Now is the best time to combine the luxurious comfort of a private crewed yacht charter with the exhilarating experience of meeting animals in their natural habitat.

With ideal weather from November to March, a luxury yacht charter is the perfect opportunity to observe wildlife around the globe. Travel to some of the world’s most remote and under the radar destinations and see wildlife in all its natural splendor.

Here are five top yacht charter destinations for seeing incredible wildlife.

1 – Antarctica

The southernmost continent, known for its breathtaking turquoise icebergs and towering glaciers, spectacular mountain ranges and spectacular wildlife, is the charter destination of choice for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Expect leopard seals and small minke whales to frolic in the frigid waters. You are also likely to see orcas and various other whales, including blue, fin and humpback whales, breaking through the icy waters.

And of course penguins are spotted regularly, whether chinstrap penguins on Deception Island, gentoo penguins on Pleneau Island or Adelie penguins on the exposed rocks along the entire coast. Be on the lookout for the world’s largest penguins, the emperor penguins, identified by the golden feathers on their heads that only live on sea ice, and the king penguins that can be found on many of the islands off Antarctica.

Elephant seals, the largest of all seals on the continent, can be spotted throughout the region, while the pure white snow petrel, one of the continent’s smallest animals, is another sight.

2 – Galapagos

If you prefer a warmer climate, a yacht charter to the Galapagos Islands in the East Pacific is just the thing. These incredibly diverse islands offer the chance to see green sea turtles and sea lions, various species of rays, iguanas, fur seals, snakes, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Humpback whales can also be spotted in summer.

The abundance of bird life includes boobies, herons, cormorants, red-billed tropical birds, the Galapagos hawk, and the Espanola mockingbird, which is endemic to Espanola Island.

Wildlife excursions

3 – Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, which makes it a must-see for anyone looking to enjoy a luxury yacht charter combined with the opportunity to see some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. Drive along either the Pacific or Caribbean coast and enjoy nature at its finest.

Head ashore to this Central American country to see the brightly colored macaws, toucans, white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and red-eyed tree frogs.

Offshore, you’re likely to see manatees, dolphins, and humpback whales. Costa Rica is also home to four species of turtles: green, leatherback, hawksbill sea turtle, and olive ridley. You can even spot sloths amid the lush jungle. Alligators, tolerant of salt water in Costa Rica, can be seen on beaches, while caimans can be spotted in the rivers and marshes of the country’s national parks.

Wildlife excursions

4 – Madagascar

Aside from the seasonal migration of humpback whales, wildlife viewing in this Indian Ocean island nation requires carefully planned trekking in remote areas. It is best to hire a professional guide to take you through the country’s parks and reserves.

Madagascar is home to a wide variety of animals, most of which are endemic to the island. For example, due to the island’s isolation and lack of predators, Madagascar is the only place in the world where lemurs are found in the wild. Binoculars or cameras with good lenses will give you the best view of many species of lemurs and more than 280 species of birds that live in the treetops. Closer to the ground, you’ll see chameleons and other reptiles and various insects.

After a busy day of wildlife adventures, the brilliant blue waters of Madagascar are the ideal destination to make the most of your yacht charter’s tenders and toys.

Thailand's wildlife

5 – Thailand

Although this Southeast Asian country is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and elephants, it is also a great luxury yacht charter destination. The abundance of marine life includes Irrawaddy dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks – the largest known species of fish.

On a tour ashore, see gibbons and macaques in the rainforest, as well as parrots and sea eagles. Don’t miss the nightly spectacle of two million bats during one Yacht charter in Thailandwhen they fly spectacularly out of their caves at sunset in the wilderness of Mu Ko Chang.

Huai Kha Khaeng Nature Reserve offers the rare opportunity to see tigers, elephants, leopards and deer.

Whatever your destination, start planning a luxury yacht charter now to see wildlife in natural habitats and have an unforgettable adventure!