deck-top jacuzzi, and so much more. Mischief is available for private charters in Fiji between June and October (and at other times of the year, subject to relocation fees).

Remote coves, hidden bays, and sunset views: private yachting in Greece.

Curated Greece – Exploring Greece by Sea 

Seeing Greece from the water offers your clients the chance to directly connect with one of the country’s most defining natural elements: the sea. The sea invites them to borrow her eyes and access parts that remain invisible from the landremote coves, hidden bays, secluded beaches, sea caves, and striking rock formations. Even the sunset takes on a new dimension, uninterrupted and reflected across the open blue. 

Curated Greece prioritizes comfort, safety, and expert navigation, with seamless, stress-free, fully crewed sailing trips. Based on guests’ needs, they partner with trusted local providers and feature a diverse fleet, from sleek motor yachts to spacious catamarans and speedboats. Every detail is thoughtfully arranged to ensure guests feel truly cared for throughout their journey. 

Skip the ferries, sail in luxury. Your private Greek island transfer awaits.

A standout offering is their private yacht transfers between the Cycladic islands, such as Mykonos, Paros, Sifnos, and Santorini. This makes island hopping a flexible, exclusive, and more peaceful alternative to crowded ferries. Guests can also choose from day or half-day cruises or enjoy golden hour sunset cruises around the ever-popular Mykonos and Santorini, as well as Paros, Naxos, and Corfu. Along the way, they’ll unwind with a glass of wine or linger over a relaxed BBQ or a thoughtfully homemade meal. For an adventurous twist, sea gear such as Sea Bobs lets sailors explore the water’s hidden corners. For longer escapes, weekly charters typically run Saturday to Saturday, while shorter 1- to 2-night trips are possible to suit different paces and schedules. To elevate the journey, a private chef can create a personalized culinary experience. Routes cover the Saronic Gulf, the Ionian Islands, and the Cyclades and are always weather-dependent to ensure safety and the best possible conditions.

Drift through Egypt’s timeless beauty on the Arax or Berge by Kazazian Cruises,
where understated luxury meets ancient grandeur on the Nile.

Exeter Safari Company, Africa – Sailing Egypt’s Timeless Beauty

Egypt’s beauty lies in its timeless contrast, where golden desert meets lush riverbanks, and ancient temples rise from the landscape like mirages from history. For those seeking a refined and immersive way to experience this setting, Kazazian Cruises offers two exceptional vessels: Arax and Berge. These private yachts are masterclasses in understated luxuryintimate in scale, yet expansive in experience. The Arax, a 60-meter floating sanctuary, accommodates just 18 guests across nine suites, while Berge offers a similarly exclusive setting, both boasting panoramic windows, marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton linens, and serene onboard spaces. These spaces include plunge pools, open-air lounges, and spa facilities. With a crew-to-guest ratio that ensures intuitive service from private chefs to dedicated spa therapists, each journey feels deeply personal. As guests drift past palm-fringed riverbanks, ancient temples, and golden-hued deserts, Egypt unfolds in quiet grandeurbest appreciated at the unhurried pace of the Nile.

Drift through Egypt’s timeless beauty, where understated luxury meets ancient grandeur on the Nile.

Exeter Safari Company specializes in crafting seamless, fully customized journeys that integrate exceptional experiences like Kazazian’s Arax and Berge Nile cruises. They work closely with trusted partners to secure preferred sailings, handle all logistics, and thoughtfully weave these cruises into broader itineraries that reflect your clients’ interests and preferred pace. From the moment they arrive in Egypt to their final farewell, they can expect a journey that feels personal, effortless, and truly unforgettable.

Experience the epitome of luxury on the stunning Portuguese coast.
Patamar Select invites your clients to set sail and discover hidden grottoes and picturesque villages.

Patamar Select, Portugal – Getting Personal in Portugal with Custom-Designed Water Journeys

Patamar Select enables you to offer your clients exclusive, tailor-made sailing experiences along Portugal’s remarkable coastline and rivers. From the dramatic cliffs and golden beaches of the Algarve to the lush, terraced vineyards lining the Douro River, each journey is designed to showcase the country’s most stunning natural settings.

Cheers to an unforgettable journey down the Douro Valley! The Rebecca Recommends team
returned to shore, inspired by Portugal’s stunning landscapes and exquisite flavors.

Clients can board elegant, fully crewed yachts or classic wooden riverboats, each equipped with spacious sun decks, refined lounges, and luxurious cabins. Modern amenities such as onboard jacuzzis, gourmet kitchens, and water sports equipment ensure comfort and entertainment throughout the voyage. The vessels glide past secluded coves, hidden grottoes, and picturesque fishing villages, offering ever-changing views of Portugal’s diverse landscapes.

A taste of luxury and endless possibilities! The Rebecca Recommends team hones
their skills with a master chef.

Patamar Select’s local partnerships open doors to extraordinary experiences: guests might anchor off a private island in the Douro for a picnic prepared by a Michelin-starred chef or enjoy a sunset dinner on deck as the cliffs of the Algarve glow in the evening light. Onboard, clients can savor curated wine tastings, fresh seafood, and personalized service, while ashore, they can explore charming coastal towns or untouched nature reserves.

With every detail thoughtfully arranged, Patamar provides travel advisors with a product that combines the best of Portugal’s scenery, culture, and luxury hospitality, ensuring each client’s journey is both unique and unforgettable.

Salty air, clear waters, and good company! Making unforgettable memories with
friends and family on the stunning Croatian sea.

Dinaric Adventures, Croatia and Beyond – Salt, Wine & Seafood Specialties on Islands Best Explored by  Boat

Perhaps the best thing one can do in Croatia is to set sail on a boat. The Croatian islands, the crystal-clear sea … to feel that salt and those aromas in one’s nose, on the skin, and the waves in one’s hairthat is true relaxation and fun. To feast one’s eyes on every shade of the blue expanse, to dive and jump from the boatit’s priceless.

Island hopping and pure bliss in Croatia! There’s no better way to experience the Adriatic.

Your clients will wake up to the silence of the sea, witnessing the dawn and the stillness before anyone else, or watching bioluminescent plankton before falling asleep. In the morning, they’ll sip coffee on the bow, watching as the islands, beaches, coves, wild nature, birds, and tiny fish awaken. And then the crickets wake up and start singing the melody of the Mediterranean.

There are many beautiful beaches in quiet, peaceful coves where there’s often only one small house and enough silence for everyone. Seeing the steep fields, all that greenery and stone from the sea, leaves an unforgettable impression, a tattooed souvenir in the soul of anyone who has experienced it.

From L to R: Buzara-style Mussels. Photo credit – Slovenian Kitchen, Brudet –
Croatian Seafood Stew. Photo credit – The Domestic Man, Hvarska Gregada –
Croatian Fish and Potato Stew. Photo credit – Croatia Honestly

On the islands, it’s essential to eat fish specialties and local vegetables. The queens of tradition are buzara, brudet, and gregadamade from white wine, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and a bit of tomato sauce. This forms the base for shrimp, shellfish, and more. The wines of the islands simply must be unique—so many hours of sunshine and such soil cannot produce anything ordinary or something never tasted before.

Dalmatia is indescribable with its thousand islands, from Dubovica on Hvar to Stiniva on Vis, to Bol on Brač, to Vrnik near Korčula. How better to truly experience the Mediterranean than by boat?