Best of · SAILING

15 Luxury Sailing Days That Earn the Upgrade

114 tours  ·  from $5 a head

Under canvas rather than under engine, with a crew doing the work. These 15 compare the catamaran days, the sunset ketches and the private charters on group size, what is served on board and how long the anchor stays down.

Dubai Marina: Luxury Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ Option - Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai from the water
BBQ, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dubai VIP Tours, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Dubai, Luxury Yacht Cruises in United Arab Emirates, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, United Arab Emirates VIP Tours, VIP & Luxury Tours

Dubai Marina: Luxury Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ Option

1.Dubai Marina: Luxury Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 21,528 reviews · 1 - 3 hours · from $15Our pick

Join Xclusive Yachts for a shared cruise from Dubai Marina, with one-hour sightseeing, breakfast sailings, or two to three-hour BBQ trips. You will see Ain Dubai, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, and Burj Al Arab from the water. Guides such as Eidanwar and Alam have helped make the outing lively and personal.

“The experience was simply amazing – the views were unbelievably beautiful, the food was delicious, and the staff were very attentive, constantly checking if everything was okay. The boat was clean and well-maintained. I highly, highly recommend it – it was a wonderful experience for a very reasonable price!”

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Dubai: The Luxury Yacht Tour with Live BBQ Option - Choosing between one, two, and three hours
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Dubai: The Luxury Yacht Tour with Live BBQ Option

2.Dubai: The Luxury Yacht Tour with Live BBQ Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 13,665 reviews · from $19

Join Sky Walker Yachts at Dubai Harbour for a shared cruise past Bluewaters Island, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, JBR, and royal palaces. Choose a one-hour marina ride or a two or three-hour sailing with BBQ, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, music, and GPS-triggered commentary.

“Its just perfect. Completely worth each and every penny given to it. The views were amazing in the Dubai Marina and one would love the view and the sea breeze which is only there in Marina. Would recommend it to everyone. Just go for it.”

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Dubai: Luxury Sunset Yacht Tour with Snacks and Drinks - Boarding at Dubai Harbour
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dubai VIP Tours, Evening Experiences, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Dubai, Luxury Yacht Cruises in United Arab Emirates, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, United Arab Emirates VIP Tours, VIP & Luxury Tours

Dubai: Luxury Sunset Yacht Tour with Snacks and Drinks

3.Dubai: Luxury Sunset Yacht Tour with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,723 reviews · 1.5 - 2 hours · from $21

Sail from Dubai Harbour past Dubai Marina, Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island, and Atlantis or Burj Al Arab. Expect a 1.5 to 2-hour cruise with BBQ, soft drinks, music, open-air seating, and help from hosts such as Chill and Brian with photos.

“chill was our guide - she took great pictures of us with our phone and was very friendly! we got free drinks as well. i recommend this trip to everybody - it‘s absolutely worth it!!! very beautiful view and relaxing :)”

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Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht - Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy, and Bebek
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Istanbul VIP Tours, Luxury Dinner & Sunset Cruises, Luxury Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Luxury Dinner Cruises in Turkey, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Istanbul, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Turkey, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Turkey VIP Tours, VIP & Luxury Tours

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

4.Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,465 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $30Top rated

Cruise between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores aboard a covered yacht for about 2 hours 15 minutes. Expect sunset views, Ottoman palaces, bridges, forts, tea, coffee, lemonade, fruit, baklava, and live commentary from an English-speaking guide. The boat returns to Kabataş.

“Lovely views on a beautiful day even in winter it was warm enough inside the boat. Cookies and fruit were nice a guide was informative.”

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Santorini: Luxury Catamaran Day Trip with Meal and Open Bar - Pickup, marina transfer, and boarding
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Santorini: Luxury Catamaran Day Trip with Meal and Open Bar

5.Santorini: Luxury Catamaran Day Trip with Meal and Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,678 reviews · 5 - 6 hours · from $129

Spend 5 to 6 hours aboard a catamaran with up to 20 people, swimming near Red and White Beaches, the volcanic hot springs, and the caldera. Your crew serves Greek barbecue, wine, beer, soft drinks, and a cocktail. Choose a relaxed daytime sail or a sunset outing below Oia.

“Our guide Yanni on the boat was amazing! He was entertaining and very knowledgeable about the areas we sailed in. Sunset was beautiful! This is a must do with this company.”

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From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - The catamaran ride is part of the experience
Australia VIP Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Australia, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP & Luxury Tours

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

6.From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190

Join Passions of Paradise for a full reef day from Cairns. You’ll sail by catamaran to two outer reef sites, snorkel with crew support, enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, and hear marine-life talks from guides such as Lily and David. Scuba, prescription masks, wetsuits, and flotation belts are available.

“It was amazing!! So glad we did this excursion, the team on the boat was fantastic! We had a guide come with us on a ring and he showed us the giant clams opening/closing, different fish and gave us facts we wouldn’t have got snorkelling on our own! We saw all sorts, highly recommend!”

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Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise - Hotel pickup requires careful checking
Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Mexico, Mexico VIP Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP & Luxury Tours

Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise

7.Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,515 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $149

Spend four hours sailing from San Jose del Cabo toward Santa Maria Bay or Chileno Bay, with views of El Arco, snorkeling, paddleboards, appetizers, a gourmet lunch, and an open bar. The boat holds up to 16 people, and crew members such as Rogelio, Cesar, Israel, and Captain Richard have earned praise for friendly service.

“The instructions about pickup were unclear so we missed our transport to the boat; after we got ourselves to the location, the staff told us that it was too late for us to board the boat although it was 30 minutes before departure. I will be requesting a FULL refund.”

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Isla Mujeres Luxury Sailing: Adults Only or Family Friendly - Hotel pickup can add several hours
Cancun VIP Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Cancun, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Mexico, Mexico VIP Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP & Luxury Tours

Isla Mujeres Luxury Sailing: Adults Only or Family Friendly

8.Isla Mujeres Luxury Sailing: Adults Only or Family Friendly

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,418 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres on a catamaran with hotel pickup, open bar, lunch, snorkeling when conditions allow, and island free time. Staff such as Enrique, Christina, Judy, and Abraham have earned praise for friendly service. Expect a lively boat day, not a quiet private cruise.

“Transportation from hotel to dock was great, included AC which was a big bonus. And our crew and excursions were amazing.”

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Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar - The Venetian Lighthouse and the volcanic coast
Cruises & Boat Tours, Drinking Tours, Greece VIP Tours, Half-Day, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Greece, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Santorini, Sailing, Santorini VIP Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP & Luxury Tours, VIP Nightlife & Club Access, VIP Nightlife Tours in Greece

Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar

9.Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,975 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $133

Spend about five hours aboard a catamaran with a small group of up to 18 people. Swim at Red Beach, the hot springs, and Thirassia, while crew members such as Giannis, Natalie, Alex, Mika, Kostas, and Bill serve a fresh meal, local wine, beer, and helpful island stories.

“You get picked up by a nice van and arrive at the boat. The crew were amazing. The boat was amazing, we sat in the front and laid on the nets. The views were amazing. 3 swimming spots, 2 snorkeling and one volcanic hot springs (not super hot but still warm!) The sunset view was incredible. The food was out of this world. plus…. all the beer and wine you want!”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - The first 45 minutes, leaving Funchal behind
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Portugal, Portugal VIP Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP & Luxury Tours, Whale Watching

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

10.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Atlantic Pearl Catamaran in Funchal for a three-hour cruise with a live Portuguese or English-speaking guide. Watch for dolphins and whales, stop to snorkel or swim below Cabo Girão, and return along Madeira’s coast with space to relax, onboard bathrooms, and drinks for sale.

“It was a wonderful experience from the very first minute to the very last. Gliding over the ocean with an excellent tour guide, and after an hour and a half, encountering playful pilot whales. Thank you for the experience!””

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Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Experience: Istanbul’s Best - Boarding at Kabataş
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Istanbul VIP Tours, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Istanbul, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Turkey, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Turkey VIP Tours

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Experience: Istanbul’s Best

11.Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Experience: Istanbul’s Best

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,181 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard a 25-meter yacht between Europe and Asia, with tea, juice, lemonade, fruit, and canapés included. Your guide points out palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, and villages as Istanbul’s shoreline turns gold. Hotel pickup is available in Fatih and Beyoğlu.

“Excellent experience. Very professional staff and great job by our guide. Great sunset votes. We had an awesome time. Highly recommended!”

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Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas - Two hours in the Sea of Cortez
Cruises & Boat Tours, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Mexico, Mexico VIP Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP & Luxury Tours, Whale Watching

Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

12.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,107 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Cruise from Los Cabos on a double-decker catamaran with a marine guide, hydrophone, drinks, and snacks. Visit the Arch, listen for humpback whales, and watch for breaching, tail slaps, dolphins, and sea lions. Guides such as Jacob and Marco explain whale behavior and respectful viewing.

“The organization of this excursion was seamless. Every staff member was amazing. We got to see several whales (even a baby) and lots of dolphins! It was truly remarkable.”

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Sunset or Daytime Istanbul Guided Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks - Boarding the glass-enclosed yacht
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Guided, Istanbul VIP Tours, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Istanbul, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Turkey, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Turkey VIP Tours, VIP & Luxury Tours

Sunset or Daytime Istanbul Guided Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks

13.Sunset or Daytime Istanbul Guided Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,977 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Spend about two hours on Istanbul’s Bosphorus aboard a glass-enclosed yacht, passing Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Maiden’s Tower. A live guide, Turkish tea, coffee, fruit, baklava, canapés, and seasonal drinks are included. Robert is one guide frequently praised for clear commentary.

“This is a really enjoyable trip along the river with a fantastic guide. I would recommend this to anyone visiting.”

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Istanbul Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht - Guided Group Cruise - Dolmabahçe Palace and Beşiktaş
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Guided, Istanbul VIP Tours, Luxury Dinner & Sunset Cruises, Luxury Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Luxury Dinner Cruises in Turkey, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Istanbul, Luxury Yacht Cruises in Turkey, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Turkey VIP Tours, VIP & Luxury Tours

Istanbul Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht – Guided Group Cruise

14.Istanbul Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht – Guided Group Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,891 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $22

Join an English-speaking guide and up to 39 other passengers for a two-hour sunset cruise from Kabataş. Expect views of palaces, mosques, bridges, fortresses, and waterfront neighborhoods, with homemade lemonade, tea, coffee, fruit, cookies, and baklava served aboard.

“great info about the bosphorus and the landmarks of the city. nice nibbles / drinks as well which complimented all the fantastic views.”

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Berlin: Exclusive Boat Tour on a Solar-Powered Catamaran - Boarding beside Oberbaumbrücke
Cruises & Boat Tours, Germany VIP Tours, Luxury Yacht & Catamaran Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP & Luxury Tours

Berlin: Exclusive Boat Tour on a Solar-Powered Catamaran

15.Berlin: Exclusive Boat Tour on a Solar-Powered Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,767 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Cruise Berlin’s Spree for 150 minutes aboard a solar-electric catamaran carrying no more than 36 passengers. Starting by Oberbaumbrücke, you pass the East Side Gallery, Museum Island, Reichstag, and Hauptbahnhof. A welcome drink, multilingual audio guide, bar, blankets, and wheelchair access are included.

“I have limited mobilty and the staff were really helpful. The trip was comfortable and we enjoyed it very much.”

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