Luxury Yacht Charter in Miami and the Florida Keys

Florida offers a superb array of charter yachts to meet all of your needs, from luxury motor yachts and yachts specializing in deep-sea fishing to event yachts for corporate entertainment. In particular, the fantastic beaches of Miami and the coral reefs found off Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys are extremely popular with charter guests.

Miami:

Known for its miles of sandy beaches, which are perfect for soaking up the sun, Miami is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. Miami is also an easy starting point for charters that are headed through the Florida Keys and towards the Bahamas.

South Beach provides arguably the best example of the Miami experience. South Beach (nicknamed SoBe) is renowned for the fantastic beaches, nightclubs, restaurants and boutique hotels that line Ocean Drive. It is the place to be seen and the place to do people spotting. The Art Deco District hosts many popular events including the Sony Ericsson Masters Tennis, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Bill Baggs State Park, which is found on the southern end of Key Biscayne, is definitely worth a visit. The park provides the perfect area for sunbathing and swimming, and is home to the famous Cape Florida lighthouse. Built in 1825, the lighthouse is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. If you aren’t in the mood for swimming, sunbathing, exploring historical sites, shopping or people-watching, you could always play a round of golf at the Miami Beach Golf Club.

Florida Keys:

The Florida Keys is an island archipelago beginning about 15 miles south of Miami. Formed by exposed portions of an ancient coral reef, the Keys extend from the southern tip of Florida toward the Gulf of Mexico. They are famed for their stunning coral reefs which make them one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.

The area is part of the Florida Reef, the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Biscayne National Park, which preserves Biscayne Bay and its offshore barrier reefs, includes Elliott Key and provides some of the best scuba diving areas in the United States. Elliott Key and the nearby Key Largo (two of the northernmost keys) offer crystal clear waters, fantastic for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Boca Chica (one of the southernmost islands) is also a fantastic point for scuba diving. Here you will find the remains of a a Second World War US Army supply ship called the Almirante, which is now home to a vast collection of tropical fish. Other popular tourist attractions in the keys include swimming with dolphins, sport fishing, and a variety of other water sports.

The city of Key West, which is the southernmost city in the continental United States, is home to 32% of the entire population of the Keys. The majority of tourists visit this city for the stunning beaches such as Smathers Beach, which is lined with coconut trees. Key West also boasts an Art & History Museum, the Audubon Tropical Gardens, and the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, which was designated as a US National Historic Landmark in 1968.

One of our favorite yachts available for charter in Florida is BIONDA, a Numarine 78 with accommodation for 9 guests. BIONDA is perfect for charters with family or friends. She has a good collection of tenders and toys that includes scuba-diving equipment, snorkeling equipment and fishing gear.

For more information on chartering a yacht in Miami and the Florida Keys please have a look at our Florida Yacht Charter Guide. Alternatively, you can send an enquiry email to [email protected].

Luxury Yacht Charter in the Spanish Virgin Islands

Found just west of the US Virgin Islands, Vieques and Culebra (collectively know as the Spanish Virgin Islands) are geographically part of Puerto Rico. Separated from the hustle-bustle and commercialism of the Puerto Rico mainland by a 90-minute boat ride, the islands offer stunning natural vistas that are so far completely unspoiled by commercialism.

Vieques:

Between 1941 and 2003 the majority of the island of Vieques was closed off by the US Navy, who used the area as a training range. As a result, Vieques remained almost entirely undeveloped for tourism and it is this lack of development that is now considered to be a key attraction. Even during peak season you will be lucky to spot another group of tourists on the beach within 50 yards.

Following the withdrawal of the US Navy, Vieques was classified as a “Fish and Wildlife refuge”. It is now promoted as an ecotourism destination that offers unspoiled beaches famous for their wild horses, which roam freely around several areas of the island.

Vieques is home to one of the most spectacular natural phenomena found in the Caribbean. The bioluminescent bay in Puerto Mosquito has officially been declared the brightest in the world. The luminescence is caused by billions of tiny micro-organisms which give a neon-blue glow whenever the water is disturbed.

Snorkeling on the island is excellent, especially at Blue Beach (Bahía de la Chiva) and Sun Bay, while for the evenings Vieques offers some of the finest food in Puerto Rico, including the famous carne guisada puertorriqueña (Puerto Rican beef stew).

Culebra:

The smaller of the two main Spanish Virgin Islands, Culebra is a great destination for nature lovers. With shallow waters and magnificent reefs full of tropical fish, Culebra’s quiet bays are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island is well-known for its beautiful countryside and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.

One of the most popular places for both locals and tourists to eat on the island is the Dinghy Dock bar. Dinghy Dock offers an unlimited salad bar and specializes in locally caught fresh fish such as swordfish and snapper.

It is impossible to leave Culebra without a visit to Flamenco Beach, which is home to many different species of Caribbean Sea fish including parrotfish and blue tang. Flamenco Beach is a very popular surfing destination due the waves created when the surf breaks on the reef a quarter mile out to sea.

One of our favorite yachts available for charter in Puerto Rico is the Lagoon 45 Crewed Catamaran MISS KITTYwith accommodation for up to 4 guests in 2 queen cabins. MISS KITTY offers a wide variety of watersports and toys and is perfect for a romantic vacation or time spent with close family.

For more information on chartering a yacht in Puerto Rico please have a look at our recent blog post on Luxury Yacht Charteres in Puerto Rico or our Puerto Rico Yacht Charter Guide. Alternatively, you can send an enquiry email to [email protected].

Benetti Reveals Three Upcoming Super Yachts

Renowned Italian yacht-builder Benetti has given us a sneak preview of three upcoming super yachts which are soon to be delivered from its shipyards. Every Benetti yacht is unique and crafted around her owner’s needs, and these yachts really show why Benetti is the only yacht builder to have won Showboats International magazine’s “Shipyard Number 1” award six times in a row.

Benetti FB265

Currently being built at the Benetti shipyard in Livorno, the new 63 meter Benetti FB265 made her first appearance in October as she moved to the outfitting area of the yard. The FB625 is the second-largest Benetti currently in production. She has a steel hull with aluminium superstructure and is powered by twin Catepillar engines, giving her a 16 knot cruising speed. She won’t be seen again until she is officially launched in 2014.

Tradition Supreme 108

The new Tradition Supreme 108 (BK001), designed by  Stefano Righini, was also recently transferred to the outfitting area of the yard. For the first time in the history of the Benetti Class range, the sun deck, roll-bar and hard top incorporate the use of fiberglass-carbon composites, creating a lighter and stronger deck structure.

With 3 decks, the Tradition Supreme 108 has considerable living space that provides guaranteed privacy, with a more complete separation of guest and crew living areas. She can comfortably accommodate ten guests in five cabins: an Owners Suite on the main deck and four Guest Cabins (two doubles and two twin) on the lower deck.

Full-height windows on the main deck allow plenty of natural light and provide stunning views, while a vertical window in the wheelhouse gives 180° visibility to the helmsman. One of the Tradition Supreme’s main features is a large sky lounge and sun-deck, which were designed to give the owner and his guests the maximum enjoyment of open air living.

The Tradition Supreme 108 has twin MAN engines which give a top speed of 13.5 knots, and a cruising speed of 12.5 knots. She will be delivered in October 2013.

 

Delfino 93 ZAPHIRA

The fifth Benetti Delfino 93’, ZAPHIRA (BD005), was also launched last month. ZAPHIRA is the third Delfino 93’ launched in 2012, after AZUL in April and OCEAN DRIVE in June, and is easily distinguishable by her fantastic blue hull. She is due to be delivered at the end of 2012. ZAPHIRA has a beautiful interior, with dark Ebony paneling, designed by Carlo Galeazzi. She can accommodate up to twelve guests in a fantastic Owner’s Suite and four Guest Cabins (two doubles, and two twins with folding berths). Two Caterpillar engines give this super yacht a top speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots.

One of our favorite Benetti yachts currently available for charter is the Benetti Classic WILD THYME, with accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 luxurious en-suite cabins. WILD THYME is a 120ft super yacht available for charter along the French Riviera and Corsica with a professional crew of 7. She features a beautiful top deck with Jacuzzi, a collection of fantastic water toys and a very luxurious interior. Please also have a read of our blog post on the Benetti 46m ILLUSION. 

If you are interested in chartering a Benetti yacht then please have a look at our Benetti Luxury Yacht Charter page or or send an enquiry email to [email protected].

Chartering a Crewed Catamaran in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

St Thomas is one of the most popular destinations to begin a luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean.  As it is part of the USA, the island is well connected with the US mainland, making it the perfect place to start exploring both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

Charlotte Amalie, the largest city and capital of the USVI, is home to more than half of the island’s 51,000 residents. The city is famous for its deep-water harbor that was previously home to many pirates but is now a popular destination for cruise ships and charter yachts. Cyril E. King Airport, just outside the city, is connected to numerous destinations along the east coast of the United States.

Charlotte Amalie lies at the base of several steep hills, with specially constructed walkways leading up the hillsides of Government Hill. The 99 Steps is the most famous of these walkways. Built in the 18th century using bricks sent over from Denmark, this trail offers panoramic views over the harbour in St Thomas and of the stunning Caribbean scenery. It can be found between Government House and Hotel 1829.

St. Thomas is a sport-lovers paradise. The beautiful crystal-clear and turquoise waters surrounding the island are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing and waterskiing (just to name a few!), while the renowned Mahogany Run Golf Course attracts thousands of visitors each year.

St Thomas also offers miles of white sandy beaches, perfect for those simply seeking rest and relaxation. Located on the North side of the island, the beach at Magens Bay stretches for nearly three quarters of a mile and is one of the most frequented tourist beach destinations on the island. It is thought that Sir Francis Drake used Magens Bay as an anchorage while he was waiting for other ships to ransack.

One of our favourite charters on offer in the Caribbean is BARBUDA BELLE, a lagoon 620 crewed catamaran with accommodation for 10 guests in five ensuite cabins. BARBUDA BELLE offers a wide range of water toys and is an ideal for families and friends. She was recently chosen as one of our top 10 catamarans at the 2012 BVI Yacht Show.

For more information on yachts available in the US Virgin Islands, please have a look at our St Thomas Yacht Charter Overview or email us at [email protected].

Corporate Entertainment in Singapore Onboard a Luxury Yacht Charter

Singapore is well known as one of the most exciting and busy cities in the Far East. Home to a great marina, and some fantastic sights, a charter to host a corporate event is not only a great idea for the experience, but a great idea for your company as you can show your colleagues and clients some extraordinary sights whilst enjoying a meal and drinks from the splendour of the seas.

Events held on luxury yachts are far more impressive than just hiring another hotel meeting room. Luxury yachts are a fantastic way to entertain clients and to make a brilliant impression. During the day, yachts can act as an office and conference venue for meetings and presentations. In the evening, yachts are perfect for cocktail parties, formal dinners and other events. Not only do they give your corporate event that extra great feel, but it relieves stress on the client, as we organise the placement of the yacht, and help you to organise a smoothly run charter.

 
Singapore is well known for its cultural diversity, colonial history, world-class shopping and fantastic beaches, especially those found on Sentosa Island. It is also home to numerous high-class restaurants and the world’s only “Night Safari”, which houses more than 1,000 wild animals. A sailing cruise around the southern islands of Singapore, which offer spectacular views of the city skyline, is ideal for a corporate event yacht charter. Luxury yachts also offer a range of activities such as fishing, snorkelling, swimming and diving.
Chartering a yacht for corporate entertainment at the Singapore Grand Prix is becoming very popular. Many of the greatest yachts in Asia make their way to Singapore just for the race. The race circuit is just over 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) long, running adjacent to the harbour in the Marina Bay area. Only three other races in Formula One (the Monaco, Abu Dhabi and Valencia street circuits) run past a marina. However, Singapore stands out as the first night race in Formula One history. The timing of the race means that it can be broadcast live at a convenient time for European audiences.

Conclusion
Singapore is the perfect destination for a corporate entertainment event on a yacht, whether you want it during the Singapore Grand Prix, Chinese New Year, or just during the year for a conference meeting or to meet and greet with your colleagues and clients. To see the yachts we have listed for corporate entertainment in Singapore, please see here.

If you’re interested in chartering a yacht, please go to boatbookings.com or email us at [email protected] and one of our Charter Specialists would be delighted to help you.