There’s no better way of ensuring a personally tailored travel itinerary than on a yacht charter with Edmiston. For guests looking to get more out of their travels – be it once-in-a-lifetime nature encounters or full cultural immersion – a yacht charter is your ticket to unlocking experiences far beyond the traditional travel routes.
As Forbes predicts for 2026, luxury travellers will seek extraordinary, ultra-luxe experiences where every element, from private transfers and Michelin-starred dining to bespoke wellness programmes and remarkable destinations, is thoughtfully curated. There has never been a better time to charter a yacht.
Discover Edmiston’s expert guide to five emerging charter regions redefining luxury travel in 2026. With the unparalleled freedom of your own private sanctuary, the world is yours to explore without limits.
1. West Mexico & the Sea of Cortez
Offering a vibrant mix of heritage, coastline, and luxury, Mexico is an increasingly sought-after charter destination due to its accessibility and culturally rich experiences.
On a Mexican yacht charter, you can explore Baja California’s dramatic landscapes following a cruise through the wondrous diving region of the Sea of Cortez – an area dubbed ‘the world’s aquarium’ by Jacques Cousteau.
En route, swim with sea lions, snorkel among tropical fish, encounter whales and dolphins, and discover uninhabited islands, or try your hand at sportfishing.
On Mexico’s Pacific coast, you can berth in the lively resort town of Puerto Vallarta, a perfect base for transfers to the Guachimontones circular pyramids – an ancient complex that predates the Aztecs.
Back in Baja California, indulge in authentic Mexican gastronomy at resorts such as Hacienda Cocina y Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, where you can pair gourmet tacos with coastal views.
2. Antarctica
The ultimate frontier of luxury adventure, Antarctica is one of the world’s last wildernesses – a place of pristine, untouched and awe-inspiring landscapes that is still out of bounds to many.
On an Antarctica yacht charter, you will gain privileged access to Earth’s most remote continent, exploring an ice-hewn coastline with relative ease thanks to your yacht’s ice-class capabilities. With everything from observation decks to helicopters and tenders on hand to enhance your expedition, you can get closer to the action than you ever dreamed possible.
Take Zodiac excursions past towering icebergs, paddle between glaciers, test your mettle on a thrilling heli-skiing expedition, and enjoy close encounters with whales or witness large penguin colonies.
Your crew can even arrange visits to research stations for a more meaningful experience that will give you a deeper understanding of climate issues the planet faces and what we can all do to help.
3. Galápagos Islands
Recent industry insight suggests that the fear of missing out is increasingly driving travellers’ desire for extraordinary experiences, leading to growing interest in destinations with diverse ecosystems, such as the Galápagos Islands.
Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the best way to experience this highly protected region is by yacht, with your captain and crew able to secure the correct permissions and access to reach restricted islands.
Ever since Darwin visited the isles and began to develop his Theory of Evolution, Galapagos has been an area renowned for its rich variety of animals, flora and fauna, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
Through guided eco-expeditions that balance luxury with conservation, you can look forward to seeing some of the wildlife for which the islands are famed, including giant tortoises, blue-footed booby and marine iguanas.
Meanwhile, in designated areas you can access the water to snorkel with sea turtles and penguins, before climbing back on board to marvel at the unique opportunities your yacht has afforded you.
4. Norwegian Fjords
Cold-water destinations are increasingly top of mind for luxury travellers, with countries such as Norway emerging as destinations on the rise. On a Norway yacht charter, guests can cruise through UNESCO-listed fjords including Geiranger and Nærøyfjord, hike pristine trails and explore Viking heritage sites.
The time of year you visit will dictate the type of charter you enjoy. Summer charters offer lush scenery and midnight sun, while winter delivers icy beauty and the chance to chase the Northern Lights.
A natural playground where dramatic cliffs plunge into glassy waters, Norway is an under the radar cruising ground where wilderness meets Nordic culture to dramatic effect.
5. The Red Sea
There have been whispers of the Red Sea becoming a new cruising ground of note for a few years now but with the brand-new luxury hub of Sindalah Island in the Red Sea, part of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, now open, it’s finally coming to fruition.
With a long, Red Sea coastline offering access to coral reefs, Saudi Arabia is a fantastic choice for a diving charter. Meanwhile, inland, its staggering landscape of vast sand deserts and huge mountain ranges hides an array of archaeological wonders, while its glittering cities stand in stark contrast to its hillside villages.
Sindalah is poised to become one of the world’s most exclusive yachting playgrounds, offering a hub for charter guests in Saudi Arabia to enjoy high-end resorts, luxury shopping, and state-of-the-art marina facilities.
And with the Michelin Guide’s recent announcement that it is to expand into the culinary world of Saudi Arabia, with particular emphasis on the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, it seems the food scene here will more than meet with guests’ discerning expectations.
In 2026, yacht charters will go further than ever — from Mexico and Norway to the Galápagos, Antarctica and the visionary allure of Sindalah — each offering a new expression of adventure and luxury.
Connect with Edmiston’s expert charter team to curate your 2026 voyage, a journey defined by tailored itineraries, exceptional service and the freedom to explore the world in true luxury.