Taylor-Made Yacht Charters
1536 Banyan Way
Weston, Fl 33327
954-803-2596
The New England region consists of seven states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut. The area encompasses miles of Atlantic coastline, mountains, valleys and woodlands, gently rolling hills, dense forests, and beaches. When one thinks of New England, what comes to mind? Lobster, cod, clam chowder, clambakes, quahogs, striped bass, lighthouses, historical sites, and sailing yacht regattas are just a few. The fishing fleets and trading schooners of New England, the farmers, the mill workers, the craftsmen, the explorers, the founding fathers, and the New York aristocrats' summer homes have left an important historical legacy. New England is rich with history.
A seven to ten-day cruise is an ideal way to soak up the East Coast's atmosphere. As the yachting capital of the northeast, Newport, Rhode Island makes a great starting point. Plan time to wander through the historic village with its mansions from the bygone era and see the classic yachts lined up along the waterfront. Be sure to leave your yacht and eat some of your meals ashore at the many varied famous restaurants in Newport.
Just 12 miles off the coast of Newport is Block Island, a great destination for a daytrip. Half of the island reminds you of Key West; the other half takes you back to the farming communities of New England in the early 1900's. It is a relaxed way of life where "dressed up" means a pair of shorts.
The island of Nantucket is just a few hours' cruise away. Visit the cobble- stoned streets with Georgian and Colonial style houses. Visit the shops laden with scrimshaw, a true "shoppers" delight; then onto Martha's Vineyard. The Vineyard's beaches range from quiet, secluded coves to rugged stretches of coastline with thundering surf. There's plenty to do on land as well. You will find golf, tennis, miles of paved biking, and inline skating trails. Of course there is the famous "Black Dog" Pub and Restaurant. One must collect a t-shirt from here.
Cape Cod Canal follows - a great spot for whale watching, before sailing onto Plymouth and to the city of Boston. The next quaint town is Kennebunkport, then onto Boothbay Harbor. From Boothbay Harbor the next stop is beautiful Camden, Maine, and you can't leave without seeing Mount Desert and Acadia National Park. Acadia's 40,000 acres contain some of the most spectacular and varied scenery on the Eastern Seaboard: a rugged coastline of surf-pounded granite and an interior graced by sculpted mountains, quiet ponds, and lush deciduous forests. Cadillac Mountain, at 1,530 feet is the highest point of land on the Eastern Seaboard. It dominates the park.
Sag Harbor, New York was Long Island's whaling capital in the 1800s. The American Hotel is a gingerbread Victorian dating from 1846, with a lively restaurant and bar scene. If your yacht finds itself in Sag Harbor, the American Bar is the place to see and be seen. It is nationally known for its wine list.
Homeport to some of the world’s finest charter yachts, the Western Mediterranean offers a wide variety of opportunities to the yacht vacationer. In some cases, a charter yacht is the only way to reach many of these highly sought-after destinations; however, in all cases, Europe and the Western Med is one of the most elegant yacht cruises one could take. The old and the new co-exist harmoniously in this vast part of the world. A wondrous mixture of opulence and grandeur, mixed with a splash of old world culture, and sprinkled by glittering nightlife.
Monaco hosts the largest European boatshow, where one can wander the docks and dream of not only chartering these magnificent vessels but owning them as well. Here you can see the historical palace and museums of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. The royal family often comes to the boatshow as well, so you may see them on the docks or be seated next to them in one of the many small eateries or hotels that surround the port that makes up the center of Monaco.
One can attend the Cannes Film Festival, for example, and be in sight of the city’s age-old fishing port. "Stargazing" during this festival is also possible from the aft deck of your yacht.
The old town of Capri shadows some of the most modern and opulent villas in the world.
Portofino has a secluded but popular harbor that many charter yachts as well as cruise ships visit.
In Croatia, just minutes from Dubrovnik – arguably one of the most preserved medieval cities in the world – modern marinas host new world-class yachts.
CAUTION: An introduction to this life style could soon become an addiction
Quickly becoming the destination of choice, the Eastern Mediterranean consists of the Adriatic Sea, encompassing such ports as Venice, Trieste, Dubrovnik and Split; the islands of Greece and Turkey, including the Ionian and Aegean Seas.
Venice is a fantastic jumping off point for a charter in Croatia. A conglomerate of islands located within a protective lagoon, Venice is one of the most preserved historical cities in Europe. A city for pedestrians and mariners, there are no cars or bicycles, just gondolas, water taxis, and your own two feet. A two or three day visit is an absolute must for charterers of all ages. St. Mark's Cathedral and Square and Harry's Bar are historical landmarks one must visit. Needless to say, Venice is no exception to the rule that you eat well in Italy.
Croatia is fast becoming a poplar yachting destination. Pristine coastline, waters, and beaches are just the beginning. There are 1,185 islands off the coast of Croatia and only 66 are inhabited, which makes for fantastic island hopping. Croatia is the new hotspot in Europe, with beautiful beaches and picturesque historical towns - this coast is not to be missed!
Whether you are looking to bask in the Mediterranean sun or explore the beginnings of civilization as we know it, the Greek Islands are always an exciting destination. Uncover ruins dating back to 500 BC, swim in the azure water, and tour antiquities that you only learned about in school. Greece is a country blessed with more than 10,000 miles of coastline and some 1,500 islands. The possibilities are endless! Whether you choose to cruise in the Peloponnese, Saronic Gulf, Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian, or the Dodecanese, an exciting experience awaits around every corner. Try not to miss the island of Mikonos, the island of lovers.
Not often thought about as a Charter destination, there is no better way to explore the rugged landscape of the Pacific Northwest, than on a private yacht. Get away from the crowds, and explore misty fjords, calving glacier fields, and more wildlife than you can possibly imagine.
Whale, dolphin, bear, and moose watching are a particularly popular past time while cruising through the icy waters. Daytime temperatures often reach the low 80's, but we do not recommend swimming - unless your captain takes you to one of the many hot springs along the Inside Passage.
In stark contrast to the pristine wilderness, are the vibrant cities of Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, as well as the quaint Alaskan towns of Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.
Florida's coastline offers a diverse range of activities for yacht charterers. Perhaps we are partial to our own backyard, but our charter agents book successful charters in Florida waters year-round and are adept at tailoring the perfect itinerary to suit any group. Whether the international hot spots of Miami or Palm Beach are your destination, cruising in the beautiful Florida sunshine, is a year-round treat. Explore the Intra Coastal Waterway (ICW) all the way from Fernandina Beach to the southernmost point in the United States, Key West.
Scenic and picturesque, cruising the ICW offers a unique insight into Florida. If it's golf and genteel socializing that's your goal, then Palm Beach can be a great place to board a chartered yacht. You can enjoy the warm Florida sunshine in a quieter atmosphere than ports south. Offshore fishing is excellent here - just a short cruise east to the Gulf Stream's abundant current.
Fort Lauderdale is a boating paradise, earning her well-deserved title as the "Yachting Capital of the World." With numerous marinas, resorts and shipyards, it's the perfect place to discover the yacht of your dreams. The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is an ideal place to see many of the world's charter fleet and get an idea about how fantastic they are. Taylor-Made Yacht Charters can arrange yacht visits. Shopping is delightful along Las Olas Boulevard, with sidewalk cafes and unique boutiques to explore for those days when you want to enjoy shoreside activities. Jazz enthusiasts might want to pop into O'Hara's where live music plays well into the night or mix with the "yachties" at City Cafe or Mark's on Las Olas.
If an even faster pace is more your style, then Miami and sizzling South Beach couldn't possibly disappoint. Anything goes in this trendy haven! You might start with a cocktail in a retro Art Deco hotel, progress along Ocean Drive to a Cuban-inspired beat, and end up at the "in-crowd's" newest club of the moment. As the paparazzi have proved, it's possible to catch a celebrity enjoying the moon over Miami.
Perhaps the Keys sound more enticing? Sprawling southward, the Florida Keys are a casual, comfortable step away from the pace of the city. Leaving from Key Biscayne in Miami, cruise toward Key Largo, the gateway to the Florida Keys. Fishing, snorkeling, and diving abound as the crystalline warm waters beckon. Taylor-Made Yacht Chartres can arrange for preferred dockage at Key Largo's exclusive Ocean Reef Club - where adults and children will enjoy being pampered by the amenities of this private resort.
There are numerous deserted keys further south to explore. If you have time to cruise all the way to Key West, the charms of the "Conch Republic" will have surely made their mark. Duvall Street is much like a New Orleans Bourbon Street of the Keys. Shopping, reveler, and debauchery can be found. Historically you can visit Sloppy Joe's where the annual Hemmingway contest is held each year. (Incidentally, Tom was a finalist in that very same contest some years ago.) Some pieces of the treasure from the Spanish galleon La Senora De La Atoche can be seen and purchased at Mel Fischer's museum in Key West. Don't forget a trip to the Hog's Breath Saloon and watching the famous "green light" at sunset at the end of the dock at Mallory Square. Be sure to let us know if you really see it!
South of Key West lies the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, home of some of the best snorkeling in the world.
With over 700 islands just east of Florida, the Bahamas are the undiscovered crown jewel of the yachting world. Hundreds of uninhabited cays, miles of white and pink sand beaches, coral reefs that stretch as far as the eyes can see, this is the Bahamas! Interests as varied as bone fishing, blue water game fishing, kayaking through tidal rivers, beachcombing for that perfect shell, can all be satisfied on a "Taylor-Made Made" luxury yacht vacation in the Bahamas. There are several major island chains to explore.
The Berry Islands are closest to Florida and home to some of the most “touristy” spots. They include Bimini and Great Harbour. On the edge of the Grand Bahamas Bank, you will have the sense of being on the world's largest swimming pool, with crystal-clear aqua waters stretching beyond the horizon and beyond. Fishing around the Tongue of the Ocean is world-renowned. A stop at the Atlantis Resort (on Nassau's Paradise Island), with its fantastic water slides through shark infested waters, world class Casino, and nightly entertainment, is a great jumping off point for any Bahamas charter itinerary. The huge indoor aquarium in Atlantis will awe children of all ages.
Quaint Loyalist villages can be explored in the Abacos, the northernmost chain of islands with the town of Marsh Harbour as the center of activity. Pink sand beaches and gingerbread houses are a charming backdrop for amateur photographers to hone their skills. These islands have retained most of their original colonial British flavor. With the ocean on one side and the bay on the other, Hopetown in the Abacos is one of our favorites. Your party can rent a golf cart to explore and drive around this exotic island..
To the south of the Berrys lies the virtually untouched Exuma Islands, known simply as the Exumas. Beginning with Highbourne Cay, the Exumas stretch south through some of the most beautiful water in the world. Protected in large part from development by the Exumas Land and Sea Park, these islands would be recognizable by Columbus. Spend hours kayaking around Staniel Cay or feeding the gargantuan iguanas of Allen's Cay. Follow the tide on the yacht’s waverunners through the mangrove lined rivers on Shroud Cay, one will end up at one of the most remarkable beaches in the world.
With a wide range of yachts available that can be relocated from their South Florida homeports, the choices for a customized yacht charter are plentiful.
Stretching over 600 miles, this chain of islands between Puerto Rico and the Venezuelan Coast, shimmer in the Caribbean Sea. Beginning with Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the North, the Leeward Islands in the middle and the Windward Islands to the South, offering azure water and white sand beaches, there is surely something for everyone.
Whether you are looking to island hop during your luxury charter vacation, or simply soak up some sun, a range of scenery and activities abound.
For first-time charterers in the Caribbean, we often recommend cruising in the Virgin Islands, as the scenery is fantastic and most of your trip will be in the sheltered waters of the Sir Francis Drake Passage. The distances between each anchorage is very short, the snorkeling and diving are spectacular, and there is plenty of lively action ashore.
For those looking to admire the "see and be seen" crowd, the Leeward Islands of Anguilla, St. Maarten, and St. Barts cater to the jet set. More mountainous than the Virgin Islands, with a decidedly Dutch and French Flavor, an itinerary encompassing these islands is a wonderful choice. Have a lobster BBQ on the beach in Anguilla or tie up Mediterranean style to the quay in Gustavia, St. Barts, for a quick shopping spree at Hermes, Gucci, or Louis Vuitton. There are numerous world class restaurants, such as Maya's or the Hotel Eden Roc on St. Barts to choose from, or just relax on board and let your five-star chef delight you with culinary expertise.
Further south in the Leewards, lies the lush greenery of Antigua, Barbuda, Nevis and St. Kitts. Antigua is an excellent embarkation point for a charter, as your yacht may either cruise north to St. Maarten or south to the Grenadines. The base of the British Colonial naval fleet, Antigua, boasts 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. There is much history here in Antigua with a dockyard named for Admiral Horatio Nelson.
St. Lucia, in the Windward Islands, offers lush tropical forests and mountains reaching up to the clouds. The Pitons dominate St. Lucia's silhouette, reminiscent of a violent ancient volcanic eruption. St. Lucia is a great jumping off point for the Grenadines, stretching 60 miles to the south. With numerous deserted cays and quaint tropical villages, the Grenadines are quickly becoming a destination of choice, for those Charterers looking to explore more remote areas.
Encompassing the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Costa Rica and Panama, the Western Caribbean is a charterer's delight. Quiet waters from the Caribbean Sea lap a shoreline with an ancient past. Mexico's Caribbean coast cradled the advanced civilization of the Maya, with ruins such as Tulum and Chichen Itza still standing as testimony.
With lots of different ecosystems, including coral reefs and lush tropical jungle, this is heaven for nature lovers. Tom and I suggest the Zip Line to experience an exhilarating view of the jungle while zipping 100's of feet in the air from tree to tree. Unbelievable coral reefs for snorkeling and diving can be found all along the coast of Belize. Visits to Tobacco Caye, Lighthouse Reef, and Ambergris Caye are must see tops on any Belize itinerary.
Lying to the south of Mexico stands a reef system that rivals the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. With 200 miles of coral reef skirting the coastline, the crystal clear water is almost unbelievable.
Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Bahia Navidad…this is an ideal charter destination during the winter months. Halfway between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco lies Bahia Navidad also known as Barra de Navidad. Rich in history, Bahia Navidad is limitless in its beauty from rugged jungle to white sand beaches with everything from steep mountain ranges to coconut plantations in between. Imagine a 200-slip mega yacht marina and five-star resort – the new Grand Bay Hotel complete with a golf course, tennis courts, and cascading pools all connected by water slides ending at the main pool with a swim up bar under a large palapa. Manzanillo airport is just 20 minutes away and boasts a 7,200 foot runway that can handle the largest private jets as well as non-stop commercial flights from LA, Phoenix and Dallas/Ft. Worth.
Puerto Vallarta is yet another example of old meets new in that the centuries old architecture rising above the rooftops in the form of the numerous church steeples with the rising mist blanketing the city is a sight worth waking up for.
From the rugged reputation of Tijuana, to the once sleepy fishing village of Cabo San Lucas, what is known as the Baja Peninsula connects the wealth of California to the desert simplicity of old Mexico. The world-famous Big Game fishing grounds of Cabo San Lucas has over the past 30 years transformed that sleepy village into a four star destination known internationally for it’s party hard attitude and sailfish tournaments.
Just 150 miles north is the very different more tranquil setting of La Paz with a secret in between. Like crossing the diamond with a pearl, just outside Cabo halfway to La Paz, lies Todos Santos with its adobe shops, tasty rustic eateries, and the Hotel California. If surfing is your bag, then Todos Santos is a must as it harbors several of the best breaks along the entire Pacific coast. La Paz is a wide-eyed treat to experience. A combination of old meets new in style and attitude, the capital of Baja de California Sur boasts charming hotels and restaurants…a mix of friendly faces and old ME-JI-CO. A stroll along the new boardwalk surrounding the natural harbor is a must as is a cerveza or rum along Main street with the accompaniment of a 15 member Mariachi Band playing in one of the many outdoor restaurants.
The South Pacific is home to the world’s friendliest people, most of whom have been largely unspoiled by the trappings of the outside world. They continue to live a traditional lifestyle which places kinship and kindness above the so-called civilized values of material possessions and wealth. Perhaps the words of a well-known travel journalist who, when writing about the South Pacific, said it best, “These are the lands before the wind. Life is lived in the moment. Tomorrow is only a concept. Today is a joy”.
Consider a community of 3,300 islands. Here you will find more than eleven million square miles of ocean dotted with islands, some no larger than a suburban back yard. The names themselves conjure images of times past, great voyages of discovery and pitched battles, now etched in history. There are thirteen island nations, with a total population of just over six million people.
You can dive the pristine waters of Vanuatu or the Solomon Islands, experience the exhilaration of white water rafting or take in the cosmopolitan cocktail of people, religion and culture that makes a visit to islands such as Fiji such a memorable experience. The options are endless.
Profoundly beautiful, Thailand and Malaysia offer unique cruising combined with a rich cultural tradition. Water ski and dive in crystal clear seas and relax on white powder beaches. Sample sumptuous cuisine. You will experience a warm welcome from the inhabitants along with the beauty of its ancient temples. No trip is complete without a visit to the volcanic Malaysian Islands, particularly Langkawi with its dramatic coasts and exotic flora and fauna.
There is of course the rest of Asia-Pacific to explore, such as the undisturbed shore of Mergiu Archipelago of Myanmar (Burma); to the cosmopolitan city of Singapore, the ancient civilization of Micronesia; and wreck diving Truk Lagoon.
Heading further out you may discover the hill people of Toraja in Indonesia who will guide you through the burial caves of their ancestors. This is most fascinating! Exhilarating game fishing and wall diving in Manado, Indonesia is a must do.
There is the magical and illustrious island of Bali, the amazing southern coastline of Vietnam, the splendor of the golden domes of the royal palace in Brunei, and the diametrically different water village. The Orangutan reserves in the rainforests of Borneo will satisfy any nature lover along with the dragons of Komodo.
There is British tradition mixed with modern Malaysian lifestyle in Pulau Pingang.
With so much more to see and explore in Southeast Asia and the Pacific you may find yourself compelled to visit again and again and discovering there is no limit and no end to this world.
The vast coastline of Australia offers up many intriguing destinations for charter— from the Great Barrier Reef to the Whitsunday Islands or the Kimberly region of far Western Australia. Lively towns and picturesque, pristine landscapes can be experienced in close proximity to one another. Some of the worlds best diving, fishing, and snorkeling can be found right off the coast of Australia.
Hamilton Island is the center of activity in the Whitsundays, a group of enchanted, scarcely inhabited islands offering prestige beaches. While cruising in this area, most charterers enjoy a visit to Hayman Island, which is ranked among the world's top resorts.
Farther north, the Great Barrier Reef is Great Palm Island and LIzard Island where Captain Cook landed in 1770. Snorkel at the Cod Hole where tame potato cod reach 1,000 pounds! Snorkel over Ribbon Reef or drift dive over Dynamite Pass. These will be memorable experiences of abundant and colorful aquatic life. The locals are fun-loving and anxious to share their precious land.
New Zealand’s waters are world renowned for sailing. Whether you are in the Bay of Islands, or plying the waters of the South Island’s Marlborough Sound, the sights and sounds are sure to thrill you. Auckland has two beautiful natural harbors, so stopping there is ideal.
As the backdrop for the epic film trilogy, Lord of the Rings, New Zealand landscapes offer a spectacular variety of terrain - a perfect setting for author J.R.R.Tolkien's imaginative story of Middle Earth. Dramatic fjords and glaciers, snow capped mountains, caves, volcanoes, and hot mineral springs offer drama, while a pastoral rolling countryside with picturesque farms and settlements are a gentle counterpoint. Check out the cultural scene along with its vibrant city night life. Around every corner in New Zealand is another perfect bay surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes. Marine wildlife abounds in this part of the Southern Ocean.
If the Indian Ocean is indeed the deep blue ruler of the world's most beautiful islands then the Seychelles (also known as the Republique des Seychelles) are the brightest and most expensive emeralds in its crown. Hidden discreetly from the modern world, the islands that make up the Seychelles lie strewn across the warm Indian Ocean in a scattered pattern of brilliant green and white.
Located North of Madagascar, the Seychelles are comprised of 115 islands offering immaculate, generous beaches of powder-soft alabaster sands, warm, cerulean water and a divine tropical latitude. Teeming fishing grounds, bird sanctuaries, magnificent diving spots and exotic retreats are just as few of the attractions in the Seychelles. Visit the island of Mahe and wander onto one of its 70 beaches, sun bathe, surf, or dine at the beach where the chef will prepare your catch-of-the-day. Get into the history and culture of the islands when you visit the legendary Vallee de Mai, Le Jardin du Roi spice garden, St. Paul's Cathedral, or the Tea Factory. For the adventuresome, this is perhaps the closest example of Shangri-la you'll ever find.
The Seychelles can be separated into two groups of islands: the granitic clusters of the inner islands and the coralline atolls that make up the outer islands.
Set on a relatively shallow plateau shelf beneath the ocean, the inner islands are characterised by large granite boulders and forested mountain peaks. The inner granitic islands are the main hubs of activity and include Mahe, Praslin and Silhouette islands. These were formed when the supercontinent Godwanaland separated while the earth was taking its current shape.
The outer islands are generally flatter and are composed of corals and volcanic material. Most of the outer islands are uninhabited, making them pristine paradises. As the largest of the coralline islands and a World Heritage Site the Aldabra Atoll is probably the most well known. Aldabra is also the original home of the giant tortoises which are now commonly found across the Seychelles and in Mauritius.
The Galapagos Archipelago is situated 800 kilometers west of the Ecuadorian coast and lie directly on the equator. The archipelago encompasses over 50 islands of volcanic origin that are spread out over an area of about 4,500 square kilometers. There are 13 major islands, of which 5 are inhabited. The volcanic Galapagos platform originated probably not more than 15 million years ago and the oldest island not more than 2.4 million years ago. Volcanic eruptions still occur in the islands. Isla Fernandina and the Sierra Negra volcano on Isla Isabela have erupted within the past 10 years.
The Island's interesting volcanic geology, as well as its rich flora and fauna have been admired and studied by numerous travelers, scientist, and nature-lovers. Scientist are still faced with a mystery how such a large diversity of species could develop in a remote location like the Galapagos Islands. On the Islands, a multitude of animals, by most people only known from the Discovery Channel, are romping about: the main reason for tourists and nature lovers to pay the Galapagos Islands a visit.
The Galapagos Islands won't leave you untouched. Travel with us and have the journey of your lifetime amidst playful seals, elegant albatrosses, fiery red Sally Light-foot Crabs, and sneaky Friate birds.