This article provides a detailed list of the ports and sites where ‘Below Deck' was shot. We'll also guide you on whether and how to reach these places by ferry.
The globally celebrated series, “Below Deck” takes viewers to amazing places around the world. Ever wondered which of these spots you can visit by ferry?
While the mega yachts in the show navigate to stunning locations such as the Caribbean, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Malta, Norway, Thailand, Australia, Seychelles (and more), you don’t need a hefty bank balance to plan a similar trip – especially in ferry-friendly regions like the Mediterranean and Scandinavia.
In this guide, we'll unveil “Below Deck” destinations, and highlight the places that are accessible by ferry (or by local island ferries once you arrive), so you can capture some of the series' magic without breaking the bank.
We’ll dive into season-specific locations later to provide a clear roadmap. But first, let’s spotlight a few standout destinations that are easiest to plan around regular ferry networks.
The flagship “Below Deck” series has hopped around the Caribbean and beyond. Recent seasons were filmed across the Caribbean, and Season 12 is based around Sint Maarten, with stops in Anguilla and St. Barths for a true “island-hopping” feel.
Its Mediterranean counterpart, “Below Deck Med,” continues to showcase Mediterranean favorites (Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, Malta), and Season 10 is set in Spain with the yacht sailing out of Barcelona.
Meanwhile, “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” headed to Ibiza (Spain) for Season 5. In a Nordic twist, “Below Deck Adventure” unveiled the fjords of Norway, while “Below Deck Down Under” expanded beyond Australia: Season 3 was filmed around the Seychelles, and Season 4 moves to Canouan in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Quick navigation
- Below Deck (Original)
- Below Deck Mediterranean
- Below Deck Sailing Yacht
- Below Deck Down Under
- Below Deck Adventure
At-a-glance: latest seasons & main bases
| Franchise | Season | Main base (port/marina) | Country/region | Ferry-friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Below Deck (Original) | S12 | Sint Maarten (home base) | Caribbean | ⚠️ Mixed (island ferries vary) |
| Below Deck (Original) | S11 | St. George’s (home base) | Grenada (Caribbean) | ⚠️ Limited (mostly fly-in) |
| Below Deck Mediterranean | S10 | Barcelona (home base) | Spain (Mediterranean) | ✅ Yes (strong ferry network) |
| Below Deck Mediterranean | S9 | Athens / Piraeus (home base) | Greece | ✅ Yes (excellent island ferries) |
| Below Deck Sailing Yacht | S5 | Ibiza (home base) | Spain (Balearics) | ✅ Yes (Balearics ferries) |
| Below Deck Down Under | S3 | Mahé (home base) | Seychelles | ⚠️ Yes locally (fly in first) |
| Below Deck Down Under | S4 | Canouan (home base) | St. Vincent & the Grenadines | ⚠️ Limited (some inter-island boats) |
| Below Deck Adventure | S1 | Ålesund (main hub) | Norway | ✅ Yes (lots of ferries) |
Key takeaways (fast answers)
- Most ferry-friendly: Mediterranean (Greece/Croatia/Italy/Spain) + Norway.
- Caribbean/Seychelles: usually fly in first, then use local ferries/boats where available.
- Best planning approach: start from a major ferry hub (Athens/Piraeus, Split, Naples, Barcelona) and hop outwards.
How to use the map (legend)
Visit this interactive map showcasing Below Deck filming locations. Use your mouse to zoom in and out, or, if you're on a touchscreen, pinch with two fingers. Click on the markers to discover more about each destination!
Let's list the BD filming locations by country
Below Deck Mediterranean
- The Mediterranean is one of the best regions in the world for island-hopping by ferry.
- Multiple operators, frequent sailings, and lots of port options.
- Best approach: base yourself in a major port, then hop to smaller islands.
Greece
“Below Deck Med” and “BD Sailing Yacht” chose Greece as the backdrop for their inaugural seasons, predominantly focusing on the Ionian Sea. The crew's adventures spanned iconic destinations such as Corfu, Mykonos, Nidri, Lefkada, Paxos, and Syvota. In season 9 of Below Deck Med, the crew returns to Greece to set sail from the port of Athens.
For those planning similar journeys, ferry connections to places like Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini, and Paxos can be located on FerryGoGo.
How to reach it (by ferry)
- Main gateway: Athens / Piraeus – Greece’s biggest ferry hub for the islands.
- Ionian option: Italy → Corfu (great for a road trip route).
- More routes: See ferries in Greece.
Croatia
Croatia takes center stage as the primary location for both the second season of “BD MED” and “Below Deck Sailing Yacht”. The crew visits picturesque harbors and islands, including notable destinations like Split, Trogir, Hvar, Korčula, and Vis, of which the linked ones can also be found on our website.
“Below Deck Med” returns to the Croatian Islands and shores in its sixth season.
How to reach it (by ferry)
- Main gateway: Split, one of the best bases for island ferries.
- Island hopping: Use ferries/catamarans from Split to islands like Hvar and Korčula (seasonal frequency varies).
- More routes: See ferries in Croatia.
Italy
“Below Deck Med” Season 3 transports viewers to Italy – specifically the breathtaking Amalfi Coast – showcasing iconic destinations like Naples, Capri, and Positano.
Meanwhile, “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” Season 4 anchors its story in Italy, predominantly around the scenic island of Sardinia, visiting captivating places like Cagliari and Olbia.
How to reach it (by ferry)
- Amalfi Coast base: Naples is a major hub for ferries/hydrofoils to Capri and nearby islands.
- Sardinia: Ferries to Sardinia (Olbia/Cagliari) are a classic route for a Mediterranean road trip.
- More routes: See ferries in Italy.
Additionally, the season includes a stop in Bonifacio in Corsica, one of the Mediterranean’s most scenic ferry ports.
In Below Deck Med Season 8, the crew returns to Italy, filming around the Italian Riviera, with Genoa as the main port for the season; Portofino is also featured.
France
The French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) features prominently. “BD Med” Season 4 unfolds in this iconic French region, highlighting destinations such as Monaco, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Nice.
Ferries in this region are especially useful for trips to and from nearby islands (such as Corsica) and neighboring coastal ports. From a Riviera base, the famous cities are just a short ride away.
How to reach it (by ferry)
- Riviera base: Nice / Toulon / Marseille are common coastal gateways (routes vary by season/operator).
- Island option: Ferries to Corsica are a popular add-on for a Mediterranean itinerary.
- More routes: See ferries in France.
Spain
Both “Below Deck Med” Season 5 and “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” Season 3 unfold in Spain's captivating Balearic Islands. While “Below Deck Med” predominantly showcases Mallorca, “Sailing Yacht” anchors its narrative in Menorca. Various ferry services grant access to locations like Palma (Mallorca) and Ciutadella/Mahón (Menorca).
Update: In Below Deck Mediterranean Season 10, the main base is Barcelona — a top ferry hub for Spain and the Mediterranean.
How to reach it (by ferry)
- Main gateway: Barcelona – ferries to the Balearics and beyond (routes vary by season/operator).
- Balearics: Mallorca and Menorca are classic ferry islands.
- More routes: See ferries in the Balearics.
Malta
Season 7 sets its sails around Malta. The mesmerizing blue waters of the Maltese islands captivated countless viewers.
With the allure of cities like Valletta, Malta is undoubtedly a destination worth exploring. Discover the ferries to Malta we have listed.
How to reach it (by ferry)
- Common options: Malta has ferry links with nearby regions depending on season/operator.
- More routes: See ferries to Malta.
Below Deck Adventure
Norway
- Norway is extremely ferry-friendly, especially along the coast and fjords.
- You can build a route combining ferries, scenic drives, and coastal sailings.
When one considers chartering a private yacht, Norway might not immediately come to mind. Yet, “Below Deck Adventure” Season 1 brings the breathtaking fjords of Norway to the forefront.
With numerous ferry routes available within and to Norway, the Hurtigruten cruise might be a great option for those wishing to experience the fjords in comfort.
How to reach it (by ferry)
- Route planning: Use a mix of fjord ferries + coastal roads for the classic Norway experience.
- International option: Ferry to Norway from Denmark.
- More routes: See ferries in Norway.
The show predominantly centers around Ålesund, situated roughly 400 km north of Bergen.
Below Deck
British Virgin Islands
The very first season of Below Deck (S1) takes viewers to the British Virgin Islands. Filming locations include Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda. All the ferries to the BVI can be found on this map/page.
Bahamas
“Below Deck” Season 3 unfolds in the stunning Bahamas, famed for its clear waters.
Travelers can access parts of the Bahamas by ferry on specific routes, with options to destinations like Bimini or Grand Bahama.
How to reach it (by ferry)
- From Florida: Miami area → Bimini / Grand Bahama (specific operators/schedules apply).
- More routes: See Bahamas ferry info.
Caribbean
- You’ll usually fly in first; ferries/boats can work locally depending on the island.
- Schedules can be seasonal and less frequent than in Europe.
- Best approach: plan a short island-hop loop rather than long-distance ferry travel.
Season 4 unfolds across the Caribbean, showcasing destinations such as St. Barts and the British Virgin Islands. The spotlight in Season 5 is predominantly on St. Maarten/Saint Martin.
Season 8 revisits the Caribbean, with a highlight on Antigua. By Season 9, the setting moves closer to St. Kitts, and Season 10 is in and around St. Lucia. In Season 11, the show was filmed in Grenada, in and around the capital of St. George.
Update: Below Deck Season 12 is based in Sint Maarten again, with a strong island-hopping vibe (including stops in Anguilla and St. Barths).
Thailand
Season 7 takes us to a completely different part of the world: Thailand. We follow the crew as they navigate the waters around Phuket, using the Ao Po Grand Marina as their main base.
This season showcases stunning locations like Phang Nga Bay, Koh Poda, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Rang Yai. For those interested in travel, ferries offer convenient access to Phuket and other destinations. A comprehensive list of Thai ferry routes can be found here.
How to reach it (by ferry)
- Island ferries: Thailand is excellent for ferry-hopping once you’re in the country.
- More routes: See Thailand ferry routes.
Australia
“Below Deck Down Under” is an Australian spin-off of the original series. Its first season was mainly filmed around the Whitsunday Islands: Fitzroy Island, Hamilton Island and the Great Barrier Reef.
While the second season continues to showcase the Great Barrier Reef, it predominantly features Cairns as the central hub of the series.
Seychelles
Below Deck Down Under Season 3 swaps Australia for the Seychelles (Indian Ocean). It’s very ferry-friendly once you’re there, thanks to regular inter-island ferries (for example between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue).
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Below Deck Down Under Season 4 was filmed in Canouan, part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It’s often reached by (charter) flight, but there are also local inter-island connections across the Grenadines – useful if you want to island-hop the way the show does.
Below Deck by series, spin-off, season and location
1. Below Deck:
- Season 1 (2013): British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke).
- Season 2 (2014): British Virgin Islands.
- Season 3 (2015): Bahamas.
- Season 4 (2016): Caribbean (including St. Barths + British Virgin Islands).
- Season 5 (2017): St. Maarten / Saint Martin (Caribbean).
- Season 6 (2018): Tahiti.
- Season 7 (2019): Thailand (around Phuket).
- Season 8 (2020): Caribbean (including Antigua).
- Season 9 (2021): St. Kitts (Caribbean).
- Season 10 (2022): St. Lucia (Caribbean).
- Season 11 (2024): Grenada (around St. George’s).
- Season 12 (2025): Sint Maarten (Caribbean), with stops in Anguilla and St. Barths (island-hopping).
- Season 13 (announced): Thailand (filming location announced; further details TBD).
2. Below Deck Mediterranean:
- Season 1 (2016): Greece (Ionian Islands).
- Season 2 (2017): Croatia (Dalmatian coast).
- Season 3 (2018): Italy (Amalfi Coast).
- Season 4 (2019): French Riviera (Côte d’Azur).
- Season 5 (2020): Spain (Mallorca / Balearic Islands).
- Season 6 (2021): Croatia.
- Season 7 (2022): Malta.
- Season 8 (2023): Italy (Italian Riviera, including Genoa/Portofino).
- Season 9 (2024): Greece (starting from Athens; Aegean Sea / nearby islands).
- Season 10 (2025): Spain (home base: Barcelona).
- Season 11 (announced/teased): Croatia (Dubrovnik).
3. Below Deck Sailing Yacht:
- Season 1 (2020): Greece (Ionian Sea).
- Season 2 (2021): Croatia.
- Season 3 (2022): Menorca, Spain (Balearic Islands).
- Season 4 (2023): Sardinia, Italy (with a visit to Bonifacio, Corsica).
- Season 5 (2024/2025): Ibiza, Spain.
4. Below Deck Adventure
- Season 1 (2022): Norway (fjords; based around Ålesund).
5. Below Deck Down Under
- Season 1 (2022): Australia (Whitsunday Islands + Great Barrier Reef).
- Season 2 (2023): Australia (Cairns + Great Barrier Reef).
- Season 3 (2025): Seychelles (Indian Ocean).
- Season 4 (2026): Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Caribbean).
FAQ: Below Deck filming locations & ferries
Where is Below Deck usually filmed?
Most seasons feature one main home-base marina/port, with nearby bays, islands, and anchorages as “on-screen stops.”
Which Below Deck locations are easiest to visit by ferry?
The Mediterranean (Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain) and Norway are the most ferry-friendly regions in the franchise.
Can I visit Caribbean Below Deck locations by ferry?
Often you’ll fly in first. Inter-island ferries/boats exist on some routes, but schedules can be limited or seasonal compared to Europe.
Do the episodes always reflect where filming happened?
Not always. Production is typically based at a home port, while “day trips” and nearby anchorages can make it look like the yacht is traveling farther than it really is.
What’s the best way to plan a Below Deck-inspired trip without a yacht?
Pick a ferry hub (Athens/Piraeus, Split, Naples, Barcelona) and build a loop with short ferry hops, day trips, and a few overnight stays.
Questions? What locations are you missing? And where should Below Deck start filming next? Let us know in the comments.
JW, one of the co-founders of FerryGoGo, has a passion for food, drink, and travel. He loves exploring data and the history of the many destinations featured on FerryGoGo, and he's always curious about the population of each place.
I love this series! And from my understanding, they only returned to Croatia due to the pandemic. However, I would love for them to return to Mallorca. I don’t know if anyone else is with me on this, but there are many beautiful hidden gems for such a small island! For example, Alcudia has some amazing beaches and such a good culture for a small town. Bulgaria is somewhere I cannot believe they have not visited! Nessebar, especially, is a place with a beautiful story.