With travel more accessible than ever before and the current generation’s use of social media as their main source of information, a boom in travel influencers has emerged. However, after a while, many begin to mirror one another, highlighting already popular destinations and experiences that, in the end, we all seem to share. From designated Instagram spots and trendy restaurants to overcrowded beaches, truly personalised experiences and genuine adventures are becoming harder to find.
To fill this gap and to satisfy our wanderlust, we have tracked down content creators who do things differently. No generic travel images which get lost in the feed, but thoughtful, informed posts that transport you to the destination.
Here, we present our curated list of marine and yacht influencers that go beyond content creation, offering a unique, experience-led perspective.
Marine and Yacht Influencers Worth Following
1. Katia Damborsky – @theyachtwriter
The Yacht Writer is Katia Damborsky, whose years as a journalist in the yacht industry really show through her content. Her yacht walk-throughs are refreshingly honest, avoiding all the fluff and getting to the true heart of the boat. Perfect for beginner yacht travellers and yacht pros alike, Katia moves beyond the specs and amenities listed on official websites, giving her honest perspective with functionality and taste in mind.
Katia’s authenticity and thoughtful writing make her a compelling watch, and she also recently started a YouTube channel giving longer, in-depth reviews. Expect industry insights, yacht reviews, and the latest releases, all couched in a voice you can trust.
2. Ross Long – @rosslongphoto
From corporate professional to award-winning ocean photographer and marine guide, Ross has come a long way, and we have a single sea turtle to thank. Our life is a collection of moments, and his defining moment was during a close encounter with a sea turtle, where time slowed, allowing him to hear the ocean’s call.
His feed is filled with vibrant ocean storytelling of emotive photos, from manta rays to turtle hatchlings. Ross’ immersive photos capture motion, and the underwater world like you’ve never seen before. His stories are equally engaging and real, showing the ocean in all its chaotic glory.
If you’re feeling inspired and want to get involved for yourself, Ross also hosts personally led expeditions to some of the world’s best diving spots through his foundation, Be Ocean Happy.
3. Cookson Adventures – @cooksonadventures
Cookson Adventures presents a totally unique take on popular destinations and acts as a kind of digital magazine. Offering rare access to niche spots, they follow whale migrations in Alaska and spotlight the best phinisi yachts in Indonesia. There is plenty to add to any travel bucket list.
More than just insight, Cookson Adventures also curates highly personalised experiences where you can be assured of ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
4. Hanli Prinsloo – @hanli.prinsloo
Hanli Prinsloo’s page is a refuge amid the social media noise; her calm, powerful tone and imagery are quietly captivating and engaging. It’s a true glimpse into the lifestyle of an 11-time national record holder, freediver, and ocean conservationist.
Her website, with its longer-form, in-diary entries, is also a great coffee table read. She also founded I AM WATER, which aims to introduce marine conservation to the youth through real underwater experiences.
5. Captain Sandy Yawn – @captainsandrayawn
Captain Sandy Yawn gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be in the yacht industry, both on board and ashore. With over 30 years of experience, she narrates unfiltered charter life, what it’s like to be crew and the latest industry events.
After eight seasons starring in ‘Below Deck Mediterranean’, expect an insider’s take on what happens behind the scenes, showing the voices that shape the whole experience onboard.
Her page focuses on real people running the show, the ones who transform a week-long trip into a lifetime of memories. As a successful author, speaker and reality personality, there’s much more to come in her exciting journey.
6. Edmiston – @edmistonyachts
Edmiston is a yacht charter company with more than 30 years of experience. They document the latest yachts and international events through tailored images, rather than words, letting them speak for themselves.
The company creates highly editorial, curated posts that spotlight superyachts truly deserving of the title. With cinematic, movie-worthy angles and immersive audio to match, it’s like watching a lifestyle trailer you won’t want to switch off.
7. Cara – @yachtcharterceo
Cara demystifies yacht life by providing human experiences of day-to-day life. Her bite-sized yacht reviews, accompanied by dream-like images, never disappoint. She has a perspective on yachts that’s easily digestible, recounting her years of experience as a captain and yacht broker.
Cara takes us on board the coolest yachts and to industry shows through her Instagram account. Her charter tips, straightforward approach, and visual storytelling techniques make yacht charter accessible, making her an ideal starting point for new yacht travellers or professionals seeking down-to-earth reporting.
8. Kevin Koenig – @theyachtfella
With over 15 years of experience and features in popular magazines such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, Kevin Koenig is a popular voice in yachting, offering a witty, personal, and honest take on the yacht industry.
Don’t let his dapper suits fool you; Kevin’s focus is not on luxury, but on unfiltered commentary and reviews of the boats and events that showcase them. A multiple-award-winning marine journalist, he’s also one of the most successful content creators, helping to move the niche world of yachting towards the mainstream.
Scrolling through social media platforms in 2026, it is clear that thoughtful and considered content often becomes lost in maximalist and loud posts. However, our content creators above offer experiences that transcend hype and put luxury yacht travel and marine conservation differently.
From sea turtles to sharks, the spotlight is placed on slow, informed, and wellness-focused travel.
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