Luxury Yacht Charter in New England: Fall Foliage and Fresh Lobster Delights

Nestled in the northeastern corner of the United States lies a region adorned with breathtaking natural beauty, steeped in maritime history and with a coastline perfect for exploring by luxury charter yacht. Six states – Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine – surround the Atlantic coast, creating a beautiful, compact cruising area that will delight visitors with its diversity and charm.

New England is a sailing country, with Newport being home to the iconic Americas Cup sailing event, but yachts of all shapes and sizes are available for charter in the area. This Rhode Island city perfectly showcases the region’s colonial architecture, beautiful cliff walks, and iconic jazz scene, making it a popular starting point for yacht charters. Located on the headland of Aquidneck Island, the town is surrounded by water and features numerous marinas where you can pick up your charter. Before you head out, be sure to explore some of the grand summer cottages such as The Breakers and The Elms: they are not cottages as you might imagine, but they take visitors on a unique journey through 250 years of American history, architecture and landscaping.

A short cruise southeast of Newport, Bock Island offers a quintessential island experience – think food and drinks with ocean views, boutique-lined streets and some of the most pristine white-sand beaches in the country. Fishing around Block Island will have you hooked from the moment you start, and the island offers plenty of opportunities for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to the sport. Many yachts are equipped with the latest fishing equipment, plus captains and crew members who know the best spots and will guide you every step of the way – the chef will even cook your catch for dinner. For those who prefer to enjoy their fish at their leisure, served with a glass of wine, there are plenty of wonderful seafood restaurants, including fine dining at The Atlantic, the fun resort of Ballard’s and the simplicity of the beach: first come, first grinds. Stranded.

One of the best things about chartering your own private yacht is the freedom to plan your itinerary around your own interests, without the constraints of ferry schedules and overbooked day trips. By working with a professional yacht charter broker you can put together a tailor-made holiday in advance. But don’t be afraid to trust your yacht’s captain and crew if they suggest alternative activities on board. These are often local and can recommend hidden gems and seasonal highlights in your chosen destination.

For years the playground of the American political elite – most notably the Kennedys, the Clintons and the Obamas – the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard conjures up images of sprawling estates and complexes owned by the rich and famous. The island isn’t just for the elite, though: pristine beaches, rolling farmland and picturesque towns provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the colorful gingerbread houses of Oak Bluffs to the historic whaling village of Edgartown, the island is a patchwork of quaint communities, each with its own character. Sailing on a private yacht allows guests to explore miles of scenic coastline, stopping along the way to enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, or simply relax on deck while the crew serves cool drinks and your private chef prepares dinner on board. The chef will prepare meals based on the preferences of your party: your charter broker will send you a preferences form to complete in advance and the crew and chef will stock the yacht and plan the cuisine accordingly.

A few hours by boat you’ll find Nantucket Island, which despite being only 26 miles from the US mainland, feels a world away. With its abundance of natural beauty and tranquil waters, it’s no surprise that outdoor activities thrive on Nantucket – whether you’re swimming in the Sound, fishing offshore or paddleboarding along the coast, there’s something for everyone. Most charter yachts have a selection of water toys on board, so you can take your time and try everything out. The crew will anchor in a number of peaceful bays to set up the toys, open the swim platform and fire up the tender – which can tow tugs and water skis or take guests ashore to explore. After an aperitif on board, the tender can also accompany guests to dinner at one of the great seafood restaurants, including the Cru Oyster Bar, an informally elegant venue serving perfectly shucked oysters and beautiful wines at sunset. For special occasions, try The Galley Beach, where you can reserve the captain’s table or dine right on the beach – perfect for relaxed family meals. Laid-back Millie’s serves coastal cuisine and their signature Madaket Mystery cocktail in a casual beachside location. The crew will welcome you back on board with a nightcap before retiring to your luxurious cabin where the bed is turned down and the blinds are closed to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

The iconic Cape Cod Peninsula juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and boats are protected to this day by the abundance of historic lighthouses that line the coastline and what better way to appreciate their charm than from the deck of a luxury yacht. Whale watching is another popular pastime here thanks to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a rich breeding ground for humpback whales, minke whales and pilot whales. Life is relaxed in Cape Cod and revolves around sharing good food, relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches and being with family and friends. But there is more than just a relaxed atmosphere: the cape has 83 museums and theaters and no fewer than 42 first-class golf courses. Your charter broker and crew can organize visits, tickets and start times to follow the route and will take you ashore on the tender, collect you at the end of a busy day and provide dinner and drinks on your return.

For an extended charter, travel on to Boston Harbor, where a visit to Rowe’s Wharf and Faneuil Hall will satisfy guests who feel like shopping or visiting the fascinating Boston Tea Party Museum. Continue along the coast to Maine, where you’ll discover the region’s vast scale and understand why it’s nicknamed The Pine Tree State: much of its 250 miles of coastline is covered in beautiful forests. Don’t miss hiking through Acadia National Park or taking part in a deep-sea fishing expedition. But you can also see plenty of activity from the sun deck of your luxury yacht as traditional lobster and shell boats sail by. The chef may even be able to source lobster and other fish for dinner straight from the yacht – seafood as fresh as can be.

New England’s culinary landscape is known for its lobster dominance, with its sweet and succulent meat, whether steamed with drawn butter or in a hearty lobster roll. Equally iconic are New England’s prized shellfish, including plump oysters harvested from the region’s pristine bays and succulent clams that are perfect for chowders or served raw on the half shell. Harvested from the cold Atlantic waters, scallops have a delicate flavor and tender texture, while cod, haddock and halibut are staples of the region’s seafood-focused cuisine. Whether in a rustic clam shack overlooking the ocean or savored at a gourmet restaurant, New England seafood is a culinary delight that reflects the region’s rich maritime heritage. If seafood isn’t your thing, your private chef on board can prepare food to suit every taste, ensuring there’s plenty on offer for the kids and taking special dietary requirements into account.

New England’s accessible coastline can be cruised in as little as a week, but has plenty to offer visitors for longer charters. The primary charter season runs from May to October, when the summer breezes are strongest and most reliable. If you want to witness the picture-postcard autumn season, when the trees show off their kaleidoscope of gold, orange and red, mid-October offers the most impressive show, while the sun still retains its warmth.

As the sun sets over the tranquil waters of New England, casting a golden glow over the horizon, one thing is clear: embarking on a private yacht charter in this picturesque region is an experience like no other.

Trina Howes

Trina Howes is president of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld America is a luxury private yacht charter company that creates outstanding vacations with outstanding yachts at great prices – worldwide. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to increase your profile, please contact us.