In Today’s Luxury Yacht Destination Guide we present Florida. The US most southern state it’s a luxury yacht vacation point for any yacht lover. From motor yachts to big private luxury yachts, Florida has a lot of places for yachting. And it’s close to another paradise for yacht lover, another luxury yacht destination guide – The Bahamas.

A Florida private yacht vacation offers both relaxation and entertainment amongst famous beaches, bustling harbours and breath-taking natural beauty. From wilderness to watersports, the complete charter experience is possible in this exciting cruising destination; the wilderness of the Everglades offers opportunities to see abundant wildlife and natural beauty, whilst the coastal cities of St Petersburg, Tampa and Naples offer opportunities for relaxed dining and shopping.

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With the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast, the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and a wisp of the Caribbean in the south, Florida is a state almost surrounded by water. As one would expect, it is also fully immersed in yachting culture and a destiny for exclusive luxury yachts. With so much coastline. Below, we touch on the top areas around the sunshine state to explore aboard of your luxury yacht.

Pensacola / Fort Walton Beach / Destin

Boasting ever-present Gulf Coast breezes, Pensacola is the westernmost city of the Florida Panhandle. An area steeped in history – occupied by the Spanish since 1559 – and featuring mostly untouched white beaches, thisluxury yacht destination is a must-see for those looking for a relaxing stop in north Florida. A short trip to the east and you’ll find yourself in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” or, as non-boaters call it, Destin. Home to five saltwater world record titles, and famous for its fishing tournaments, Destin’s emerald green waters have held claim as the #1 Beach in America by USA Today Readers and one of the Top 10 harbors from Coastal Living.

St. Petersburg / Clearwater 

Take the most direct line southeast from Destin across the gulf and in about 240 nautical miles you’ll arrive at St. Pete / Clearwater.  Anclote Key, Caladesi Island, and Honeymoon Island are only a few of the innumerable barrier islands scattered throughout this area that make for perfect day long excursions. Bearing some of the USA’s most popular beaches such as Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg Beach, this area provides endless activities. Browse the shops, hear some live music, catch a Rays game at Tropicana Field, or even hit up the night clubs. Whatever you’re craving, St. Pete / Clearwater can provide it. Just cross the water in your private yacht and you’ll find entertainment everywhere.

Sarasota

Featuring top-rated restaurants, miles of white sand beaches, and an array of museums, this town has a little of everything. A champion of the outdoor lifestyle, Sarasota offers many opportunities for outdoor excursions. Hiking, canoeing, and kayaking, are among the most popular ways to explore the various natural spaces that surround the city. And if the heat becomes a bit much, downtown Sarasota stands ready to entertain, amuse, and educate with its bevy of shops, museums, and cultural attractions. A pleasing mix of art, culture, and nature, Sarasota offers an exciting, multi-faceted destination for the vacationing yachter.

Fort Myers / Naples

A vacation hotspot, hosting 1.8 million tourist annually, the Ft. Myers area is reputably family friendly. Lack of undertow and an abundance of shallow water have led the Ft. Myers beach to be named one of the safest beaches in the USA. Continue south and you’ll find the “crown jewel” of Southwest Florida: Naples. Known for its world-class shopping and abundance of challenging golf courses, Naples is not a destination to miss for those looking to experience Florida culture. Continue a tad more south and you’ll leave civilization behind as you enter the untamed wilderness of the Everglades.  Exotic species such as anacondas are spotted on occasion in the endless marshes, while natives like alligators are much more common.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a unique luxury yacht destination and the southernmost landmass in the Sunshine state. Traditional Conch-style cottages and thatched roof-open air bars border fine dining and vacation homes in the tight, but delightfully quirky streets of the Keys. Perhaps the most popular of the islands, Key West is a world-renown destination for yacht life. Snorkeling, diving, fishing, and beach lounging abound in this tropical paradise. Rent a bike and follow your whims, it’s hard to go wrong when in Key West. Less notable, but just as much of a paradise, the other islands of the Florida Keys are nearby. Islamorada, the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, is one of them.  178 nautical square miles of coral reef and famous shipwrecks make this destination one of the premiere hotspots for fishermen and divers the world over.

Miami

Flooded with the amenities of a big city and all the upsides of Florida, Miami is a world-famous vacation spot. Shopping, five-star restaurants, and night life abound. Lincoln Road, in the heart of the city, is reserved only for pedestrians as a large outdoor mall. Featuring some of the finest food in the state, this area is unlike any other. Known for a strong sense of cultural identity, Miami is a great luxury yacht destination for those looking to broaden their horizons. If you want to see an authentic slice of South Florida culture, the area south of Fifth Street at South Beach’s southernmost tip is a great place to start.

Fort Lauderdale

One of Florida’s most beautified cities, and a prime sport for sophisticated yachters, Ft. Lauderdale’s marinas are some of the best equipped and cleanest in the world. Hundreds of miles of shining sand beaches provide for the traditional “Florida” experience, while over 300 miles of canals, make this “Venice of America” the perfect destination to explore with the whole family. And with thousands of restaurants all throughout Broward county, this area provides for everyone’s taste.

Palm Beach

The “Gold Coast” of America, Palm Beach is home to some of the richest individuals in the country. Largely a playground for the wealthy, the atmosphere throughout Palm Beach encourages fun times and easy days. Art galleries abound in the area, providing insight into the culture of such a unique destination. With plenty of museums, many of them former homes of famous people, Palm Beach provides both a fun and historical look into the past. Most notably, Henry Flagler’s former residence is now a museum showcasing the height of the Gilded Age in America. Palm Beach is definitely one exclusive yacht destination.

Stuart

Stuart especially fosters a family friendly atmosphere. Hosting frequent music festivals, and Green Markets, the quaint downtown is historically restored and known for its great museums and restaurants. Notably, the Stuart Heritage Museum and Military Victory Museum draw crowds of interested visitors each year.

Jacksonville / St. Augustine

Founded in 1565 by Spanish settles, St. Augustine is the oldest city in America and sports multitudes of historic destinations. Museums, art galleries, and historic tours fill the city, and don’t forget to visit Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth!  To the north lies the much newer, much larger town known as the “River City by the Sea”, Jacksonville.  Built at the intersection of two large interstates, Jacksonville is the gateway to explore beaches, natural landscapes, and a thriving nightlife. With an equal mix of city and natural adventures, these two north Florida cities are a perfect way to end your trip around the Sunshine state.

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As a luxury yacht destination, Florida boasts a pleasant year-round climate however hurricane season does set in from the beginning of June to the end of November. Winter charter vacations are ideal from December to March and the Keys while spring is the perfect time to explore the West Coast, Gulf Coast and Panhandle further north before the hurricane season. Florida’s close proximity to the Bahamas also make it a fantastic starting off point for a Caribbean private yacht charter. So, who knows, maybe you start a travel from Florida in your luxury yacht and go through the Atlantic until a good beach in Bahamas.