For just a few minutes this August, daylight will give way to darkness. This summer’s solar eclipse—the first in Europe in nearly three decades—is expected to draw a flood of tourists to Spain and the Balearic Islands, while those in Greenland, Norway, and the Arctic will also be lucky enough to witness “totality.”
Popular hotels, beaches, and viewpoints along the eclipse path are already filling up completely. Charter yachts, however, offer something few land-based destinations can match: absolute privacy, luxury, and a front-row seat beneath a sky that darkens in an almost surreal way. From Arctic expeditions to Mediterranean cruises, here are some of the top options…
Starfire
Available in Norway
Ideal for: an unforgettable expedition trip
Starfire combines Lürssen’s heritage with expedition capabilities to create one of the most impressive charter platforms for viewing the solar eclipse. This 73-meter superyacht accommodates 12 guests and offers plenty of viewing spots, from its spacious sun deck and observation lounge to the full-length swim platform, where guests can dine right at the water’s edge.
A glass-enclosed spa and fitness center with a sauna and cold-water pool opens directly onto the deck, while a heated pool transforms into a spacious hot tub for evenings under the stars (or cool Norwegian mornings). François Zuretti’s interiors exude their own warmth through polished wood paneling, silk sofas, and soft lighting.
Dream
Available in Spain and the Balearic Islands
Ideal for: wellness and astronomy enthusiasts
Guests aboard the Dream can organize private stargazing sessions, set up telescopes, consult astrophotography guides, and participate in customized wellness rituals centered around the celestial event, transforming a fleeting few minutes into an extraordinary experience for the scientifically curious (or the mystical). And the yacht itself offers one of the most exclusive vantage points on the sea.
Built by Abeking & Rasmussen, this 60-meter yacht combines a spacious sun deck—complete with a hot tub and oversized loungers—with a serene interior by Bannenberg & Rowell, designed as a sanctuary from the spectacle outside. Inside, fine woods, custom European furnishings, and Asian art create a tranquil, almost Zen-like atmosphere, while one of the “quietest owner’s suites” on the charter market adds an extra layer of privacy.
Slipstream
Available in Spain and the Balearic Islands
Ideal for: lovers of contemporary design
Few charter yachts make such a spectacular entrance as the Slipstream. This 60-meter superyacht, built by CMN, combines a bold black exterior with an interior palette of deep reds, ochres, and contemporary art, creating an iconic backdrop for any photograph taken along the charter route, from Aguas Blancas, a stretch of golden sand in Ibiza, to Cala Figuera, the small fishing village.
Beyond its beautiful anchorages, its sun deck is the place to be for the solar eclipse, featuring spacious lounge chairs, a sheltered hot tub, and a glass windbreak that ensures unobstructed views. Accommodations for 12 guests are complemented by a movie theater, a gym, and an extensive selection of water sports, making Slipstream an excellent choice for those who want the eclipse to be an unforgettable highlight of an elegant Mediterranean charter.
Diane
Available in Spain and the Balearic Islands
Ideal for: excellent value for money
For a more laid-back Mediterranean experience, Diane offers the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. Built by the Italian shipyard Benetti and extensively refitted between 2018 and 2021, this 43-meter yacht combines interiors by François Zuretti with generous outdoor spaces designed for lazy days under the Balearic sun.
It accommodates 11 guests in five en-suite cabins, including a master suite on the main deck with a study area, walk-in closet, and bathroom with a jacuzzi. Two additional twin cabins—one with the option of a Pullman berth—make this yacht a particularly good choice for families.
A spacious, expandable beach club, a gym, and a collection of water toys—including SeaBobs, kayaks, and jet skis—provide just the right amount of high-octane fun to take the charter experience to the next level.
Sheergold
Available in Greenland and Iceland
Ideal for: dramatic Arctic landscapes
Sheergold is the best choice for those looking to turn an exceptional event into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This newly refurbished 42-meter Amels explorer offers spectacular views of Arctic glaciers and fjords as it navigates the high-latitude landscapes along the eclipse path.
Designed by Jon Bannenberg, Sheergold’s interiors feature polished pear wood, Chesterfield sofas, and brass accents, creating the feel of a private country home on the high seas. Her spacious teak decks, forward observation seating, and climate-controlled outdoor spaces make spending long periods outdoors comfortable even in arctic conditions. With capacity for 10 guests and a crew of nine, Sheergold is the ideal choice for travelers who view the eclipse as the highlight of a broader expedition.
Lady B II
Available in Mallorca
Ideal for: a long weekend getaway
Lady B II is currently the only Pearl 95 available for charter, combining Pearl Yachts’ sporty DNA with the refined interiors of renowned British designer Kelly Hoppen—with a berth at Puerto Portals included as an added bonus.
Her spacious flybridge is the natural gathering spot, featuring sun loungers, a hot tub, a bar, and a shaded dining area that offers an elevated vantage point from which to watch the sky change, while the foredeck provides another cozy nook from which to enjoy the surroundings. A beach club with direct access to the sea, an excellent selection of water toys, and a full-length master suite with panoramic views make her an elegant base for exploring the Balearic Islands before settling in to witness the celestial event.
