Motor boat cruise destinations: a guide to over 45 stunning locations
Taking your new motor yacht on her opening cruise is a proper adventure for every new skipper and crew. As you have fulfilled your dream of becoming a boat owner, you now want to explore the richness of the world´s most attractive powerboat cruising destinations. Be it the short trip around the corner, exploring the highlights of the neighbouring sailing areas, or a proper multi-week trip with your family or friends: this guide to over 45 destinations in all over Europe shall be an inspiration for your perfect motor yacht vacation. But first let´s dive into a quick to-do list to get your motor boat, yourself as its skipper, your family and your guests ready to tackle this first nautical adventure.
Getting your motor boat cruise-ready
Before you embark on your journey, make sure that your motor boat is fit for taking on the seas. Whereas some cruising areas aren´t that demanding, some can be demanding in terms of weather changes (UK, Brittany), sudden string winds (Greece, Southern France), demanding tidal conditions (English Channel, Brittany) or other circumstances. Be sure your boat is in top condition regarding its technical features: engines and propulsion system are properly maintained and running, electronics are spotlessly working. There may be technical requirements and even restrictions for some navigational areas: for example, maximum boat height to being able to pass undeath bridges, or minimum engine power to being able to drive against currents. Provisions and fuel should be filled up; your set of navigational charts must be updated. Some areas require the yachts to carry a full set of nautical charts on paper.
Spontaneous cruising or detailed advanced route planning?
Whilst some power boat skipper indulge into this certain sense of freedom when navigating the seas with their boats, navigating into hidden bays, following their instincts and exploratory spirit, most want to plan ahead at least a roughly drawn route. This is advisable when your leisure time is limited and the navigational area is completely unknown to you. Have at least a rough itinerary at hand, listing the desired locations, travel distances in between and the projected time needed to traverse. Pro-skippers calculate the time by plotting the usual cruising speeds (with a bit of margin). Modern motor yachts are equipped with powerful chart plotters which make route planning very easy: just point your finger at a certain destination and mark a waypoint. All of the well-known electronics brands such as Raymarine, B&G or Garmin offer free apps you may install on your smartphone or tablet. Via the yacht´s NMEA 2000-network system you can connect to the system, your route planned at home can be transferred into the navigation system of the boat literally with one click. Some apps and even internal electronic systems of your yacht connect via internet to receive latest weather data. Whether this is available on your motor boat or not: a thorough look into the weather is customary for a thorough motoryacht skipper. Consider not only temperatures, but also wind, wind direction and moreover waves. Be sure to re-check regularly as weather predictions deteriorate very fast in accuracy, the suggested minimum is every three days, a daily check is advised.
Whilst spontaneous cruising can be very tempting and often reveals unexpected joys of exploring unknown areas, for the sake of safety, at least a minimum pre-planning should be done.
Are your guests ready for a thorough motor boat cruise?
Even aboard the huge luxury cruise ships some safety instructions are conveyed before each sailing. Of course, with your power boat you do not need to hold proper safety drills. But there may be occasions when at least a basic safety crash course should be held: show your guests where the life jackets are, how to utilize them and how to behave in an emergency. As you may know, fire is one of the biggest hazards aboard a power boat, so your little course should include where the fire extinguishers are located. If you want to dive deeper into MOB-proceedings is your decision, customary should be to convey some general instructions of how to roam about your vessel, how to grab a safe handle, avoid tripping and be generally safe when the yacht goes at higher speeds and in rougher waves. Don´t instill panic, make them feel safe. Special emphasis should be given to kids if you happen to welcome families aboard.
And now: Let´s embark on a journey of discovery! We'll discuss why motor boating offers an exciting way of cruising, taking your motor yacht and you on a personal and adventurous experience. We´ll reveal some of the most breathtaking cruises ideal for motor boats, and present tips and recommendations to ensure your trip is not just a holiday but an adventure of a lifetime.
Best motor cruise destinations around the Greek Islands
If you look for the vacation of your lifetime, indulge in warm waters, guaranteed sunshine and enjoy one of the tastiest foods of the world: welcome to Greece! This traditional seafaring nation has a deep connection to sailing and a centuries old history. Expect historic temple ruins and echoes from this golden past in each location you set foot on land.
As a prime destination for your power boat cruise, you may consider the Aegean and Ionian seas. Over 6,000 islands enchant you with their unique charm, making it a perfect playground for a family trip or romantic getaway. As a true highlight, Mykonos is globally famed for its vibrant nightlife. Moor your yacht in its picturesque harbour and stroll through the maze-like streets of Chora. Here, don't miss the iconic windmills and the lively Little Venice area, home to some of the best sunset views in the Aegean! In high season you may book a berth well ahead to make sure you´ll get a prime spot here.
From there, set course to breathtaking Santorini, the prime gem of the Cyclades. Its steep cliffs, topped with whitewashed buildings and blue domes, present a sight to behold. Mooring your yacht inside what has been left over from the huge vulcanic eruption 25.000 years ago is a sight you will never forget! When ashore, try local dishes like fava me koukia (yellow split pea puree) and tomatokeftedes (fried tomato balls) in Amoudi Bay, right by the water's edge. Remember to visit the ancient city of Akrotiri, often referred to as the 'Greek Pompeii'. As with every navigational area dotted with countless islands, make sure your yacht is equipped with the latest nautical charts.
Your trip won't be complete without visiting Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. A motor boat cruise around Crete alone can take a full week or more as this location offers such a big variety of interesting locations. Explore the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, savour local specialities such as dakos (Cretan rusk with tomato and mizithra cheese) and raki, a traditional spirit and discover the countless little bays and anchorages. The sundowner on the lounge-deck of your motor yacht will be an unforgettable occasion, a breathtaking display of light, mirrored by a beautiful deep blue sea.
As travelling to Greece with your motorboat is possible an all year around (winter temperatures are seldom below 15 degrees Celsius, you may keep an eye on the Meltemi wind. This infamous weather phenomenon can be especially strong during summer, mainly in the Cyclades. Plan your cruise accordingly to enjoy the serene beauty of the Greek Islands at your own pace.
Powerboating trips in the UK
Even though the United Kingdom is renowned for its capricious weather, this country offers a unique combination of an extensive coastline, myriad waterways and a rich maritime history. Be it the southern part of Wales and England, the midlands and the breathtaking destinations of Scotland, the variety of motor boat cruises is unfathomable. If wildlife excites you, the Scottish Highlands promise encounters with dolphins, whales, and seals. Your motor yacht should be equipped to tackle the challenging waters, which make it more catered to seasoned sailors. For a more leisurely and scenic route, maybe with your family or kids aboard, the Trent-Severn Waterway stretching between the River Trent and Severn is a perfect choice. Its navigable canals are ideal for motor boats due to their lower draught – be aware your boat is capable of fitting.
A power boat cruise for motorboat leisure crews
In the search for a calming journey, the Norfolk Broads' protected inland waterways are among the best cruise destinations. You can discover and dive into the culture and local habits of a century old landscape that has been shaped by humans. In the heart of Great Britain, namely East Anglia and Great Yarmouth, this area is punctuated by welcoming pubs and restaurants, perfect for families or novice boaters. A wonderful retreat for a calm inshore boating adventure. If you seek a more demanding boat vacation, the Bristol Channel, with its vast tidal range, offers an exciting challenge. But no worries, a motor boat can navigate this area with ease.
Boating to Englands´ historic & vibrant landscapes
A different perspective awaits you along the rugged coastline of South West England. If your boat is capable of tackling occasional rougher seas and you seek the thrills of an “offshore” sailing adventure, the southern UK, say Devon and Cornwall, are the places to go. Here idyllic fishing villages and secluded coves coexist with famed attractions like the Eden Project. A visit here would be incomplete without savouring a traditional Cornish pasty.
Start your cruise from the Solent, Britain´s prime location for the world´s most renown sailboat regattas. Seeking historic context, you can take into Portsmouth's historic dockyard or Brighton's bustling seafront. The whole south coast of the UK, with France's northern coast a tempting venture for the adventurous skippers, offer a sheer endless range of bigger and smaller destinations to discover. Each town you berth your yacht will have a unique history.
Arriving at the exciting eastern part of the island, the serene waters of the picturesque Lake District may be a location worth a visit. For many boaters the exciting estuary of river Thames with its navigable stretches is for sure the highlight of a UK boat cruise. You can take your motor yacht upriver right into the capital city of the United Kingdom. Arriving in London by boat is a unique and unforgettable occasion. London's iconic landmarks and the vibrant city with all its tourist attractions is a must-see. If your home base is your yacht moored in one of London´s marinas, this is an especially exciting venture.
The best travel time to discover the UK is the summer, of course. But apart from the richness of experiences on offer, it's essential to remember the unpredictable British weather and the ever-present need to keep an eye on the tides, particularly in shallower waters. Even in summer.
Is it safe to cruise in the Norwegian Fjords?
Well, of course it is! If your motor yacht is located in the northern part of Europe and you search for "best boat trips near me," chances are you'll be directed towards the stunning Norwegian Fjords. This is a unique destination that offers breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Norway is a vast country with a coastline of longer than 100.000 kilometres, making it the second largest coastline in the world! There are countless islands, not unlike the world-famous Swedish Archipelago and a stunning number of over 1.700 fjords!
Navigating this area with your motorboat will take you to absolutely unforgettable destinations. Nature is lush and mostly untouched. Chances are high you´ll have frequent encounters with sea eagles, puffins and also whales, seals and herds of reindeer ashore grazing near the water's edge). If your power boat purchase choice was an exploration-style cruiser, this is about as perfect as it can get for a motor boat adventure!
The best time to visit the waters of Norway with a motor yacht is from May to September. Then the weather is relatively mild and the days are long. A power boat trip can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how much of the region you wish to explore. Nautical charts for Norway are very detailed as this oil and gas producing nation and big player of the fishing industry is investing a lot in maritime safety. This will make navigation in Norwegian waters easy for you as well. Since your motor yacht is capable to cover large distances, it is the ideal vessel to explore the richness of the fjords.
But there´s more to Norway as a boating location than nature. There are numerous stops to consider exploring the rich culture and history. Bergen for example, is the gateway to the fjords. This scenic town offers rich historic architecture and a bustling Fish Market. Ålesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and the Atlantic Sea Park, while both Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are globally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Combine your motor boat cruise with various shore activities. On land, lush hiking trails of all difficulty levels lead to jaw-dropping vistas. You can explore charming villages nestled in the fjords. Embark on a exciting Kajak adventure and even do skiing or snowboarding in the high mountains. As for food, of course, fresh seafood is a must-try in Norway! In particular, rakfisk, a traditional Norwegian fish dish, and klippfisk, dried and salted cod, are local delicacies.
If you strive for an occasional luxurious treat, Norway´s spa resorts are among the most renowned of the world, most of which located in breathtaking locations.
Just remember to watch the weather, as it can change quickly in this part of the world, both when underway with your yacht and on land.
Boating in the heart of Europe: Germany´s waterways
Whilst France may be already known to you, Germany is a relatively unknown destination for a boating vacation. Wrongly, because this country maintains a tightly spun net of waterways, interconnected with many beautiful lakes of all sizes. The access to the North and Baltic Seas provide numerous launch points for varied excursions. If you happen to own a small to medium sized motor boat, the country's maze-like network of rivers and canals is a true paradise!
Starting from Berlin, Germany´s bustling capital city, an intriguing route leads to the Masurian Lake District in neighbouring Poland. Called the “Swedish Archipelago of the East” this grid of over 2000 interconnected lakes is a haven for nature lovers, offering idyllic settings for birdwatching and fishing. Each lake possesses its own charm, each river and canal a unique history dating back to the Industrial Revolution and even farther. Germany has a vivid boating scene. Therefore, you can expect all sorts of smaller club-like harbours to bustling 5-star marinas. Restaurants offering the world-famous food (and a large variety of German beers) even in the most isolated, untouched corners. It´s a perfect venue for quiet reflection.
A motor yacht must: cruising down the Rhine River
A voyage down the legendary Rhine River is another fantastic adventure suitable for motor boat cruises of all sizes. This river flows from Switzerland through Germany, starting with the Lake of Constance with its romantic alpine landscapes. Following the Rhine, you will enjoy a scenery full of vineyard-laden hills – a heritage of the Roman Empire that once ruled this region. Hundreds of ancient castles and picturesque towns like the famous Heidelberg are located along its riverbed. Every river-kilometre passed, behind every corner of the meandering river offers a new highlight. Such as the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) in the picturesque town of Koblenz, where the Moselle flowing in from France meets the Rhine. Your motor yacht is to be taken out for a more “offshore”-like adventure?
Boating the open waters: North Sea and the Baltic Sea
Larger motor yachts find their element in the open waters of the North and Baltic Seas. This inland sea is neighboured by Denmark, Sweden and Norway. All Scandinavian countries are within reach of Germany's coast. And each of them offers unique cultural experiences and natural beauty. If you have enough time, one of the prime destinations of the Baltic Sea is undeniably the Swedish Archipelago around the breathtakingly beautiful capital of Stockholm. A hidden gem, only 5 motorboat hours to the North-East are the Alands, another accumulation of islands. Literally thousands of islands, some rocky, some covered by lush green Nordic Forest, make dropping your anchor a daily treat.
Rügen is the largest of German islands. It is set in the Baltic Sea and provides another remarkable stopover. You will pass by in minimal distance its dramatic chalk cliffs, among the largest in the world. Rügen offers charming resorts, one of the last untouched Northern European wild forests (with +50 metres high beech trees) or the UNESCO World Heritage town of beautiful Stralsund. Further east, you can explore Poland's historic cities, Gdańsk and Szczecin, and even venture into the intriguing Baltic States. Vis-à-vis, the Danish and Swedish coast is a testament to the old Germanic Hanse, which was the first European Superpower connecting all of Europe with an intricate commercial and military empire some 500 years ago.
On the other side of the German landmass, the island of Sylt, nestled between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, is particularly enticing with its upscale marinas, unspoiled sandy beaches, and unique Frisian cuisine. Albeit being the most renowned, Sylt is just one of the dozen Frisian islands which go down south into the German bight, where the river Elbe flows into the North Sea. Pellworm or Amrum may show a quieter side of the special culture here. Entering the bustling Elbe estuary, it´s just a 50-mile trip upriver to Hamburg, one of the most attractive German cities to visit.
Understanding German waterway rules
Marine traffic, both offshore and inshore, is dense on Germany's waterways. That is why these operate under specific regulations you should be aware of. Some areas, rivers or canals may require a special license for you to being allowed to navigate. Make sure to familiarise yourself with these legal requirements and equip your vessel with the appropriate navigational charts.
Europe, especially Germany, is a prime touristic destination: keep in mind that varying peak seasons could influence your travel schedule.
Something very different: Brad Pitt movie locations cruise!
Tired of planning your boat trips? Try something different! For example, take your favourite actor and explore the individual filmography with your motor yacht. This can be fun and offer a new unique perspective on boat cruising.
For fans of Brad Pitt, for example, a Mediterranean voyage offers an exciting opportunity to visit the iconic locations of his movies. Start in Malta, where "Troy" (2004) was filmed. The old fort of Mellieha and the Blue Lagoon of Comino Island doubled as the famous ancient city and its surrounding seas. From there, chart a course to Gozo, where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie filmed "By the Sea" (2015). The picturesque bay of Mgarr ix-Xini was the film's primary location, and its clear blue waters are perfect for a motor boat excursion. Do you start to feel like a movie star yourself? There´s even more!
Afterwards, point the bow of your motor yacht towards Italy. In Brad Pitt´s famous film "Ocean's Twelve" (2004), he graces the scenic Lake Como, a gem of Northern Italy and surely a sight to behold. Being there, don´t forget to visit the Lago Maggiore or Garda: You may rent one of the classic wooden power boats to enjoy a day of true “la dolce vita”.
Back on track following Brad Pitt, you may continue the journey to Spain. There, the beautiful town of Seville is featured in "Knight and Day" (2010). While not a Pitt movie, he made a cameo alongside Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise. Dock your boat in the vibrant Andalusian capital and visit the beautiful Alcazar Palace, a prominent filming site.
As the grand finale takes you to the French Riviera, where "By The Sea" was partly shot. There is not much to say about the picturesque coastal towns like Marseille, Toulon, Antibes, Nice and Cannes: The Cote d´Azur is the place to be with a motor yacht, best encapsulating the glamour of Pitt's Hollywood career. This unique journey has brought you to the most iconic destinations a motor yacht can visit.
You first motor boat cruise: the bottom line
For a beginner, your first real big motor yacht cruising trip is truly a big adventure. Tackling this project with the care of a dedicated boat captain, combined with skills in navigation and route planning, you will surely experience a boating trip you´ll never forget.
Embarking on motor boat cruises certainly introduces a wealth of possibilities, allowing for unique explorations distinct from traditional holidays. And this is why you bought your motor yacht in the first place, right?
The magnificent advantage of easily changing course, adapting to external factors but also your individual preferences, complemented by the speed and ease of manoeuvrability inherent to motor boats, is a definitive advantage of owning a yacht.
A power boat enables access to narrower waterways, accommodation of unpredictable tides, and efficient coverage of extensive distances. Whether you're attracted to the energy of bustling waterfront cities, the tranquillity of secluded wildlife spots, or the grandeur of sprawling coastlines, your yacht equips you with the means to tap into these experiences.