Spring opens up some of the world’s best destinations before the summer crowds arrive. Temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and popular coastlines still have room to breathe.
For those looking to make the most of the season, a yacht charter is one of the best ways to experience these destinations. You can move at your own pace, with full flexibility to explore. Below, we’ve mapped out the top spring travel destinations and what makes each one worth the trip.
The Caribbean and the Bahamas
The Caribbean is a classic spring destination for good reason. By March and April, hurricane season is months away, trade winds keep temperatures comfortable, and the water is impossibly clear. It’s the ideal time to explore the region by yacht before the summer months bring higher humidity and heavier rain.
The Bahamas
With over 700 islands and cays, the Bahamas are a playground for yacht charters. The Exumas alone offer dozens of secluded anchorages, white sand beaches, and marine parks teeming with wildlife. Spring makes the Bahamas one of the best places to visit: the water temperature hovers in the low 80s, and you’ll have long, sunny days to island-hop without the peak season crowds. A day trip to Staniel Cay or a swim with the famous swimming pigs should be on every bucket list.
The Virgin Islands and Beyond
The British and U.S. Virgin Islands remain popular spring destinations thanks to their beautiful beaches, protected anchorages, and steady breezes. St. Barts, Antigua, and St. Martin are also within easy cruising range for those looking to cover more ground during a longer charter.
For those looking to combine a spring break getaway with world-class yachting, the Caribbean checks every box. Outdoor activities, from snorkeling coral reefs to paddleboarding through mangroves, and the laid-back island culture make it easy to unwind from the moment you step aboard.
The Western Mediterranean
Late spring is when the Mediterranean truly comes alive. From April through June, you’ll find mild temperatures, blooming coastlines, and far fewer tourists than the packed summer season. It’s the perfect time to explore the Western and Eastern Mediterranean aboard a yacht. Dock in historic ports, dine at waterfront restaurants, and discover hidden coves that are virtually empty this time of year.
The French Riviera
Few places capture the spirit of spring travel like the French Riviera. In May and early June, the Côte d’Azur is vibrant but not overcrowded. Charter through St. Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco, stopping for lunch in a quiet fishing village or anchoring off the Îles de Lérins. The region’s famous outdoor activities, from coastal hiking to open-air markets, are at their best during this season.
The Amalfi Coast and Capri
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and spring is the best time to see it. The hillside towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi are draped in wisteria and bougainvillea, and the water along the coast is calm and inviting. Anchor off Capri for the afternoon, explore the Blue Grotto, and enjoy a waterfront dinner as the sun sets over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Nearby, Sardinia and Sicily offer additional itinerary options with fewer crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Spain and The Balearic Islands
Spain in spring is hard to beat. Start in Barcelona, where the architecture, food, and energy of the city make it a perfect place to begin your trip. From there, head to the Balearic Islands—Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca—where you’ll find crystal-clear water, charming harbor towns, and a wine festival or two if the timing is right. In late spring, temperatures are warm but not sweltering, making it an excellent place to spend full days exploring on deck and ashore.
The Eastern Mediterranean
The Eastern Mediterranean is one of the most rewarding regions to charter in spring. These destinations combine rich history, dramatic scenery, and world-class cuisine, all without the intense heat and crowds that define the summer months.
Greece
The Cyclades Islands and Ionian Islands are both stunning spring charter routes. Sail through Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros in the Cyclades, or take a slower pace through Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos in the Ionians. From early spring through late spring, you’ll find wildflowers, mild temperatures, and calm seas, making this an ideal time for a first time visit or a return trip.
Croatia and Montenegro
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is another standout. Dubrovnik, Split, and the island of Hvar are far more relaxed in spring. The Adriatic’s clear water is also perfect for swimming and watersports. Continue south to Montenegro for dramatic fjord-like scenery and a quieter, off-the-beaten-path feel.
Turkey
Mediterranean Spring Snapshot
- French Riviera
- Best Months: May–June
- Average Temperature: 68–77°F
- Highlights: St. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, coastal villages
- Amalfi Coast & Capri
- Best Months: April–June
- Average Temperature: 63–75°F
- Highlights: Positano, Blue Grotto, Italian cuisine
- Balearic Islands
- Best Months: May–June
- Average Temperature: 65–78°F
- Highlights: Mallorca, Ibiza, harbor towns, wine
- Croatia
- Best Months: May–June
- Average Temperature: 64–77°F
- Highlights: Dubrovnik, Hvar, Adriatic islands
- Greece (Cyclades)
- Best Months: April–June
- Average Temperature: 63–76°F
- Highlights: Santorini, Mykonos, ancient ruins
- Turkey
- Best Months: April–June
- Average Temperature: 62–78°F
- Highlights: Bodrum, historical sites, turquoise coast
Why Spring Can Be the Best Time to Travel
There are plenty of reasons the spring season is a favorite among luxury travelers:
- Mild weather and comfortable temperatures across most destinations in the northern hemisphere
- Fewer crowds at restaurants, hotels, attractions, and popular anchorages compared to peak season
- Lower prices and better availability before the summer rush
- Longer daylight hours for full days of sightseeing, swimming, and outdoor activities
- Blooming landscapes, seasonal food and wine events, and vibrant local festivals throughout the spring months
Spring also tends to fall outside of the busiest travel windows, which means you’ll have a more personal, unhurried experience at every stop along your route. And for those exploring by yacht, the timing is even better: charter availability is wider, rates are more competitive, and marinas are far less hectic.
Tips for Planning Your Spring Trip
A few things to keep in mind as you plan your spring getaway:
Book Early
Spring has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the Mediterranean. Hotels, flights, and charter yachts fill up fast, so it pays to start planning early.
Pack for Layers
Even in warm destinations, spring evenings can be cool, especially on the water. Bring an extra layer or two, so you’re comfortable from morning to night.
Work with an Experienced Broker
If you’re considering a yacht charter, the right broker can make all the difference. They’ll help match the right yacht to your group, suggest the best itineraries for the season, and handle the logistics so you can focus on the trip itself.
Start Planning Your Spring Charter with Moran Yacht & Ship
At Moran Yacht & Ship, our team brings decades of firsthand yachting experience to every charter we arrange. Our brokers know these destinations inside and out, because they’ve lived and worked on the water themselves.
From selecting the perfect destination to customizing your onboard experience, we’re here to help you plan a spring charter that exceeds expectations. We have the global reach and local expertise to put together the trip of a lifetime. Our straightforward approach and commitment to transparency are why clients come back to us, year after year.
Contact us today to explore available spring charter yachts and start planning your next voyage.