From the Caribbean to the South Pacific, the intimate scale of our yachts allows guests to discover smaller ports and exclusive experiences beyond the reach of larger ships.
Access matters. This is true of many things in the world, but is especially so during luxury cruises, where the right kind of access — to the hard-to-reach idylls, the intimate ports, the most #IYKYK of locales — makes all the difference between a voyage worth remembering and one you’d sooner forget.
On Caribbean and South Pacific voyages, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s intimately scaled, elegantly appointed yachts offer access to smaller ports and island locales that larger ships cannot reach. Ilma slips through the shallow waters around Canouan Island to arrive within wading distance of silky sand beaches, while on Taha’a, in French Polynesia, spacious tenders transport guests from Evrima to intimate piers and docks rather than massive cruise terminals.
Among the spectacular array of destinations during your voyage, exclusive port itineraries and access to the inaccessible set your onboard experience and shore excursions apart. Below, four such places to add to the list.
San Blas Islands, Panama
A secluded world of coral reefs and Kuna culture
This archipelago of more than 360 islands off the east coast of Panama feels like an Eden untouched by time. The islands are rich in indigenous Kuna culture, and by nature of their remoteness, they have so far remained immune to the forces of development and mass tourism. Evrima’s voyage from Panama City to San Juan includes a day at the islands — step off the yacht’s water-level Marina platform directly into serene Caribbean seawater to swim or snorkel among flourishing coral reefs.
Canouan, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Wild Caribbean beauty paired with a refined sensibility
For such a small island — just 3.5 miles long and 1.2 miles wide — Canouan packs a punch with its hidden coves, perfect beaches, diving reefs, hiking trails, and tropical fauna. And then of course there are the turtles, so plentiful they outnumber people. (“Canouan” is the Arawak word for these marine reptiles.) Here, those journeying with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection have access to the exclusive Sandy Lane Yacht Club, as well as a private-beach barbecue event featuring a bounty of freshly caught seafood, exotic tropical fruits, and cocktails made by expert mixologists.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Where South Pacific dreams become vividly real
Bora Bora, pearl of the Pacific, has a beauty that eludes description, and arrival by yacht reveals its shimmering turquoise waters and mountainous splendor in their purest form. Once on land, embark upon select group excursions available only to your fellow yacht travelers — swimming with manta rays or visiting a pearl farm to learn how Bora Bora’s famed black pearls are cultivated — or schedule a private helicopter tour around the island for an exclusive airborne adventure with fantastic photo potential.
Taha’a, French Polynesia
Secluded lagoons meet vanilla-scented landscapes
Taha’a may not be as widely known as Bora Bora, and that’s its appeal: Its shallow lagoon means access is only possible with a private yacht or smaller luxury ship. Even if you haven’t heard of Taha’a, you know its prized export: Tahitian vanilla. Some 80 percent of this spice, one of the most expensive of its kind, comes from the island, and our exclusive onshore excursions include open-air safari truck rides through fragrant groves and tastings of artisanal rum infused with vanilla.
Explore our full roster of upcoming South Pacific and Caribbean luxury yacht cruises.