Where To Go On A COVID Yacht Vacation From The USA
With mass vaccinations taking us one step close to controlling COVID, yacht vacations have become the safest and most comfortable way to enjoy a well-deserved break. But which countries are likely to be open to charterers from the US, and where are some of the best places to go?
Planning a COVID yacht vacation? Here’s where to go from the USA
The Bahamas
The great news is that beaches, markets, bars and restaurants in the Bahamas are still open, albeit with reduced operating hours and a nighttime curfew. All travelers must present a negative PCR test taken within 5 days of arrival and apply for a Travel Health Visa. They also need to fill in a daily health questionnaire, and anyone staying for more than four nights will be required to take a rapid test.
The Galapagos Islands
Renowned for their extraordinary wildlife, most notably iguanas and giant tortoises, these isolated islands have largely been shielded from COVID. Yacht vacationers are welcome, but will need to provide a negative PCR test result taken within 4 days before arrival, a safe conduct letter issued by a hotel or a ship operator and proof of medical travel insurance.
South Pacific
As the tropical archipelago of Fiji has had relatively few cases of COVID, yacht vacations around the region’s turquoise lagoons and snorkeling spots are possible, but onshore visits are currently not allowed. A negative PCR test must be taken at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Fiji, and a nationwide curfew is in place between 11pm and 4am.
The good news is that French Polynesia is scheduled to reopen in May, and simply requires visitors to present a negative COVID-19 test before and after arriving.
Mexico
Loved for its incredible food, sensational beaches and lively towns, Mexico is open to tourists, with no need to provide a negative PCR test or quarantine. Instead, visitors must complete a health declaration form and scan the QR code it generates on arrival.
The USA
The home of American yachting, New England offers a thriving art scene, picture-perfect coastal villages and immense national parks, making it a photographer’s paradise. Although they have currently imposed a quarantine on travelers, it is hoped this may lift for the summer.
There are no entry restrictions to the Florida Keys, however, home to the USA’s only living coral barrier reef system, with pristine waters for diving and snorkeling, and, of course, plenty of fantastic island-hopping.
For wilderness seekers, Alaska boasts sprawling national parks, imposing mountain peaks and geothermal springs. Visitors need to fill in a Travel Declaration Form and submit a negative COVID test result before arrival.
The Mediterranean
Fully-vaccinated American travelers are already allowed to enter European Union member states for vacations, with the potential of some countries moving to accept PCR tests as an alternative to vaccinations this summer. Yacht vacations should be possible in many spots including Greece and its glorious islands, France and the stunning French Riviera, and Italy, with its dreamy coastline and fascinating islands of Sardinia and Sicily. In fact, Greece and Croatia already accept advance PCR tests as an alternative to a vaccine, making these countries ideal for an early summer vacation.
All information is correct at the time of writing, but for the latest COVID yacht vacation advice and information, don’t hesitate to contact a professional superyacht broker.
