What’s So Special About the 2026 Eclipse
When
On 12 August 2026, the Moon passes exactly between Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the solar disk for a narrow corridor across Earth. What follows is a total solar eclipse: day turns briefly to dusk, the air chills, and the Sun’s corona glows around the darkened Moon.
For many in Europe, this is a rare chance. It’s the first major total eclipse to cross broad swathes of Spain since the early 20th century.
What’s So Special About the 2026 Eclipse
Where
The path of totality crosses Mallorca and parts of the Balearics, making it one of the rare times a total eclipse will be visible from the Mediterranean. In Palma, Mallorca, the total phase begins around 20:31 local time and lasts approximately 1 minute 36 seconds before the Sun dips into the sea.
For travellers searching for a once-in-a-lifetime perspective, a private yacht charter offers something no crowded viewing point ever can. A completely unobstructed horizon, total privacy, and the freedom to position yourself exactly where the view will be perfect.
Safety first! If you plan on viewing the solar eclipse, make sure that you are wearing eclipse glasses with certified solar filters. Regular sunglasses will not cut it.
A Tradition Written in the Stars
The Spark
For some travellers, a solar eclipse is a passion pursuit. A reason to explore the world together. Eleanor explains how one family discovered that passion and how they’ll be continuing this family tradition in summer 2026.
“It all began when a member of the family witnessed a total eclipse while living abroad. He came home absolutely raving about it and told everyone, ‘This is something you have to experience.’ That became the spark,” shares Eleanor.
A Tradition Written in the Stars
From Land to Legend
They first travelled to see eclipses on land. Then they tried something different. They chartered a yacht. Suddenly the concept evolved from an observation into an adventure.
“Yachting suits them as a family. They are a big group. They love adventure. On a yacht they can all stay together and share every moment.”
Their boldest eclipse chase so far took them to Antarctica aboard explorer yacht Legend. The weather refused to cooperate, with cloudy skies obstructing visibility at the critical moment. Yet the experience only deepened their love of yachting.
“They realised that even when the eclipse itself does not go to plan, the journey can still be extraordinary.”
A Tradition Written in the Stars
Under the Path of Totality
Since then, every new eclipse brings a new question: Where can we chase the next one? And how can we make it unforgettable?
This time, the answer is Mallorca.
On 12 August 2026, the Balearics will sit directly beneath the path of totality. The climate offers a high probability of clear skies. And a yacht like Sherakhan gives the perfect vantage point.
“It combines everything they love. A spectacular natural event. A destination that is easy to enjoy. And a yacht where they can make the moment entirely their own,” explains Eleanor.
On board, no one must rush to a viewing spot or fight for space. Everything happens together. Meals, activities, celebrations. The yacht becomes their private observatory. It is very much a multi-generational charter. Grandparents, siblings, children. A mix of lifelong adventurers and soon-to-be eclipse chasers.
Why Yacht Charter is the Ultimate Platform for a Solar Eclipse
Yacht charters with Y.CO are designed for epic moments. No crowds, no second guessing the best viewing location. Just you, the open sky and the awesome power of nature. A total solar eclipse may happen somewhere on Earth about every 18 months, but a repeat performance over the same place is far less frequent. Major astronomers describe them as once in a generation events. The next to cross the Balearics after 2026 will not take place for many decades.
Inspired to chase your own solar eclipse in the Mediterranean? Here are five incredible yachts to do it from this summer:
Whisper
A 95m showstopper. Room for 12 guests and formal dining for 18. One thing is for sure, when the eclipse arrives, the atmosphere on board Whisper will be electric.
Kensho
With her expansive decks, this multi-award winning 75m yacht is the perfect place to witness the solar eclipse in all its wonder.
Vertigo
A totally captivating 67.2m sailing yacht. Vertigo is made for family adventure with on deck jacuzzi, outdoor cinema and BBQ.
Spirit
Think of Spirit as your personal floating beach house. The spacious sun deck of this 54.3m motor yacht makes the ideal location for eclipse viewing under a Mediterranean sky.
Windrose of Amsterdam
Pure sailing magic. The horizon is boundless thanks to her 360-degree views from deck. An unforgettable charter awaits.
A Rare Opportunity
A total solar eclipse may happen somewhere on Earth about every 18 months, but a repeat performance over the same place is far less frequent. Major astronomers describe them as once in a generation events. The next to cross the Balearics after 2026 will not take place for many decades.
Other Natural Phenomena Worth Chasing by Yacht
And if the solar eclipse gets you thinking about what else is worth travelling the world for, here are some of our favourite natural phenomena.
Northern Lights
Norway, Iceland, Greenland
For the aurora borealis, head north to experience one of nature’s most captivating sights. Northern Norway, including Tromsø, Alta and Lofoten, is one of the most reliable regions, and the season typically runs late September to late March. In Greenland, aurora season stretches from late August to April, it’s an ideal location to discover by explorer yacht.
Whale migrations
Dominican Republic and Baja California
In the Dominican Republic, the Silver Bank sanctuary is one of the most important breeding and calving areas for North Atlantic humpbacks, and it is a bucket-list style encounter when timed well. In Mexico, Baja California Sur is famous for gray whales in the lagoons, with prime viewing typically late January through early April.
Cherry blossom season
Japan
Worth the hop on to land, Japan’s Sakura season moves north as spring progresses, so timing and location matter. The Japan National Tourism Organization highlights late-blooming options such as Hirosaki Park in Aomori (often mid-April to early May), which makes a smart pick if you want beauty without the earliest crowds.
Bioluminescent bays
Caribbean and Pacific
For a true glow-in-the-water experience, Mosquito Bay on Vieques, Puerto Rico is world-famous, and Guinness World Records has recognised it as the brightest bioluminescent bay. In Jamaica, the Luminous Lagoon near Falmouth offers another classic night-time encounter, where microscopic organisms light up when the water is disturbed.
Midnight Sun
Arctic Circle
For weeks each summer, the sun does not set below the horizon. Svalbard is one of the most dramatic places to experience it, with continuous daylight through the high Arctic summer season. For a closer-to-mainland option, Norway’s Lofoten Islands offer near-endless light from late May to mid-July, ideal for long deck dinners and midnight-sun swims.
Every phenomenon has a perfect vantage point. Often, the best one floats.
