SET SAIL FOR LUXURY: Experience Palm Beach from the Comfort of a Private Yacht

April 24, 2025
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Imagine floating along the Florida coast in your private yacht and sipping a cocktail at sunset, catching a glimpse of the Jupiter Lighthouse while enjoying a catered lunch or cruising from Palm Beach to Jupiter Inlet, stopping to swim, paddle and dine along the way.

Nestled on America’s Gold Coast by the picturesque Lake Worth Lagoon, Palm Beach is a renowned yachting center with a rich maritime tradition, and yacht chartering offers the perfect way to experience the charm of South Florida from a whole new perspective. If you want to make this year’s trip to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach extra special, plan on setting aside a few hours for five-star fun you’ll remember for years to come: an intercoastal cruise in a private yacht.

The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) runs for 3,000 miles, from Massachusetts southward along the Atlantic Seaboard and around the southern tip of Florida, then following the Gulf Coast to Brownsville, Texas. Providing a navigable route along its length without many of the hazards of travel on the open sea, the ICW’s first major section, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), runs from Portsmouth, Virginia, to Key West, Florida.

As your expert crew guides your vessel along the AICW, your unique vantage point provides unencumbered views of historic estates, lavish mansions and prime real estate. The more adventurous may want to anchor for a time near the 79-acre Peanut Island, a local boating hotspot offering pristine beaches, snorkeling opportunities and a historical bunker tour. The options are endless.

Choosing a company to help you plan your special outing is just a mouse click away. LuxuryDayCharters.com, for example, specializes in curating bespoke events on the water, providing access to world-class, high-end, luxury yachts for corporate and private clients, single-day events or even yacht vacations. A champagne and caviar cruise? Scotch and cigars? Wine and cheese? They handle everything, from soup to nuts.

When it comes to an elevated dining experience, you really can’t beat a gourmet meal prepared by a top chef on a private luxury yacht. A great option in South Florida is Charter One Yachts (yachtchartersnow.com), with unforgettable outings taking place on their yacht The Summer Wind, a 91-foot-long vessel that can accommodate up to 50 guests – whether it’s a romantic evening, a special celebration or a corporate event. Meals can range from casual buffets to multi-course gourmet dinners, depending on the charter’s theme.

Lots of Yachts/Lots of Spots (lotsofyachts.com) has been in the yacht chartering business for over 20 years, managing approximately 16 vessels in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward (Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood) counties. They’ve arranged events for two up to 500 people, although if you’re looking to cruise on a more luxurious yacht, they advise planning for parties of 12 people or less. Outings can be tailored to any desire, whether it’s a simple lunch on the water, docking at one of the area’s fine restaurants for a meal, swimming or jet-skiing alongside the yacht, or even having a tour guide or historian on board to speak on a particular topic or point out unique architecture and mansions owned by some well-known names.

While in South Florida for the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, set aside some time to explore South Florida’s hidden gems, secret spots, secluded beaches and hard-to-reach places on a private luxury yacht. It may sound like a scene from a movie, but it is very much a reality in The Palm Beaches.

Looking to make an even bigger splash? Turn your visit to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach into the vacation of a lifetime with a “term charter.” Check out companies like CharterLux (charterlux.com) or High Seas Yachting (highseasyachting.com), then choose your private luxury vessel and your destination – whether it’s Miami, the Keys, the Bahamas or beyond. Your dedicated crew will take you out on the ocean for several days to several weeks, providing a fully immersive experience into the yachting lifestyle.

Photos courtesy of LuxuryDayCharters.com

Written by Barbara Toombs