The industry is set for a boom in Caribbean superyacht charters this winter. As the Covid-19 pandemic loosens its grip on major parts of the world, people are looking a few months down the line to where their families can experience a safe, fun and socially distanced luxury holiday. Superyachts by their very nature offer seclusion and an escape from the masses, and with new health and hygiene protocols firmly in place, it is expected that Caribbean charters will be highly sought after. The Caribbean has long been one of the world’s top superyacht cruising grounds, but in the wake of COVID-19 it is proving even more alluring for a winter superyacht charter in 2020, and here’s why:

1. It is simply vast, with plenty of far-flung destinations for social distancing

Long before COVID-19 came into our lives the Caribbean was the perfect get-away-from it-all destination. Secluded bays of vivid turquoise, isolated sugar sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see and uninhabited islets draped in greenery create the ideal escape. And this winter, with socially distanced holidays a hot commodity, the Caribbean’s natural beauty will be luring superyacht charterers to its pristine shores. From the Bahamas in the north –a short cruise or flight from Miami – to Grenada in the far south of the Windward Islands, the Caribbean covers a vast expanse of sea where tranquillity and sun-drenched beauty are promised.

The most popular yachting destinations in the Caribbean are typically those closest to the United States such as the Virgin Islands, Antigua, St Barts and the other islands in the Leeward Islands group. Brokers however are reporting an upswing in the number of enquiries to some of the less frequented, but equally stunning, Caribbean destinations. It is highly likely that demand for charters to destinations such as the southern Windward Islands including St. Lucia, St Vincent, the Grenadines, St Nevis and Kitts will be higher this season as people long for more adventure and exploration post-lockdown.

2. The Mediterranean season will be shorter this year

While the Mediterranean superyacht season is finally getting under way, and lots of European countries are open for superyacht charters, the reality is that it will be a much shorter season than normal. Countries such as Croatia, Greece, Italy and France are now welcoming superyachts back to their beautiful coastlines, but with only July, August and September left this year there will be increased pressure on charter yachts, especially later in the summer as individual countries lift their own travel restrictions. Brokers are experiencing a big upswing in inquiries for these later months, meaning some people might not be able to secure their first choice yachts in their preferred destinations.

The Caribbean season will get into swing in the later part of 2020, with the early months of 2021 looking to be in high demand for yacht charters. So for those who are going to miss out on the Med this year, the Caribbean is offering a dazzling alternative.

3. The hurricane season doesn’t affect all of the Caribbean

The Caribbean is susceptible to hurricanes coming in from the Atlantic between June and November, with the peak of the season from August to October. However, not all of the Caribbean is affected equally by hurricanes, and many of the Windward Islands such as the Grenadines and St Kitts for example, sit below the hurricane belt.

By November, the Caribbean hurricane season is over, but for those itching to get away after months of lockdown, it is worth remembering that the Eastern Caribbean see the worst of storms from mid-August to mid-September while the Western Caribbean peak is mid-August to early November. Talk to your broker about which are the best islands to visit in the early part of the Caribbean superyacht winter season.

5. Cold winter destinations are likely to be less popular this winter

Question marks still hang over the re-opening of ski resorts this winter, and if social distancing measures are still in place these will be difficult to operate at full capacity. In addition, for those wanting a socially distanced luxury vacation, the idea of crowded hotels, slopes and après ski venues coupled with cold weather conditions are far less favourable to a yacht.

A superyacht charter doesn’t need much tweaking to become a socially distanced holiday. With hundreds of anchorages to choose from, the ability to be self-sufficient, and a treasure trove of activities on board, yachts are the perfect way to escape the crowds and explore remote corners of the Caribbean.

Discover the enticing destinations and luxury yachts awaiting you in the Caribbean by calling our experienced broker team, who have all the insider information and knowledge on the yachts, the cruising grounds and the new risk-free charter contracts.