We know that after a difficult past year, many of our clients are excited to get back out on the water for the summer season. With a yacht charter being without question the safest way to travel, as well as the most luxurious way to hop between chic coastal spots and islands, demand for bookings in summer 2021 has been high.
However, with some of our favourite yachting destinations still operating under heavy restrictions, and each country following a different set of rules, it can be difficult to understand where you can book a charter that doesn’t require any quarantining. If you are wondering ‘where can I travel from the UK & Europe’ for a yacht charter this year, read our helpful guide below.
Where can I travel from the UK & Europe for a yacht charter?
The Mediterranean
People travelling from the UK and Europe are lucky enough to have all the finest Mediterranean yachting destinations on their doorstep, making the Med the obvious choice for summer 2021. While some of the typical West Med destinations are still finalising plans for re-opening, the best answer to the question ‘where can I charter from the UK & Europe’ to enjoy a yacht charter is the East Mediterranean, where travel restrictions are already easing to allow for quarantine-free holidays.
Croatia
Croatia and its idyllic island-scattered shore is fast becoming a favourite yacht charter destination, yet it still has plenty of undiscovered charm. Expect very friendly locals, gin-clear waters contrasted against bright white and golden sand beaches, and a rich cultural heritage that is evident in every crumbling ruin and perfectly-preserved palace.
Guests aboard a COVID yacht charter must present either a negative PCR test taken up to 48 hours before they arrive in the country, proof of vaccination, or a certificate of recovery following a positive test result between 11 and 180 days prior. There are currently still heavy restrictions in Dubrovnik, but other coastal spots are open to tourists, with most amenities open until 10pm.
Greece
For those wondering ‘where can I travel from the UK & Europe’, Greece is a sun-soaked paradise, and will make you feel like you have travelled a lot further than you have with its palm-lined beaches and exquisite range of local delicacies. Not to mention, as the birthplace of Western civilisation, visitors can experience living history at every turn.
To enter Greece, charter guests must provide evidence of a negative result from a PCR test for COVID-19 taken up to 72 hour period before your arrival time in the country, or proof of vaccination. Greece’s Aegean islands are hoping to become the first fully vaccinated area of the country by the end of April, making them an ideal destination for a COVID yacht charter. Note that only crewed yachts will be able to enter marinas on the mainland or those located in Rhodes, Heraklion and Corfu.
Turkey
An unexpected answer to the question ‘where can I charter from the UK & Europe’, Turkey is an off-the-beaten-path yachting destination offering enchanting landscapes and a unique otherworldly quality. Spend hours enjoying mouthwatering feasts; relax in traditional Turkish baths; take a hot air balloon ride over breathtaking rock formations; the opportunities are endless.
Visitors must fill in a health declaration and present a PCR test taken less than 72 hours prior to arrival. Currently restaurants, bars and shopping centres close at 7pm, but there is hope that this will change as the country’s COVID-19 rates fall.
Other Mediterranean destinations
France is still in the process of deciding how it will lift travel restrictions in a safe manner, but it is hoped that it will be able to allow travellers from the UK and Europe who are either vaccinated or can provide a negative COVID PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure to enjoy the country’s charms without quarantining.
Italy has not yet given a date for restarting holiday travel in summer, even though Tourism Minister Massimo Garavaglia suggested that this could happen on the 2nd June, requiring a PCR test in advance or proof of vaccination. The country is considering a plan which follows Greece’s initiative of vaccinating tourist hotspots first.
If you are still wondering ‘where can I travel from the UK’, the Spanish government has also confirmed that British tourists can visit from June, if they are able to show negative COVID tests or a valid vaccination certificate.
Iceland
Yacht charter destinations don’t get much more dramatic than Iceland, where you’ll spot ice-covered volcanoes, towering glaciers, and geothermal lagoons, as well as rare wildlife such as arctic foxes, puffins, seals and whales. Visit from September through to March to have the best chance at sighting the extraordinary Aurora Borealis.
Iceland has announced that from around June 1st with all being well, visitors from the lowest risk countries won’t have any border restrictions, while those coming from the risk band above will just need to present a negative PCR from their place of origin and take one COVID PCR test upon arrival. Higher risk countries will still need to quarantine before enjoying Iceland’s rugged charm.
All the information in this article is correct at the time of writing. Please submit a yacht charter enquiry to our brokers for the latest yacht travel destinations open to the UK and Europe and measures taken for safe travel during the Coronavirus pandemic.
