Yacht Charter Trends for 2025

Boatbookings’ view of what’s hot for 2025!

Boatbookings Charter Experts are in constant contact with captains, boat owners and clients all over the world. We got together recently to discuss trends in the yachting business that we’re seeing for 2026. Here are the headlines!

More, bigger, quieter, cleaner catamarans and motor catamarans

This is not a new trend, but it shows no signs of slowing. People love catamarans! They are more fuel-efficient, rock less (helps prevent seasickness), can sail in shallow waters, have comfortable living spaces, cabins, and galleys, and generally provide for a superb charter. When Boatbookings was founded 20 years ago, catamarans were the exception, and sailing yachts were the rule. This has completely reversed itself.

As we’ve previously written, we love the Bali catamarans for their easy access to the foredeck, inside/outside salon, quality finishings, and overall fabulous experience. More about the advantages of Bali Catamarans.

Motor cats. Powered Catamarans are everywhere, and no longer look like a catamaran that is missing its mast! We have Power Cats in every key port, offering comfort, luxury, fuel efficiency, and quick, easy cruising to your destination.

And the catamarans are getting bigger! We’re seeing many more 50-60 foot cats in all ports, normally by Lagoon or Bali. Each foot of additional length effectively provides triple the added space, as it’s a three-dimensional boat. You won’t believe the difference in useable space between a 45- and 50-foot catamaran! We also see a lot more 70- and even 80-foot catamarans, specifically from famed luxury catamaran builder Sunreef. These truly are superyachts in catamaran form. Discover our top-rated Sunfeef yachts.

The beginning of the end of noisy, smelly generators and diesel motors

Propulsion and electrical systems of yachts of all sizes are undergoing a silent revolution. Instead of the diesel-powered props that have been standard in nearly all yachts for the past 100 years, newly installed motors are increasingly electric. They have much greater torque and are far quieter.

These motors need to be powered by electricity, of course. Increasingly that electricity comes from solar panels, wind turbines, and propellers that act as turbines when you’re sailing. This electricity is then stored in on-board batteries that have come down dramatically in price over the past 10 years. These boats normally have a backup generator, but often it doesn’t need to be used at all, making the boat completely self-sufficient and zero-emissions! No more coughing from the fumes when you’re snorkeling around the boat.

We’re beginning to see yachts that have enough battery capacity to run the air conditioning through the night, so the noise and rumble of the generator are completely eliminated. Bliss!

See our most eco-friendly and sustainable charter yachts here.

The constant search for unique, unspoiled, charter destinations

While the French Riviera, Alamfi Coast, Greek Islands, and the BVI never disappoint, we’re seeing increasing demand for more exotic locations. Our top new recommendation is Raja Ampat, for its extraordinary diving, unspoiled islands, and unique culture. We also continue to see increased interest in Tahiti/Bora Bora, which is a convenient, direct 8-hour flight from LA or San Francisco.

More updates coming soon – please contact us if you’re interested in any of the above destinations or yachts!

Posted on February 12, 2025 by admin

Marine Conservation: 4 Organizations That Are Protecting Our Oceans

Marine conservation organizations are vital to our boating industry. Our ocean ecosystem makes up 70% of the Earth’s surface, and it is under threat. From overfishing, pollution to climate change, many dedicated groups strive to restore and protect the oceans from numerous challenges.

At Boatbookings, we value the work that these inspiring organizations are doing to protect and preserve marine ecosystems and biodiversity; here, we shine a spotlight on some of these:

Blue Marine Foundation

From Greece and Italy to The Maldives and Patagonia, the Blue Marine Foundation has a whole host of projects around the world. They work to secure protected areas, develop models for sustainable fishing, restore marine habitats, and highlight unsustainable fishing to connect people and communities. The Blue Marine Yacht Club works to unite the yachting community in protecting the oceans through donations, support, and expertise. Since its launch in 2012, shipyards like Feadship, Lurssen, and Benetti have been involved.

Sea Shepherd

Renowned for its direct action campaigns, Sea Shepherd defends various issues surrounding preserving marine wildlife. The marine conservation organization has a fleet of boats whose sole purpose is to protect the oceans in line with conservation law against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Sea Shepherd now has an international fleet with ten ships and several smaller boats. They are on the front line, and we admire the hands-on approach.

4 Ocean

One issue that is still plaguing our oceans is that of plastic pollution. The average person uses 9 pounds of single-use plastic every month, and a lot is ending up in our waterways. The ocean cleanup organization 4Ocean is a certified B corp. It is using the power of business to fund a global cleanup operation to recover millions of pounds of plastic from our oceans. Founded by two surfers after their trip to Bali, they recognized the issue and wanted to make a difference; they sell bracelets made from recovered plastic and run a plastic offsetting program.

Coral Reef Alliance

Dedicated to coral reef conservation, this environmental non-profit is based in California. It works to reduce the threats to reef damage, ensuring that they can continue to adapt to climate change. With problems such as pollution, sedimentation, overfishing, and sustainable tourism, coral reefs are in danger. The Coral Reef Alliance combines advanced science with community engagement, particularly scuba divers, to help protect and preserve. The projects are mainly located in Hawaii and the Western Caribbean; however, they raise awareness on a global level.

How Can You Support?

Supporting these and other marine conservation organizations doesn’t require a science degree. You can get involved in so many different ways. Firstly donations are vital and help fund research and on-the-ground initiatives. If it is time you have, organizations are always looking for volunteers, whether a beach clean-ups or community-led projects. You can also spread awareness to educate others; why not send and share this blog to your network and help make a difference?

Above everything, you must be helping become part of the solution, not the problem, and adopt greener practices in everything you do, including boating. Firstly, reducing your carbon footprint is critical; to do this, you need to calculate it. For all our charters, you can use our carbon offset calculator.

Contact our team today to find out about our greener crewed charter catamarans for you to enjoy the ocean more responsibly.

Posted on December 13, 2023 by admin

Your need-to-know guide to yachting in 2020

Boatbookings is recognised for its industry knowledge and professionalism. We are independent and our sole focus is to ensure you charter a yacht which matches your requirements. Don’t leave your vacations and corporate events to chance, leave it to the professionals. We are proud of our client testimonials and look forward to working with you in 2020.

Charter Broker Ben has highlighted the experiences you should book in the first 3 months of 2020 to make this year extra special. We can’t wait to supercharge your holidays!

January 2020

With almost 80% of the prime summer dates and reputable catamarans already booked, it’s essential to move forward in January and proceed with your summer island-hopping adventure in Greece, Croatia, and the Amalfi Coast.

Choose Greece’s Saronic Gulf for warm hospitality, Croatia’s Kornati National Park for isolated anchorages and the Amalfi Coast for mouthwatering cuisine. Selecting a catamaran will provide extra stability, low fuel consumptions and massive volumes to holiday in style.

February 2020

The half-term holidays are just around the corner and it’s time to start planning the major 2020 holidays. You have to book your BVI Crewed Catamaran and St Barths Motor Yacht charters for New Years now, or you will miss out on the quality yachts, experienced crews and your flights!

If you want to try something different, go diving in Indonesia’s iconic Raja Ampat, try surfing in New Caledonia or embark on a Thai culinary adventure from Phuket. There’s still time to book your last-minute Spring Break 2020 getaway to swim with the pigs in the Bahamas.

March 2020

You really should have finalised your dates for your summer Mediterranean motor yacht charter by March, or you will only have a handful of yachts to review.

Private yacht charters are bespoke and everyone has their own style. We can adapt any itinerary to suit your group; the French Riviera can cater to those looking for everything from Provencal farmhouse dining to Michelin starred restaurants in Monaco. Alternatively, escape the jet-set and explore the fortified towns of Corsica and dive into Sardinia for peace and tranquillity.

The world is your oyster and we want you to make the most of it in 2020. Our Broker Team continues to travel the world in search of the most picturesque anchorages for water sports, sampling the best regional restaurants and making helpful contacts so your ideas become reality. 2020 will prove to be the best holiday season yet!

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Ben Sutton

Five Days in the Komodo National Park

Travelling across the world really broadens the mind, especially when you explore a truly majestic destination like Indonesia. Offering unrivalled scenery, world class diving and ultimate tranquility, there is no better way to spend your holidays than on an Indonesia yacht charter. Get ready to embrace everything that this part of the world has to offer!

Private Beaches, Everywhere!

Your landscapes will change every day, and even throughout the day as the tides come and go. Spend the morning snorkelling with Manta Rays in Karang Makassar and then relax on your own private beach. Your service orientated crew will find the perfect beach set up for you to relax and dip your toes in the cerulean waters.

Diving with Turtles and Sharks

Diving on the Phinisi LAMIMA is offered for all levels, whether you’re a complete beginner or extremely advanced. Jump on the tender with Wawan and Ali and you will discover magical coral formations and everything that lives in between. You can expect to see everything from white fin reef sharks to blue spotted rays and turtles. Your mind will be blown!

Spa Treatments and Honeymoons

If you prefer to take your holidays a little slower, wake up to sunrise yoga on the sundeck, followed by breakfast and a trip to the LAMIMA spa. Koko specialises in a full array of massage and beauty treatments. When in Indonesia, sample the Balinese massage to the sound of traditional Gamelan music and the ripples of the water below. Whether you’re seeking a family vacation or Indonesia honeymoon yacht charter, this destination will not disappoint.

When you think you’ve seen everything, think again. Your crew will go the extra mile and set up the ultimate final evening for your guests to experience. How does a private beach BBQ sound? Yes, all is possible onboard LAMIMA. Contact your Boatbookings Broker to plan the trip of a lifetime.

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Ben Sutton

Stay in Bali before your Indonesia Yacht Charter

Chartering a luxury yacht in a destination off the beaten track does not normally offer international airports, world class facilities and cutting edge hotels. Waking up in a new time zone, even for the experienced traveller, can be tiring. The answer; stay on land to recuperate before boarding your private yacht. With new direct flights from London to Bali, or multiple connections via Singapore, your Indonesia yacht charter has never been so accessible.

Bali is famous for its rice fields, also known as paddy fields. The Four Seasons Sayan, located just an hour north of the airport, offers spectacular views from the comfort of your own suite. With world class facilities and service second to none, you will be pampered ahead of your Indonesia sailing experience. Stay at the Four Seasons Sayan and embrace a truly authentic Balinese experience this winter.

Bali is just as famous for its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, which are a haven for surfers. Seminyak is only 30 minutes from the airport in the Kuta district, an area renowned for surfing. The W Hotel offers a myriad of swimming pools which cascade towards the beach. Stay on shore before your Bali – Lombok 7 day luxury sailing itinerary, and enjoy a party vibe experience like no other.

Your Brokers continue to visit your charter destinations, so they can continue to provide unrivalled insights. Ben is currently spending this week discovering the wonders of LAMIMA as she cruises the Komodo National Park. Stay tuned to see photos of the magical Komodo dragons, as well as some of the most spectacular scenery in the world!

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Ben Sutton