A Guide to Chartering in the United States

Your yacht sails past America’s diverse coastlines — from white-sand beaches and historic harbors to bustling skylines. The USA is not one destination but a collection of cruising grounds, each with its own character.

In Florida, explore Biscayne Bay and the Keys, where turquoise waters, coral reefs, and barefoot beach bars set a relaxed pace. New England offers rugged beauty, with Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and lobster feasts on deck amid historic harbors.

On the West Coast, Catalina Island and San Diego provide a mix of wilderness and cosmopolitan charm, with sweeping Pacific vistas at every turn.

Luxury marinas, pristine anchorages, and iconic landscapes make American waters ideal for yacht adventures. From sunrise over Miami to starlit evenings off California’s cliffs, each day blends culture, nature, and comfort, creating a charter experience as vast and varied as the country itself.

What are the must-see destinations in the USA?

Florida & The Keys

Florida is America’s yachting capital, offering world-class marinas in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, alongside vibrant culture and nightlife. The Florida Keys extend this playground with a chain of islands connected by crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and iconic spots like Key West. Snorkeling, diving, and casual beachside charm make this region perfect for relaxed, sun-soaked charters. Florida blends luxury and tropical ease with unrivaled accessibility.

New England

The Northeast coast offers a completely different charter experience, defined by history, tradition, and rugged beauty. From Newport, Rhode Island — known as the sailing capital of the world — to the exclusive islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, New England is timeless elegance. Summer months bring regattas, seafood festivals, and endless opportunities to explore quaint harbors and scenic shorelines. It’s the perfect region for yachting with heritage and charm.

The Pacific Coast & California

On the West Coast, California delivers a glamorous yet adventurous charter experience. Los Angeles and San Diego provide cosmopolitan harbors with vibrant dining and cultural attractions, while Catalina Island offers dramatic cliffs, wild bison, and secluded anchorages just offshore. Farther north, San Francisco’s bay waters open to iconic sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. The Pacific Coast is dramatic, stylish, and brimming with variety.

The Pacific Northwest & Alaska

For those seeking raw natural beauty, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska deliver unmatched wilderness. Seattle is a hub for exploring the San Juan Islands, while farther north, Alaska offers fjords, glaciers, and wildlife such as whales and bald eagles. These cruising grounds are defined by adventure and awe-inspiring scenery. Yachting here is about immersing yourself in nature’s grandeur with the comfort of luxury.

The Great Lakes

Often overlooked, the Great Lakes provide a unique freshwater yachting experience across five inland seas. Ports like Chicago and Mackinac Island blend city sophistication with small-town charm. With sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and vast open waters, the Great Lakes offer a distinctly American charter experience unlike anywhere else in the world.

What’s next:

Ready to explore America from the water? The USA offers a charter portfolio as varied as its landscapes — from tropical coral reefs to historic harbors and untamed wilderness. Each coastline reveals a new side of luxury, adventure, and culture.

With Opal Superyachts, you’ll craft a journey tailored to your style — whether that means glamorous nights in Miami, lobster feasts in New England, or glacier viewing in Alaska. The USA is more than one destination: it’s an entire world of yacht charter possibilities.