Top Countries to Visit this Year and Why You Should See Them by Boat
Last Updated on April 22, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
Whether you’re planning a dreamy honeymoon, chasing your next adventure, or immerse yourself in local life, the best way to experience a destination might just be by water. A private boat charter lets you break free from the crowds, follow your own schedule, and access remote places—from secluded beaches to vibrant reefs to historic waterfront villages. It’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about experiencing parts of the world most travelers never see or know exists. Below, you’ll find some of the best countries to explore by boat.
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Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos isn’t just known for turquoise waters—it’s known for water that feels endless. A private boat day here means you can island-hop across the Caicos cays, find your own slice of sand, or even anchor near a shipwreck to snorkel in peace. Stay close to Providenciales to enjoy the latest in luxury at The Strand, or head farther out to find sandbars you’ll have all to yourself. While resorts fill up fast, the ocean is your quiet escape.
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Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is dramatic in every way—and best admired from the sea. Renting a boat lets you avoid crowded buses and explore on your own schedule. Cruise into hidden ports like Marina di Praia, pull up to a cliffside trattoria, or sail to Capri for aperitivo in a quieter corner. It’s also a dream honeymoon destination, with just the right mix of romance, scenery, and salty air. You’re not following a tour; you’re setting your own.
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Oʻahu, Hawaii
While Oʻahu’s beaches are famous, its best experiences happen just offshore. Book a private sail in Mālama Bay and you’ll step into an unmatched cultural experience—learning firsthand how Polynesian seafarers discovered these islands. Along the way, you’ll see sacred sites like Diamond Head (Lēʻahi), and hear myths of Pele, the goddess of fire, who shaped these lands. Want a closer look at what it’s like? Read one traveler’s story of sailing the Waikīkī coast.
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The bay that hugs Puerto Vallarta is full of secrets—ones you can only uncover by boat. Charter your own ride and head south toward secluded beaches like Yelapa or Colomitos. You’ll skip the crowds of Zona Romántica, find hidden snorkeling spots, and maybe even spot whales during migration season. It’s the kind of freedom you just can’t get from the shoreline.
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New York
Book a private boat charter and cruise past the Statue of Liberty, under the Brooklyn Bridge, or up the Hudson at golden hour. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the newly reopened Vessel at Hudson Yards, a striking 150-foot-tall structure. In the Financial District, the recently unveiled Printemps department store blends historic Art Deco architecture with modern design. You’ll also spot the evolving skyline, including the proposed 350 Park Avenue tower, set to become one of the city’s tallest buildings upon completion.
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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo’s energy is electric, but a boat charter gives you space to breathe. Sail past El Arco before the tourist boats arrive, drop anchor for a private snorkel, or head out for world-class fishing without the group tour pace. Cabo by boat is still Cabo—just on your terms. And if you’re planning a family-friendly getaway, this guide has just the itinerary that will make everyone happy.
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Los Angeles
L.A. from the water? Underrated. Charter a Captained boat and head down the coast to explore the sea caves of La Jolla, or cast off for a fishing trip around the hundreds of artificial reefs that dot the coastline. Want a taste of euro-summer without leaving the US? Cruise to Catalina Island—just 22 miles offshore—for beach clubs, clear water, and serious Mediterranean energy. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, plan an epic trip with an adventure guide to explore the Channel Islands National Park, aka the “Galápagos of North America.”
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Saint Lucia
In Saint Lucia, the Pitons rise like a dream—but the view from the water is the real showstopper. With a private boat, you can cruise past volcanic beaches, snorkel coral gardens, or dock at quiet fishing villages for lunch. It’s your backstage pass to one of the Caribbean’s most jaw-dropping islands—lush, wild, and full of places you’ll never forget.
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The Bahamas
Most visitors to Nassau stick to the main island—but that’s just the beginning. A private boat unlocks the rest: uninhabited cays, floating sandbars, and the wild beauty of the Exumas. You can design the day around your group, skip the shared tours, and cruise your own route through paradise. Whether it’s Pig Beach or Thunderball Grotto, it’s better without the crowd.
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La Romana, Dominican Republic
La Romana is the quiet side of the Dominican Republic—but its best spots are off the map. From your own boat, you can head to Isla Catalina for diving, anchor off Playa Palmilla for a swim, or explore coral reefs without the crowds. The Dominican Republic has been named one of the best beach destinations worldwide, and chartering a boat here lets you experience its shores with extra ease, space, and style.
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