Around the world · YACHT CHARTERS WITH SWIMMING
The swim stop is what you are paying the extra hour for. These 11 charters anchor somewhere sheltered and stay long enough to get in twice, with the water they stop in named rather than implied.
Join Travelin Lady from Los Cristianos for a 90-minute whale and dolphin trip on a purpose-built, low-emission eco-yacht. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life, visit the Cave of Love, then swim if sea conditions and time allow. Guides speak four languages.
“Very nice and we were lucky to see the dolphins and pilot whales! Lots of them!”
From Los Cristianos, cruise the Palm Mar coast aboard a low-center-of-gravity yacht with an English-speaking guide, onboard toilet, bar, and shaded areas. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, pass the Cave of Love, then stop for a swim before returning to port.
“Very good tour, saw dolphins and whales, very friendly staff, lovely tour and got to stop and swim in the very blue ocean”
Spend one night aboard a small-group Halong Bay cruise with hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter, a private ocean-view cabin, meals, cave visits, kayaking, swimming, cooking, Tai Chi, and squid fishing. Guides such as Sunny, Alex, Tom, and Tung are praised for clear explanations and helpful service.
“The boat was a nice smooth ride and I really enjoyed our excursions. Secret cave was outstanding. The lunch was delicious and plentiful The biggest downfall for me was that they didn't provide a seat on the bus for my 3.5 year old which would be fine for a 10 minute drive but not for 2.5 hours.”
Take a two-hour private mini-yacht cruise for up to six people from Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis and Burj Al Arab. Your captain, including guides such as Aravind or Santhosh, points out landmarks, takes photos, plays your music and stops for a swim.
“Great experience, even though it rained, our captain gave an excellent ride. Will certainly do this again on our next visit to Dubai.”
Cruise from Dubai Harbour through Dubai Marina, then stop near JBR Beach for swimming, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and inflatable fun. You get unlimited listed beverages, music, a pool, and a slide if selected. Ian, Mohammed, and the crew are praised for friendly service, while jet skis cost extra.
“Staff were amazing, very helpful and friendly. Transportation was organised very well and hospitality on board was excellent. Would happily go again”
Spend two nights aboard a 5-star Halong Bay cruise with an English-speaking guide, balcony cabin, full meals, cave visits, kayaking, swimming, Tai Chi, cooking, and squid fishing. Day 2 reaches quieter areas, with options for Bai Tu Long, Halong, or Lan Ha Bay.
“The unbelievable pollution of the waters literally hundreds of cruise boats no sewage storage on board straight into the ocean”
Join El Greco Cruises at Mandraki Port for a six-hour gulet trip along Rhodes’ east coast. Swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, use kayaks and SUPs at Fun Island in Ladiko Bay, and stop at Kallithea Springs. Nikos and Stephanos are among the friendly crew members praised for their care and good advice.
“Our trip was on a very hot Friday, but we found some shade on the boat and were able to enjoy the day in and out of the sun. The trip was well planned with stops along the way allowing for swimming every hour or so. Having access to SUP boards and kayaks was the highlight, however the company could benefit from pumping up their SUP boards a bit more as some were flat. The tour guides were very informative and focused on safety.”
Spend about seven hours aboard Sciatumia, guided in Italian or English by a friendly crew including Gianfranco and Francesco. Visit Tabaccara, Rabbit Island, Muro Vecchio, sea caves, and other hard-to-reach bays, with snorkeling stops and a full fish lunch served at the table.
“I ragazzi di Sciatumia sono eccellenti, cordiali, precisi e simpatici. Per ogni tappa che facevamo ci raccontavano la sua storia. Il cibo è stato ottimo!”
Sail from Los Cristianos aboard Neptuno, a yacht for up to 20 people, with guides speaking English, German, and Spanish. Watch pilot whales and dolphins, stop for a swim, and eat lunch with drinks included. Sisi is one guide praised for making the trip special.
“Fantastic trip around the bays of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas. Only 4 of us on it so it made it feel even more exclusive! We saw dolphins, pilot whales and one sea turtle. Great views of Mount Teide and the coastline. The guides were very friendly and informative and made sure we all had enough to drink but unfortunately they were out of white wine, only red. I had a shandy though which was just fine. Food was ok, chicken, rice and coleslaw but could have done without the meatballs and hard bread roll. All in all though a fabulous experience.”
Spend about six hours aboard Tropical Breeze’s 62-foot catamaran, cruising from Paradise Island to a reef, Pig Beach, Rose Island, and Sandy Cay. Jason and his crew provide snorkeling gear, lunch, music, rum punch, beach games, and local color. Check in by 9:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. departure.
“Snorkeling was amazing! Jason and the crew could not have been better. They were in the water with us and even bought up shells and a starfish for us to look at. Next we stopped at another island and fed the pigs which were very happy to see us. We then had a very good lunch and fresh conch salad made on the boat. There was good music on board and many were dancing while everyone was having a great time. I would highly recommend this fun day on the water to anyone!”
Spend a full day at sea aboard the Doll, cruising from Rhodes to Symi and stopping at St. George Bay for a clear-water swim. You get about three hours on Symi, snorkeling equipment, and optional hotel pickup for an extra fee. Lunch and drinks are your responsibility.
“From booking through trip to the actual excursion the communication was excellent I instantly received an email with all the details and the day before received a WhatsApp message and email confirming pickup details. We got picked up from our hotel at 07:30, and arrived at the port by 09:10. Collected information and made our way to the boat (Doll) The crew were welcoming, and the boat was clean and well presented The journey to St Georges Bay (first stop) for a swim was good - slightly bouncy but that’s to be expected in the sea SGB was lush - has an hour to swim in crystal clear waters. On…”
Pick the hull, the hours, or what is waiting on the deck.
