Top 5 Summer 2025 Yachting Destinations

For some the (northern hemisphere) summer yachting season means reliable favorites and a well-trod regatta circuit — but the pleasant weather and predictable winds in many other parts of the globe offer so many other options. In no particular order, we've chosen a few underappreciated gems for your consideration:

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
But won't it be winter down there? In the northern part of the continent, that makes for mild temperatures and good sailing. The southern coast and particularly Tasmania can experience some chilly days and nights that make them better destinations for other seasons, but there's plenty to see up north (besides the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays — not that those aren't absolutely worthwhile). For some lesser-known natural wonders and completely undeveloped coastline, try the northwest: Broome makes an interesting stop not far from plenty of national parks, and with its own bright lagoons, mangroves, striking red bluffs, migrating humpback whales, and — if you're feeling really adventures — shark dives and crocodile tours.

THE NETHERLANDS
If France feels a little too obvious, try the Netherlands and Belgium, where pleasant summer weather makes for an idyllic coastline (with the Instagram-worthy seaports you'd hope to find). Much of the seaside has so far avoided overdevelopment, with peaceful sandy dunes, old piers, and charming lighthouses. Stop in Breskens for smaller-city charm without throngs of tourists, nature preserves, a unique fishery festival in August, and a short ferry ride that'll take you to Vlissingen, a slightly-larger city, also not overrun, with a cobblestone-paved old town stacked with incredible architecture. If, after that, you're craving a bigger city, you can follow the Scheldt River southeast straight to Belgium's (criminally underrated) Antwerp.

NOVA SCOTIA, THE BAY OF FUNDY, AND DOWNEAST
On the east coast, summer's the time to see Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy's natural beauty, including whales, seals, dolphins, and rare seabirds, with a wealth of things to see and, of course, plenty of maritime infrastructure.

While you're there, you might also get close (but not too close!) to one of the world's largest maelstroms, Old Sow, between the coastal islands of Maine and New Brunswick; keep heading south for beautiful Acadia National Park and its perennial-favorite culture hub, Bar Harbor.

VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA
On the west coast, late June is when orca pods begin to show up around the stunning Vancouver Island — particularly on the west side, where small-but-lovely Tofino punches above its weight in breathtaking views. On the south end, British Columbia's capital Victoria is a beautiful city, particularly by boat (and it's a lovely sail through the San Juan islands to reach the city of Vancouver).

CROATIA
Although it's become well-known as the host of the original Yacht Week, one of Croatia's charm points is how much of it still feels fresh and unspoiled — and visitors tend to report great experiences relative to some other Mediterranean destinations. The country's wisely balancing its ascending tourism star with the reason it began attracting the curious in the first place: its unique culture and natural beauty, not yet ground under the wheels of the AirBnB-industrial complex. All of its islands and the waters around them are beautiful, but sail into Hvar for a quintessential Croatia-is-mindblowingly-beautiful experience. If you're looking for a bigger city, dock in Split, where ancient architecture and hopping port-city vibes mingle seamlessly.

More in-depth reviews of hidden-gem port cities and beaches will follow, but for now, wherever you plan to go this summer, may the beaches be not-too-busy and the air conditioning mostly unnecessary. ⛵︎