In the vast universe of social media, one name sails above the rest in luxury yachting: Alex Jimenez, better known as TheYachtGuy. With his keen eye for splendor and passion for the sea, Jimenez has turned his love for yachts into an online empire that offers a glimpse into the lavish life of the super-rich and their floating palaces.
Jimenez’s journey to becoming TheYachtGuy is as intriguing as the yachts he showcases. What started as a hobby—photographing yachts docked at marinas and sharing them on Instagram—soon grew into a full-fledged career. “I ran out of storage space on my phone during [the] Newport Boat Show. My brother suggested I download a new app called Instagram,” shares Jimenez. “With Instagram, I could upload all the photos on that device, clearing up space to take more pictures. I had no idea his suggestion would change everything for me. I went from dreaming about yachts to unintentionally becoming the very first, and now the most recognized, social media influencer for the yachting industry.” Today, Jimenez boasts a massive audience, with almost 1 million followers on Instagram alone, who eagerly await his next post on the latest in yachting luxury.
Jimenez’s rise to fame was a combination of passion, persistence and perfect timing, coinciding with Instagram’s boom as a visual storytelling platform. His genuine enthusiasm and knack for capturing the beauty of these vessels set him apart from other influencers. He doesn’t just post pictures; he tells each yacht’s story, including its design, craftsmanship and lifestyle.
Each post is meticulously curated to provide his audience a window into a world few get to experience firsthand. His Instagram stories often feature live tours of the yachts, giving viewers a detailed look at everything from the upscale lounges and state-of-the-art kitchens to the luxurious bedrooms and expansive decks. “I can’t say I have a single favorite [vessel] because they all have so many nuances unique to each boat,” he says. “Beautiful as they all are, if I had to mention a boat that really stood out, it would have to be the yacht Azteca II, previously owned by the billionaire Ricardo Salinas. Once stepping on board the yacht, you immediately feel like you are home — the combination of earth tones, cozy furnishings and an amazing aroma that I couldn’t describe if I wanted to.”
Jimenez’s tours are not just about showcasing the vessels; they celebrate the artistry and engineering that goes into creating these floating masterpieces. “When we’re promoting the dream, we focus on showcasing the luxurious side of yachting that many wouldn’t otherwise see.”
One aspect that sets Jimenez apart is his unrivaled access to the yachting world. As TheYachtGuy, he’s invited to private yacht launches, industry events and some of the most prestigious global boat shows, including the Monaco Yacht Show and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. These experiences allow him to bring his followers insider knowledge and first looks at yachting’s latest trends and innovations.
“There are so many, but one of my most memorable moments was shooting the 366-foot-long superyacht Tis, built by Lurssen Yachts,” Jimenez recalls. “She was, at the time, the most lavish yacht I had ever been on, and it is still the longest yacht we’ve ever shot for YouTube. Since then, I have had the pleasure of visiting some of Lurssen’s other amazing builds, like M/Y Carinthia VII and M/Y Solange, to name a few,” he says. “Every time is a new experience because they are unique.”
Exclusive access also means Jimenez is often among the first to review new yachts. This insider perspective has made him a trusted voice in the yachting community. When Jimenez praises a yacht for its innovative design or luxurious amenities, it carries weight. His followers know his endorsements are based on firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the industry.
Beyond showcasing luxury, Jimenez uses his platform to educate and inspire. He believes one subject topic is at the top of the exciting trends list. “Sustainability. More yacht builders, like SunReef Yachts, which builds catamarans, are focusing on eco-friendly practices,” he notes. He also often shares tips on yacht ownership, maintenance and the intricacies of life at sea. “I couldn’t speak for everyone, but I often hear, ‘Look at all that money that could have gone to pay for the less fortunate.’ What they don’t understand is that yachts are a business,” says Jimenez. “While they symbolize luxury, the amount of employment each yacht generates, not only during the construction phase but long after it has been delivered, is significant.” His engaging storytelling and genuine enthusiasm for yachting have inspired many to explore the world of boating, whether it’s chartering a yacht for the first time or taking the plunge into ownership.
As he continues to expand his brand, Jimenez is exploring new content formats, including video tours and live streams, to give his audience even more immersive experiences. “After 14 years of trying to stay ahead of the curve and not just give in to the constant posting and reposting, we will relaunch the YouTube channel to bring you an exciting project,” he teases. “I can’t go into too much detail, but I can say it will be a hell of a journey, and I look forward to sharing it with all of my viewers.
“We are also launching our website, which will allow people to engage more with us and our sponsors, so stay tuned.”
Jimenez’s story is more than just one of personal success; it’s about the power of passion and the endless possibilities that come from following one’s dreams. His ability to connect with his audience and share his love for yachting has elevated his career and brought the world of luxury yachts closer to those who may never set foot on one.
While social media often feels fleeting and superficial, TheYachtGuy’s content stands out as a beacon of genuine enthusiasm and expertise, making him a figure worth following for anyone intrigued by the nautical world.