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Group Air Charter for Island Hopping Tours: Luxury, Convenience & Adventure

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30th April 2025

Sea plane landing on remote island

For those who value not only their time but also their comfort, a group air charter for island hopping tours is the perfect solution to almost any adventurous travel plan.

Rather than being confined to one location, holidaymakers can now enjoy the thrill and convenience of discovering multiple islands at once, each unique in its own special way.

Would you be surprised if you were told that more travellers are embracing this way of getting around than ever before? Indeed, luxury air travel is on the rise, as the private jet market is expected to reach $39.84 billion by 2029 (Fortune Business Insights). And according to recent tourism reports, holiday destinations like Greece, Indonesia, and the Caribbean are the ones that have seen the most significant increase in demand for island-hopping itineraries.

Come along as we reveal the hack to ticking off more destinations from your must-visit list, as well as the many benefits of booking a private group air charter for your island-hopping adventure. We’ll also cover some of the most stunning island-hopping routes, including:

  • The Greek Isles – including the famous Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and everywhere in between.
  • The Caribbean – from the Bahamas to St. Lucia, Barbados, and, of course, the British Virgin Islands.
  • Southeast Asia – all the Insta-worthy gems of Bali, Lombok, Komodo Island, and the Philippines.
  • The Maldives & Seychelles – the dreamiest journey across the Indian Ocean.

So, if you’re getting excited just by the thought of hassle-free transitions between different destinations, read on to discover why a group air charter for island hopping tours might be your perfect solution.

4 reasons to consider a group air charter for island hopping

Sea plane in the seaWhile it’s easy to see island-hopping with private jets as a VIPs-only activity, there’s so much more to it, including accessibility. Anyone who wants to make the most of their time on the ground will find the value in this mode of transport. How come?

Because when you try to cut costs by choosing to fly commercial, travelling between islands turns into tiring layovers and long waits with unreliable flight schedules that are completely out of your control. With a group air charter, however, you can skip the hassle and fly directly to your destination, on your own terms.

Let’s break down why this travel option is the best way to get a taste of that island life:

  1. Flexibility.
    Fly when you want, where you want, and feel free to make changes to your initial air charter request as you go. No need to plan your trip around airline timetables.
  2. Comfort.
    Spacious cabins, personalised service, loads of luggage space, and an overall stress-free journey.
  3. Time-saving.
    No lengthy security checks or layovers, so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting.
  4. Exclusivity.
    A private and secure setting for you and your group, no matter the reason for travel, be it a family holiday, business trip, or a personal luxury island-hopping tour for leisure.

How does it compare to commercial flights?

Couple island hopping on a private jet

If you’re still hesitant about making changes to the way you’re used to travelling, it’s best to compare all the options available and reach a more informed conclusion.

Feature Group air charter Commercial flights Ferries
Flexibility Total control over schedule Fixed airline schedules Dependent on weather & timetables
Airport access Private terminals & smaller airports Major airports only Limited docking points
Comfort & privacy Spacious cabins, no crowds, personal space Limited legroom, shared space Often cramped and crowded
Travel time Direct flights, minimal wait Layovers, check-in queues Long transit times, slow speed
Luggage allowance More generous, ideal for sports gear Strict weight limits, baggage fees Limited storage space
Exclusive access Land on remote islands Restricted to more popular destinations Limited access to smaller islands

 

As you can see, a group air charter gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, while commercial flights are often associated with additional connections, hours at the airport, and limited availability. There are also ferries, but those can be just as unreliable and time-consuming. Private jets, though? They can land at smaller, more convenient airports and help maximise every moment of your adventure.

Travel light or bring it all!Lady with luggage walking onto a private jet

One of the biggest advantages of private jets for adventure tours is the ability to fit as many suitcases as you need and more. There aren’t as many strict baggage policies as with commercial flights, so you can bring everything, from diving gear to hiking equipment, even to the cabin, if preferred.

It’s especially beneficial for those planning activities like snorkelling, surfing, or trekking. Not having to worry about oversized baggage fees or lost gear is a real game changer. Whether it’s underwater cameras, golf clubs, or even a full set of scuba tanks, your equipment and other precious items travel safely with you.

Are you a seasoned luxury traveller? Then you’ll be happy to know you don’t have to limit yourself to a carry-on or worry about checked bags getting lost between connections. Bring wardrobe changes, fine wines, and anything else you can’t travel without. At the end of the day, creating a truly personalised onboard experience is about not having to make any compromises on your comfort.

Access to remote and exclusive islandsBali

Remote island access with air charters lets you reach destinations that are simply out of reach for larger aircraft. Many of the world’s most breathtaking islands have small airstrips, short runways, or rugged terrain that, understandably, commercial airlines can’t accommodate. Private jets, especially smaller and more agile models, are designed for these conditions, allowing you to land on hidden gems untouched by mass tourism.

Whether you’re planning a trip for relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, flexible group air charters let you be creative with it. Love diving? Stop at islands with the rarest coral reefs. Changed your mind and now want to immerse yourself in local traditions? Hop back on the jet to visit historic villages and coastal towns nearby. With customised island-hopping tours, your itinerary is yours and yours only. Enjoy the freedom to explore the world at your own pace!

Popular island-hopping routes by private jetCorfu

With so many tempting destinations to explore around the world, it’s okay to feel unsure about where to go next. To give you a good start on your research, here are some of the all-time favourite routes of our regular passengers for inspiration:

Greek Isles: Mykonos Santorini Crete – Rhodes

  • Top airports for air charters: Mykonos Airport (JMK), Santorini Airport (JTR), Heraklion Airport (HER), Rhodes Airport (RHO).
  • Flight time: 30–50 minutes per leg.
  • Highlights: stunning beaches, ancient ruins, world-famous nightlife.

Caribbean: St. Barts Antigua St. Lucia Barbados

  • Top airports for air charters: Gustaf III Airport (SBH), V.C. Bird International (ANU), Hewanorra International (UVF), Grantley Adams (BGI).
  • Flight time: 45–90 minutes per leg.
  • Highlights: luxury resorts, sailing, turquoise waters, cultural events.

Maldives: Malé – Baa Atoll Laamu Atoll Addu Atoll

  • Top airports for air charters: Velana International (MLE), Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV), Kadhdhoo Airport (KDO), Gan International (GAN).
  • Flight time: 25–60 minutes per leg.
  • Highlights: overwater villas, diving and other water activities, private island escapes.

Seychelles: Mahé – Praslin La Digue Desroches

  • Top airports for air charters: Seychelles International (SEZ), Praslin Airport (PRI), private airstrips.
  • Flight time: 20–45 minutes per leg.
  • Highlights: white sandy beaches, coral reefs, eco-focused resorts.

Indonesia: Bali Lombok Komodo Raja Ampat

  • Top airports for air charters: Ngurah Rai International (DPS), Lombok International (LOP), Komodo Airport (LBJ), Sorong Airport (SOQ).
  • Flight time: 1–2 hours per leg.
  • Highlights: volcanic landscapes, exotic wildlife, wellness retreats.

These are just some of the best island-hopping routes to discover the benefits of luxury travel to hidden islands. Make sure to discuss your preferences and expectations with your air charter service provider – we have all the resources and expertise to work around even the most challenging luxury island-hopping itineraries.

Ready to hop on-off-on-off board?

Planning early for group air charter destinations is key. The sooner you start, the more options you’ll have to tailor your next adventure.

From arranging multiple stops and personalised itineraries to managing varying airport conditions, every detail matters, and we’re ready to take care of them all.

Chapman Freeborn air charter experts are available to assist with any queries 24/7/365. Book a private jet for group travel today: pax@chapmanfreeborn.aero.

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