Whilst many countries around the globe have imposed travel restrictions to curb COVID cases, vacationing within the USA, and travel abroad from the USA with friends and family is still very much a possibility in 2021/22 – especially for those with proof of a full vaccine.
This year, more than ever, yacht charters are the best option for American residents to discover new cultures and regions from the comfort and safety of your own private yacht. If you are wondering “where can I travel from the USA?” or “where can I charter a yacht as an American?”, read on as we have compiled a list of the best destinations to explore. Please note that all American travellers going abroad will need to provide a negative COVID test taken at 72 hours or less prior to returning to the US.
Yacht charter “staycations” for Americans
Where can Americans charter in the United States?
A yacht staycation is perhaps the most reliable answer to the question “where can Americans charter this year?”. The cultural and geographical diversity of the US make North America the perfect choice for a vacation that will still feel far from home. Plus, you can forgo the hassle of applying for visas and other administrative tasks. Of course, you’ll still need to follow the CDC’s official guidelines for safe domestic travelling and the current yacht charter travel advice.
Alaska
If you want to escape the summertime crowds and revel in the intimacy of a COVID-friendly yacht charter, Alaska is the place for you. Its remote location and extraordinary wild beauty make The Last Frontier State one of the world’s most unique destinations. Although Alaska has introduced few local restrictions, you will still need to fill in a Travel Declaration Form and submit a negative COVID test result to the authorities prior to your arrival.
Florida Keys
A few thousand miles south, the 1,700 tropical islands of the Florida Keys will offer a completely different experience. The state of Florida is fully open and does not require pre-arrival testing, meaning all you have to do is bask in the stunning sunsets. While the vibrant and busy towns are well worth exploring, Florida Keys’ real treasure is its undersea world.
New England
Often considered the birthplace of American yachting, New England is the ideal destination for seafood dining, historical towns, and quintessential preppy charm. At the time of writing this article, the region’s states imposed stricter restrictions, such as compulsory quarantines, but it is hoped they will be able to open up fully in summer 2021. You can check each state’s current guidelines with the CDC’s Travel Planner.
Overseas yacht charters for Americans
Where can Americans charter in the South Pacific?
The South Pacific is the quintessential exotic vacation destination. Picture postcard-perfect landscapes of palm trees and white-sand beaches or lush rainforests and turquoise lagoons. Overlooked by hordes of tourists because of their remote locations, the nations of French Polynesia and Fiji are perfect for a COVID yacht charter.
French Polynesia
Located halfway between Australia and California, the heavenly French Polynesian islands are expected to open up to tourism starting May 2021. Our yacht charter travel advice is to prioritise the hyper-luxurious island of Bora Bora before discovering authentic island culture in Tahiti, the “Pearl of the Pacific”. Fully-vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine but those who aren’t are mandated to isolate for 10 days, even if they present a negative test.
Fiji
Yacht charter guests arriving in idyllic Fiji are exempt from the mandatory hotel quarantine; instead, you will be able to do it in the comfort of your private charter yacht. Internationally renowned for its friendly culture, those on a yacht quarantine are unfortunately forbidden to interact with locals. As with most nations, a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours prior to arrival is requested, and a nationwide curfew is currently in place between 11pm and 4am.
Tahiti
Tahiti is known for its rugged mountains, stunning black-sand beaches, turquoise blue lagoons and a vibrant party atmosphere. If that sounds tempting then you will be pleased to know that the islands of Tahiti will be open from this Saturday, 1st May 2021 for vaccinated people who have been in the US for 30 days or longer, promising quarantine-free arrival. Visitors will also need to take a negative RT-PCR test up to three days before departure, take an antigen test upon arrival, and take another COVID-19 test after four days of being in Tahiti.
Where can Americans charter in the Caribbean and South America?
The Galapagos
For those wondering “where can Americans charter in South America?”, the secluded islands of the Galapagos archipelago are some of the world’s safest destinations for a COVID-free yacht charter. You will need to provide a negative PCR test result prior to arrival, a safe conduct letter issued by a hotel or a ship operator, and proof of medical travel insurance.
The Bahamas
If you’d rather bask in tropical sunshine and ramble around lively towns, The Bahamas are the Caribbean destination for you. Beaches, casinos, markets, bars and restaurants remain open, with some local regulations – such as curfews or reduced opening schedules. All travellers on a COVID yacht charter must present a negative PCR test taken less than 5 days prior to arrival and apply for a Travel Health Visa, as well as completing a daily health questionnaire. Those cruising for longer than four nights will be mandated to be tested on-site.
Mexico
Mexico is currently open to American travellers, with no necessary quarantine or pre-arrival testing. We recommend to explore the beautiful Sea of Cortez, off the coast of Baja California, the “World’s Aquarium”. Perfect for guests of all ages, the Mexican coast is ideal for those who want a COVID yacht charter that isn’t too far from home.
Where can Americans charter in Europe?
The Mediterranean is the most renowned destination for yachting. Although many countries on the continent have imposed strict tourism restrictions, fully-vaccinated American travelers are allowed to enter European Union member states. Our top recommendation is a trip to the East Med, where countries are gearing up for the summer season.
Croatia
The Croatian coast has recently bloomed as a “must-visit” yachting destination. Guests aboard a COVID yacht charter must issue proof of a negative PCR test taken two days prior to entry or show proof of full vaccination completed at least two weeks prior – crew members are exempted. Dubrovnik, the stunning capital city, is currently closed to tourists, but the coastline is dotted with blissful bays and magical ancient towns, with most amenities open until 10pm.
Greece
A celebrated yachting hotspot, Greece plans to reopen to vaccinated or COVID-tested travelers by mid May. However, do note only crewed yachts will be able to anchor in marinas on the mainland or those located in Rhodes, Heraklion and Corfu. Your crew will have to present a negative test upon arrival and isolate for a week before testing again to disembark.
All the information in this article is correct at the time of writing. Please submit a yacht charter enquiry to our brokers to learn about the latest yacht travel destinations open to the USA and measures taken for safe travel during the Coronavirus pandemic.
