the moorings – Islands https://www.islands.com The world's most beautiful island travel to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Tahiti and Mexico with expert reviews of resorts, snorkeling and the best islands to live on. Fri, 05 May 2023 17:41:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://www.islands.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/favicon-isl-1.png the moorings – Islands https://www.islands.com 32 32 The Ultimate Caribbean Vacation: A Crewed Yacht Charter with The Moorings https://www.islands.com/sponsored-post/ultimate-caribbean-vacation-crewed-yacht-charter-the-moorings/ Fri, 13 Jan 2023 19:28:43 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=46238 If exclusivity and flexibility are must-haves for your next dream getaway with family or friends, sailing the Virgin Islands or Bahamas on a professionally crewed luxury catamaran could be the ticket to paradise.

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Caribbean yacht charter
Picture perfect Caribbean yacht charters with The Moorings. The Moorings

Picture the perfect Caribbean vacation. Perhaps a beachfront villa rental offering seclusion and relaxation comes to mind, or maybe it’s a small-ship luxury cruise promising multi-island exploration. Now imagine a five-star tropical escape that lets you effortlessly experience both. Exclusivity and freedom—that’s the winning formula of the best vacation you’ve probably never heard of: a fully crewed, all-inclusive yacht charter with The Moorings.

Accommodating six to 10 guests—ideal for a family or group of friends—the luxurious motorized sailing yachts operated by The Moorings specialize in flexible itineraries and personalized gourmet cuisine. The state-of-the-art catamarans used for the company’s all-inclusive charters are all under five years old, built to stringent specifications, and feature air-conditioned staterooms with queen-size beds and en suite bathrooms. These sleek vessels are crewed by an experienced captain and a gourmet-trained chef, typically a couple, who will share their love for the islands as they become your personal tour guides on an unforgettable bespoke Caribbean vacation.

Dining on a charter yacht
The luxurious motorized sailing yachts operated by The Moorings specialize in flexible itineraries and personalized gourmet cuisine. The Moorings

Flexibility is key to all crewed voyages with The Moorings; in the Caribbean, charters are available in the British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, the Bahamas (the Exumas and the Abacos), Grenada and several other locales. Spot a gleaming white-sand beach you’d like to visit? You can. Want to linger at a snorkel spot teeming with colorful sea life? No problem. Eager to sip a cool cocktail or two at the best beach bars in the BVI? Go for it! That’s the beauty of a luxury yacht charter with The Moorings: Guests, no matter their experience at sea, are free to create the itinerary of their dreams and then relax while an experienced captain makes it a reality. Beyond the Caribbean, island-lovers can also book a crewed charter with The Moorings in the Greek Islands, Croatia, Sicily, Sardinia, Tahiti and Belize. 

The extraordinary freedom of an individually curated sailing means your all-inclusive vacation unfolds exactly as you want, from a freshly prepared breakfast enjoyed on deck at sunrise to lazy afternoons swimming in picturesque coves, posing for keepsake photos at the Baths on Virgin Gorda (after the cruise ship crowds have left, of course), or marveling at blissfully remote Anegada, where you’ll feel as if you’ve arrived at the edge of the world. In the off-the-beaten-path Exumas, skim over the surface of some of the clearest, most dazzling blue water imaginable or hang out with the islands’ world-famous swimming pigs. Sun-kissed and utterly relaxed, you’ll wind down with unlimited wine and cocktails from your catamaran’s fully stocked bar as you savor the sunset and an incredible dinner prepared to your personal preferences (vegetarian, pescatarian, or lactose- or gluten-free, for example), which have been ascertained via a pre-cruise questionnaire. 

The Moorings has more than 50 years of experience in private yacht charters, and all crewmembers are trained to provide a consistent and reliable luxury experience for their guests. Your home away from home will be one of the company’s exclusive crewed vessels, which range from 45 to 58 feet in length and feature sleek, modern interior décor and ample outdoor space for relaxation. Options include The Moorings 4500, sleeping six guests; The Moorings 5000, sleeping eight guests; and The Moorings 5800, sleeping 10 guests.

couple on the beach with Moorings catamaran in background
The extraordinary freedom of an individually curated sailing means your all-inclusive vacation unfolds exactly as you want. The Moorings

Your intimate and low-key Caribbean yacht vacation can be as active or relaxing as you wish. Guests seeking to explore and play have access to water toys, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, inflatable tubes and snorkel gear. While some travelers opt to disconnect while sailing, those who wish to stay in contact with friends and family back home still can, because each of The Moorings’ luxury catamarans is equipped with Wi-Fi.

While island-hopping in the BVI, it’s also possible to experience the more social aspects of the yachting lifestyle with a visit to Virgin Gorda’s North Sound, where legendary resorts such as the Bitter End Yacht Club and Saba Rock cater to yachties with a welcoming ambience and live music. But if a private beach picnic with chilled Champagne is more your style, your captain can make that happen too. 

“The best-kept secret in travel is that a crewed yacht charter with The Moorings offers the luxury of extraordinary experiences and access to places you might not ordinarily see—places that are certain to make you say, ‘Wow!’” says Ian Pedersen, senior marketing manager for North America for The Moorings.

Crewed yacht charter
The best-kept secret in travel is a crewed yacht charter with The Moorings. The Moorings

If this sounds like the kind of Caribbean escape that celebrities regularly indulge in, it is. But you don’t have to be famous to appreciate the privacy and exclusivity offered by a sailing charter with The Moorings. It’s easy to book a charter to celebrate an anniversary or milestone birthday, or enjoy a multigenerational family vacation (children are welcome). The company’s crewed catamarans are bookable by the day, with a five-night minimum. All-inclusive rates start at around $20,000 for a seven-night sailing accommodating six passengers. The Moorings is also a full-service travel agency that can arrange your flights and transfers. With one phone call or online consultation, you can ensure that your next Caribbean vacation will be luxuriously carefree, perfectly curated and truly unforgettable.

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10 Ideal Destinations for an Exhilarating Yachting Vacation https://www.islands.com/story/cruises/best-destinations-for-yachting-vacations/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 19:23:10 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=39054 Choose exotic outposts, nightlife hotspots, small towns with wineries, or secluded beaches as the focus of your boating escape.

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Croatia
Croatia’s natural beauty and rich history have landed places like Hvar atop many travelers’ wish lists. Shutterstock

The yachting holiday is defined by freedom. Whether you are sailing or traveling by powerboat, you choose the itinerary, and you can change it day by day—which is good news for anyone who has arrived on an island only to find your hotel is super remote when you wanted to be in the heart of the action, or vice versa.

Likewise, sometimes you may not know what mood you’ll be in when you arrive—whether you want to focus on the seclusion of nature or spend your evenings meeting people. Travel by boat, and whenever you want new scenery, you simply pull anchor.

Croatia

Yes, most Americans have Croatia on their travel radar, but most haven’t been… yet. Picture an unlimited number of quiet coves with white-sand beaches, plus dozens of wineries on islands throughout the Adriatic Sea, and you have a Croatia.

Moreover, so many of the country’s UNESCO sites and national parks are close to shore. Telascica Bay is home to sheer white cliffs dropping into the blue, warm sea. In the town of Split, Diocletian’s Palace, built in the fourth century AD, stands as a testament to Greek and Byzantine architecture—and makes for a lovely day trip.

Thailand

In exotic Thailand, most yacht trips depart from the beach town of Phuket, a 90-minute flight from Bangkok. From here, set sail for destinations like the island of Ko Racha Yai, home to a few resorts and the gently sloping beaches that Thailand is famous for. Sister island Racha Noi is uninhabited, save for the sea turtles just offshore. Head east and reach the largely undeveloped Ko Lanta, where mangroves and rainforests claim most of the island—save for a few dive shops, restaurants, and resorts.

Between the bigger islands lie dozens of smaller spits of sand with nothing more than a few palm trees set back from the beach. Because most visitors to the smaller islands are day-tripping from Phuket, come mid afternoon, the places are supremely isolated—where you hear nothing more than the sound of water lapping against the hull and the crack of opening another Chang beer.

Belize

Belize
Belize’s Great Blue Hole is widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world. Shutterstock

We love Belize, a paradise for travelers who love the beauty and beaches of the Caribbean coupled with an unlimited menu of adventures. Belize’s barrier islands, such as Glover’s Reef, Turneffe Atoll, and many more, serve as ideal launch pads for snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, flats fishing and bonefishing, among many other activities.

The island resorts have dive shops to refill scuba tanks or provide lessons, as well as guides to make sure you land the bonefish, permit or tarpon you came for.

St. Maarten

Easily the best crowd-pleasing destination in the Caribbean, this singular island—with two sides, one French and one Dutch—can make happy the foodie, beach lover, and shopaholic, as well as travelers seeking nature at its quietest.

Anchor off towns such as Grand Case for unforgettable dining at Bistrot Caraibes or La Villa Restaurant for, what else, French fare. Those who want to retreat to unspoiled nature can motor or set sail for offshore islands such as the Prickly Pear Cays or Tintamarre Islands.

Best of all, this island has one of the largest airports in the country, welcoming daily nonstop flights from most major U.S. cities. Because it’s so easy to reach, you spend less time traveling and more time at the destination.

St. Lucia

They call it Caribbean sailing on steroids. This destination satisfies captains who crave longer sails that demand more skill. From St. Lucia, boaters can sail seven hours to St. Vincent, then explore the Grenadine Islands. Then, it’s onto Grenada, known as the spice island for its fragrant tropical forests yielding up nutmeg, mace, cloves, cinnamon and bay leaf.

Some say these islands are much like the British Virgin Islands 20 years ago, before so many resorts and bars popped up. Best of all, outfitters such as the Moorings allow customers to fly into St. Lucia and out of Grenada, letting you sail one-way as opposed to the there-and-back style of trip offered nearly everywhere else.

French Polynesia

Raiatea
While it isn’t as popular as Tahiti, Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands and a popular destination for cruises. Shutterstock

Even the names of the islands—Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora—sound like sensual poetry. Arrive and discover that everything about the islands of French Polynesia delights the senses, from the perfume of the jasmine and gardenia flowers to the cotton-candy-pink clouds at sunset.

Here, you’ll find a unique culture, where food honors the country’s French influence and the abundance of just-caught seafood, dished up as poisson crû— chunks of raw tuna in a bath of coconut milk, lime juice and salt and pepper. Of course, this isolated outpost is also known for marine fauna—big, big fauna. Humpback whales pass through June through December. Year-round, snorkelers, scuba divers, and even sunbathers on the bow are commonly treated to sightings of dolphin and giant mantas.

Bahamas

If you hear the word “Bahamas” and think Nassau—the capital, largest city, and tourism hub with casinos and mega hotels—you’re not alone. Only, the rest of the islands that comprise this country are nothing like Nassau. The Out Islands, as they’re called, include the Exumas and the Abacos where, by day, boaters anchor off uninhabited islands for quick hikes to caves and hilly overlooks.

In the Exumas, islands are colonized by swimming pigs, iguanas and sea birds, with reefs rife with sea turtles and nurse sharks. By night, the action happens at places like Staniel Cay Yacht Club—an outpost with a hopping bar, restaurant, hotel, and marina. After the drama of sunset comes happy hour, then dinner, followed by a cold one while swapping stories with other boaters, or retire to your boat’s stern where you can watch the stars above or the tarpon feeding below.

Greece

There’s no better destination for foodies who love idyllic beaches. Start in Athens, then explore islands such as Kea or Kythnos where taverns dish up grilled octopus, the dip skordalia of potatoes and garlic, and a host of lamb and seafood dishes accompanied by a bounty of fresh ingredients: sorrel, capers, feta, dill, and more.

In between meals, head to secret coves to swim, or to villages to shop for pottery, weavings, jewelry and leather goods.

Mallorca

Mallorca
Gorgeous beaches, stylish resorts, energetic nightlife, historic sites—Mallorca has it all. Shutterstock

One of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca entices with natural beauty that includes pine forests, limestone cliffs, white sand beaches and shimmering turquoise waters. Better still, Mallorca serves as a jumping-off point for places like the nightlife hotspot that is Ibiza—or head to the quieter island of Menorca.

Sailing around Mallorca itself, boaters can hopscotch between secluded beaches and small towns with seaside dining.

British Virgin Islands

The place that made yachting vacations famous, the British Virgin Islands is the best-known destination for boating—especially for learning the, er, ropes of sailing. Distances between islands are small, allowing for quick sails between places like the main island of Tortola and Salt Island, where you can snorkel one of the most famous shipwrecks in the Caribbean. Or head to the island of Jost Van Dyke, where The Soggy Dollar keeps the party going all day long with shaken painkiller cocktails, a mix of pineapple and orange juice, coconut cream, and rum.

Because this destination is home to four major islands and 50 smaller ones, boaters can choose to keep it social and dock at places like Scrub Island Resort or Cooper Island Resort. Alternately, choose the nature route and stick to the uninhabited islands such as Ginger Island, Great Dog, and Little Jost Van Dyke.

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Explore More of the Greek Islands https://www.islands.com/story/cruises/explore-more-greek-islands/ Fri, 21 Feb 2020 23:35:51 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=40438 You’d probably be lying if you said you hadn’t dreamed of traveling to the Greek islands someday. Why can’t someday be today? A crewed-charter-yacht vacation is the most memorable way to visit these breathtaking islands.

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We’ve all envisioned ourselves exploring the ancient ruins, pebbly beaches, bustling tourist spots and secluded inlets of the Greek islands, but picture this: You’re not surrounded by dozens, if not hundreds, of other cruisers; instead, it’s just you, your closest family and friends, your own itinerary, and a private skipper and crew guiding you the entire way. This, friends, is a chartered-yacht vacation, and the dream can very easily become your reality.

Greek islands
The dream of a chartered yacht vacation to the Greek islands can very easily become your reality. The Moorings

The Moorings has spent over 50 years at sea perfecting the luxurious yacht-charter vacation. They offer not just one Greek-islands excursion but two—both crafted for the traveler who values a relaxing getaway that’s also an adventurous, authentic vacation experience. Choose Athens Zea if you’re hungry for adventure, history, heavenly food, lots of walking tours and views on views on views. Looking for a quieter, more laid-back journey? The Corfu itineraries are here to serve up pristine beaches, more heavenly food, quaint coastal towns, watersports activities for the whole family and more views on views on views. Oh, and did we mention wine? You’ll find that on any itinerary you choose, and either itinerary you go with, you can’t go wrong.

Athens Zea

Located just 35 minutes away from the airport, your journey will begin at Marina Zea, The Moorings’ base on this itinerary. The marina is situated just outside of Athens, so if you have some time before or after your journey, you can explore the many cafes, restaurants and shops that make up this modern yet ancient capital. Better yet, grab an Uber and drive 10 minutes up the road to see the Acropolis: a must-see on any Greek vacation.

marina
The marina is situated just outside of Athens, so if you have some time before or after your journey, you can explore the many cafes, restaurants and shops that make up this modern yet ancient capital. The Moorings

Once The Moorings introduces you to your dedicated skipper and crew and you get acquainted with your maritime home away from home for the next seven days, you’re off on your journey around the beautiful Saronic Gulf. Both sail and power itineraries last at least a full week and circumnavigate the gulf, returning you to Marina Zea at the end of your trip.

This itinerary is perfect for the adventurous traveler. At most stops, your boat will dock right up to the seawall of a town, the shoreline peppered with white or pastel-colored homes and structures. And unlike staying in a resort, you’re literally part of the scenery as you coast into your mooring.

seawall of a town
At most stops, your boat will dock right up to the seawall of a town, the shoreline peppered with white or pastel-colored homes and structures. The Moorings

Opt for a yacht charter, and you’ll visit places like Hydra and Cape Sounion Bay. Hydra is a must-see, off-the-beaten-path, historically cosmopolitan destination where cars aren’t allowed. That’s right—make sure you’re wearing your Fitbit because this beautiful city is only accessible via walking, bicycle or donkey if you’d prefer to go the ultra-traditional route. Situated within its picturesque shoreline are countless bars, beaches and restaurants serving traditional Grecian food. Make sure to stop and marvel at one of the historic mansions that line the streets. Also called archontika, these beautiful homes were built in the 18th century by wealthy shipowners and are just a piece of the unique architecture you will find.

You can’t complete your Athens Zea vacation without an excursion to Cape Sounion Bay. Home of the famous Temple of Poseidon built in 440 B.C., Cape Sounion Bay is perched on the cliffs of the Attica peninsula and offers breathtaking views. Feast your eyes on the temple’s ancient marble ruins from the comfort of your yacht or choose an excursion ashore to see them up close.

ancient marble ruins
Feast your eyes on the temple’s ancient marble ruins from the comfort of your yacht or choose an excursion ashore to see them up close. Kylie Docherty, Unsplash

Want to go a little further? The Moorings’ power-yacht itinerary takes you to places like Nafplio and Epidaurus. In Nafplio, visit the Vouleftikon, the beautiful domed building where the first Greek Parliament met in the 19th century—or take a break and sunbathe on one of the city’s many sandy beaches. The town of Epidaurus is home to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Built in the 4th century B.C., this theater is famous for its ability to bounce even the slightest whisper off its stands.

Nafplio
Venture further, and you will reach Nafplio, home to many beautiful sandy beaches. The Moorings

Corfu

Looking for some relaxed, open-water tranquility? The Moorings’ Corfu itineraries may be your ideal choice. Corfu is located at the westernmost tip of Greece, and the itineraries provide access to the stunning Ionian Islands. Corfu has an old-world charm and rustic feel, coupled with an astounding landscape and warm people. You will feel just like a Grecian as you moor along the shoreline of these small islands and venture ashore to explore its winding streets.

Corfu
The Moorings’ Corfu itineraries may be your ideal choice if you are looking for some relaxed, open-water tranquility. The Moorings

Whether opting for a sailing yacht or power yacht, your Corfu journey will begin in Kalami Bay, a former fishing village lined with pebbled beaches. Hop ashore and visit Kalami Beach Taverna, located right on the beachfront, overlooking the bay. This family-owned restaurant serves homemade Greek dishes and makes their own olive oil from olives they collect right off the trees. Plus, the fish is freshly caught each day.

Corfu
The Moorings’ Corfu itineraries may be your ideal choice if you are looking for some relaxed, open-water tranquility. The Moorings

A cruise to the bay of Lakka is a coveted stop on any sailor’s list. The Bay is home to Paxos and Antipaxos, which are known for their turquoise-clear waters, acres of vineyards and olive groves, and of course, more views. These islands are tiny, remote and quiet—Antipaxos is inhabited by maybe only 100 people—but you are sure to fall in love with their unique Grecian charm and winding paths interspersed with flocks of fluffy sheep.

A power yacht can take you to Kefalonia, the largest of the seven main Ionian Islands, which is surrounded by towering mountains that will leave you breathless as you approach by water. Anchor in Agia Efimia and visit Melissani Cave, a subterranean cave lake with dancing blue waters and hundreds of stalactites that you can explore by small boat. Lit lovers will want to cruise a little to the northeast and visit Ithaca, the famed home of Odysseus and an ideal spot to travel ashore, rent a motor scooter, and explore the blend of historic and modern architecture that line the streets.

Greece by bike
A great way to explore many of the Greek islands is by renting a bicycle or motor scooter. The Moorings

The Only Way to Explore the Greek Islands

Exploring the Greek islands—or any destination—by yacht charter is the most unique, immersive and efficient way to get the most out of your trip. Coasting up to a shoreline on your chartered yacht makes you feel like you’re one of the locals rather than a suitcase-toting tourist checking into a hotel. You pull up, and you’re immediately a part of the scenery—and trust us, everyone wants to be you. Traveling by yacht means it’s not necessary to rent a car or budget time to get to and from your resort, and your belongings travel with you as you go (unless, of course, you’re spending some time ashore, then leave it with the crew). Plus, you can visit tons of hard-to-reach destinations in which you probably wouldn’t be able to fit on a regular trip. This type of vacation offers you complete and total flexibility, coupled with a knowledgeable and caring crew that knows the ropes (pun intended) and gets you there safely.

Greek islands
Exploring the Greek islands—or any destination—by yacht charter is the most unique, immersive and efficient way to get the most out of your trip. The Moorings

If you aren’t one of those readers who has already jumped over to book a yacht-charter vacation, here’s how you can get started:

The Moorings Greek Islands Charter Itineraries

The Moorings Main Website

Call: (800) 416-0247

Follow The Moorings on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

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Explore the Blue Waters of St. Martin by Private Yacht https://www.islands.com/story/sponsored-post/explore-the-blue-waters-of-st-martin-by-private-yacht/ Mon, 27 Jan 2020 20:53:57 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=39896 Set sail from St. Martin aboard your professionally captained and crewed yacht with The Moorings.

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On an all-inclusive yacht charter vacation in St. Martin, you’ll experience almost unlimited options of what to do and what to see. You can cruise to your choice of 15 satellite islands, or even venture to two nearby countries— Anguilla or St. Barts.

This type of vacation can take you virtually anywhere you like. Grab a mooring buoy, then take your boat’s dinghy—every Moorings yacht comes with one—right up on the beach and start exploring.

Moorings
Grab a mooring buoy, then take your boat’s dinghy—every Moorings yacht comes with one—right up on the beach and start exploring. The Moorings

This style of vacation is a new adventure for many experienced travelers. Unlike a resort, chartering a yacht gives you the opportunity to see so much more of your destination, and you can stay at a different location every night! An added bonus? You never have to leave your belongings behind – unless of course you’re venturing ashore.

St. Martin is one of the top destinations in the Caribbean for yachting vacations, thanks to the variety of attractions available in one destination and how easy it is to get there. Plus, the journey is easy, thanks to consistent winds ideal for sailing. Wherever you choose to go, a chartered yacht vacation can take you further.

power yacht
If your vacation goal is to hit as many spots as you can, you might want to consider a power yacht, which takes you there faster. The Moorings

MUST-SEE SPOTS

When you book your weeklong charter, the hardest part will be narrowing down your list of must-see spots. If your vacation goal is to hit as many spots as you can, you might want to consider a power yacht, which takes you there faster. If your goal is an easy, relaxing coast across the scenic landscape with a couple excursions penciled in, consider a chartered sailboat.

charter sail boat
If your goal is an easy, relaxing coast across the scenic landscape with a couple excursions penciled in, consider a chartered sailboat. The Moorings

When it comes to St. Martin, of course, you’ll want to start with the island of St. Martin itself. This destination is special in that it caters to those who want culture, fine dining and nightlife—and to those who want solitude and escapism. St. Martin has two sides: the Dutch side to the south, and the French side to the north.

When you aren’t enjoying the gourmet, locally inspired meals prepared onboard by your Moorings chef, the town of Grand Case, on the French side, is home to some of the Caribbean’s most renowned dining. Bistrot Caraibes is a standout for its impeccably prepared French fare, from escargot to lobster that you select yourself. La Villa Restaurant is another highlight for its three-course prix fixe meal, with highlights such as a marlin carpaccio with a Caribbean Creole sauce and the Black Angus beef fillet in a foie gras sauce.

Other highlights of the island include touring Topper’s Rhum distillery, Fort Louis in the French side town of Marigot, and of course, the beaches—with a list of 36 world-class choices.

VENTURE BEYOND

On a yacht charter vacation, you can venture beyond the main island.

One top pick among yachters is Tintamarre Island, located off the northeastern tip of St. Martin. This national park with picturesque beaches and coral reefs favorited by sea turtles is a day-tour destination—which means it clears out by the afternoon. You can choose to reverse the schedule, perhaps having espresso and pastries in the French town of Marigot, before sailing over to enjoy the afternoon and then the evening sunset in relative solitude.

yacht charter
On a yacht charter vacation, you can venture beyond the main island. The Moorings

Just a two-hour sail to the north and you could explore Anguilla, famous for its idyllic beaches, shopping and reggae music beach bars. For a truly quiet escape, consider the Prickly Pear Cays. These uninhabited islands suit those who want to play or relax on wide, white-sand beaches. There is nothing else in the vicinity, which means you can content yourself playing castaway—swimming, laying in a hammock, snorkeling, and settling into the rhythms of nature.

If you’re up for a three-hour sail, you can be on St. Barts. For many, this exclusive island seems out of reach pricewise, but visiting via yacht puts this destination within reach—whether you simply want to overnight or spend a few days there.

READY, SET, SAIL

There’s so much to see, and choosing St. Martin as your starting point allows you to pack more into your getaway. This island’s airport is big enough to receive nonstop flights from most major U.S. cities, so you’re not wasting time with layovers. Instead, you arrive and The Moorings crew takes it from there. They acquaint you with your new home at sea for the next week, and off you go, worry-free and ready to start exploring.

plane landing on St. Martin
This island’s airport is big enough to receive nonstop flights from most major U.S. cities, so you’re not wasting time with layovers. Instead, you arrive and The Moorings crew takes it from there. The Moorings

Whatever charter destination you choose, keep in mind that there are no bad itineraries. The beauty of a yacht charter vacation is that you can, well, go where the wind takes you. You can be as planned or spontaneous as you like. Besides, anything you don’t get a chance to see can be high on your list for your next visit.

To see a detailed, 7-Day St. Martin sailing itinerary, and to learn more about realizing your own unforgettable yacht charter vacation in the world’s most exquisite destinations, visit moorings.com.



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The Moorings Announces Yacht Charters to the Bahamas https://www.islands.com/moorings-launches-charters-in-bahamas/ Mon, 09 Oct 2017 23:49:57 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=42355 2018 yacht charter offerings from The Moorings include trips through the Exumas.

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Known for its yacht charters in the Caribbean and beyond, The Moorings recently announced a new destination for 2018 sailings: the Exumas in the Out Islands of the Bahamas.

exuma-bahamas-swimming-pigs
Swimming pigs in the Exumas Shutterstock

Departing from Palm Cay Marina in Nassau, the charter is easily accessible with many convenient direct flight options from the U.S. Opt for a sail-it-yourself or a crewed charter aboard the three-cabin Moorings 4000 Catamaran, which accommodates up to eight guests, or the four-cabin Moorings 4800, which accommodates up to 12 guests.

the-moorings-charter
The Moorings Courtesy The Moorings

With more than 365 islands and cays, the 120-mile-long Bahamian archipelago is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean. Explore Great Exuma, home to Georgetown Harbor; discover one of the largest protected marine parks in the world, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, and swim with pigs at Big Major Spot or nurse sharks on Compass Cay. Don’t forget to stop by Nipper’s to sample their famous Nipper Juice.

the-moorings-charter-interior
Interior of a Moorings catamaran Courtesy The Moorings

The Moorings charters departing from the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are anticipated to resume sometime after mid-December 2017 and St. Martin departures are anticipated to resume no earlier than February 2018. For the most up-to-date information about charters in hurricane-affected areas, please visit their website.

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The Moorings: Personalized Yacht Charter Experiences https://www.islands.com/moorings-personalized-yacht-charter-experiences-around-globe-ultimate-all-inclusive-vacation/ Thu, 28 Sep 2017 01:32:05 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=43133 The Vacation of a Lifetime on the water in Taha’a, Tahiti

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The Moorings: Personalized yacht charter experiences around the globe – the ultimate all-inclusive vacation

When people think of a dream vacation in the islands of French Polynesia, the island that is usually at the top of their list is Bora-Bora. In reality though, the archipelago consists of several other islands worthy of every traveler’s bucket list.

After having the privilege of undocking on a life-changing yacht charter vacation in Tahiti, I discovered the hidden treasures and splendid beauty that reigns supreme throughout the crystal-clear waters of Taha’a. Here’s a recap of my unforgettable Taha’a sailing adventure:

The Moorings
The Moorings 4800 Sailing Catamaran The Moorings

On our first morning, we went ashore on Taha’a and toured one of the local vanilla plantations. The locals who owned the small plantation were extremely friendly. The vanilla plants bloom between July and October. One flower lives for only six hours and they must hand pollinate all the flowers to produce the vanilla beans.

The plantation had a great little shop where you could purchase gourmet vanilla beans, vanilla-infused coffee & sugar, and a variety of other unique products to take home from your travels. The store even accepts credit cards, dollars and francs.

The Moorings
Snorkeling in the beautiful Coral Garden The Moorings

Next we sailed to Apu Bay on Taha’a. This would be our overnight anchorage. After a quick lunch on board our Moorings 4800 sailing catamaran, our group of 6 went ashore to tour a family-owned black pearl farm that was over 20 years old. This farm at Apu Bay produces 20,000 pearls a year. It takes the oysters five years to deliver their first pearl and the oysters live for 20 years on average.

That evening, we had a traditional Polynesian dinner at the nearby Ficus restaurant. We were greeted with a delicious cocktail and then seated in a hut made entirely of palm trees. Live palm trees served as the pillars of the pavilion and palm leaves were used for the roof. The meal was prepared on layers of coals and then covered in banana leaves. The food cooked for over four hours before its big reveal. Everything was delicious, especially the tapioca style pudding dessert, and the live entertainment made the experience extra special and enjoyable.

The Moorings
Bungalows at Taha’a Island Resort & Spa The Moorings

This trip was something I will be talking about for the rest of my life. Though we thoroughly enjoyed the other Society Islands in French Polynesia and gliding thru the turquoise waters on our Moorings catamaran, Taha’a was by far my favorite. You simply have to see it to believe it. But when you do, it’s truly unforgettable.

Experience Taha’a Tahiti and 14 other breathtaking destinations worldwide on an all-inclusive Crewed yacht charter vacation with The Moorings. Learn More.

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Vacation like a VIP at Sea with The Moorings https://www.islands.com/vacation-like-vip-at-sea-with-moorings/ Thu, 08 Oct 2015 21:22:57 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=41048 Embark on an all-inclusive Crewed yacht charter with The Moorings and enjoy a getaway at sea that’s simply, and exclusively, about you. Accompanied by a private captain and gourmet chef, it’s an experience you’ll cherish for years to come. Choose from a variety of dream destinations, spanning the globe from the warm waters of the […]

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The Moorings www.moorings.com

Embark on an all-inclusive Crewed yacht charter with The Moorings and enjoy a getaway at sea that’s simply, and exclusively, about you. Accompanied by a private captain and gourmet chef, it’s an experience you’ll cherish for years to come.

Choose from a variety of dream destinations, spanning the globe from the warm waters of the Caribbean to the Mediterranean’s historic shores and beyond. Absolutely no boating experience is required. Just relax and enjoy resort-style accommodations made all the more amazing by an endless variety of fresh meals, hors d’ oeuvres and premium drinks you’ll love.

Aboard a yacht like The Moorings 4800, you’ll enjoy the comfort of three en-suite staterooms, ultra-modern amenities, stylish living spaces and the added benefit of water toys like stand up paddle boards and kayaks. Paired with breathtaking destinations like the British Virgin Islands or St. Martin, it’s an unforgettable way to vacation at sea.

Best of all, you can win an all-inclusive Crewed yacht charter aboard The Moorings 4800 in the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Visit moorings.com/vipatsea to enter the ultimate vacation sweepstakes today!

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