North America may not be top of your list for a yachting escape, but trust us – it should be. With truly breathtaking sights at every turn, from New England’s charming coves to Alaska’s dramatic landscape, and incredible experiences to be had along the way, from living history on the Boston Freedom Trail to brown bear spotting on Admiralty Island, here’s ten must-see places to visit on a North American yacht charter.
Explore some of the world’s best beauty spots on a North American yacht charter
The five coolest destinations in Alaska
Tenakee Springs
This remote village has no cars or roads, and is all the more beautiful for it. It was the hot springs, said to offer unique healing properties, that drew the Tlingit people to this area long ago, and today bathing here is still an unmissable attraction. This charming town also has its own historic market, where you can browse and sample an exquisite array of gourmet food and wines.
Sitka
In Sitka, you’ll discover both Russian and native Tlingit culture, meaning everything from watching traditional dancing to hiking a totem-lined trail can be on the agenda. Sitka is also an artist’s hub, inspiring many with its stunning views and colourful community. Heart set on an adventurous North American superyacht charter? Rugged volcanoes, mountain ridgelines and remote fishing holes await just minutes from the town.
Admiralty Island
With the densest population of brown bears in all of Alaska, this is the place to come if you want to better understand these magnificent creatures. Head to the island’s Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary, located on the northeast corner of the island, and trek inland through the rainforest to reach the Observation Tower. During the summer months, you might see as many as 25 bears come together to feast!
Brothers Island
Hike ashore at Brothers Island, or spend a relaxed afternoon clamming and exploring tide pools in the shallow waters before visiting the nearby sea lion colony, where you can watch these rambunctious animals play together. For a truly incredible view, you can also take a floatplane over the icy fjords of Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm on your North American yacht charter.
Tracy Arm
Cruise into this fjord to take a surreal trip through granite walls and see the Sawyer Glacier up close. Surrounded by large ice chunks, you’ll be astounded by the pure natural beauty here. This is also the perfect time to make your own glacial cocktail! Look beyond the ice for the chance to see eagles, seals and possibly even brown bears, mountain goats and moose.
Five best spots in New England
Newport
Any North American yacht charter around New England finds its natural starting point in Newport. A wealthy yachting hub, drink in the stunning mansions on the shorefront as you approach. For a closer look at the architecture, hike the 3-mile Cliff Walk or take a guided tour to explore the decadent interiors. Plus, with local vineyards and breweries plus enchanting farms and orchards, you’ll find endless treats to sample.
Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard
This charming island may not play host to any active wineries, as its name suggests, but it is still one of the most popular haunts of New England, and for good reason. Head to Edgartown, an old whaling community that today offers beautiful historic streets to wander, plus incredible boutique shopping, restaurants and nightlife, all following the island-wide rule of ‘no chains’.
Nantucket
A preserved 19th-century island, exploring Nantucket is like walking in a different era – take a guided tour to soak up all the history. Plus, this is the perfect place to sunbathe on golden sand beaches and cool off in the azure waters, with 82 miles of glorious coastline. An artsy local community ensures there are plenty of galleries to explore.
Provincetown, Cape Cod
This colourful ex-artists colony offers plenty more galleries and boutiques, plus incredible eateries, all while retaining its old fishing town charm. Head out from the harbour at the northernmost tip by tender to go whale watching – your best chances are from spring to October, where you might see humpback, finback, minke, right whales and pilot whales.
Boston
Your North American yacht charter around New England wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Boston; this thriving city offers a multitude of attractions to suit every preference. Wander the Freedom Trail, grab an authentic Italian bite in the North End, or kayak down the Charles River, taking in the beautiful Boston skyline from a distance. With so much to explore, the hardest thing will be dragging yourself away.
